U.S. patent application number 12/889676 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for auto-focusing device for solar heat energy power generators and power generator cluster.
Invention is credited to Ching-Hsiang CHENG, Tsung-Chieh Cheng, Yin-Fu Ju, Shun-Jung Shih, Ying-Ju Yu.
Application Number | 20120073564 12/889676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45869357 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120073564 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHENG; Ching-Hsiang ; et
al. |
March 29, 2012 |
AUTO-FOCUSING DEVICE FOR SOLAR HEAT ENERGY POWER GENERATORS AND
POWER GENERATOR CLUSTER
Abstract
An auto-focusing device for solar heat energy power generators
includes a stationary heating unit for absorbing solar energy to
make works, a lens unit including a lens and a frame, a first
driving unit connected to the frame and driving the frame, and a
tracking unit electrically connected to the first driving unit and
controlling the first driving unit to output power. The lens is
fixed to the frame and focuses solar beam on the heating unit. The
frame is movable along a curved track such that the lens always
aims at the sun. Multiple auto-focusing devices for solar heat
energy power generators are arranged in matrix form so as to
generate electric power.
Inventors: |
CHENG; Ching-Hsiang; (Tainan
City, TW) ; Cheng; Tsung-Chieh; (Tainan City, TW)
; Shih; Shun-Jung; (Tainan City, TW) ; Ju;
Yin-Fu; (Tainan City, TW) ; Yu; Ying-Ju;
(Tainan City, TW) |
Family ID: |
45869357 |
Appl. No.: |
12/889676 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/573 ;
126/600 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 40/10 20180501;
F24S 30/452 20180501; F24S 23/31 20180501; Y02E 10/47 20130101;
F24S 50/20 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/573 ;
126/600 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/38 20060101
F24J002/38 |
Claims
1. An auto-focusing device for solar heat energy power generators,
comprising: a stationary heating unit for absorbing solar energy to
make works; a lens unit including a lens and a frame, the lens
being fixed to the frame and focusing solar beam on the heating
unit, the frame being movable along a curved track; a first driving
unit connected to the frame and driving the frame, and a tracking
unit electrically connected to the first driving unit and
controlling the first driving unit to drive the position of the
frame.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame of the lens
unit is connected to a rotary disk and a second driving unit is
connected to the rotary disk, the second driving unit drives the
rotary disk, the tracking unit is electrically connected to the
second driving unit so as to control the second driving unit to
drive the position of the rotary disk.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a central
axle and the heating unit mounted on the central axle, the central
axle extending through the rotary disk which is rotatable about the
central axle.
4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the central axle is
fixed to a base which is located beneath the rotary disk, multiple
wheels and legs are connected to an underside of the base.
5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first driving unit
is fixed to the rotary disk and includes a first motor, a first
reduction unit and a first worm rod, the first motor is connected
to the first reduction unit which is connected to the first worm
rod, the first worm rod is connected to the frame.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the frame of the lens
unit includes a first post and a second post which is located at a
distance form the first post, a link has two end gears connected to
two ends thereof , the first post is connected to a first shaft
which has two first transmission gears, the two first transmission
gears are respectively connected to the first worm rod and one of
the end gears, the second post is connected to a second shaft which
has a second transmission gear, the second transmission gear is
connected with the other end gear, the lens is connected to the
first and second posts.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second driving
unit is fixed to the underside of the base and includes a second
motor, a second reduction unit, a second worm rod and a third
shaft, the third shaft has two third transmission gears on two ends
thereof, the second motor is connected to the second reduction unit
which is connected with the second worm rod, the second worm rod is
connected to one of the two third transmission gears, the third
shaft extends through the base and is connected to the rotary
disk.
8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the rotary disk has a
rotary gear which is connected to the central axle and connected to
the other third transmission gear.
9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rotary disk has
multiple rollers connected to an underside thereof and contacting
the base.
10. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein two solar panels are
respectively connected to the first and second shafts, the two
solar panels are electrically connected to the first and second
motors.
11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tracking unit is
a passive tracking data base which stores the track information of
the sun.
12. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the passive tracking
data base includes a GPS system and updates the tracks of the
sun.
13. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tracking unit is
an active tracking sensor which receives the sun light and tracks
the sun.
14. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heating unit is
an external combustion engine.
15. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cover
which is mounted to the auto-focusing device.
16. A power generator cluster, comprising: multiple auto-focusing
devices for solar heat energy power generators which are connected
to a power plant, the auto-focusing devices each including a
stationary heating unit and absorbing solar energy to make works; a
lens unit including a lens and a frame, the lens being fixed to the
frame and focusing solar beam on the heating unit, the frame being
movable along a curved track; a first driving unit connected to the
frame and driving the frame; and a tracking unit electrically
connected to the first driving unit and controlling the first
driving unit to drive the position of the frame.
17. The generator cluster as claimed in claim 16, wherein the
multiple auto-focusing devices for solar heat energy power
generators are arranged in matrix form.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an auto-focusing device for
solar heat energy power generators and power generator cluster, and
more particularly, to a lens unit which moves along with the
movement of the sun and collect the solar heat energy to drive heat
engines to generate electric power and multiple auto-focusing
devices to form a power generator cluster.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Along with the severe pollution and globe warming, the use
of fossil fuel is one of the main concerns today and clean energy
is one of the fields that the scientists are developing for. The
solar energy is an obvious choice that can replace the use of
fossil fuel and the solar energy can be transferred to power to
meet the requirements of the modern industrial needs.
[0003] There is a device for collect the solar energy by tracking
the movement of the sun and obtain the maximum solar energy. The
device includes a base, a solar panel, a curved rail and a lens,
wherein the solar panel is connected to the top of the base and the
curved rail is connected on two sides of the solar panel. The lens
is movable along the curved rail so as to selectively move along
with the sun to collect the sun beam at the desired position of the
solar panel to increase the efficiency of the solar panel.
[0004] However, if the solar energy collected by the solar panel is
used to make work such as to drive an engine, the energy has to be
transferred several times and this process reduces the efficiency
of the use of the energy. Although the conventional device has a
curved rail, it can only provide two dimensional movement and
cannot precisely track the sun.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention intends to provide an auto-focusing
device for solar heat energy power generators so as to improve the
shortcomings of the conventional solar energy collection
device.
[0006] The present invention relates to an auto-focusing device for
solar heat energy power generators and comprises a stationary
heating unit for absorbing solar energy to make works. A lens unit
includes a lens and a frame, wherein the lens is fixed to the frame
and focuses solar beam on the heating unit. The frame is movable
along a curved track. A first driving unit is connected to the
frame and drives the frame. A tracking unit is electrically
connected to the first driving unit and controls the first driving
unit to drive the position of the frame.
[0007] By the device, the lens always aims at the sun and the sun
beams are focused at the heating unit so as to have the maximum
heat collection feature to make the maximum work. The heating unit
is stationary and saves energy of mutual movement between the
parts. Besides, the heating unit is directly connected with a power
generating device to generate electric power, or connected to a
machine to make work to the machine.
[0008] The frame of the lens unit is connected to a rotary disk and
a second driving unit is connected to the rotary disk. The second
driving unit drives the rotary disk. The tracking unit is
electrically connected to the second driving unit so as to control
the second driving unit to drive the position of the rotary
disk.
[0009] By this arrangement, the lens tracks the sun in three
dimensional directions so that the lens can always aim at the
sun.
[0010] Preferably, the device includes a central axle and the
heating unit is mounted on the central axle. The central axle
extends through the rotary disk which is rotatable about the
central axle.
[0011] Preferably, the central axle is fixed to a base which is
located beneath the rotary disk, and multiple wheels and legs are
connected to an underside of the base.
[0012] Preferably, the heating unit is fixed to the central axle so
that the heating unit, the lens unit and the rotary disk are
connected together which is convenient for transportation. There
are wheels connected to the base so as to conveniently set the
frame at a desired position.
[0013] Preferably, the first driving unit is fixed to the rotary
disk and includes a first motor, a first reduction unit and a first
worm rod. The first motor is connected to the first reduction unit
which is connected to the first worm rod. The first worm rod is
connected to the frame.
