U.S. patent application number 12/631779 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for systems and methods including features of synchronized movement across and array of solar collectors.
Invention is credited to Rongnan Wan, Xiao Dong Xiang.
Application Number | 20100147286 12/631779 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42233907 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100147286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Xiang; Xiao Dong ; et
al. |
June 17, 2010 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCLUDING FEATURES OF SYNCHRONIZED MOVEMENT
ACROSS AND ARRAY OF SOLAR COLLECTORS
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed related to solar modules
and/or arrays of solar modules provided with synchronized movement.
According to one exemplary implementation, an illustrative array
may comprise a plurality of solar modules. Each solar module may
rotate on an axis, and each axis may be in a parallel configuration
relative to the other axes. A first rotation mechanism of a solar
module may be configured for rotating/pivoting around a first
axis/pivot, and be linked to a corresponding rotation mechanism of
a adjacent or sequential solar module.
Inventors: |
Xiang; Xiao Dong; (Danville,
CA) ; Wan; Rongnan; (Shenzhen, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DLA PIPER LLP (US )
2000 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
EAST PALO ALTO
CA
94303-2248
US
|
Family ID: |
42233907 |
Appl. No.: |
12/631779 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61119855 |
Dec 4, 2008 |
|
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|
61144615 |
Jan 14, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/600 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 2030/135 20180501;
Y02E 10/50 20130101; F24S 30/455 20180501; Y02E 10/47 20130101;
F24S 30/458 20180501; F24S 2030/136 20180501; H02S 20/32 20141201;
F24S 2030/133 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/600 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/38 20060101
F24J002/38 |
Claims
1.-26. (canceled)
27. A method of synchronizing movement in an array of solar
modules, the method comprising: rotating each solar module of a
plurality of solar modules on an axis, each axis in parallel
configuration relative to other axes, including: rotating/pivoting
a first rotational mechanism around a first axis/pivot, linked to a
first rotational mechanism of a sequential solar module, and
rotating/pivoting a second rotational mechanism, linked to the
first rotational mechanism, around a second axis/pivot, the second
rotational mechanism causing a panel to rotate about the axis,
wherein the first and second rotational pivots are stationary; and
generating a rotational/angular displacement, moment or torque with
a driving mechanism coupled to at least one of the first rotational
mechanisms.
28.-38. (canceled)
39. An array of solar modules with synchronized movement, the array
comprising: a plurality of solar modules, each solar module
rotating on an axis, each axis in parallel configuration relative
to other axes, each solar module including: a first wheel of a
solar module to pivot around a first pivot, the first wheel
receiving rotational torque from a driver, and a second wheel,
linked to the first wheel, the second wheel to transfer rotational
torque to a sequential solar collector, wherein the first and
second wheels are linked to an arm member rigidly attached to
rotate a panel, the panel comprising a solar collector with a plane
that rotates in accordance with a plane of sun light; a driving
mechanism, coupled to at least one of the first wheels of one of
the solar module, the driving mechanism to generate a
rotational/angular displacement, moment or torque.
40.-42. (canceled)
43. An array of solar modules, the array comprising: a plurality of
solar modules including PV panels and characterized by axes, with
each of the axes on one of the solar modules, wherein the axes are
arranged substantially parallel to each other, and wherein each
solar module rotates on an axis and includes: a first rotational
mechanism that rotates/pivots at a first pivot and is linked to one
or more first rotational mechanisms of adjacent or sequential solar
modules, a drive mechanism including a worm gear assembly, coupled
to a first rotational mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism
generates a rotational/angular displacement, moment or torque.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This patent application claims benefit/priority of both U.S.
provisional application No. 61/144,615, filed Jan. 14, 2009
entitled POLAR AXES TRACKER ARRANGEMENTS AND TRACKING METHODS FOR
SOLAR COLLECTORS and naming Xiao-Dong Xiang as inventor; and U.S.
provisional application No. 61/119,855 filed Dec. 4, 2008, entitled
POLAR AXES TRACKER ARRANGEMENT FOR SOLAR COLLECTORS and naming
Xiao-Dong Xiang as inventor, which are incorporated herein by
reference in entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally, to solar energy,
and more specifically, to systems and methods including features of
solar energy collection and/or rotation of arrays of solar
collectors.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Information
[0005] Solar panels such as photovoltaic (PV) panels are widely
used in residential and commercial solar energy applications. Due
to the sun's movement relatives to the earth, resulting sun light
is incident on the fixed flat PV panel with a different angle at
different times of the day, and at different times of the year.
This incident angle can reduce the collection efficiency and output
power generated by the panels. Since the collection is proportional
to the cosine .theta., where .theta. is the angle between the
incident sun light beam and the normal of the PV panel, the loss
due to this effect is known as cosine loss. In order to increase
the collection efficiency, a tracker can be used to mount a PV
panel to maintain a position that is near normal to the sun.
[0006] Trackers are more widely used in concentration solar panels,
where a large area of optical collectors focus sun light beam on to
a small area of a solar receiver which can be PV cells or a thermal
convertor. In order to keep the focus on the target receiver while
the sun moves, the tracking system follows movement of the sun,
while also remaining in focus.