[0014] Preferably, the frame of the lens unit includes a first post
and a second post which is located at a distance form the first
post. A link has two end gears connected to two ends thereof. The
first post is connected to a first shaft which has two first
transmission gears. The two first transmission gears are
respectively connected to the first worm rod and one of the end
gears. The second post is connected to a second shaft which has a
second transmission gear. The second transmission gear is connected
with the other end gear. The lens is connected to the first and
second posts.
[0015] Preferably, the second driving unit is fixed to the
underside of the base and includes a second motor, a second
reduction unit, a second worm rod and a third shaft. The third
shaft has two third transmission gears on two ends thereof. The
second motor is connected to the second reduction unit which is
connected with the second worm rod. The second worm rod is
connected to one of the two third transmission gears. The third
shaft extends through the base and is connected to the rotary
disk.
[0016] Preferably, the first driving unit is connected to the
rotary disk and the second driving unit is connected to the
underside of the base, so that the structure is simplified and is
connected as a one piece. The maintenance is easy because the
transmission is made by gears.
[0017] Preferably, two solar panels are respectively connected to
the first and second shafts and electrically connected to the first
and second motors. Therefore, the device can be self powered by the
solar power.
[0018] Preferably, the tracking unit can be a passive tracking data
base which stores the track information of the sun, or the passive
tracking data base includes a GPS system and updates the tracks of
the sun. When the device is shifted to different locations, the GPS
system is helpful to allocate the positions and set a correct
coordinates to set the precise position of the device so as to aim
at the sun. Alternatively, the tracking unit can be an active
tracking sensor which receives the sun light and tracks the
sun.
[0019] Preferably, the heating unit is an external combustion
engine.
[0020] Preferably, a cover is used to mount to the auto-focusing
device and protect the parts of the device when the device is not
in use.
[0021] The present invention can also be a power generator cluster
which comprises multiple auto-focusing devices for solar heat
energy power generators and the auto-focusing devices for solar
heat energy power generators are connected to a power plant. The
auto-focusing devices each include a stationary heating unit for
absorbing solar energy to make works. A lens unit includes a lens
and a frame. The lens is fixed to the frame and focuses solar beam
on the heating unit. The frame is movable along a curved track. A
first driving unit is connected to the frame and drives the frame.
A tracking unit is electrically connected to the first driving unit
and controls the first driving unit to drive the position of the
frame.
[0022] Preferably, the multiple auto-focusing devices for solar
heat energy power generators are arranged in matrix form.
[0023] The present invention will become more obvious from the
following description when taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration
only, a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view to show the auto-focusing
device for solar heat energy power generators of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 shows the first driving unit of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 shows that the first driving unit is connected to the
rotary disk of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 shows the second driving unit of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 shows the side view of the auto-focusing device for
solar heat energy power generators of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 6 shows that the lens unit is movable with the sun;
[0030] FIG. 7 shows the top view of the auto-focusing device for
solar heat energy power generators of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 8 shows that the rotary disk is rotated with the
sun;
[0032] FIG. 9 shows that the cover is mounted to the auto-focusing
device for solar heat energy power generators of the present
invention, and
[0033] FIG. 10 shows the power generator cluster of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the auto-focusing device "A" for
solar heat energy power generators of the present invention
comprises a central axle 1 which is fixed to a base 2. Multiple
wheels 21 and legs 22 are connected to an underside of the base
2.
[0035] A stationary heating unit 3 for absorbing solar energy to
make works is mounted on the central axle 1. The heating unit 3 is
an external combustion engine.
[0036] A rotary disk 4 has a rotary gear 41 which is connected to
the central axle 1. Multiple rollers 42 are connected to an
underside of the base 2 and contact the base 2. The central axle 1
extends through the rotary disk 4 which is rotatable about the
central axle 1.
[0037] A lens unit 5 includes a lens 51 and a frame 52 which is
fixed to the rotary disk 4. The frame 52 of the lens unit 5
includes a first post 521 and a second post 522 which is located at
a distance form the first post 521. A link 523 has two end gears
524 connected to two ends thereof. The first post 521 is connected
to a first shaft 525 which has two first transmission gears 526.