[0007] There are two types of 2-dimensional tracker systems:
azimuth/elevation tracking and polar (or equatorial) tracking. For
a azimuth/elevation tracking system, the mechanical arrangement is
simpler. However, since the rotational speeds for both axes are not
constant and require constant adjustment at any given position,
reliable tracking control schemes are invariably complex and
difficult. Indeed, schemes such as these as well as others over
which aspects of this disclosure are innovative, need often adopt
an active control system, where the sun is actively monitored or a
sun-tracking function is actively performed and fed back to control
the mechanical system, e.g., for tracking.
[0008] For a polar (or equatorial) tracking system, the two axes
are independent. The rotation of the polar axis is constant at 15
degree per hour during the day and the rotational of the
declination axis is very slow and simple to track the seasonal
movement of the sun. However, mechanical schemes utilized to
realize such tracking scheme have a variety of drawbacks. In
existing systems, for example, the solar collector body can exert a
large torque relative to the polar axis which requires constant
rotation during the day. Consequentially, these systems are
susceptible to instability from high wind loads which can damage
the motor with a reverse torque. For example, when the motor is
rigidly connected to several solar collectors having a wind load,
the motor can be exposed to the sum of wind load contributed by
each solar collector.
[0009] A need exists, therefore, for improved systems, components
and techniques for collecting solar energy and/or tracking of the
sun.
SUMMARY
[0010] Systems and methods consistent with the innovations herein
are directed to configuration and/or tracking features associated
with solar collectors.
[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
described. Further features and/or variations may be provided in
addition to those set forth herein. For example, the present
invention may be directed to various combinations and
subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and
subcombinations of several further features disclosed below in the
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a
solar module, consistent with aspects related to the innovations
herein.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a
2-dimensional solar collector module, consistent with aspects
related to the innovations herein.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of
the solar collector module from the north, consistent with aspects
related to the innovations herein.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of
the solar collector module, consistent with aspects related to the
innovations herein.
[0016] FIGS. 5A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating an array of
solar modules driven by one motor assembly, consistent with aspects
related to the innovations herein.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of
the solar collector module from the north, consistent with aspects
related to the innovations herein.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of
the solar collector module rotated to a morning position,
consistent with aspects related to the innovations herein.
[0019] FIGS. 8A-B are schematic diagram s illustrating an array of
solar modules driven by one motor assembly rotated from a morning
position to a noon position, consistent with aspects related to the
innovations herein.
[0020] FIGS. 9A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating an array of
solar modules driven by one motor assembly rotated from a morning
position to a noon position to an evening position, consistent with
aspects related to the innovations herein.
[0021] FIGS. 10A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating a front view
of the solar collector module with an alternative polar axis
mechanism rotated to a noon and an evening position, consistent
with aspects related to the innovations herein.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a
2-dimensional solar collector module with an alternative linear
actuator declination angle rotation mechanism, consistent with
aspects related to the innovations herein.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view
(upper) and side view (bottom) of motor/worm gear assembly,
consistent with aspects related to the innovations herein.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a
motor/worm gear assembly with a lead screw driving mechanism,
consistent with aspects related to the innovations herein.
[0025] FIG. 14 is schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a
panel, consistent with aspects related to the innovations
herein.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method for
synchronizing movement across an array of solar collectors,
consistent with aspects related to the innovations herein.
[0027] FIGS. 16A-C are perspective views of a motor/worm gear
assembly, consistent with aspects related to the innovations
herein.
[0028] FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views of exemplary solar
collectors with worm gear arrangements, consistent with aspects
related to the innovations herein.
[0029] FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective views of further exemplary
solar collectors with worm gear arrangements, consistent with
aspects related to the innovations herein.
[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram of exemplary solar
collection system(s) and/or environment(s), consistent with aspects
related to the innovations herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS
[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the invention,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The
implementations set forth in the following description do not
represent all implementations consistent with the claimed
invention. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with
certain aspects related to the invention. Wherever possible, the
same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to
refer to the same or like parts.
[0032] Consistent with resolution to one or more drawbacks and/or
needs regarding existing deployments, systems, methods, and
components/computer readable media are presented herein. In one
exemplary implementation, an array of solar modules may be provided
with synchronized movement along a polar (or other) axis. The array
may comprise a plurality of solar modules. Each solar module may
rotate on an axis, and each axis may be in parallel configuration
relative to the other axes.
[0033] According to exemplary implementations herein, solar
collection modules and/or arrays are disclosed. In some exemplary
implementations a solar module may be characterized by an axis,
wherein the solar module is configured for placement in an array of
solar modules such that axes of the array of solar modules are
arranged substantially parallel to the axis. For example, a solar
module may comprise a first rotational assembly having a first
rotational mechanism that rotates/pivots at a first axis/pivot.
Further, the first rotational assembly may comprise drive
attachment structure that directly or indirectly attaches to an
element that transfers a rotational/angular displacement, moment or
torque to the first rotational mechanism, link structure configured
to link the first rotational mechanism to one or more rotational
mechanisms of adjacent or sequential solar module(s) in the array,
and panel attachment structure that directly or indirectly attaches
to a panel, and by which the second rotational element effects
rotation of the panel about the axis. Moreover such modules may,
optionally, further comprise a drive mechanism, coupled to a first
rotational mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism generates the
rotational/angular displacement, moment or torque.
[0034] Additionally, aspects of the innovations herein are directed
to arrays of solar modules. In one exemplary implementation, such
arrays may comprise a plurality of solar modules characterized by
axes, with each of the axes on one of the solar modules, wherein
the axes are arranged substantially parallel to each other.
Moreover, each solar module may rotate on an axis and include a
first rotational assembly having a first rotational mechanism that
rotates/pivots at a first axis/pivot. Further, the first rotational
assembly may comprise drive attachment structure that directly or
indirectly attaches to an element that transfers a
rotational/angular displacement, moment or torque to the first
rotational mechanism, link structure configured to link the first
rotational mechanism to one or more rotational mechanisms of
adjacent or sequential solar module(s) in the array, and panel
attachment structure that directly or indirectly attaches to a
panel, and by which the second rotational element effects rotation
of the panel about the axis. Additionally, such arrays may further
comprise a drive mechanism, coupled to a first rotational
mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism generates the
rotational/angular displacement, moment or torque.
[0035] According to certain exemplary implementations involving two
rotational mechanisms per panel, a first rotation mechanism of a
solar module may be configured for rotating/pivoting around a first
axis/pivot, and be linked to a corresponding rotation mechanism of
a sequential solar module. A second rotation mechanism may be
configured for rotating/pivoting around a second axis/pivot, and
may be linked to the first rotational mechanism with a mechanical
linkage. In some implementations, the second rotational mechanism
may rotate a panel about the axis, while the first and second
rotational pivots remain stationary. Further, the panel may include
a solar collector with a plane that rotates in accordance with a
plane of sunlight. A driving mechanism may be coupled to at least
one of the first rotational mechanisms to provide a
rotational/angular force, such as rotational torque, to the
rotating mechanisms.
[0036] For example, one implementation of such a solar module
comprises a first rotation mechanism of a solar module to pivot
around a first pivot, and is linked to a first rotational mechanism
of a sequential solar module. A second rotation mechanism pivots
around a second pivot, and is linked to the first rotational
mechanism with a mechanical linkage. The second rotational
mechanism rotates a panel about the axis, while the first and
second rotational pivots remain stationary. Further, the panel
includes a solar collector with a plane that rotates in accordance
with a plane of sunlight. Again, in some implementations, a driving
mechanism may be coupled to at least one of the first rotational
mechanisms to generate rotational torque.
[0037] Other exemplary implementations may include one or more
further features. For example, the axis may be parallel to a
north-south axis of earth rotation, and/or the axis may be tilted
by a latitude angle relative to a horizontal plane. Further, the
first rotation mechanism may comprise a wheel, the second
rotational mechanism may comprise a wheel, and/or the system may
further comprise a cable fixed to the first rotational mechanism
and separately fixed to the second rotational mechanism, such that
torque from the driving mechanism is transferred to the second
rotational mechanism without cable movement relative to the first
and second rotational mechanisms. Moreover, the second rotational
mechanism may comprise a rigid member including one or more hinges
and/or further comprise a cable fixed to the first rotational
mechanism and separately fixed to the hinge(s) of the second
rotational mechanism, such that the torque from the driving
mechanism is transferred to the second rotational mechanism without
cable movement along the first rotational mechanism. Additionally,
the panel may be supported by a bearing at an axis member fixed to
the panel and to the second rotational member, the first rotational
member may be linked to the driving mechanism with a first cable,
the first rotational member may be linked to the sequential first
rotational member by a second cable, and/or the driving mechanism
may be rigidly coupled to the first rotational member of one of the
solar modules. Furthermore, in some implementations, the sequential
first rotational member may include a worm gear mechanism, wherein
the worm gear mechanism may also prevent torque from transferring
back to the driving mechanism. Finally, the plurality of solar
modules may be arranged in more than one row.
[0038] Advantageously, the array of solar collectors can be
efficiently controlled along a polar axis with a single motor.
Additionally, exemplary configurations prevent reverse torque from
being transferred back from the array of solar collectors to the
single motor.
[0039] In one exemplary implementation, solar collectors are
mounted on a solar tracker with at least one (first or polar)
rotation axis oriented parallel to Earth's self-rotation axis, that
is with a north-south orientation with a tilt angle from horizontal
equal to the latitude angle at the location. This polar axis may be
supported, for example, by two supports (e.g., legs, columns,
piers, etc.) from the ground with pivotal ball bearing or other
bearing sleeves to facilitate the rotation. The rotation of the
polar axis is achieved by a first wheel fixed on the high end of
rotational polar axial rod, which is driven by a first steel cable
anchored and wrapped around the first wheel, and a second wheel a
distance away below the first wheel. The second wheel is fixed on a
rotational shaft which is supported by a pivotal ball bearing or
other bearing sleeves to facilitate the rotation. A gear wheel
fixed on the shaft may be driven by a stepping motor and a worm
gear to reduce the speed and torque load on the motor, and to
prevent backward motion produced by wind or other load. A third
wheel mounted on the same axis of the second wheel will in turn
drive a second tracker through a second pair of wheel/steel cable,
and later stages operate in a similar manner. In this way, a single
set of motor plus worm gear structure and control circuit is used
to drive multiple solar trackers to reduce cost of the entire
system. Moreover, the use of wheels and a cable, instead of gear
wheels and chains (which can also be utilized in the context of
aspects of the innovations herein), reduces possible rotational
angle error between the first polar axis and subsequent tracker
polar axis due to the inelastic extension caused by strain of the
chains between modules. It also eliminates the need for lubricant
for gears and chains. The cables can be made of materials suited
for the application or environment, such as steel, stainless steel,
etc. to prevent corrosion. Further, such steel cables may high
strength and a specified elasticity to prevent breaking or
permanent deformation, often occur in rigid linkage.
[0040] According to some further implementations, panel rotation
around the first rotation pivot can be accomplished via worm shaft
and worm gearing, e.g., by a pair of worm shaft and worm gear
structures. In one exemplary implementation, a worm gear may be
located on (or otherwise move) the panel rotation shaft and driven
by a worm shaft. Here, for example, the worm shafts in different
modules may be connected by pipes and/or flexible connection
joints, with one (master) worm shaft being driven, e.g., by a motor
and reduction gear box. Advantageous to such implementations, the
worm gear rotational mechanism may naturally prevent reverse
forces/torque from panel(s) due to wind load from being transferred
to the drive mechanism (e.g., motor, etc.) collectively by all
modules.
[0041] With regard to one exemplary implementation, the polar
rotation axis may be rotated by a constant speed of 15 degree per
hour to follow the sun's daily movement with a center position at
Solar Noon. The panel is then fixed on to the polar axis to be
rotated. As utilized with flat PV (photovoltaic) panel embodiments,
this 1-dimensional tracking scheme is enough to enhance the
performance by about 30%, since seasonal declination angle of
maximum 23 degree will cost very small cosine loss in average.
[0042] For concentration collector embodiments, a 2-dimensional
tracker may be implemented. In these cases, an optional second
"seasonal rotation" axis may be added perpendicular to the first
axis. The second rotational pivotal support (with bearing) is
anchored on the first rotational axis, and the panel is anchored on
the seasonal rotational axis. In order to reduce or eliminate the
large torque exerted on the polar rotational axis, the collector
panel is divided from middle so that the panel can pass through the
polar rotational axis while rotating along the seasonal axis (see
also, for example, FIGS. 2, 11 and 14, i.e. split panels to
accommodate both seasonal and polar rotations of panels, and
associated written description, etc.). With regard to such
innovations embodied within FIGS. 2, 11 and 14 consistent with
solar modules and/or arrays disclosed throughout, systems and
methods herein may be implemented with the features of these
drawings. For example, the panel(s) may be split on a line parallel
first axis and have a second axis characterized as being
approximately perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the panel is
configured to further rotate along the second axis as a function of
the declination angle. Such systems and methods may include these
or other features shown or described and, as such, the various
resulting features. Turning back to the basic 2-dimensional tracker
at the beginning of this paragraph, the seasonal axis support and
panel is arranged so that the torque of the panel to the polar axis
is near zero. The second axis is slowly rotated to track the Sun's
seasonal movement during the year. For 2-dimensional tracker, the
polar axis of a large tracker group can be driven by a single
motor, while the seasonal axis of each tracker may be driven by
individual motor/worm gear mounted on each tracker. The tracker
control system can be programmed "chronologically" to position the
panel always normal to the sun according to the clock. Here, for
example, the correct clock time may be obtained by a GPS signal, by
a battery driven electronic clock, etc.
[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a
solar module 100, according to one exemplary implementation of the
present invention. Solar module 100 may include a beam 1 that
provides structural support, and runs along a polar axis 76. The
structural beam 1 may be supported pivotally by, for example, two
ball bearings 3, 4 with housings, by other type of bearing sleeves,
or the like. A solar energy collector panel 2 is anchored to, and
rotates with, the beam 1. One example of a panel is show in FIG.
14.
[0044] Referring again to FIG. 1, bearing 3 is anchored by its
housing to a rotatable hinge 7, which is in turn anchored to a pier
6. Bearing 4 is anchored by its housing to a supporting structure
frame 8, which in turn is anchored on a pier 5. The length of frame
8, height on pier 5, can be adjusted to make the polar axis tilt
angle equal to latitude angle 77 at the installation location. The
latitude angle 77 depends of location (e.g., latitude angle at San
Francisco, Calif. is approximately 37 degrees).
[0045] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a
2-dimensional solar collector module 200, according to a first
implementation consistent with aspects related to the innovations
herein. A beam 11 on the polar axis 76 can be rotated during the
day are arranged and programmed in same fashion as described in the
one-dimensional implementation of FIG. 11. A pair of ball bearings
holed by housings 28 are anchored on the beam 11 to pivotally
support a panel 12.
[0046] Further, in some implementations, one or more unitary or
distributed components, such a computing component, a computer,
computer readable media, articles of manufacture embodying computer
readable media and/or a software program product with code/source
code, etc., may be utilized to control movement of the mirrors and
of the panels, such as panel 1400, as set forth in more detail in
connection with FIG. 21.
[0047] Returning to FIG. 2, a motor with a worm gear assembly with
housing 31 is anchored on the beam 11 and drive a chain gear wheel
32. The chain gear wheel 32 in turn drives a chain 33 with two ends
fixed on the two hinges 34, 35 on the frame of the panel 12. A
receiver (e.g., a solar thermal or PV receiver) 30 is supported by
the structure beams 26 anchored on panel frame 12. The motor is
programmed to rotate the solar collector panel 12 and the receiver
30 to form a declination angle 75 with polar axis, and therefore
track sun movement during the year.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view 300
of the solar collector module from a direction facing the front of
the panel, consistent with a first implementation related to
aspects of the innovations herein. FIG. 3 also illustrates an
exploded view 350 of the wheel 10 assembly shown in the front view
300. As seen in the front view 300 and the exploded view 350, a
first gear wheel 9 may be driven by the motor/worm gear assembly 14
to drive a flexible linkage element 21, e.g., a cable, chain, or
the like. Further, two ends of the flexible linkage 21 may be fixed
on the two hinges 12, and 13 on the beam 1.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a front view of
the solar collector module, consistent with aspects related to the
innovations herein. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary single
collector module shown rotated to a position towards one end of a
range of motion. Here, for example, the position shown may be used
to provide increased/maximized collection of solar energy when the
sun is at a position to the left in the drawing (e.g., first light,
morning, early part of the day, etc.)
[0050] FIGS. 5A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating an array of
solar modules driven by one motor assembly rotated from first to
second positions, consistent with aspects related to the
innovations herein. FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary multiple
collector module arrangement shown rotated to a position towards
one end of a range of motion. Here, again, the position shown may
be used to provide increased/maximized collection of solar energy
when the sun is to the left (e.g., first light, morning, etc.).
FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary multiple collector module
arrangement shown rotated to a position towards the middle of a
range of motion. Here, for example, the position shown may be used
to provide increased/maximized collection of solar energy when the
sun is straight ahead of the collector/panel (e.g., noon).
[0051] As the gear wheel rotate by motor, the panel rotates along
the polar axis as shown in FIG. 6 with a single solar module in a
noon position 600 compared to FIG. 7 with the single solar module
in a morning position 700. Moreover, an array of panels linked
together rotate along the polar axis, driven by a single motor.
FIG. 8A shows an array of panels 800 in a morning position compared
to FIG. 8B which shows the array of panels 850 in a noon position.
The motor is programmed to rotate the polar axis by 15 degree per
hour during the day to follow the sun's movement during the day. In
one exemplary implementation, individual chains 26, 27 run between
the solar modules.
[0052] FIGS. 9A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating an array of
solar modules 900 driven by one motor assembly to rotate along a
polar axis, according to a third exemplary implementation
consistent with aspects related to the innovations herein. Multiple
trackers may be arranged similarly, and a polar axis of each
tracker can be driven by only one set of motor/worm gear. FIG. 9B
shows a instances of a solar module 950 at a morning position 952,
a solar noon position 954, and an afternoon position 956 of a panel
(e.g., panel 2 or 12) with declination angle equal to approximately
zero.
[0053] FIG. 10A-B are schematic diagrams illustrating a front view
of a solar collector module 1000, 1050 with an alternative polar
axis mechanism rotated to a noon (FIG. 10A) and an evening position
(FIG. 10B), according to one exemplary implementation consistent
with aspects related to the innovations herein. In this
arrangement, the polar axis is aligned and supported in a similar
way as in the other implementations. A supporting structure 78 may
have a horizontal beam to support and anchor a motor/worm gear
assembly 36, and a bearing/chain gear wheel assembly 38. The
motor/worm gear assembly 36 can be similar to the one described in
FIGS. 12 and 13, with a chain gear wheel 37 driven by the worm
gear. Such systems may be configured with a chain 39 forming a
triangle shape loop with the top fixed on a lever 40. The lever 40
can be fixed (e.g., by a structural element, such as a rectangular
fitting hole/rod, etc.) on the end of polar axis to rotate polar
axis and panel. Further, the bearing/chain gear wheel assembly 38
may have two chain gear wheels, with first one drives the chain 39
form the triangular loop to drive lever arm 40 as shown in FIG.
10B, and second one drive a second chain to drive the next tracker
similar to the configuration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0054] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a
2-dimensional solar collector module 1100 with an alternative
linear actuator declination angle rotation mechanism, according to
one exemplary implementation consistent with aspects related to the
innovations herein. In this arrangement, a lead screw instead of
chain is used to rotate the panel to form a declination angle with
polar axis. A motor/worm gear assembly 25 is anchored on a beam 42
along the polar axis. A lead screw 37 is driven by the worm gear 24
with its center fixed with a female screw nut over the lead
screwing FIG. 13. As the worm gear rotates by the motor, the lead
screw 37 moves linearly, which in turn pushes the panel 42 to
rotate seasonal axis 33 around the pivotal bearing support 28.
[0055] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view
(upper) of a motor/worm gear assembly 1200, and a side view
(bottom) of a motor/worm gear assembly 1250, according to one
exemplary implementation consistent with aspects related to the
innovations herein. Furthermore, FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram
illustrating a top view of a motor/worm gear assembly 1300 with a
lead screw driving mechanism, according to one implementation of
the present invention. In FIG. 12, a stepping motor with a
reduction gear box 19 drives a lead screw 23 through a set of
transmission gears 20. The lead screw 23 is pivotally supported by
two ball bearings 21,22, and in turn drives a worm gear 24, which
is fixed on an axial rod 16. The rod 16 is pivotally supported by
two ball bearings 18. The purpose of worm gear is to prevent back
movement from the panel weight or wind load through chain wheel
gears, i.e. only the turning of the lead screw can make worm gear
rotate, the turning of worm gear cannot drive the lead screw to
turn. Three chain gear wheels 9, 10, 15 are mounted and fixed on
the axial rod 16. The wheel gear 9 drives the chain 11 to rotate
the polar axis 1. The gear 10 and 15 are used to gang chain
multiple trackers through chains 26, and 27 as shown in FIGS. 5A-B.
The housing for motor/worm gear drive assembly 25 is fixed on
supporting frame 8.
[0056] One example of a panel 1400 is shown in FIG. 14. As show in
FIG. 14, the panel 1400 is supported by a frame 29 and split into
two parts to allow the panel 1400 to pass through the polar axis 11
while rotating along the declination axis 33 supported by bearings
28 on a declination angle 75. In one exemplary implementation, the
panel 1400 may include an array of mirrors or other reflective
elements. The mirrors together form a larger, parabolic aperture,
but have been separated into smaller squares and attached to a flat
plane of the frame 29. Each mirror can be set at an initial angle
taking into account a yearly position of the sun along with how a
receiver is positioned above the panel 1400. Each row of mirrors
may be rotated by a common angle to compensate for seasonal
adjustments of sun light, while the entire frame 29 may be rotated
to compensate for daily adjustments of sun light. According to some
implementations, a separate motor may control the seasonal movement
of rows of mirrors.
[0057] FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method
1500 for synchronizing movement across an array of solar
collectors, according to one exemplary implementation consistent
with aspects related to the innovations herein. The method 1500 can
be implemented with any one of the systems, such as the systems
shown in FIGS. 5A-B, FIGS. 8A-B, and FIGS. 9A-B.
[0058] In accordance with the exemplary methods consistent with
FIG. 15, an array of solar modules may be linked by a first
rotation mechanism of each module. The first rotation mechanisms
are rotated 1520 around a first pivot, to drive a second rotational
mechanism of each solar module around a second pivot. A panel of
each solar module is rotated 1530 with the second rotational
mechanism such that a plane of the panel rotates in accordance with
a plane of sun light. In one exemplary implementation, the rotation
maintains optimal exposure to sun light for maximum energy
transfer. A rotational torque is generated 1540 for the array of
solar modules with a driving mechanism coupled to at least one of
the first rotational mechanisms.
[0059] FIGS. 16A-C are schematic diagrams illustrating views of a
motor/worm assembly 1600, according to one exemplary implementation
consistent with aspects related to the innovations herein. FIG. 16A
shows a perspective view of the motor/worm assembly 1600. A first
steel chain wraps around a first wheel 1602a and a second steel
chain wraps around a second wheel 1602b. The wheels 1602a,b are
separated by a worm gear slave drive box 1604. FIG. 16B shows a
side view of the motor/worm assembly 1600. From this angle a worm
gear wheel 1652 and a worm gear rod 1654 are shown. In general, the
first wheel 1602a provides input torque to turn the second wheel
1602b with an output torque. In one example, the input torque is
provided by a motor or a wheel from an adjacent solar module. The
output torque is provided to another wheel from another adjacent
solar module. However, reverse torque (from e.g., wind) is blocked
from transferring in the opposite direction.
[0060] FIG. 16C shows a perspective view of the motor/worm assembly
1600 with an open panel to show inner components. The inner
components operate according to a drive sequence that provides
rotational torque from a first wheel 1602a to a second wheel 1602b.
More specifically, an input axis 1671 drives a gear wheel 1672, the
gear wheel 1672 drives the gear wheel 1673, the gear wheel 1673
drives the gear wheel 1674, the gear wheel 1674 drives the gear
wheel 1675, the gear wheel 1675 drives the angled gear wheel 1676,
the angled gear wheel 1676 drives the angled gear wheel 1677, the
angled gear wheel 1677 drives the worm rod 1678, the worm rod 1678
drives the worm gear wheel 1679, and the worm gear wheel 1679
drives an output axis 1680. Consequentially, input torque is
transferred to output torque.
[0061] FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views of exemplary solar
collectors with worm gear arrangements, consistent with aspects
related to the innovations herein. FIG. 17 is a expanded view of a
first exemplary implementation of a worm gear assembly 301, 302,
303, 304 (regarding which, with respect to the gearing per se,
FIGS. 16A-C are one example) in relation to the collector panels
305, which are shown in these drawings as reflector panels by way
of illustration, not limitation.
[0062] FIG. 18 Is a diagram illustrating a side view of an
exemplary worm gear assembly, according to one implementation
consistent with aspects related to the innovations herein. In FIG.
18, a motor with a worm gear assembly and housing 301 is positioned
respective to the various panels 305. The motor 301 may be used to
rotate a rod 302 having threaded regions 306 at locations to engage
rotational elements 304, e.g., wheels, etc., via complimentary worm
gear engaging portions. A panel or receiver (e.g., a solar thermal
or PV receiver, etc.) 305 may be coupled to the rotational elements
304. As such, the motor 301 may be programmed to rotate all of the
interconnected panels or receivers simultaneously to track the
sun's movement. Moreover, the mechanical configuration of such worm
gear assemblies is simple, and the components are straightforward
and readily available as well as inexpensive relative to the
structures of comparable tracking assemblies. For example, the rod
portions 302 may be formed of simple tubing with sections of
threaded regions 306 attached in short sections to longer stretches
of existing/basic/inexpensive rod or tubing members. Further,
[XD/Rong, please add any other advantages]
[0063] FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective views of exemplary solar
collectors with worm gear arrangements, consistent with aspects
related to the innovations herein. FIG. 19 is a expanded view of
another exemplary implementation of a worm gear assemblies 401,
402, 403, 404, 405 (regarding which, with respect to the gearing
per se, FIGS. 16A-C are one example) in relation to collector
panels or receivers 408, which are shown in these drawings as
reflector panels by way of illustration, not limitation. The worm
gear assemblies 401, 402, 403, 404, 405 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and
20 may be consistent with those shown and described in connection
with FIGS. 17 and 18. FIG. 19 illustrates their interconnectivity
with the panels 408 via additional rotating member 405, 407 and
flexible linkage elements 406, such as cables, chains, etc.
[0064] FIG. 20 Is a diagram illustrating a detailed view of the
exemplary worm gear assembly of FIG. 19, according to one
implementation consistent with aspects related to the innovations
herein. In FIG. 20, a motor with a worm gear assembly and housing
401 is positioned respective to the various panels 408. As with the
above implementations, the motor 401 may be used to rotate a rod
402 having threaded regions 403 at locations to engage first
rotational elements 405, e.g., wheels, etc., via complimentary worm
gear engaging portions. Additionally, flexible linkage elements 406
or other rotational moment translating elements are then coupled to
the first roatational elements 405, and second rotational elements
407 are coupled to the flexible linkage elements 406 or rotational
moment translating elements. Further, then, panels or receivers
(e.g., a solar thermal or PV receiver, etc.) 408 may be coupled to
the second rotational elements 407. In accordance with such
configuration(s), the motor 401 may be programmed to rotate all of
the interconnected panels or receivers simultaneously to track the
sun's movement. Here, the rotational elements 405, 407 and flexible
linkage 406 or rotational moment translating elements provide for
direct translation of necessary impulses to move the panels, e.g.,
across spans or distances, without requiring any further or complex
elements or calculations, as with existing systems. Moreover, as
set forth above, the mechanical configuration of such worm gear
assemblies is simple, and the components are straightforward and
readily available as well as inexpensive relative to the structures
of comparable tracking assemblies. Further, [XD/Rong, please add
any other advantages regarding this implementation]
[0065] FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary solar
collection system in accordance with one or more implementations of
the innovations herein. Referring to FIG. 21, the solar collection
system may comprise a solar field 120 including solar collectors
100 and a controller 170 and, optionally, one or more elements of
external systems 130. The controller may include one or more
computing components, systems and/or environments 180 that perform,
facilitate or coordinate control of the collectors. As explained in
more detail below, such computing elements may take the form of one
or more local computing structures that embody and perform a full
implementation of the features and functionality herein or these
elements may be distributed with one or more controller(s) 170
serving to coordinate the distributed processing functionality.
Further, the controller 170 is not necessarily in close physical
proximity to the collectors 100, though is shown in the drawings as
being associated with solar field 20. Solar collection system may
also include one or more optional external devices or systems 130,
which may embody the relevant computing components, systems and/or
environments 180 or may simply contain elements of the computing
environment that work together with other computing components in
distributed arrangements to realize the functionality, methods
and/or innovations herein.
[0066] With regard to computing components and software embodying
the inventions herein, such as the tracking and collection methods,
the innovations herein may be implemented/operated consistent with
numerous general purpose or special purpose computing system
environments or configurations. Various exemplary computing
systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable
for use with the innovations herein may include, but are not
limited to, personal computers, servers or server computing devices
such as routing/connectivity components, hand-held or laptop
devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set
top boxes, smart phones, consumer electronic devices, network PCs,
other existing computer platforms, distributed computing
environments that include one or more of the above systems or
devices, etc.
[0067] The invention may be described in the general context of
computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being
executed by a computer, computing component, etc. In general,
program modules may include routines, programs, objects,
components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. The invention may also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are
performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a
communications network. In a distributed computing environment,
program modules may be located in both local and remote computer
storage media including memory storage devices.
[0068] Computing component/environment 180 may also include one or
more type of computer readable media. Computer readable media can
be any available media that is resident on, associable with, or can
be accessed by computing component/environment 180. By way of
example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise
computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage
media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and
non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for
storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data
structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media
includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or
other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or
other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or
other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be
used to store the desired information and can accessed by computing
component 800. Communication media may comprise computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data
embodying the functionality herein. Further, communication media
may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired
connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and
other wireless media. Combinations of the any of the above are also
included within the scope of computer readable media.
[0069] In the present description, the terms component, module,
device, etc. may refer to any type of logical or functional process
or blocks that may be implemented in a variety of ways. For
example, the functions of various blocks can be combined with one
another into any other number of modules. Each module can be
implemented as a software program stored on a tangible memory
(e.g., random access memory, read only memory, CD-ROM memory, hard
disk drive) to be read by a central processing unit to implement
the functions of the innovations herein. Or, the modules can
comprise programming instructions transmitted to a general purpose
computer or to processing/graphics hardware via a transmission
carrier wave. Also, the modules can be implemented as hardware
logic circuitry implementing the functions encompassed by the
innovations herein. Finally, the modules can be implemented using
special purpose instructions (SIMD instructions), field
programmable logic arrays or any mix thereof which provides the
desired level performance and cost.
[0070] As disclosed herein, implementations and features of the
invention may be implemented through computer-hardware, software
and/or firmware. For example, the systems and methods disclosed
herein may be embodied in various forms including, for example, a
data processor, such as a computer that also includes a database,
digital electronic circuitry, firmware, software, or in
combinations of them. Further, while some of the disclosed
implementations describe components such as software, systems and
methods consistent with the innovations herein may be implemented
with any combination of hardware, software and/or firmware.
Moreover, the above-noted features and other aspects and principles
of the innovations herein may be implemented in various
environments. Such environments and related applications may be
specially constructed for performing the various processes and
operations according to the invention or they may include a
general-purpose computer or computing platform selectively
activated or reconfigured by code to provide the necessary
functionality. The processes disclosed herein are not inherently
related to any particular computer, network, architecture,
environment, or other apparatus, and may be implemented by a
suitable combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For
example, various general-purpose machines may be used with programs
written in accordance with teachings of the invention, or it may be
more convenient to construct a specialized apparatus or system to
perform the required methods and techniques.
[0071] Aspects of the method and system described herein, such as
the logic, may be implemented as functionality programmed into any
of a variety of circuitry, including programmable logic devices
("PLDs"), such as field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"),
programmable array logic ("PAL") devices, electrically programmable
logic and memory devices and standard cell-based devices, as well
as application specific integrated circuits. Some other
possibilities for implementing aspects include: memory devices,
microcontrollers with memory (such as EEPROM), embedded
microprocessors, firmware, software, etc. Furthermore, aspects may
be embodied in microprocessors having software-based circuit
emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom
devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any
of the above device types. The underlying device technologies may
be provided in a variety of component types, e.g., metal-oxide
semiconductor field-effect transistor ("MOSFET") technologies like
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor ("CMOS"), bipolar
technologies like emitter-coupled logic ("ECL"), polymer
technologies (e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer and metal-conjugated
polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, and so on.
[0072] It should also be noted that the various logic and/or
functions disclosed herein may be enabled using any number of
combinations of hardware, firmware, and/or as data and/or
instructions embodied in various machine-readable or
computer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, register
transfer, logic component, and/or other characteristics.
Computer-readable media in which such formatted data and/or
instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to,
non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical,
magnetic or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may
be used to transfer such formatted data and/or instructions through
wireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination
thereof. Examples of transfers of such formatted data and/or
instructions by carrier waves include, but are not limited to,
transfers (uploads, downloads, e-mail, etc.) over the Internet
and/or other computer networks via one or more data transfer
protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP, and so on).
[0073] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of
"including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural
number also include the plural or singular number respectively.
Additionally, the words "herein," "hereunder," "above," "below,"
and words of similar import refer to this application as a whole
and not to any particular portions of this application. When the
word "or" is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that
word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any
of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any
combination of the items in the list.
[0074] Although certain exemplary implementations of the present
innovations have been specifically described herein, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention
pertains that variations and modifications of the various
implementations shown and described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of innovations consistent with
this disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the innovations
be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and
the applicable rules of law.
* * * * *