The two first transmission gears 526 are respectively connected to
a first worm rod 63 and one of , the end gears 524. The second post
522 is connected to a second shaft 527 which has a second
transmission gear 528. The second transmission gear 528 is
connected with the other end gear 524. The lens 51 is connected to
the first and second posts 521, 522. The lens unit 51 is a Fresnel
lens and focuses the sun beams on the heating unit 3. The whole
lens unit 5 can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0038] A first driving unit 6 is connected to the frame 52 and
drives the frame 52. The first driving unit 6 is fixed to the
rotary disk 4 and includes a first motor 61, a first reduction unit
62 and the first worm rod 63. The first motor 61 is connected to
the first reduction unit 62 which is connected to the first worm
rod 63. The first worm rod 63 is connected to the other first
transmission gear 526 on the first shaft 525 so that the frame 52
is moved along a curved track.
[0039] A second driving unit 7 is connected to the rotary disk 4
and drives the rotary disk 4. The second driving unit 7 is fixed to
the underside of the base 2 and includes a second motor 71, a
second reduction unit 72, a second worm rod 73 and a third shaft
74. The third shaft 74 has two third transmission gears 75 on two
ends thereof. The second motor 71 is connected to the second
reduction unit 72 which is connected with the second worm rod 73.
The second worm rod 73 is connected to one of the two third
transmission gears 75. The third shaft 74 extends through the base
2 and is connected to the rotary disk 4. The other third
transmission gear 75 of the third shaft 74 is connected to the
rotary gear 41 so that the rotary disk 4 is rotatable about the
central axle 1.
[0040] A tracking unit 8 is electrically connected to the first
motor 61 of the first driving unit 6 and the second motor 71 of the
second driving unit 7. The tracking unit 8 is a passive tracking
data base which stores the track information of the sun of
different areas. The passive tracking data base may include a GPS
system and updates the tracks of the sun. The GPS system set the
correct position of the device and directly tracks the sun so that
the users do not need to input the coordinates of the device when
the device is moved to different positions. Alternatively, the
tracking unit 8 is an active tracking sensor which receives the sun
light and tracks the sun. The tracking unit 8 controls the output
of the first and second motors 61, 71 according to the position of
the sun to ensure that the lens 51 aims at the sun.
[0041] Two solar panels 9 are respectively connected to the first
and second shafts 525, 527. The two solar panels 9 are electrically
connected to the first and second motors 61, 71 so that the device
is self-powered.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 8, the tracking unit 8 controls the
output of the first and second motors 61, 71 according to the
position of the sun to ensure that the lens 51 aims at the sun.
Because the sun moves slowly, so that the outputs from the first
and second driving units 61, 71 are adjusted by the first and
second reduction units 62, 72, the first and second worm rods 63,
73 then transfer directions of the reduced outputs to the first
transmission gear 526 which delivers the power to the first post
521. The end gear 524 sends the output to the second post 522 via
the second transmission gear 528. Therefore, the lens 51 moves by
the first and second posts 521, 522. The third transmission gear 75
delivers the output to the rotary disk 4 and the rollers 42 assist
the rotary disk 4 to rotate smoothly so that the energy of the sun
is focused to the heating unit 3. By the operation of the rotary
disk 4 and the frame 52, the lens 51 has two degrees of freedom,
when cooperated with the top space, the lens 51 can be moved in
three dimensions and always aims at the sun to have the maximum
result. The electric power of the first and second motors 61, 71
are from the solar panel 9 so that the device can be self-powered.
Preferably, a battery (not shown) is connected with the solar panel
9 to save the electric power.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 9, when the device is not in use in the
night or in severe weather conditions, a cover 10 is used to mount
to the auto-focusing device to protect the lens 51 and other
parts.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 10, the multiple auto-focusing devices "A"
for solar heat energy power generators are connected to a power
plant "A1" so as to generate significant clean electric power. The
multiple auto-focusing devices "A" for solar heat energy power
generators are arranged in matrix form so as to easily manage and
save space.
[0045] While we have shown and described the embodiment in
accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those
skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *