CN102150282A - Solar collector assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods for installing, deploying, testing, operating and managing solar concentrators. The present invention discloses mechanisms for evaluating the performance and quality of solar collectors by emitting modulated laser radiation onto (or near) the location of a photovoltaic (PV) cell. The present invention discloses positioning two receivers at two distances from a source (eg, a solar collector or disk). These receivers are used to collect light that can be compared to a standard or other threshold to diagnose the quality of the collector. The receivers include photovoltaic (PV) modules for energy conversion or modules for thermal energy harvesting. The PV cells in a PV module can be positioned in various configurations to maximize current output. In addition, the thermal regulation assembly removes heat from the PV cells and other hot spots to maintain temperature gradients within predetermined levels.

Description

solar collector assembly

Related Application Cross Reference

This application claims benefit to the following patent applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/078,038, filed July 3, 2008, and entitled "SOLAR CONCENTRATOR TESTING"; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/078,256, filed July 3 and titled "POLAR MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR," filed July 3, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/077,991, titled "SUN POSITION TRACKING"; U.S., filed July 3, 2008, and titled "PLACEMENT OF A SOLARCOLLECTOR" Patent Application No. 61/077,998; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/078,245, filed July 3, 2008, and entitled "MASS PRODUCIBLE SOLARCOLLECTOR"; filed in 2008 U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/078,029, filed July 3, 2008, and titled "SOLAR CONCENTRATORS WITH TEMPERATURE REGULATION"; filed July 3, 2008, and titled " U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 6I/078,259 for LIGHT BEAM PATTERNAND PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENTS LAYOUT; US filed June 30, 2009 and titled "SUN POSITION TRACKING" Patent Application No. 12/495,303; U.S. Patent Application No. 12/495,164, filed June 30, 2009, and entitled "PLACEMENT OF A SOLAR COLLECTOR"; filed June 2009 U.S. Patent Application No. 12/495,398, filed June 30, and titled "MASS PRODUCIBLE SOLAR COLLECTOR"; filed June 30, 2009, and titled "Having Temperature U.S. Patent Application No. 12/495,136 for "SOLAR CONCENTRATORS WITH TEMPERATURE REGULATION"; in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/496,034, filed July 1, 2009, and titled "POLAR MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SOLAR CONCENTRATOR"; filed July 1, 2009 U.S. Patent Application No. 12/496,150, and titled "SOLAR CONCENTRATOR TESTING"; and filed July 1, 2009, and titled "LIGHT BEAM PATTERN AND PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENT LAYOUT" PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENTSLAYOUT)" U.S. Patent Application No. 12/496,541. The entire content of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

Background technique

Limited fossil energy supplies and their associated global environmental damage have forced market forces to diversify energy sources and related technologies. One such energy source that has received significant attention is solar energy, which uses photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert light into electricity. Typically, PV production doubles every two years, with an average annual growth rate of 48% since 2002, making it the fastest growing energy technology in the world. As of mid-2008, estimates of cumulative global solar production capacity remain at least 12,400 megawatts. Approximately 90% of this generation capacity consists of grid-connected power systems, where installations can be ground-mounted or built on roofs or walls of buildings, known as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

Furthermore, significant technological advances have been made in the design and production of solar panels, which are further accompanied by increases in effectiveness and reductions in manufacturing costs. In general, the major cost element involved in setting up a large-scale solar collection system is the cost of the support structure used to mount the array's solar panels in the proper location for receiving and converting solar energy. Other complications in such arrangements relate to efficient operation of the PV elements.

PV elements for converting light into electrical energy are often used as solar cells as low-power power sources in consumer-oriented products (eg, desktop calculators, watches, etc.). Such systems are attracting increasing attention due to their practicality as future energy alternatives to fossil fuels. In general, a PV element is a photovoltaic power (photovoltaic) element using a p-n junction, a Schottky junction, or a semiconductor, in which a silicon semiconductor absorbs light to generate photocarriers, such as electrons and holes, and the The photocarriers drift to the outside due to the internal electric field of the p-n junction part.

A common PV element is produced using monocrystalline silicon and semiconductor technology. For example, the crystal growth process produces a single crystal of silicon of controlled valence, either p-type or n-type, where this single crystal is then diced into silicon wafers to achieve desired thicknesses. In addition, p-n junctions can be prepared by forming layers of different conductivity types (eg, diffusion of valence control species to a conductivity type opposite to that of the wafer).

In addition to consumer-facing products, solar harvesting systems are employed for various purposes, such as utility-interactive power systems, power supplies for remote or unmanned locations, and cellular telephone switching location power supplies, among others . An array of energy conversion modules (e.g., PV modules) in a solar collection system can have a power from a few kilowatts to a hundred kilowatts or more, depending on the size of the PV modules (also called solar panels) used to form the array. number. The solar panels can be installed anywhere that is exposed to the sun for most of the day.

Typically, a solar collection system includes an array of solar panels arranged in rows and mounted on a support structure. Such solar panels can be oriented to optimize solar panel energy output to suit specific solar collection system design requirements. The solar panels can be mounted on a fixed structure in a fixed orientation and fixed tilt, or can be mounted on a tracking structure that transfers the solar energy as the sun moves across the sky during the day and as the sun moves across the sky throughout the year. The panels are aligned towards the sun.

However, controlling the temperature of photovoltaic cells remains critical to the operation of such systems, and associated scalability remains a challenging task. Common approximations lead to the conclusion that PV cells typically lose about 0.3% of their power per 1 °C rise.

Solar energy technology is typically implemented in a series of solar (photovoltaic) cells or panels that receive sunlight and convert it into electricity, which can then be fed into the power grid. Significant advances have been made in the design and production of solar panels that have effectively increased efficiency while reducing their manufacturing costs. As more efficient solar cells are developed, the size of the cells decreases, leading to a substantial increase in the adoption of solar panels to provide competing renewable energy to replace dwindling and highly demanded non-renewable sources. To this end, solar energy harvesting systems can be deployed to feed solar energy into the electricity grid.

Typically, a solar collection system includes an array of solar panels arranged in rows and mounted on a support structure. Such solar panels can be oriented to optimize solar panel energy output to suit specific solar collection system design requirements. Solar panels can be mounted on a fixed structure with a fixed orientation and fixed tilt, or can be mounted on a mobile structure to align the solar panels towards the sun, as properly orienting the panels to receive maximum solar radiation will result in increased energy production. Some automated tracking systems have been developed to point the panel toward the sun based solely on time and date, as the sun's position can be predicted to some extent from these measurements; however, this does not provide optimal alignment as the sun's position can be determined from its The calculation position changes finely. Other methods include sensing light and aligning the solar panel towards the light accordingly. These techniques typically employ a shadow mask such that when the sun is on the axis of the detector, the shaded area of the cell is equal in size to the directly illuminated area. However, such techniques detect light generated from many sources other than direct sunlight, such as reflections from clouds, laser light, and the like.

For systems that concentrate light in receivers with photovoltaic cells for power generation or heat collection, parabolic reflectors are used to achieve light concentration techniques. Parabolic reflectors are sometimes manufactured (formed in one or two dimensions) by pre-forming or molding glass, plastic or metal into a parabolic shape, which can be expensive. An alternative is to form a half-parabolic reflector attached to a frame made of bent aluminum tubing or other similar structure. In these and other conventional designs, the complexity of the structure limits the ease of mass production and assembly of the designs into solar collectors. In many cases, a crane is required to assemble the structure, and the assembly is therefore costly. Also, in the field, alignment of the mirrors can be difficult. Furthermore, the assembly itself can be difficult to maintain and repair.

Parabolic reflectors are often used to achieve light concentration. To generate electricity or heat, parabolic reflectors typically focus light into a focal area or trajectory that can be localized (eg, focal point) or extended (eg, focal line). However, most reflector designs have substantial structural complexity that hinders large-scale manufacturability and ease of assembling the designs into solar collectors for energy conversion. Furthermore, structural complexity often complicates the alignment of reflective elements (eg, mirrors) and the installation and repair or maintenance of deployed concentrators.

Contents of the invention

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises in one of its aspects a system (and corresponding method) for testing, evaluating and diagnosing the quality of solar concentrator optics. In essence, the present invention discloses a mechanism for evaluating the performance and quality of solar collectors by emitting modulated laser radiation onto (or near) the location of a photovoltaic (PV) cell. In one example, this emission will be at (or approximately close to) the focus of the parabola of a true parabolic reflector.

The present invention discloses positioning two receivers at two distances from a source (eg, solar collector or disk). These receivers are used to collect modulated light that can be compared to a standard or other threshold. In other words, the intensity of the received light may be compared to an industry standard or some other preprogrammed or inferred value. Accordingly, performance-related conclusions can be drawn from the results of the comparison.

In other aspects, the performance of the optics may be adjusted if desired to enhance the results observed by the receiver. For example, mechanical mechanisms (eg, motors and controllers) can be employed to automatically "tune" or "fine-tune" the collector (or a subset of the collectors) in order to achieve acceptable or desired performance.

Conventional methods of installing solar arrays in solar collection systems involve mounting the arrays offset from a support structure. However, during tracking of the sun by the array, more powerful motors may be used to overcome the effect of the displaced center of gravity of the array, thus reducing the efficiency of the system.

With the disclosed subject matter, an array is disclosed such that the array is mounted in the plane of a support structure, allowing the center of gravity of the array to be maintained about the axis of the support structure. Smaller motors can be utilized to position the array compared to conventional systems since the effect of the displaced center of gravity is minimized. In addition, the array can be rotated about the support structure, allowing the array to be placed in a safe position to prevent damage to the components making up the array, such as photovoltaic cells, mirrors, and the like. The arrays can also be positioned to facilitate ease of maintenance and installation.

Provides a sun-tracking location that detects direct sunlight better than other light sources. In this regard, solar cells can be focused substantially directly on sunlight producing high energy efficiency. In particular, light analyzers can co-operate within a heliostat, where each analyzer can receive one of a plurality of light sources. A resulting light signal from the analyzer can be generated and compared to determine whether the light is direct sunlight; in this regard, sources determined not to be direct sunlight can be ignored. In one example, the optical analyzer may include polarizers, spectral filters, ball lenses, and/or quadrant cells for this purpose. Furthermore, for example, an amplifier may be provided to deliver the resulting optical signal for its processing.

According to an example, multiple light analyzers may be deployed in a given heliotracer. For example, the polarizer of the light analyzer can be utilized to ensure substantial unpolarization of the original light source (as is the case with direct sunlight). In an example, the optical analyzer's spectral filter can be utilized to block certain wavelengths of light, allowing a range to be exploited by sunlight. Additionally, ball lens and quadrant cell configurations can be utilized to determine the collimation properties of light to further identify direct sunlight and to correct the alignment of the axes to receive substantial amounts of direct sunlight. Among other things, the resulting light signals from each light analyzer can be collected and compared to determine whether the light source is direct sunlight. In one example where the light is determined to be direct sunlight, the position of the solar panel can be automatically adjusted based on the light passing through the ball lens and on the quadrant unit so that the sunlight is optimally aligned with the axis of the quadrant unit .

In normal operation, the solar concentrator can be positioned by using an encoder. The encoder can be programmed based on an estimate of solar position by time and date; time and date can be collected and the proper location of the concentrator can be determined based on the collected information. However, if the solar concentrator configuration is moved intentionally, the movement occurs due to a natural event, etc., the encoder may become less accurate without reprogramming.

With the disclosed invention, a measure of the force exerted on a solar concentrator relative to gravity can be calculated and used to position the solar concentrator. A comparison can be made between the measurement and a desired value to determine where to place the solar concentrator. Accordingly, instructions to move the receiver may be generated and communicated to the motor system. Regarding one embodiment, an inclinometer can be securely attached to the solar disk so that the angle at which the disk is pointed relative to gravity can be measured.

Furthermore, various aspects are described in connection with simplifying the production, transportation, assembly, and maintenance of solar collectors. The disclosed aspects relate to an inexpensive and simplified way of producing solar collectors and easily assembled solar collector assemblies. Furthermore, aspects disclosed herein allow for inexpensive transportation of large numbers of pucks (eg, solar assemblies) in a modular and/or partially assembled state.

One or more aspects relate to the manner in which the mirror is formed into a parabolic shape, held in place, and assembled. Spacing is maintained between the mirror vane assemblies to mitigate the effect that wind forces may have on the collector during periods of high wind (eg, storm). The mirror wing assembly may be mounted to the backbone in a manner that allows some flexibility so that the unit moves slightly in response to wind forces. However, the unit remains rigid to maintain the focus of sunlight on the receiver. According to some aspects, the mirror wing assembly may be arranged in a slot design. Furthermore, the positioning of the pole mount at or near the center of gravity allows the collector to be moved for maintenance, storage, etc.

Another aspect of the invention provides a solar concentrator system having a heat regulating assembly that regulates (eg, in real time) heat dissipation therefrom. Such a solar concentrator system may include a modular arrangement of photovoltaic (PV) cells, wherein the thermal regulation assembly may remove generated heat from hot spot areas to maintain the temperature gradient of the modular arrangement of PV cells at within the predetermined level. In one aspect, such a heat regulating assembly may take the form of a heat sink arrangement comprising a plurality of heat sinks to be surface mounted to the backside of said modular arrangement of photovoltaic cells, wherein each heat sink may further comprise A plurality of fins extending generally perpendicular to the backside. The fins can enlarge the surface area of the heat sink to increase contact with a cooling medium (e.g., air, cooling fluid such as water) used to dissipate heat from the fins and/or photovoltaic cells heat. Thus, heat from the photovoltaic cells can be conducted via the heat sink and into the surrounding cooling medium. Furthermore, the heat sink may have a substantially small form factor relative to the photovoltaic cells to enable efficient distribution across the backside of the modular arrangement of photovoltaic cells. In one aspect, heat from the photovoltaic cell may be conducted to the heat sink via a thermally conductive path (eg, a metal layer) to mitigate direct physical or thermal conduction of the heat sink to the photovoltaic cell. This arrangement provides a scalable solution for proper operation of PV modular arrangements.

In a related aspect, the heat sinks can be positioned in various planar or three-dimensional arrangements in order to monitor, regulate, and generally manage the flow of heat away from the photovoltaic cell. In addition, each heat sink can further employ a thermal/electrical structure that can have a spiral, twist, spiral, labyrinth shape, or a denser pattern distribution of lines in one section and a relatively less dense pattern of lines in other sections. Other structural shapes with dense pattern distribution. For example, one portion of such a structure may be formed from a material that provides relatively high isotropic conductivity and another portion may be formed from a material that provides high thermal conductivity in another direction. Accordingly, each thermal/electrical structure of the thermal conditioning assembly provides a thermally conductive path that can dissipate heat from hot spots and into the various thermally conductive layers or associated heat sinks of the thermal conditioning device.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a thermal conditioning device having a base or support plate that can maintain direct contact with hot spots of a modular photovoltaic arrangement. The base plate may comprise a heat promotion section and a main base plate section. The heat promoting section facilitates the transfer of heat between the modular photovoltaic arrangement and the thermal conditioning device. The main base plate section may further include an internally embedded thermal structure. This permits the heat generated from the photovoltaic cells to diffuse or spread initially through the entire main base plate section and then into a thermal structure extension assembly, where such extension assembly may be connected to a heat sink.

According to yet another aspect, thermal structural assemblies may be connected to form a network, wherein operation thereof is controlled by a controller. In response to data collected from the system (e.g., sensors, thermal/electrical structure assemblies, etc.), the controller determines the amount and rate at which cooling medium is released to interact with the thermal structure (e.g., to carry away from the photovoltaic cell heat in order to eliminate hot spots and achieve a more uniform temperature gradient in the modular arrangement of photovoltaic cells). For example, based on the measurements collected, the microprocessor regulates the operation of the valves to maintain the temperature within a predetermined range (eg, water supplied from a water reservoir to act as a coolant flows through the PV cells). Additionally, the system can incorporate various sensors to assess proper operation (eg, system health) and diagnose problems for quick repair. In one aspect, immediately after exiting the thermal conditioning device and/or photovoltaic cells, the coolant can enter a Venturi tube, where a pressure sensor enables its flow to be measured. This further enables verification of flow settings, coolant amounts, flow obstructions, etc. through the microprocessor of the control system.

In a related aspect, the solar concentrator system may further comprise solar thermals - wherein the heat regulating assembly of the present invention may also be implemented as part of such a hybrid system generating both electrical and thermal energy to facilitate optimization energy output. In other words, the thermal energy accumulated in the medium used to cool the PV cells during their cooling process can then be used as a preheated medium or for heat generation (e.g. supply to consumers - e.g. heat loads ). The controller of the present invention can also actively manage (eg, in real time) the trade-off between thermal energy and PV efficiency, where a control network of valves can regulate the flow of coolant medium through each solar concentrator. The heat regulating assembly may take the form of a network of conduits, such as lines for conducting a cooling medium (eg, pressurized and/or free flowing) throughout the solar concentrator grid. The control assembly can adjust (eg, automatically) the operation of the valves based on sensor data (eg, measurements of temperature, pressure, flow, fluid velocity, etc. throughout the system).

Furthermore, the present invention provides systems and methods for assembling and utilizing low-cost, mass-producible parabolic reflectors in solar concentrators for energy conversion. Parabolic reflectors are assembled by starting with a flat reflective material that is bent into a parabolic or through shape via a set of support ribs attached in support beams. The parabolic reflectors are mounted on a support frame in individual panels or arrays to form parabolic solar concentrators. Each parabolic reflector focuses light in a pattern of line segments. The beam pattern focused on the receiver via the parabolic solar concentrator can be optimized for predetermined performance. The receiver is attached to the support frame, opposite the array of parabolic reflectors, and includes a photovoltaic (PV) module and a heat harvesting element or assembly. To increase or maintain the desired performance of the parabolic solar concentrator, the PV module may be configured with a sufficient arrangement of PV cells that are monolithic, for example, and exhibit preferential orientation, to advantageously utilize beam pattern optimization, regardless of irregularities in the pattern.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the invention are described herein in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention can be employed and the invention is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

1 illustrates an example block diagram of a system that facilitates testing, evaluation, and diagnostics of solar collector performance according to an aspect of the invention.

2 illustrates an example alternative block diagram of a system that facilitates testing, evaluation, and diagnostics of solar collector performance in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

3 illustrates an example flow diagram of a procedure that facilitates testing, evaluating, and diagnosing solar collector performance according to an aspect of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to execute the disclosed architecture.

5 illustrates a representative configuration of an energy harvester aligned with an energy source according to an aspect of the present specification.

Figure 6 illustrates the changing position of the sun relative to the earth in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

Figure 7 illustrates the variation in declination angle of the sun relative to the Earth over the course of a year in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

Figure 8 illustrates a solar array according to an aspect of the present specification.

Figure 9 illustrates a solar array according to an aspect of the present specification.

10 illustrates a representative system into which a solar array may be incorporated according to an aspect of the present specification.

11 illustrates an assembly for connecting and aligning a pole mount solar array in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

12 illustrates an assembly that facilitates tilting a solar array in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

13 illustrates a prior art system that displays the center of gravity of displacement of an array relative to a support, according to an aspect of the present specification.

14 illustrates a solar array in a safe position according to an aspect of the present specification.

15 illustrates a solar array in a position for safety, maintenance, installation, etc. in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

16 illustrates a representative method for constructing, installing, and positioning a solar array in accordance with one aspect of the present specification.

17 illustrates a representative method for positioning a solar array in a safe location according to an aspect of the present specification.

18 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system that facilitates tracking and locating devices in direct sunlight.

19 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system that facilitates tracking the position of the sun.

20 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system that facilitates tracking the sun and properly positioning solar cells.

21 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary system for remotely locating solar cells based on sun position tracking.

22 illustrates an exemplary system that facilitates optimal alignment of solar cells based on direct sunlight position.

23 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for determining the polarization of a light source.

24 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for determining whether a light source is direct sunlight.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for positioning solar cells to optimally receive direct sunlight.

26 illustrates a representative configuration of an energy harvester aligned with an energy source according to an aspect of the present specification.

27 illustrates a representative system for comparing desired energy harvester locations against actual locations in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

28 illustrates a representative system for aligning an energy harvester relative to gravity in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

29 illustrates a representative system for aligning gravity-determining entities in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

FIG. 30 illustrates a representative system for comparing desired energy harvester locations against actual locations by detailed acquisition components in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

31 illustrates a representative system for comparing desired energy harvester locations against actual locations by a detailed evaluation component in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

32 illustrates a representative energy harvesting evaluation method according to an aspect of the present specification.

33 illustrates a representative method for performing gravity-based analysis with respect to energy harvesting in accordance with an aspect of the present specification.

34 illustrates a simplified solar panel assembly as compared to a conventional solar collector assembly, according to one aspect.

35 illustrates another view of the solar panel assembly of FIG. 34 according to an aspect.

36 illustrates an example schematic representation of a portion of a solar panel assembly with mirrors in a partially unsafe position according to an aspect.

37 illustrates an example schematic representation of a portion of a solar wing assembly with mirrors in a safe position according to an aspect.

38 illustrates another example schematic representation of a portion of a solar panel assembly according to an aspect.

FIG. 39 illustrates a backbone structure for a solar collector assembly according to one aspect of the disclosure.

40 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar wing assembly and brackets that may be used to attach the solar wing assembly to the backbone structure, according to an aspect.

41 illustrates a schematic representation of example focal lengths representative of the arrangement of solar wing assemblies to the backbone structure, according to an aspect.

42 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collection assembly utilizing four arrays comprising several solar wing assemblies according to an aspect.

FIG. 43 illustrates a simplified pole mount that may be used with the disclosed aspects.

44 illustrates an example motor gear arrangement that may be used to control rotation of a solar collector assembly according to an aspect.

45 illustrates another example motor gear arrangement that may be used for rotation control according to an aspect.

FIG. 46 illustrates a pole mounting bar that may be used with the disclosed aspects.

Figure 47 illustrates another example of a pole mounting bar that may be used with various aspects.

Figure 48 illustrates a view of the first end of the pole mounting rod.

Figure 49 illustrates a fully assembled solar collector assembly in operating conditions according to an aspect.

Figure 50 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collector assembly in a tilted position according to an aspect.

51 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collector assembly rotated at an orientation substantially different from operating conditions according to aspects.

52 illustrates a solar collector assembly rotated and lowered according to various aspects presented herein.

Figure 53 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collector assembly in a lowered position according to an aspect.

Fig. 54 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar collector assembly in a lowermost position, which may be a storage position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 55 illustrates another solar collection assembly that may be used with the disclosed aspects.

FIG. 56 illustrates an example receiver that may be used with the disclosed aspects.

57 illustrates an alternate view of the example receiver illustrated in FIG. 56 according to an aspect.

Figure 58 illustrates a method for mass production of solar collectors according to one or more aspects.

59 illustrates a method for erecting a solar collector assembly according to one aspect.

60 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a cross-sectional view of a thermal conditioning device dissipating heat from a modular arrangement of photovoltaic (PV) cells according to an aspect of the invention.

Figure 61 illustrates a schematic perspective view of an assembly layout employing a modular arrangement of PV cells in the form of a PV grid according to an aspect of the invention.

Figure 62 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a heat regulation system according to yet another aspect of the invention.

Figure 63 illustrates an exemplary temperature grid pattern for monitoring a PV grid assembly according to an aspect of the invention.

Figure 64 is a representative table of temperature amplitudes taken at various grid blocks according to yet another aspect of the present invention.

65 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the temperature of a photovoltaic grid assembly according to certain aspects of the invention.

Figure 66 illustrates a related method of dissipating heat from a PV cell according to an aspect of the invention.

Figure 67 illustrates other methods for heat dissipation of a PV grid assembly according to an aspect of the invention.

Figure 68 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system employing a fluid as a cooling medium in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Figure 69 illustrates an exemplary solar grid arrangement employing a thermal regulating assembly according to yet another aspect of the invention.

Figure 70 illustrates a related method for operation of a thermal regulation assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

71A and 71B illustrate, respectively, an example parabolic solar concentrator and a diagram of a focused light beam in accordance with aspects disclosed in this application.

72 illustrates an example constructed reflector, referred to herein as a solar panel assembly, according to aspects described herein.

73A and 73B illustrate the location of main support beams that make up the attachment of a solar reflector into a solar concentrator according to aspects described herein.

74A-74B illustrate example single receiver configurations and example dual receiver arrangements, respectively, in accordance with aspects described herein.

FIG. 75 illustrates "bow-tie" distortion of a collected light beam focused on a receiver according to aspects described herein.

76 is a graph of typical slight distortions that may be corrected prior to deployment of a solar concentrator or may be adjusted during a scheduled maintenance session in accordance with aspects disclosed herein.

77 illustrates a graph of an adjusted focused beam pattern according to an aspect.

78 is a diagram of a receiver in a solar collector for energy conversion according to aspects described herein.

79A-79B illustrate diagrams of receivers according to aspects described herein.

Figure 80 is a reproduction of a beam pattern focused on a receiver according to aspects described herein.

81A-81B show example embodiments of PV modules according to aspects described herein.

Figure 82 shows an embodiment of a channelized heat collector that may be mechanically coupled to a PV module to extract heat therefrom in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

83A-83C illustrate example scenarios of illumination of active PV elements by sunlight harvesting through parabolic solar concentrators according to aspects described herein.

84 is a plot of a computer simulation of a beam profile of a parabolic concentrator according to aspects disclosed herein.

85A-85C illustrate examples of cluster configurations of PV cells according to aspects described herein.

86A-86B illustrate two example cluster configurations of PV cells that enable passive correction of changes in focused beam light patterns according to aspects described herein. Figure 86C shows an example configuration for collection of generated current according to aspects described herein.

87 is a block diagram of an example tracking system that enables adjustment of the position of a solar collector or its reflector panels to maximize a performance metric of the solar collector according to aspects described herein.

88A-88B represent disparate views of embodiments of solar receivers utilizing broad collectors according to aspects described herein.

FIG. 89 shows an example alternative or additional embodiment of a solar receiver utilizing broad collectors according to aspects described herein.

Figure 90 illustrates a ray tracing simulation of light incident on the surface of a PV module due to multiple reflections on the inner surface of a reflective guide in a broad-collector receiver.

Figure 91 presents a simulated image of light collected at a PV module in a broad-collector receiver with reflective guides attached thereto.

92 presents a flowchart of an example method for utilizing a parabolic reflector to concentrate light for energy conversion according to aspects described herein.

93 is a flowchart of an example method for adjusting the position of a solar concentrator to achieve a predetermined performance according to aspects described herein.

Detailed ways

The present invention is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the present invention.

As used in this application, the terms "component", "system", "module", "interface", "platform", "layer", "node", "selector" are intended to refer to computer-related entities, which may be Hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or may be software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a server and the server can be components. One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may, for example, interact with another component in a local system, in a distributed system, and/or communicate with other systems via the The data of interacting components) signals are communicated via local and/or remote processes. As another example, an assembly may be a device having specific functionality provided by mechanical components operated by electrical or electronic circuitry operated by a software or firmware application executed by a processor, Wherein the processor may be internal to the device or external to the device and execute at least a portion of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component may be a device that provides certain functionality without mechanical parts through an electronic component that may include a processor therein to execute software or software that at least partially imparts the functionality of the electronic component. firmware. As yet another example, an interface may include input/output (I/O) components and associated processor, application, or application programming interface (API) components.

Additionally, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the stated naturally inclusive permutations, unless otherwise specified or apparent from the context. That is, if X employs A, X employs B, or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the above instances. Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this specification and drawings should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or obvious from the context to refer to the singular.

The term "infer" or "inference" as used herein generally refers to the process of inferring or inferring the state of a system, environment and/or user from a set of observations captured through events and/or data. For example, inference can be used to identify a particular context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over states. The inference can be probabilistic—that is, computing a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are related in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come from one or several events and data sources.

Much of the capital cost required to generate solar power is in the silicon used in photovoltaic (PV) cells, or photovoltaic pools. However, now that suitable photovoltaic cells are available that operate at 1000 sun concentration, this cost can be reduced by concentrating sunlight on a relatively small area of silicon. To do this successfully, reflective materials (eg, mirrors) must behave really well.

In most applications this requirement is even more stringent since the aggregator is most often assembled on site. Accordingly, the present invention discloses methods and devices (components) that may permit rapid assessment of the quality of concentrator optics and also provide diagnostics in case of unacceptable performance. Additionally, the present invention enables tuning of concentrators to achieve optimal or acceptable performance criteria.

Referring first to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 employing a solar concentrator testing system 102 . In operation, the test system 102 is capable of evaluating or evaluating the performance of the solar concentrator or portion thereof, as illustrated. It will be appreciated that the test system may be employed to evaluate individual reflectors (eg, parabolic reflectors) as well as troughs of reflectors (eg, parabolicly arranged around PV cells).

In general, in several aspects, the test system 102 launches modulated light onto a reflector and employs a receiver to measure and evaluate the reflected light. This received modulated light can be compared against a standard or other threshold (eg, baseline, program) to establish whether performance is acceptable or/or if tuning or other modification is required. The functionality and benefits of the test system 102 will be better understood after reviewing FIG. 2 below.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , an alternate block diagram of a solar concentrator testing system 102 is shown. In general, the test system 102 may include a laser transmitter component 202 , receiver components 204 , 206 and a processor component 208 . Together these subassemblies (202 to 208) facilitate the evaluation of the solar concentrator.

Laser emitter assembly 202 is capable of emitting modulated laser radiation near where the PV cell will be located. For example, in the case of a true parabolic reflector, this location would be at the focus of the parabola. In the case of a trough of a reflector, the location will be at (or near) the centerline focus of the concentrator. In other words, when multiple reflectors are arranged on a trough in the shape of a parabola, the location will be at or near the centerline focus of the collecting parabola. It should be understood that while a laser emitter assembly 202 is provided, other suitable light sources (not shown) may be employed in other aspects. Such alternative aspects are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and the claims appended hereto.

As illustrated, for example, two receivers 204, 206 may be arranged at different distances from the puck (or reflector). In several examples, the receiver may be temporarily attached to the bases of two other pucks in the solar puck array. Both the receivers 204 , 206 as well as the puck itself may be communicatively coupled to the processor assembly 208 . In one example, processor component 208 may be a laptop or notebook computing device capable of processing received data and signals. In other examples, processor component 208 may be a smartphone, pocket computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like.

The processor component 208 can command the disk to scan, thereby collecting data associated with the emitted modulated radiation. Similarly, the receivers (204, 206) may collect data associated with the emitted modulated radiation. Processor component 208 may then construct two signal strength surfaces at two distances from the puck. These signal intensities can be compared to standard (or otherwise programmed) specifications by which the quality of the concentrator collection optics is determined.

Figure 3 illustrates a method of testing a solar concentrator according to one aspect of the invention. Although one or more methodologies herein, for example, shown in flowchart form, have been shown and described as a series of acts for purposes of simplicity of explanation, it is to be understood and appreciated that the invention is not limited to the order of acts. As in accordance with the invention, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts than shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodology can also be represented as a series of interrelated states or events (eg, in a state diagram). Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the invention.

As noted above, the present invention employs only simple and compact laser emitters (eg, 202 of FIG. 2 ) and detectors (eg, receivers 204 , 206 of FIG. 2 ) that can be easily positioned at known locations. Movement can be accomplished by the disk itself using its declination and right ascension axis motors to scan the disk back and forth to allow a pattern to be constructed in a computer (eg, processor 208 of FIG. 2 ). Using modulated laser light (eg, laser emitter assembly 202 of FIG. 2 ) may allow for preventing ambient light sources from affecting test results. Furthermore, it should be understood that modulation allows sensitive detection of low light levels. Furthermore, the test is automatic in nature and does not require highly trained personnel.

If light is detected where it should not be, the system in diagnostic mode (100 of Figures 1 and 2) can automatically cause the puck to move to the position where this light is detected. By being positioned at the detectors (eg, receivers 204, 206 of FIG. 2), the operator can visually see where the light is coming from, indicating which structural parts require adjustment. Alternatively, automated diagnostics can be performed to enable tuning or tuning.

Referring now to the method of FIG. 3, at 302, modulated laser radiation is emitted onto a concentrator. The present invention provides for mounting a member or device emitting modulated laser radiation near where a photovoltaic cell would normally be located. In one example, for a true parabolic reflector this would be at the focus of the parabola. In an alternative concentrator arrangement (e.g., where the concentrator is effectively a batch reflector arranged parabolicly around the photovoltaic cell), the laser can be placed at the center of the concentrator's line focus at or near it.

The modulated reflected light may be received at 304, 406 at two disparate positions or distances from the reflector surface. Here, two receivers optimized for receiving modulated light can be arranged at two distances from the puck. For example, these receivers may be attached (eg, temporarily attached) to the bases of two other pucks in a solar puck array. Although aspects described herein employ two receivers (e.g., 204, 206 of FIG. 2), it should be understood that alternative aspects may employ one or more receivers without departing from this disclosure and its accompanying Scope of the claims. Also, while the described aspect locates the detectors (204, 206 of FIG. 2 ) at disparate distances, it should be understood that all or a subset of the receivers may be located at equal distances. place. Such alternative aspects are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and the claims appended hereto.

It should be understood that the receiver and the puck itself may be in communication with another device, for example a processor, such as a laptop computer. This processor device may command the disk (or concentrator) to scan at 308 and at 310 the receiver reports the strength of the signal it receives from the laser. This allows the laptop to construct two signal strength surfaces at two distances from the puck. These signal strength surfaces can be compared to standard specifications at 312 and the quality of the concentrator collection optics can be judged or determined at 314 .

As noted above, this information may additionally be employed as needed or appropriate to diagnose and/or tune the aggregator. Although these acts are not illustrated in FIG. 3, it should be understood that these features, functions and benefits will be included within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to execute the disclosed architecture. To provide additional context for the various aspects of the invention, FIG. 4 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment 400 in which various aspects of the invention may be implemented. Although the invention has been described above in the general context of computer-executable instructions that run on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can also be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or Implemented as a combination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods of the present invention may be practiced using other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multi-processor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe and personal computers, handheld computing devices, microprocessor-based A processor or a programmable consumer electronics device, etc., each of which may be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain 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 memory storage devices.

Computers typically include various computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. 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 media, removable media 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. both media. Computer storage media including, but not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disk storage device, magnetic cartridge, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage device or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by a computer.

Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other data in other transport mechanisms and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal whose one or more characteristics are set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes 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 any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Referring again to FIG. 4 , an exemplary environment 400 for implementing various aspects of the invention includes a computer 402 including a processing unit 404 , a system memory 406 and a system bus 408 . System bus 408 couples system components, including but not limited to system memory 406 , to processing unit 404 . The processing unit 404 may be any of a variety of commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures can also be used as the processing unit 404 .

The system bus 408 can be one of several bus structure types that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. any kind. System memory 406 includes read only memory (ROM) 410 and random access memory (RAM) 412 . Stored in non-volatile memory 410 (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM) is a basic input/output system (BIOS), which contains functions that help transfer information between elements within computer 402 (e.g., during startup). Basic routine. RAM 412 may also include high-speed RAM, such as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further includes: an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which may also be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown); a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 416 (e.g., to read from or write to removable disk 418); read from or write to said mass optical media). Hard disk drive 414, magnetic disk drive 416, and optical disk drive 420 may be connected to system bus 408 by hard disk drive interface 424, magnetic disk drive interface 426, and optical drive interface 428, respectively. Interface 424 for external drive implementations includes at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394 interface technologies. Other external drive connection techniques are contemplated within the present invention.

The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and the like. For the computer 402, the drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format. Although the above description of computer-readable media refers to HDDs, removable magnetic disks, and removable optical media, such as CDs or DVDs, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of media that can be read by a computer, such as , zip drives, magnetic cartridges, flash memory cards, cassettes, etc.) may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and further any such media may contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods of the present invention.

A number of program modules may be stored in the drives and RAM 412, including an operating system 430, one or more application programs 432, other program modules 434, and program data 436. All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules, and/or data may also be cached in RAM 412. It should be understood that the present invention can be implemented with various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

A user may type commands and information into computer 402 via one or more wired/wireless input devices (eg, keyboard 438 ) and pointing devices (eg, mouse 440 ). Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, IR remote control, joystick, game pad, stylus, touch screen, and the like. These and other input devices are typically connected to the processing unit 404 via an input device interface 442 coupled to the system bus 408, but may be connected by other interfaces, such as parallel ports, IEEE 1394 serial ports, game ports, USB ports, IR interfaces, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device is also connected to system bus 408 via an interface (eg, video adapter 446 ). In addition to monitor 444, computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, and the like.

Computer 402 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or more remote computers (eg, remote computer 448). Remote computer 448 may be a workstation, server computer, router, personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, peer-to-peer device, or other common network node, and typically includes many or more of the elements described with respect to computer 402. All, but only memory/storage 450 is illustrated for the sake of brevity. Logical connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/or a larger network such as a wide area network (WAN) 454 . Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and companies and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all connectable to an overall communications network, such as the Internet.

When used in a LAN networked environment, the computer 402 is connected to a local area network 452 via a wired and/or wireless communication network interface or adapter 456 . Adapter 456 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to LAN 452, which may also include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicating with wireless adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networked environment, the computer 402 may include a modem 458, or be connected to a communication server over the WAN 454, or have other means for establishing communications via the WAN 454, such as through the Internet. A modem 458 , which may be an internal or external device and wired or wireless, is connected to the system bus 408 via the serial port interface 442 . In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 , or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450 . It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

The computer 402 is operable to communicate with any wireless device or entity operatively disposed in wireless communication, such as printers, scanners, desktop and/or portable computers, portable data assistants, communication satellites, and wireless detectable Any piece of equipment or location (eg, kiosk, newsstand, restroom) and phone that the tag is associated with. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ^™ wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure like a regular network or just an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows you to connect to the Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work without the need for wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in cellular telephones that enables such devices (eg, computers) to send and receive data indoors and outdoors, anywhere within range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use something called IEEE 802.11. (a, b, g, etc.) radio technology to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. Wi-Fi networks can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5GHz radio bands at data rates of 11Mbps (802.11a) or 54Mbps (802.11b), for example, or with products that contain both bands (dual-band) , so the network can provide real-world performance similar to basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet used in many offices.

To improve the efficiency of a solar array and its ability to capture the sun's rays and convert the energy contained in said rays from solar energy into electrical energy, it is important to optimally align the solar array with the sun. In cases where the solar array is comprised of photovoltaic elements, the photovoltaic elements should be optimally aligned (eg, vertical) in order to operate at their peak efficiency. Similarly, when incorporated into a solar concentrator system, the array may consist of mirrors that reflect and focus solar radiation for collection by the solar collector.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 5 illustrates a solar energy collection system 500 consisting of an array 502 aligned to reflect solar rays to a central collection facility 504 . To facilitate harnessing the energy from the solar rays, the array 502 may be rotated in various planes to properly align the array 502 relative to the direction of the sun to reflect the solar rays onto the collector 504 . The array 502 may consist of a plurality of mirrors which may be used to concentrate and focus solar radiation onto a collector 504, which may consist of photovoltaic cells, thereby facilitating the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. Array 502 and collector 504 may be supported on pole mount support arms 506 . Furthermore, the mirrors have been arranged such that a gap 508 separates the mirror array 502 into two groups. Motorized gear assembly 510 connects array 502 and collector 504 to pole mount support arm 506 . Pole mount support arm 506 is aligned with the Earth's surface such that it is aligned parallel to the tilt of the Earth's axis of rotation, as previously discussed. Motorized gear assembly 510 allows array 502 and collector 504 to rotate about horizontal axis 512, also referred to as the right ascension axis. Array 502 and collector 504 are further connected to pole support 506 by actuator 514 . Actuator 514 facilitates rotation of array 502 and collector 504 about vertical axis 516, also referred to as the declination axis.

The efficiency of the solar array can be improved by enabling the alignment of the solar array with the sun to increase the amount of solar rays collected by the array. Over the course of a year, the position of the sun relative to the position of the solar array, which is at a fixed location on Earth, varies on both the horizontal (right ascension) axis 512 and the vertical (declination) axis 516 . During the day, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the movement of the sun across the sky is called right ascension and the position/angle of the solar array 502 relative to the sun's position is required to align the solar array 502 with the sun's position. In addition, the sun also changes its position relative to the Earth's equator throughout the year. As shown in FIG. 6 , the inclination of the Earth's axis 602 relative to the Earth's orbital path 604 around the sun 606 is approximately 23.45 degrees. During the time that the Earth 608 completes one revolution around the Sun 606 (which takes approximately one year to complete), the position of the Sun 606 relative to the Earth's equator varies by approximately ±23.45 degrees. Figure 7 relates to the variation of the sun's path relative to the Earth's equator throughout the year; with the sun at its highest position relative to the equator in June 702 and at its lowest position relative to the equator in December 704 . To properly position the array so that it is aligned with the sun on the vertical axis, an angle (declination angle) that allows the solar array to sweep approximately 47 degrees ((23.45 degrees above horizon) + (23.45 degrees below horizon)) should be provided The way. Referring back to FIG. 5 , the gap 508 in the collection panel allows the array 502 to tilt through the declination required by the actuator 514 without the array 502 being obscured by the support arms of the pole mount 506 . The gap 508 in the panel allows rotation of the array about the right ascension axis 512 extending parallel to the direction of the support arms of the pole mount 506 without the panel containing the array 502 being obscured by the support arms of the pole mount 506 .

In cases where solar radiation is focused onto a central collector by an array of mirrors, the efficiency of the collector can be maximized by ensuring that reflected sunlight falls evenly across the components forming the central collector. For example, the central collector may consist of groups of photovoltaic cells. In some configurations, the photovoltaic cells may be sensitive to variations in sunlight intensity across the group of photovoltaic cells, and it may be beneficial to ensure that each photovoltaic cell receives the same amount of solar radiation; uses (as described in the disclosed subject matter) to ensure that this is the case.

Throughout the discussion of the subject matter, although the focus is on the collection of rays from the sun and their reflection to a central collector that facilitates the conversion of the energy contained in said solar rays into electrical energy, this is used for explanatory purposes and It is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter can be used to facilitate the harvesting of energy from a number of energy sources involving energy radiation, including x-rays, lasers, alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays, all sources of electromagnetic radiation that can be found in the electromagnetic spectrum wait.

It should be appreciated that while the example system 500 consists of an array of mirrors for focusing sunlight on a central collector, as shown in FIG. 5 , the subject disclosure is not so limited and can be used to provide various position. For example, as depicted in FIG. 8 , system 800 , in one embodiment, consists of a pole mount support arm and means for providing alignment of right ascension and declination angles about the support arm. A mount 802 may be used to position a solar cell/photovoltaic device array 804 , wherein the pole mount is used to maintain alignment of the array with solar rays 806 . As referred to in FIG. 9 , system 900 , in another embodiment pole mount 802 may support mirror array 902 for reflecting sunlight 904 to remote collection device 906 .

Turning to Figure 10, system 1000 relates to a more detailed system for harvesting solar energy into which the claimed subject matter may be incorporated. Solar array 1002 is aligned relative to the sun using declination positioning device 1004 and right ascension positioning device 1006 which operate to align the collectors as previously discussed. The positioning devices 1004 and 1006 are controlled by a positioning controller 1008, which provides instructions to the positioning devices 1004 and 1006 regarding their respective positions and also receives feedback from the positioning devices to allow the positioning controller 1008 to determine the expected instructions and array 1002 s position. An input assembly 1010 may also be incorporated to facilitate interaction with the positioning controller 1008 and subsequent control of the position of the array 1002 by a user or mechanical/electronic means. Input component 1010 may represent a variety of devices that may facilitate the transfer of data, instructions, feedback, etc., between position controller 1008 and a user, remote computer, or the like. Such input component devices 1010 may include a global positioning system that may provide latitude and longitude measurements to allow array 1002 to be located and controlled based on its location. In addition, input device 1010 may be a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to enter instructions and commands to be used to control the position of array 1002, eg, an engineer enters commands to test the operation of location devices 1004 and 1006 during an installation process. The GUI may also be used to relay position measurements, operating conditions, etc. from the positioning controller 1008 describing the current position and operation of the array 1002 . For example, during installation, an engineer can review the position feedback displayed on the GUI and compare it to expected values. Positioning controller 1008 may also be operated remotely from the location of array 1002 by using a remote network (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, etc.), which may be hardwired to input assembly 1010 or connected wirelessly. way to connect.

A database and storage component 1012 can also be associated with the system 1000 . The database may be used to store information that will be used to assist position control of array 1002 by position controller 1008, such information may include longitude information, latitude information, date and time information, and the like. Positioning controller 1008 may include means for processing data, algorithms, commands, etc., such as a processor, where such processing may be in response to commands received via input component 1010 from a user, for example. Positioning controller 608 may also have programs and algorithms running therein to facilitate automatic position control of array 1002, wherein the programs and algorithms may use data retrieved from database 1012, where such data includes longitude information, latitude information, date and time information, etc.

An artificial intelligence (AI) component 1014 can also be included in the system 600 to perform at least one determination or at least one inference according to at least one aspect disclosed herein. An artificial intelligence (AI) component 1014 may be used to assist the positioning controller 1008 in positioning the array 1002 . For example, AI component 1014 may monitor weather information received at location controller 1008 via Internet 1010 . AI component 1014 may determine that localized weather conditions may be reaching concerns regarding safe operation of array 1002 and that array 1002 needs to be shut down until the weather system has passed. AI component 1014 may employ one of numerous approaches to learn from data and then draw inferences and/or make determinations related to dynamically storing information across multiple storage units in accordance with implementing various automation aspects described herein ( For example, by using Bayesian model scoring or approximation, linear classifiers (e.g., support vector machines (SVM)), nonlinear classifiers (e.g., methods known as "neural network" methods, fuzzy logic methods, and implementations) Hidden Markov models (HMMs) and related prototype-dependent models, more general probabilistic graphical models such as Bayesian networks) formed by structure search of other methods of data fusion, etc.). Additionally, the AI component 1014 may also include methods for capturing logical relationships (eg, a theorem prover or more heuristic rule-based expert systems). In some cases designed by disparate (third) parties, the AI component 1014 may represent an external pluggable component.

System 1000 can further include an energy output assembly 1016, which can be used to convert solar energy collected at array 1002 into electrical energy. Energy generated by output assembly 1016 may be fed into grid 618 and into power loop 1020 . However, power loop 1020 facilitates the use of power generated by system 1000 to power system 1000 . For example, some of the power generated by output component 1016 may be fed back into system 1000 to provide power to the various components that make up system 1000, such as positioning devices 1004 and 1006, positioning controller 1008, AI component 1014 , input components 1010 and other power supplies. However, while such a self-contained system may be considered a worthy target for fail-safe issues and the like, means may also be provided to allow the system 1000 and its components to draw power from the grid 1018 . For example, when operating in closed circuit mode, the array may not be able to generate sufficient energy to meet the energy operating requirements of the system 1000, and energy may be drawn from the grid 1018 to compensate for the energy deficit.

Referring to FIG. 11 , system 1100 relates to an assembly that may be used to connect a solar array (eg, such as solar array 502 of FIG. 5 ) to a pole mount support arm (eg, such as pole mount support arm 506 of FIG. 5 ). System 1100 may also be used to rotate the array about the central axis of the pole mount support arm, which provides the right ascension positioning of the array. The system 1100 consists of a connector 1102 that can be used to connect the pole mount support arm to the assembly 1100 and the solar array to the assembly 1100 by attaching to a support bracket 1104 . A motor 1106 in combination with a gear mechanism 1108 facilitates the rotation of the array about the pole mount support arm, wherein the assembly remains fixed at the connector 1102 and the support bracket 1104 and attached array orbits the pole mount The support arm rotates.

Turning to Figure 12, system 1200 illustrates the apparatus for tilting solar array 502 relative to pole mount support arm 506 through the axis of declination. System 1200 consists of a positioning device 514 (eg, an actuator) connected to positioning assembly 1100 . As previously discussed, positioning assembly 1100 facilitates rotating solar array 502 about the right ascension axis of pole mount support arm 506 . The positioning device 514 can tilt the array 502 to a desired declination angle relative to the position of the sun in the sky, as the positioning device 514 moves relative to the positioning assembly 1100, the support 1202 to which the positioning device 514 is attached also moves, Array 502 is thereby caused to tilt across a range of declination angles. As positioning assembly 1100 is rotated to track the sun's right ascension, positioning device 514 may be used to ensure that array 102 remains at the declination angle to capture the sun's rays. Using the positioning device 514 in conjunction with the pole mount allows the array to be adjusted to the desired declination angle at the onset of solar collection, rather than having to constantly adjust the tilt angle throughout the sun tracking process, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the system, Because the actuator only has to be adjusted once a day instead of constantly. Although the actuator may adjust the declination angle of the array once per day, the claimed subject matter is not so limited, wherein the actuator adjusts the declination angle by as much as necessary to provide tracking of the sun. times.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12, although the actuator 514 and the motor 1106 are shown as two separate components, alternative embodiments may exist in which the actuator 514 and the motor 1106 are combined to provide the array 502 to the pole mount support arm 106 The connected single assembly of the array 502 simultaneously facilitates altering the right ascension and declination position of the array 502 relative to the position of the sun or similar energy source from which energy is to be captured. In other embodiments of the subject matter, various combinations of motors and actuators may be utilized to provide positioning of collection arrays and devices for capture using radiation, etc., while facilitating adjustment of the arrays and devices relative to the energy source. Location.

Various means to provide right ascension/declination positioning of the array can be implemented in the system. Exemplary components may include mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, magnetic, pneumatic components, and the like.

One embodiment of the invention is to use a DC brushless motor, taking advantage of its low cost and low maintenance. In other embodiments, a DC brushless stepper motor may be used, where the number of steps during operation of the motor is counted to provide highly accurate positioning of the array. For example, in one configuration, given that there are 10 steps/1 degree of rotation, the position of the array can be adjusted in approximately 0.1 degree increments to track the passage of the sun across the sky.

Turning to FIG. 13 , in a conventional pole mount system (as used with photovoltaic arrays, for example), the array 1302 is supported off-axis relative to a support arm 1304 . Depending on factors such as the size and weight of the components making up the array 1302 and associated devices (not shown), the center of gravity is displaced relative to the support arm 1304, where the center of gravity lies anywhere along the dimension x. In this system, energy is wasted during the movement of the array as it tracks the sun because the imbalance caused by the shifted center of gravity must be compensated and overcome.

Referring to FIG. 5 , in one embodiment of the invention, the gap 108 in the array eliminates the need for the array 502 to have to be offset from the pole mount support arm 506 where the array 502 is attached to the pole mount in the plane of the pole mount support arm. Mount support arm 506 . This arrangement allows the array 502 to be balanced about the axis of the pole mount support arm 512 . The energy required to rotate the array 502 about the right ascension axis 512 is reduced compared to a conventional pole mounting system (system 1300), the reduced energy requirement may facilitate the use of less powerful motors to mount and position the assembly (see Fig. 11), resulting in reduced system cost.

If the array is to be placed in a position for storage, security, or for maintenance purposes (as previously discussed), the motor may take the required number of steps to move the array from its current position to Move to its storage or safe location. Describing this example further, the number of steps required to move the array from its current location to the storage location in a clockwise direction can be determined along with the number of steps required to move it in a counterclockwise direction, the two can be compared Count and use the shortest direction to place the array in the memory location.

In another embodiment, the array may be placed in a safe location in response to potentially damaging weather conditions (eg, passing hail). A record of the number of steps required to move the array from the array's current location to the safe location may be determined prior to receiving a command to move to the safe location. After the hail has passed, the array can be repositioned to continue operation, wherein the repositioning is based on the last known position of the array plus the number of steps required to compensate for the current position of the sun (e.g., at The last position of the array before the hailstorm + the number of steps to move the array to the current position of the sun). The current position of the sun can be determined by using the latitude, longitude, date, time information associated with the array and the position of the array. The current position of the sun can also be determined by using a sun position sensor which can be used to determine at which angle the energy of sunlight is strongest and position the array accordingly.

Furthermore, gaps 508 in the collection panels allow positioning of the panels to minimize the sensitivity of the mirrors forming the array to environmental damage such as high winds and hail attack. As depicted in Figure 14, the array 502 can be rotated about the pole support arm 506 to place the array in a "safe position". The ability to rotate the array 502 about the right ascension axis 516 and tilt about the declination axis 512 allows positioning the array 502 such that its alignment with any prevailing wind force minimizes the sailing effect of the solar array 502 in the wind. Furthermore, in the event of hail infestation, snow, etc., array 502 can be positioned such that the mirrors face downward, with the backside of the array structure exposed to hail intrusion, thereby mitigating damage to the mirrors.

Furthermore, in another embodiment of the claimed subject matter, rotation of the array 502 about the right ascension axis 516 and the declination axis 512 may enable all areas of the array to be readily accessible to the operator. The operator may be an installation engineer who needs access to the various mirrors 502, collectors 504, etc. during the installation process. For example, the installation engineer may have access to central collector 504 for alignment purposes. The operator may also be a maintenance engineer who needs access to array 502 to clean mirrors, replace mirrors, and the like. FIG. 14 depicts an example embodiment of a pole support arm 506 positioned on a base support 1402 . Base support 1402 may be comprised of various feet, support structures, base structures, mounting brackets, positioning motors, etc., as desired to facilitate the pole support arm 506 and other array components (e.g., array 502, collector 504, etc. Support, positioning and placement. As depicted in FIG. 14 , to facilitate access to the various components of solar energy collection system 500 (e.g., array 502, collector 504, etc.), pole support arms 506 can be selectively disengaged (at least partially) from base support 1402. ground), thereby enabling the solar collection system 500 to be tilted and lowered as desired.

As noted above, the pole support arms 506 can also be selectively disengaged (at least partially) from the support structure (e.g., the base support 1002) to facilitate positioning the solar energy collection system 500 as desired, e.g., a "safe position" , maintenance, installation, alignment tuning, storage, etc. FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic representation 1500 of a solar collection system 500 in a lowered position, which may be a safety position, a maintenance position, an installation position, an alignment tuning position, a storage position, and the like.

Figure 16 shows a method 1600 for constructing a solar array and positioning the array to track the sun. At 1602, a solar array is constructed, wherein the array consists of two equally sized planar sections. The array may be constructed of mirrors to facilitate reflection of solar rays towards a central collector, or in an alternative embodiment, the array may comprise an array of photovoltaic devices to absorb solar energy and provide conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. The two arrays are connected by a central support on which the arrays are placed such that there is a gap between the arrays, the gap being of known width according to act 1604 .

At 1604, a pole mount is constructed, wherein the pole mount is positioned on the surface of the earth in such a way that it is aligned parallel to the inclination of the earth's axis of rotation. Returning to act 1602, the gap width left between the two arrays is sufficient to allow the arrays to be positioned at the ends of the pole mount such that the arrays are positioned at either side of the pole mount.

At 1606, means are provided to allow rotation of the array about a polar mount along a right ascension angle. Such means may comprise motors, actuators or similar means and the means may form part of a connector connecting the array to the pole mount. At 1608, means are provided to allow the array to be tilted relative to the polar mount along a declination angle through a range of angles, wherein the range of angles includes the angle required to keep the array aligned with the sun and its declination. Variations in weft and a large range of angles that allow the array to be tilted for installation, maintenance, storage, etc. Such means may include motors, actuators or similar devices. The member may form part of a connector connecting the array to the pole mount.

At 1610, information is provided to the system that allows the array to track the sun as it moves across the sky. Such information may include longitude data, latitude data, date and time information, etc. based on the location of the array. Using the information provided in 1610, the array is aligned at 1612 with respect to the sun to facilitate production of energy from solar energy. The array is aligned with the sun by altering the declination and right ascension angles of the array relative to the sun. In one embodiment, the right ascension angle may be varied throughout the day, while the declination angle is only adjusted once depending on the height of the sun in the sky. In alternative embodiments, the right ascension and declination angles may be adjusted (eg, continuously) as needed to maintain the alignment of the array with the sun.

At 1614, the solar array facilitates harvesting energy from the sun, whether through photovoltaic, reflective, or similar means.

17 relates to a method for facilitating placing a solar array in a safe location (e.g., to prevent damage to the array and associated components due to weather conditions), a maintenance location (e.g., the array requires inspection, cleaning, Replacement, etc.), in installation position (eg, moving the array through various positions to ensure that any positioning devices are functioning correctly), etc. method 1700 .

At 1702, positioning the solar array in a normal operating position to collect solar rays, wherein right ascension and declination angles of the array relative to the sun are adjusted throughout the day to maintain alignment of the array with the sun; The array facilitates energy harvesting from the solar rays (1704).

At 1706, a determination is made whether the array is to be placed in a safe location, eg, in response to received information that a weather system is moving towards the area. If the weather system does not pose a threat to the operation of the array, method 1700 returns to 1702 and continues to collect solar energy. If it is determined that the solar array needs to be shut down and placed in a safe location (e.g., a hailstorm is approaching that can destroy mirrors/photovoltaics), then a command to position the array in the safe location may be issued ( 1308).

When the array is in the safe location, at 1710, a determination can be made whether the array needs to be maintained in this location. If the determination is "yes" (eg, the weather system still poses a threat to the array and collection assembly), the method proceeds to 1712 where the array is maintained in the safe location.

At 1714, an additional determination is made as to whether the array can be returned to position to resume collection of solar energy. If the response is "No" (eg, the weather system is still a threat to the array component), then the method returns to 1712 . At 1714, if the determination is "Yes" (it is safe to continue operation), the method returns to 1702 and the array is realigned relative to the sun to resume collection of solar energy.

Returning to act 1710, if the determination of whether to maintain the current safe location is "No" (e.g., the weather system no longer poses a threat to the array and collection assembly), then the method returns to 1702 and the array is protected from solar energy. The collection continues.

Tracking the sun's position by optimally analyzing sunlight where direct sunlight can be substantially distinguished from other light sources (eg, sunlight reflecting off certain objects, lasers, and/or the like) is provided. In particular, direct sunlight can be identified based on its non-polarization, collimating properties, light frequency, and/or the like. In one example, once direct sunlight is detected, the solar cells can be automatically adjusted to receive sunlight in an optimal alignment, allowing efficient use of maximum solar energy while avoiding alignment with other weaker light sources. For example, solar cells may be tuned: individually, as part of a cell panel, and/or the like.

According to an example, solar panels may be equipped with components to differentiate and concentrate sunlight. For example, one or more polarizers can be provided and positioned so that a light source can be evaluated to determine its polarization. Since direct sunlight is substantially unpolarized, similar radiation levels measured across the polarizer may be indicative of a direct sunlight source. Additionally, a spectral filter may be included to filter out only light having a substantially different color spectrum than the sun, such as green lasers, red lasers, and/or the like. Additionally, a ball lens and a quadrant unit can be provided, wherein the light source passes through the ball lens and onto the quadrant unit; the size of the focal point on the quadrant unit can be used to determine the collimation of the light. If the light collimation exceeds a threshold, it may be determined to be direct sunlight. In this case, the ball lens and quadrant unit may further determine an optimal positioning of the battery to receive a maximum amount of sunlight based at least in part on the location of the focal point on the quadrant unit. Thus, the solar cells can be automatically adjusted to receive direct sunlight without confusing disparate light sources.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 18 illustrates a system 1800 that facilitates tracking sunlight to optimally align devices based on the location of sunlight. A solar tracking component 1802 is provided to determine whether the received light is direct sunlight or light from another source and direct sunlight can be tracked based on the determination. Additionally, a positioning assembly 1804 is provided that can align the device according to the position of the sun. In one example, the device can include one or more solar cells (or solar cell panels) that can be optimally aligned to receive substantially the maximum amount of light relative to direct sunlight for use in solar cells via photovoltaic technology (eg, For example) into electricity. According to an example, sunlight tracking component 1802 can track sunlight and convey positioning information to positioning component 1804 so that the device can be optimally positioned (eg, solar cells can be moved into desired locations to receive substantially optimal direct sunlight).

In one example, the sun tracking component 1802 can evaluate multiple light sources to determine which source is direct sunlight. This can include receiving light through multiple polarizers at an angle such that polarized light can produce different results at each polarizer, while unpolarized light (for example, direct sunlight) can produce approximately the same results at the polarizers. result. Furthermore, according to an example, the solar tracking component 1802 can distinguish light sources based on wavelength, which can provide exclusion of lasers or other light sources that are distinguishable in this regard. Furthermore, the filter can provide attenuation of substantially all wavelengths such that when combined with an amplifier, sunlight can be detected based at least in part on the intensity of the light source. Additionally, the solar tracking component 1802 can determine the collimation properties of the light source to determine whether the light is direct sunlight. Additionally, in one example, the solar tracking component 1802 can evaluate the alignment of one or more devices relative to the axis of the light source thereon to determine what is needed to best align the device with the determined direct sunlight. move.

The position information can then be conveyed to a positioning component 1804, which can control one or more axial positions of a device (eg, a solar cell or one or more battery panels). In this regard, upon receipt of the location information from the sun tracking component 1802, the positioning component 1804 can move the device and/or the equipment on which the device is mounted to be in an optimal position relative to the device Align the axis for direct sunlight. The sun tracking component 1802 can analyze direct sunlight on a timer, or it can follow the sun as it moves by constantly determining the best alignment with respect to the optical axis. In addition, the solar tracking assembly 1802 can be configured as part of a solar cell or battery panel (eg, behind or within one or more cells or attached/mounted to a panel or associated equipment). In this regard, the solar tracking component 1802 can move with the battery as the positioning component 1804 moves the battery and the solar tracking component 1802 to evaluate the optimal position. In another example, the solar tracking component 1802 can be located at a separate location from the battery and can convey accurate positioning information to the positioning component 1804, which can properly position the battery.

Referring to Figure 19, there is shown an example system 1900 for tracking the position of the sun relative to the offset from the axis of one or more associated solar cells or substantially any device. A sun tracking component 1802 is described that can track the position of direct sunlight using a plurality of light analysis components 1904 that can approximate a light source based at least in part on one or more measurements related to the light source. The solar tracking component 1802 may contain multiple light analysis components 1904 to provide redundancy and to analyze light sources from disparate angles. In one example, as described, the sun tracking component 1802 can identify direct sunlight as it is positioned on various light sources, and accordingly deliver information on positioning one or more solar cells to receive direct sunlight in an optimal axis. Although the daylight tracking component 1802 is shown with three light analysis components 1904, it should be understood that more or fewer light analysis components 1904 can be utilized in one example. Additionally, in one example, the light analysis component 1904 utilized may include one or more of the components shown and described as part of the light analysis component 1904, or such components may be shared among the light analysis components 1904 .

Each light analysis component 1904 includes a polarizer 1906 that can polarize a received light source, at which point the level of received radiation from the polarizer 1906 can be measured. For each light analysis component 1904, the polarizers 1906 can be configured at disparate angles. In an example with 3 light analysis components 1904 and thus 3 polarizers 1906, the polarizers may be configured with an angular offset of approximately 120 degrees. In this regard, radiation measurements from each polarizer 1906 receiving light from the same light source can be evaluated. When the light source is at least somewhat polarized, once received by the polarizers 1906, the radiation level of the resulting light beam may differ at each polarizer 1906, thereby indicating a somewhat polarized light source. In contrast, when the light source is substantially unpolarized, the resulting radiation levels may be substantially similar after passing through differently angled polarizers 1906 . In this way, for example, direct sunlight may be detected on polarized light sources (eg, sunlight or other light sources that reflect off many surfaces, including clouds) because direct sunlight is substantially unpolarized. It should be appreciated that once the light passes to the lower layers of the light analysis assembly 1904, the radiation levels may be measured by a processor (not shown) and/or the like to determine the levels and differences therebetween.

Additionally, the light analysis component 1904 can include a spectral filter 1908 to filter out light sources having substantially disparate or more focused wavelengths than direct sunlight. For example, spectral filter 1908 may pass light having a wavelength between approximately 560 nanometers (nm) and 600 nm. Thus, substantially most of the laser radiation (eg, the commonly used 525nm green laser and 635nm red laser) may be rejected at the spectral filter 1908, while most of the direct sunlight source may still pass. This prevents interference with a batch of solar cells and locking onto weak and/or intermittent light sources. Light source passing through spectral filter 1908b may be received by ball lens 1910 which may focus the light onto quadrant unit 1912 . Some collimated light sources (eg, direct sunlight) may come into focus behind the ball lens 1910 on the quadrant unit 1912 at a point less than a threshold. Thus, this may be another indication of direct sunlight according to the level of collimation measured by the size of the focused spot, where diffuse light sources indicated by, for example, more than or more than one focused spot may be rejected. It should be appreciated that other types of curved lenses may also be utilized in this regard.

In addition, quadrant unit 1912 may provide a focused point of light analysis component 1904 (and thus solar cell or substantially any device or device associated with solar tracking component 1802 ) with respect to quadrant unit 1912 from light passing through ball lens 1910 An indication of the axial alignment of the position. For example, when light passes through ball lens 1910 and reaches a point on quadrant unit 1912, the angle at which the light shines on light analysis component 1904 may be determined. The point on the quadrant cell 1912 can indicate the angle and can be used to determine the direction and movement needed to receive light at the best angle. Additionally, an amplifier 1914 is provided at each light analysis component 1904 to receive an optical signal containing relevant information from the light (as described).

Additionally, light sources can be rejected based at least in part on brightness. This can be done, for example, using spectral filter 1908 to provide significant attenuation at substantially all wavelengths; this can be used with the gain from amplifier 1914 to determine the brightness of the source. Light sources below a defined threshold may be rejected. In addition, temporal variations in light intensity (eg, modulation of the light source) can be measured. It should be appreciated that direct sunlight is substantially unmodulated, and may also be denied to indicate a source of modulation in this regard.

As mentioned above, the inferred parameters and information can be fed to a processor (not shown) for processing and determination of the source of light, associated solar cell, device or equipment from a point on the quadrant cell 1912 Is repositioning and/or similar required. In one example, the information may be delivered to the processor by amplifier 1914 . In this regard, direct sunlight can be distinguished from disparate light sources based on the above parameters obtained by light analysis component 1904, resulting in optimal positioning of solar cells to receive approximately maximum solar energy.

Turning now to FIG. 20, which shows an example system 2000 for determining the position of the sun and tracking that position to ensure optimal alignment of one or more solar cells. A solar tracking component 1802 is provided to determine the location of direct sunlight while ignoring other light sources (as described), and a solar cell positioning component 2002 that can position one or more solar cells or panels to optimally receive direct sunlight, and can at least A clock component 2004 that provides an approximate daylight position based in part on time of day and/or time of year. It should be appreciated that the solar tracking assembly 1802 can be configured within one or more solar cells, attached to or near the solar cell or representative panel, positioned in a device that axially controls the position of the cell/panel and/or or similar (for example).

According to an example, the solar cell positioning component 2002 can initially position the solar cell, battery pack, and/or device including one or more batteries based at least in part on the approximate daylight position to which the clock component 2004 locates. In this regard, the clock component 2004 can store information regarding the position of the sun at different times of the day during a month, a season, a year, years, and/or the like. Can be obtained from a variety of sources including fixed or manually programmed within the clock component 2004, provided externally or remotely to the clock component 2004, inferred by the clock component 2004 from previous readings of the daylight tracking component 1802, and/or the like this information. In this regard, the clock component 2004 can approximate the position of sunlight at a given point in time, and the solar cell positioning component 2002 can move the cell according to the position.

The daylight tracking assembly 1802 can then be used to fine-tune the position of the battery as described above. In particular, once approximately positioned, the sun tracking component 1802 can distinguish between hypothetical direct sunlight and reflected sunlight from such disparate objects, including clouds, buildings, other obstructions, and/or the like. The solar tracing component 1802 can utilize the components and processes described above to accomplish this distinction, including determining the polarization of the light source, inferring the collimation properties of the light source, measuring the brightness or intensity of the light source, discerning the level of modulation (or non-modulation) of the source, filtering out some wavelength color and/or the like. Furthermore, the ball lens and quadrant cell configuration described above can be used to determine the axial movement required to ensure that the light reaches the approximately direct axis of the cell. It should be appreciated that the clock component 2004 can be used to initially configure the battery location. In another example, the battery can be inactive at night and the clock assembly 2004 can be used to locate the battery at sunrise. Furthermore, in the event of significant obstruction (where there is substantially no direct sunlight for detection by the sun tracking component 1802), the clock component 2004 can be used to follow the predicted path of the sun until the sun tracking component 1802 can detect sunlight, etc. In this instance (where there is an inconsistency between the clock component 2004 prediction of the sun and the actual determination and measurement by the daylight tracking component 1802), the inconsistency can be accounted for by the clock component 2004 when needed to ensure better accurate operation.

Turning now to FIG. 21 , which illustrates an example system 2100 for tracking sunlight and positioning remote devices to receive an optimal amount of light. A daylight tracking component 1802 is provided for determining the position of the sun based on distinguishing the sun light source from other light sources. Additionally, a daylight information transmitting component 2102 is provided to transmit information from the daylight tracking component 1802 regarding the precise location of sunlight and can locate one or more solar cells based at least in part on information sent from the daylight information transmitting component 2102 via the network 2104 Solar cell positioning assembly 2002.

In this example, the solar tracking assembly 1802 can be located disparately from the solar cell; however, based at least in part on the known locations of the solar tracking assembly 1802 and the battery, accurate information for locating the remotely located battery can be provided. . For example, the sun tracking component 1802 can determine a substantially accurate position of the sun based on distinguishing direct sunlight from other light sources as described above. In particular, light from different sources may be measured based at least in part on polarization, collimation, intensity, modulation, and/or wavelength as described to narrow down the source to possible direct sunlight. Furthermore, ball lenses and quadrant cells can be used to determine the best on-axis alignment of light for maximum light utilization. Once a precise location is determined, the daylight tracking component 1802 can deliver that information to the daylight information emission component 2102 .

Upon receipt of the fine alignment information, the daylight information transmission component 2102 may transmit the information via the network 2104 to the remotely located solar cell positioning component 2002 to axially position a set of solar cells to receive approximately maximum direct sunlight sunlight. In particular, solar cell positioning component 2002 can receive precise alignment information, account for positional differences between one or more solar cells/panels and daylight tracking component 1802, and optimally align the cells/panels to receive Optimal daylight for photovoltaic energy conversion. It should be appreciated that differences in position between the solar tracking assembly 1802 and the battery can affect the relative position of the sun at each position. Accordingly, inconsistencies may be calculated from the position differences (eg, positions determined using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or the like). In another example, the inconsistency may be measured immediately after installation of the solar cell and/or solar tracking assembly 102b and is a fixed calculation performed upon receipt of precise sun position information.

Referring to Figure 22, there is shown an example system 2200 for locking a solar cell configuration to direct sunlight to facilitate optimal photovoltaic energy production. In particular, an axially rotatable apparatus 2202 is provided, which may include one or more solar cells or panels and an attached solar tracking assembly 1802 as described herein. In one example, the axially rotatable device 2202 may be one of a field of similar devices desiring to receive direct sunlight. In this instance, for example, a helio-tracking assembly 1802 may be attached to each axially rotatable device 2202 or there may be a helio-tracking assembly operating multiple axially rotatable devices in the field (and in this regard may be separate or attached to a single device of the plurality of devices).

As shown, axially rotatable apparatus 2202 may be positioned to receive an optimal axis of direct sunlight 2204 . To this end, the daylight tracking component 2202 can detect direct sunlight 2204 (as previously described), and a positioning component (not shown) can rotate the axially rotatable device 2202 according to the indicated position of the optimal axis for direct sunlight. As mentioned, the sun tracking component 1802 can evaluate various light sources that approximate direct sunlight, such as reflected light 2206 and/or laser light 2208 to determine which source is direct sunlight 2204 . As described, the axially rotatable device 2202 is movable within the light sources, thereby similarly moving the sun tracking assembly 1802 , thereby allowing the sun tracking assembly 1802 to analyze the light sources to determine which is direct sunlight 2204 .

For example, the daylight tracking component 1802 can receive light from one of the displayed sources of reflected light 2206 and determine whether the battery is aligned to optimally receive the reflected light 2206 . However, the solar tracking component 2206 can determine that the source of the reflected light 2206 is indeed reflected light by evaluating the radiation level immediately after being polarized by a plurality of different angled polarizers as described. The levels may differ at a level indicating that the light is polarized and thus not direct sunlight; the daylight tracking component 1802 may instruct the positioning component to move the axially rotatable device 2202 to another light source for evaluation. In another example, the solar tracking component 1802 can receive light from the laser 2208, but can indicate that the laser light is not direct sunlight because it is substantially filtered out by the spectral filter as described. Accordingly, the daylight tracking assembly 1802 can command movement of the axially rotatable device 2202 to another light source.

In another example, the sun tracking component 1802 can receive light from a direct sunlight 2204 source and classify this light as direct sunlight. As described, this may occur by manipulating the radiance level of light immediately after being polarized by the polarizer described above, which may indicate a similar radiance level. Thus, the solar tracking component 1802 can determine that the light source is substantially unpolarized, like direct sunlight; if the sunlight passes through the spectral filter, the solar tracking component 1802 can determine that the light 2204 is direct sunlight. Then, as described, the solar tracking assembly 1802 can utilize a ball lens and quadrant cell configuration to determine the collimation of the light source to ensure that it is direct sunlight. The daylight tracking component 1802 can additionally determine the intensity of the light source using a spectral filter that provides significant attenuation at substantially all wavelengths (which can be measured by the gain from an amplifier that receives the light signal). The resulting signal can be compared to a threshold to determine the desired daylight intensity. Furthermore, the modulation of the light signal can be measured to determine temporal variation; where the light is substantially unmodulated, this can be another indication of direct sunlight. Furthermore, as described, a ball lens and quadrant cell configuration can be used to optimally angle the axially rotatable apparatus 2202 to align on the axis of direct sunlight 2204 .

The foregoing systems, architectures, etc. have been described with respect to the interaction between several components. It should be appreciated that such systems and components may include those components or subcomponents specified herein, some of the specified components or subcomponents, and/or additional components. Sub-components could also be implemented as components communicatively coupled to other components rather than included within parent components. Furthermore, one or more components and/or sub-components may be combined into a single component to provide aggregated functionality. Communication between systems, components and/or subcomponents can be done according to either push and/or pull model. The components may also interact with one or more other components not specifically described herein for the sake of brevity but are well known to those of skill in the art.

Furthermore, as should be appreciated, various portions of the disclosed systems and methods may include artificial intelligence, machine learning, or knowledge or rule-based components, subcomponents, procedures, components, methods, or mechanisms (e.g., support vector machines, neural network , expert systems, Bayesian trust networks, fuzzy logic, data fusion engines, classifiers...) or consist of them. Such components, among others, can automate certain executed mechanisms or processes, so that portions of the systems and methods become more adaptive and efficient, for example, by inferring actions based on contextual information. intelligent. By way of example and not limitation, such mechanisms may be employed with respect to the generation of materialized views and the like.

In view of the exemplary systems described above, methods that may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter will be better understood with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 23-25 . Although the methods are shown and described in a series of blocks for purposes of simplicity of explanation, it is to be understood and appreciated that claimed subject matter is not limited to the order of the blocks, as some blocks may differ from The sequences depicted and described herein occur in sequence and/or concurrently with other blocks. In addition, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methodologies described below.

FIG. 23 shows a method 2300 for determining the polarization of a light source to infer, in part, whether the light is direct sunlight. It should be appreciated that additional measurements may be taken to determine the source of the light, as described herein. At 2302, light is received from a source; the source may include sunlight (eg, direct sunlight or sunlight reflected from clouds, structures, etc.), laser light, and/or similar concentrated sources. At 2304, the light is passed through polarizers at different angles. As described, changing the angle of the polarizer can reproduce a disparate resulting light beam on the polarizer from which the original light was polarized. Accordingly, at 2306, radiation levels may be measured after polarization by each polarizer. The various measurements can be compared, and at 2308, the polarization of the raw light from the source can be determined. As described, the raw light may be determined to be polarized when the difference of the compared measurements exceeds a threshold; however, the raw light may be unpolarized when there is no difference between the measurements. Since direct sunlight is substantially unpolarized, this determination may indicate whether the raw light is direct sunlight.

FIG. 24 illustrates a method 2400 that further facilitates determining whether light received from a source is direct sunlight. At 2402, light is received from the source. As described, the source may include direct or indirect sunlight, laser light, and/or the like. Additionally, at 2404, the polarization of the light can be determined as previously described. Subsequently, at 2406, the light can be passed through a wavelength filter that rejects portions of the light source that are not within the specified wavelength. For example, the wavelength filter may be such that it rejects light that is not in the range utilized by sunlight. Thus, the filter may reject some laser light (eg, red and green laser light, in one example) and only pass light within that range. Furthermore, the filter can provide significant attenuation at substantially all wavelengths. This, along with the gain of the resulting light signal, can be used to indicate the intensity of the light source, which can additionally be used to determine whether the source is direct sunlight. At 2408, it can be determined whether the light is direct sunlight; for example, this can be based at least in part on whether the light passes through the filter and the determined polarization. As described, when the light is not polarized, there is the possibility that it is direct sunlight because many sources of sunlight that are reflected (eg, deflected from clouds, structures, etc.) are polarized. Additionally, the wavelength filter may provide further assurance against direct sunlight if the light is approximately within the correct wavelength.

Figure 25 shows a method 2500 for aligning solar cells to receive optimally aligned axes of light for generating solar energy. At 2502, light is received from a source. As described, this light can come from a number of sources, and at 2504, it can be determined whether the light is direct sunlight. In this regard, other light sources, such as reflected light, laser light, etc., may be rejected as described herein. For example, various polarizers, spectral filters, and/or the like may be utilized to reject unwanted light sources. This may be based at least in part on determining the polarization level of the light, the collimation of the light (e.g., by measuring the size of the focus of light passing through the ball lens on the quadrant cell), the intensity of the light (e.g., by Gain measurements of amplifiers of said light), spectra of light (eg, measured by spectral filters), modulation of light, and/or the like. At 2506, an optimal axial alignment is determined to receive the direct sunlight. As described, this can be determined using a ball lens and quadrant cell configuration, for example, to focus a point from the light onto the quadrant cell. The light may shine on the ball lens, which reflects the light as one or more points on the quadrant unit. Alignment can be adjusted based on the location of the point on the quadrant unit. At 2508, one or more solar cells can be positioned according to axial alignment. Thus, in one example, direct sunlight can be detected and the solar cells can be optimally positioned on the axis of sunlight to receive maximum energy for photovoltaic conversion.

Referring now to FIG. 26 , an example solar puck configuration is shown in two different states 2600 and 2602 . The configuration may exhibit a solar disk 2604 that may be aligned with an energy source 106 (eg, the sun around which the Earth orbits). Solar puck 2604 may rest on (eg, be coupled to) a base 2608 located on the ground, where base 2608 is typically constructed of metal, concrete, wood, or the like. To collect solar energy, solar puck 104 may include concentrators 2610 that may act as solar cells. First state configuration 2600 may represent a position in time immediately after construction of solar disk 2604 with base 2608 . Conversely, second state configuration 2602 may represent a position in time after a configuration in which base 2608 is seated, ground is seated, configuration 2600 is physically moved to a location that changes configuration 2600 into configuration 2602, and so on. Although the concentrator 2610 is shown as part of the solar puck 2604, it should be appreciated that various configurations can be practiced without the use of the solar puck 2604, such as a stand-alone unit.

Various circumstances may arise such that the configuration changes (e.g., in a manner from the first state configuration 2600 to the second state configuration 2602), for example, certain materials may stabilize over time (e.g., concrete) and Thus solar puck 2604 (eg, a puck comprising a solar concentrator) is no longer properly illuminated by energy source 2606 . In one example, solar disk 2604 can include concentrator 2610 coupled to the middle of disk 2604 . As can be seen in FIG. 26, initially both the energy source 2606 and the solar puck 2604 are centrally aligned (e.g., deployed state 2600), which allows the concentrator 2610 to be fully within the primary energy boundary 2612 of the energy source 2606 (e.g., , within said energy bounds to enable maximum energy harvesting). However, after the movement the solar puck 2604 is only partially aligned with the energy source 2606 (e.g., deployed state 2602) and the concentrator 2610 is no longer fully within the energy confines 2612 - so the concentrator 2610 may be located at a suboptimal position for harvesting energy. good location. If a conventional encoder is used, the configuration change is not known and thus the configuration will not operate as desired (eg, the energy source 2606 will not correctly generate solar energy on the concentrator).

Inclinometers used in accordance with aspects disclosed herein may be solid-state sensors, typically silicon-based. The proof-mass may be suspended by a small piece of silicon connecting the proof-mass to a stable point (eg, a support structure). The mass may also include fins to improve functionality. Electrostatic forces can move the mass so that it is located at the center of the area. If the associated unit is pointing upwards at an angle, the proof mass can be pulled downwards. A voltage that opposes the force to place the mass back to center can be supplied. Measurements of the voltage used to place the mass back at the center of the region can be analyzed to determine the angle relative to gravity.

Thus, with the disclosed invention, the solar puck 2604 can be automatically adjusted based on alignment changes and thus the concentrator 2610 can be brought into the energy limit 2612 in the configured state 2602 . Measurements of the angle of the solar disk 2604 and/or concentrator 2610 relative to gravity can be made to determine the actual position and calculations can be made for the desired position. If the actual position is not approximately equal to the desired position, the solar puck 2604, base 2606, and other entities may be moved into proper alignment. According to one embodiment, configuration 2602 may remove alignment errors with concentrator 2610 by searching for a maximum current from at least one photovoltaic cell. The solar puck 2604 can be moved in a pattern for maximum output. The relative position of this maximum compared to the output of concentrator 2610 may allow misalignment to be corrected. This correction may also be incorporated into the open-path ecliptic calculations for accurately pointing to the energy source 2606 even when the energy source 2606 is hidden (eg, by a cloud).

Referring now to FIG. 27 , there is disclosed an example system 2700 for determining whether a receiver (eg, solar puck 2604 of FIG. 26 , concentrator 2610 of FIG. 26 , etc.) should be adjusted based on a change in location. In normal operation, as the energy source changes position with respect to the receiver (e.g., between the Earth's sun and the solar disk due to Earth's rotation around the sun), the receiver may move with it to Follow the source. However, there may be times when the source cannot be physically tracked, such as on cloudy days or at night (eg, where the sun is expected to rise). In these cases, anticipation can be used to determine where the receiver should be placed, for example, positioning the receiver so that it is where the sun is expected to rise.

To facilitate operation, the desired location of the receiver may be calculated based on time, date, longitude, latitude, and the like. Additionally, at least one inclinometer may be used to measure the angle of the receiver relative to gravity. Obtaining component 2702 can collect the position of the receiver relative to gravity, which is typically observed by the inclinometer. Obtaining component 2702 can be used to gather metadata about the receiver's desired location as well as the actual location.

Obtaining component 2702 can communicate the collected data (eg, desired location and gravity information) to evaluating component 2704 . Additionally, obtaining component 2702 and/or evaluating component 2704 can process the gravity information to determine the actual location of the receiver. Evaluation component 2702 can compare a receiver position (e.g., an actual position) against a desired position of the receiver relative to an energy source, the comparison being used to determine how the receiver should be moved (e.g., how to move the receiver, when to move the receiver, where to move the receiver, should the receiver be moved at all, etc.). According to an alternative embodiment, raw gravity data (eg, representative of receiver location) may be compared by evaluation component 2704 against expected gravity (eg, representative of desired location). Evaluation component 2704 can communicate the results to an entity, such as a motor (eg, a stepper motor), that has the ability to move the receiver from an actual location to a desired location.

Additionally, the evaluation component 2704 can update the operation of the receiver and associated units so that desired results are attempted automatically. For example, a solar panel with a concentrator may be physically moved about a mile and thus the predetermined calculations used for positioning may be inaccurate. By measuring the force of gravity (eg, the angle of the receiver relative to gravity), it can be determined that the actual position of the receiver should move. With this new knowledge, a reset can occur such that the receiver is moved according to the offset (eg following the opposite path after the move than before the move).

Accordingly, there may be an obtaining component 2702 that collects metadata of the position of a concentrator (eg, an entity capable of harvesting energy) capable of harvesting energy from a celestial energy source (eg, the sun) relative to gravity. According to one embodiment, said metadata is collected from an inclinometer. Additionally, an evaluation component 2704 can be used to compare the concentrator position against a desired position of the concentrator relative to the astronomical energy source, the comparison being used to determine changes to be made to increase the concentrator's effectiveness ( For example, ways to maximize effectiveness). For example, the alteration may be moving the solar puck 2604 of FIG. 26 .

Referring now to FIG. 28, there is disclosed an example system 2800 to assist in locating a receiver relative to an energy source. Obtaining component 2702 can collect the location of the receiver relative to gravity (eg, collect location information). Calculation component 2802 can calculate a desired location of the energy source (eg, a location of the energy source that allows for improved or maximum coverage toward a solar concentrator). According to one embodiment, the desired location is calculated by factoring date, time, longitude of the receiver, and latitude of the receiver. An internal clock may measure the time and date and cause the time and date to be communicated from an assisting entity (eg, a satellite) and latitude and/or longitude information may be obtained from a global positioning system. In addition, the evaluation component 304 can determine the actual position of the receiver through the measurement of the angle of gravity on the receiver. The output of computing component 2802 and/or evaluating component 2804 can be collected by obtaining component 2702 and used by evaluating component 2704 . The evaluation component 2804 can serve as a means for computing the collector's position by analyzing metadata related to the gravitational force exerted on the collector. Furthermore, calculation component 2802 is operable as means for calculating a desired location of the collector based on date, time, longitude of the receiver, and latitude of the collector. Additionally, obtaining component 2702 can be implemented as means for obtaining metadata related to gravity exerted on the collector from measurement means.

Evaluation component 2704 can compare the receiver position against a desired position of the receiver relative to an energy source, the comparison being used to determine how the receiver should be moved. However, more efficient and/or more accurate ways of adjusting the receivers can be used. For example, not using system 2800 may be beneficial if the energy source can be tracked optically. Evaluation component 2704 can serve as a means for comparing the calculated position of the collector against the desired position of the collector. Accordingly, the location component 306 can conclude whether the location of the energy source can be determined (eg, optically), wherein the evaluation component 204 operates upon a negative conclusion. Artificial intelligence techniques can be used to weigh the benefits of different ways of determining where the receiver should be located.

Conclusion component 2808 can decide whether the receiver should move based on the result of the comparison. According to one embodiment, conclusion component 2808 may consider a number of factors in addition to the results of evaluation component 2704 . In an aspect, conclusion component 2808 can generate a cost-utility analysis based at least in part on AI techniques and factors considered to assess mobile vigor of the receiver. As an example, there may be very slight differences between the actual location and the desired location, where the power consumed (eg, cost) to move the receiver would exceed the expected gain (utility) from the move. As another example, when the concentrator is operating in adverse operating conditions (e.g., weather conditions such as persistent high winds, cloudy atmosphere), the cost of electricity consumed by moving the concentrator may exceed the cost of operation in the desired location. benefit. Thus, conclusion component 2808 can determine that movement should not occur even if there is a difference in location. Additionally, even if there is a discrepancy between the actual location and the desired location, if it is estimated that no energy will be lost on the concentrator, then conclusion component 2808 can determine that the move is inappropriate. A conclusion component 2808 is operable as a means for drawing a conclusion whether the collector should move based on the result of the comparison.

The system 2800 can use a movement component 2810 (eg, a motor, an entity driving the motor, etc.) to provide power to move the receiver. Since different moving assemblies 2810 can operate in different ways, a specific set of directions can result as to how the collector should be moved. Generate component 2812 can generate a set of directions that instructs how the receiver should be moved. Generate component 2812 can communicate the set of directions to move component 2810 . The generate component 2812 is operable as a means for generating a set of directions instructing how the collector should be moved and implemented by the collector shifting entity.

The set of directions may not be implemented as expected. For example, due to wear over time, components of an electric motor may change functionality and not perform as intended. Feedback component 2814 can determine whether the set of directions resulted in a desired result upon implementation of the set of directions by movement component 2810 . In an aspect, the feedback component 2814 can utilize and include one or more inclinometers to determine whether the collector or receiver has moved as dictated by the set of directions. For example, if, after implementing the set of directions, the angle of the collector relative to the gravitational field is not a target angle, the feedback component 2814 can determine that the result is not an intended result. Accordingly, by utilizing one or more inclinometers, feedback component 2814 can diagnose, at least in part, the integrity of movement operations that can be affected by movement component 2810 . As an example of the integrity of the move operation, the feedback component 2814 can determine to implement a preferred location, such as a non-production repair location. A confidence level associated with operation of generating component 2812 can be increased if the set of directions results in a desired result (eg, the receiver moves to a desired location). However, if the feedback component 2814 determines that the desired result was not achieved, the adaptation component 2816 can modify the operation of the generation component 2812 with respect to the determinations made about the set of directions (e.g., modify and test the computer code used to generate the set of directions ). It should be appreciated that feedback component 2814 and/or adaptation component 2816 can similarly alter the operation of system 2800 or other components disclosed in this specification to improve operation. The feedback component 2814 is operable as a means for determining whether the set of directions leads to a desired result upon implementation of the set of directions by the collector shifting entity. Adaptation component 2816 may serve as a means for modifying the operation of the generating means with respect to determinations made about a set of directions.

Referring now to FIG. 29 , there is disclosed an example system 2900 for adjusting an entity measuring gravity information about a receiver. Obtaining component 2702 can gather the position of the receiver relative to gravity, which is typically produced by an inclinometer. Evaluation component 2704 can compare a receiver position against a desired position of the receiver relative to an energy source, which comparison can be used to determine how the receiver should be moved if the actual position is not approximately equal to the desired position.

At least one inclinometer may be misaligned such that accurate results are not produced. The determining component 2902 can identify a misalignment or offset of an entity measuring the position of the receiver relative to gravity. The identification may occur through processing user input (eg, from a technician), through artificial intelligence techniques, or the like. The determining component 2902 is operable as a means for identifying misalignment or offset of means for measuring the position of the collector relative to gravity. Correction component 2904 can automatically determine how to adjust for the misalignment or the offset and make appropriate corrections. Correction assembly 2904 may be implemented as means for correcting misalignment or offset of means for measuring the position of the collector relative to gravity.

Reference is now made to FIG. 30 , which discloses an example system 3000 for locating solar receivers via detailed acquisition component 2702 . Obtaining component 2702 can gather the position of the receiver relative to gravity. To facilitate operations, the obtaining component 2702 can employ the communicating component 3002 to interface with an entity (eg, computing component 2802 of FIG. 28 ) to communicate information, such as sending requests for information, receiving information from secondary sources, and the like. Operations may occur wirelessly, hardwired, employing security techniques (eg, encryption), and the like. Information transfer can be active (eg, challenge/response) or passive (eg, monitoring of public communication signals). Additionally, communication component 3002 can utilize various protection features, such as performing virus scanning on collected data and blocking information that is positive for viruses. The communication component 3002 is operable as means for communicating a set of instructions to a collector shift entity that implements the set of instructions.

A search component 3004 can be used to locate sources of information. For example, system 3000 can insert a prefabricated solar puck with concentrators. Search component 3004 can identify the location of the inclinometer and perform calibration. Additionally, the search component 3004 can be used to identify external sources of information. In an illustrative example, if the configuration does not include an internal clock, search component 3004 can identify a time source and obtain component 2702 can gather information from the time source.

Although obtaining component 2702 can collect a wide variety of information, too much information can have negative effects, such as consuming valuable system resources. Accordingly, filter component 3006 can analyze the obtained information and determine what information should be passed to evaluation component 2704, which can determine whether the receiver should move. In one example, filter component 3006 can determine freshness of gravity readings. If there is little or no change from previous readings, the information can be deleted and not transmitted. According to one embodiment, filter component 3006 can examine information and/or aggregate information. For example, if a first time is generated by three sources and a second time is generated by one source, the second time may be ignored and one record representing the times of the three sources may be transmitted.

Various pieces of information (eg, collected metadata, component operating instructions (eg, communication component 3002 ), source location, component itself, etc.) can be saved on storage device 3008 . Storage device 3008 may be arranged in a number of different configurations, including as random access memory, battery backed memory, hard disk, magnetic tape, and the like. Various features can be implemented on storage device 2708, such as compression and automatic backup (eg, using a redundant array of independent drive configurations). Furthermore, memory device 3008 may operate as a memory operatively coupled to a processor (not shown) and may be implemented in a different form of memory than operational memory.

Referring now to FIG. 31 , an example system 3100 for locating solar receivers by detailed evaluation component 2704 is disclosed. Obtaining component 2702 can gather the position of the receiver relative to gravity. Evaluation component 2704 can compare the receiver position against a desired position of the receiver relative to an energy source, the comparison being used to determine how the receiver should be moved.

Artificial intelligence component 3102 is operable to perform at least one determination or at least one inference according to at least one aspect disclosed herein. For example, artificial intelligence techniques can be used to estimate the amount of power available from the movement of the aggregator. As noted above, the artificial intelligence component 3102 can employ one of numerous approaches to learn from data and then draw inferences and/or make and dynamically store data across multiple storage units in accordance with implementing the various automation aspects described herein. Information-dependent autonomous determination (e.g., by scoring or approximation using Bayesian models, linear classifiers (e.g., Support Vector Machines (SVM)), nonlinear classifiers (e.g., methods known as "neural network" methods) , fuzzy logic methods, and other methods of performing data fusion, etc.), hidden Markov models (HMMs) and related prototype-dependent models formed by structure search, more general probabilistic graphical models, such as Bayesian networks). In addition, artificial intelligence component 3102 can also include methods for capturing logical relationships (eg, a theorem prover or more heuristic rule-based expert systems). In some cases designed by disparate (third) parties, the artificial intelligence component 3102 may represent an external pluggable component.

Management component 3104 can regulate the operation of evaluation component 2704, as well as other components disclosed herein. For example, there may be relatively long periods of time during which the sun cannot be detected. However, since the environment can change and multiple movements can occur (eg, despite wasting energy), the system 3100 can be pre-ripened to operate as soon as the sun cannot be detected. Accordingly, management component 3104 can determine an appropriate time for obtaining component 2702 to collect information, make comparisons, generate a set of directions for movement, and the like. Once it is determined that the operation would reasonably occur, appropriate instructions can be generated and enforced.

Compensation component 3106 can account for additional causes of the outcome and make appropriate compensations. For example, at night, repairs can be made to an arrangement with collectors that are expected to be completed before sunrise. When there is a discrepancy between the desired and actual values, system 3100 operation can be wasteful since external corrections will likely be made. Accordingly, compensation component 3106 can determine that the operation should not occur.

A check component 3108 can determine that information is translated appropriately to ensure accurate operation. Since information about actual or desired values may be gathered from different locations, the information may be in different formats. For example, desired location gravity information may be expressed in feet per second, while actual location gravity information may be expressed in meters per second. A checking component 3108 can determine the proper format and ensure proper conversion occurs automatically.

Referring now to FIG. 32 , an example method 3200 for managing energy harvesters is disclosed. At Event 3202, a current position of the energy harvester can be calculated, generally based on the gravitational force exerted on the energy harvester. Various metadata about the collector can be obtained at act 3204 . Action 3204 may represent collecting date information, time information, longitude information for the collector, and latitude information for the collector. Based on at least a portion of the obtained metadata, there may be an act 3206 that may include calculating an expected location of the collector based on date, time, longitude of the collector, and latitude of the collector.

At act 3208 there may be making a comparison between the calculated position of the collector versus the expected position of the collector. Typically, the calculated position is based on the gravitational force exerted on the collector. Check 3210 may conclude whether the collector should move based on the results of the comparison. According to one embodiment, any discrepancy between the calculated position and the expected position may result in a suggested movement. However, other configurations may be practiced, eg allowing for slight tolerances.

If check 3210 concludes that movement is not appropriate, then method 3200 may return to calculating the desired location. A loop may be formed to keep checking until a move is appropriate; however, there may be procedures for ending method 3200 after reaching this conclusion. If the conclusion is positive that a move is appropriate, then at Event 3212 there may be a set of instructions generated on how to move the collector to approximately the desired location. A verification regarding the set of instructions may occur and at act 3214 there may be a transfer of the set of instructions to a mobile entity, the mobile entity associated with the collector implements the set of instructions.

Referring now to FIG. 33 , an example method 3300 for determining motion associated with an energy harvester is disclosed. A measurement of gravity on the collector can be made at Event 3302. For example, an inclinometer measures net gravity along two axes. A pair of inclinometers may be securely attached to the solar puck in such a way that the angle at which the solar puck is pointed relative to gravity can be measured. This data is used as feedback to the microprocessor which compares the actual value against the desired value at act 3304. The desired value can be calculated from the installed latitude and longitude and/or time and date, which establishes the direction the concentrator should point. This desired value can be expressed as a direction relative to the gravity vector.

The alignment of the concentrators should not be the only factor considered when determining whether movement should occur. For example, at Event 3306, there may be an estimate of the amount of charge appropriate to move the aggregator from the actual location to the desired location. Different factors can be weighed against each other at act 3308 (e.g., by estimating identified energy losses from concentrators not in the desired location, estimated power consumption, etc.) and at event 3310 a decision can be made as to whether the puck should move weighing different factors may include a cost-utility analysis of the benefits of implementing a mobile aggregator versus the costs associated with it, where the costs may include power consumption, the cost of implementing a maintenance configuration (e.g., a safe location for the aggregator), etc. . In an example scenario, when the aggregate is operating in adverse weather conditions (eg, sustained high winds, cloudy atmosphere), the cost of electricity consumed by moving the aggregate may outweigh the benefits of operating in the desired location. If the puck should not move, method 3300 can return to measuring gravity. However, if it is determined that the puck should move, a parameter of the motor can be evaluated at act 3312 and a direction set can be generated at event 3314 to cause the motor to move the puck accordingly.

For purposes of simplicity of explanation, methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter are shown and described as a series of blocks. It is to be understood and appreciated, however, that claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in an order different from that depicted and described herein and/or concurrently with other blocks. In addition, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methodologies described below. In addition, it should be further appreciated that the methods disclosed throughout this specification can be stored on an article of manufacture to facilitate transporting or transferring such methods to a computer. The term article of manufacture as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media.

Mass-producible solar collector

According to an aspect is a solar collector comprising at least four arrays attached to a backbone support. Each array may include at least one reflective surface. The solar collector also includes the backbone support and pole mounts on which the at least four arrays can be tilted, rotated or lowered. The pole mount may be positioned at or near the center of gravity. Additionally, the solar collector may include a pole mount support arm operatively connected to the movable mount and the fixed mount. The pole mount support arm is removable from a movable mount for lowering the solar collector. The backbone support may comprise a collection device comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells for facilitating conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. Each of the at least four arrays includes a plurality of solar panels formed in a parabolic shape, each solar panel including a plurality of support ribs. Furthermore, the solar collector may comprise positioning means for rotating said at least four arrays about a vertical axis.

According to another aspect is a solar wing assembly comprising a plurality of mirror support ribs operatively attached to a profile beam and resting on said plurality of mirror support ribs and secured to The profiled beam is a reflector. Pairs of the plurality of mirror support ribs may be of the same size to form a parabolic shape. Additionally, the solar wing assembly may include a plurality of mirror clips securing the mirror to the profile beam.

Reference is first made to FIG. 34 , which illustrates a simplified solar panel assembly 3400 as compared to conventional solar collector assemblies, according to one aspect. Solar wing assembly 3400 utilizes profile beams 3402, which may be rectangular, as illustrated. According to some aspects, the profile beams can be other geometric shapes (eg, square, oval, circular, triangular, etc.). A plurality of formed mirror support ribs 3404 , 3406 , 3408 , 3410 , 3412 and 3414 are operatively attached to profile beam 3402 . Mirror support ribs 3404-3414 may be any suitable material, such as plastic (eg, plastic injection molded), formed metal, or the like.

Mirror support ribs 3404 to 3414 can be operatively attached to profile beam 3402 in various ways. For example, each mirror support rib 3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414 may include a clip assembly that may allow each mirror support rib 3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414 clips to profile beam 3402. However, other techniques for attaching the mirror support ribs to the profile beam 3402 may be utilized, such as sliding the mirror under the mirror support ribs and securing the mirror with hooks or other securing components in place. According to some aspects, profile beam 3402 and mirror support ribs 3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414 may be constructed as a single assembly.

Pairs of mirror support ribs 3404-3414 may be of the same size in order to form (and hold) mirror 3416 into a parabolic shape. The term "size" refers to the total height of each mirror support rib 3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414 from the profile beam 3402 to the mirror contact surface. In addition, each pair of mirror support ribs is of a different size or height than the other pairs (eg, the height of the middle support rib is shorter than the height of the support ribs at either end of the profiled beam).

Depending on the overall height of each mirror support rib 3404, 3406, 3408, 3410, 3412, and 3414, the distance from the mirror 3416 to the profile beam 3402 can be different at various locations. Each pair of mirror support ribs is spaced apart along the beam and affixed at different locations to achieve the desired parabolic shape. For example, the first pair includes mirror support ribs 3408 and mirror support ribs 3410 . The second pair includes mirror support ribs 3406 and mirror support ribs 3412 and the third pair includes mirror support ribs 3404 and mirror support ribs 3414 . The first pair of support ribs 3408 and 3410 has a first height, the second pair of mirror support ribs 3406 and 3412 has a second height, and the third pair of mirror support ribs 3404 and 3414 has a third height. In this example, the third height is higher than the second height, and the second height is higher than the first height. Thus, the first pair (e.g., mirror support ribs 3408 and 3410) holds the mirror 3416 in a position (which is farther from the profile beam) than the second pair (e.g., mirror support ribs 3406 and 3412) holds the mirror. 3402) closer to the profile beam 3402, and so on.

According to some aspects, the mirror support ribs 3404-3414 can be seated on the profiled beam 3402 at a first end and can be slid or moved along the profiled beam 3402 and put into place. According to other aspects, the mirror support ribs 3404-3414 can be attached to the profile beam 3402 in other ways (eg, snap into place, lock into place, etc.).

35 illustrates another view of the solar panel assembly of FIG. 34 according to an aspect. As illustrated, the solar wing assembly 3400 includes a profile beam 3402 and a plurality of support ribs attached to the profile beam 3402 . Illustrated are six mirror support ribs 3404 , 3406 , 3408 , 3410 , 3412 and 3414 . However, it should be understood that more or fewer support ribs may be used with the disclosed aspects. Operably connected to each support rib 3404-3414 is a mirror 3416, discussed in detail below.

FIG. 36 illustrates an example schematic representation 3600 of a portion of a solar panel assembly 3400 with mirrors 3416 in a partially unsafe position, according to an aspect. 37 illustrates an example schematic representation 3700 of a solar panel assembly 3400 with mirrors 3416 in a safe position according to an aspect. For ease of explanation and understanding, Figures 36 and 37 will be discussed together.

As illustrated, portions of solar panel assembly 3400 include profile beams 3402 . Mirror support rib 3404 and mirror support rib 3406 (and other mirror support ribs) are operatively connected to profile beam 3402 . Additionally, mirror 3416 is operatively connected to mirror support rib 3404 and mirror support rib 3406 .

Mirror 3416 comprising mirror material may be supplied in flat condition. To shape mirror 3416 into a parabolic shape, mirror 3416 may be placed on top of each mirror support rib 3404 and 3406 (etc.). Mirror clip 3602 can hold mirror 3416 against mirror support rib 3404 and mirror clip 3604 can hold mirror 3416 against mirror support rib 3406 . Only one mirror clip 3602 , 3604 per mirror support rib 3404 , 3406 is illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37 . However, it should be understood that each mirror support rib may include two (or more) mirror clips.

Mirror clip 3702 can be positioned over mirror 3416 at first position 3706 (as illustrated in FIG. 37 ). To lock mirror 3416 against mirror support rib 3404 , mirror clip 3602 is moved to second position 3702 (as illustrated in FIG. 37 ) and operatively engaged with mirror support rib 3404 . Mirror 3416 operatively engages each mirror support rib 3404 - 3414 along the length of profile beam 3402 in a similar manner (eg, as illustrated by mirror clip 3604 ).

The mirror clip (e.g., mirror clip 3602) is illustrated as a circular ring shape (e.g., a female connector) with an opening in the middle, allowing the mirror clip 3602 to connect to the first side of the mirror support rib 3404. Male connector 3608 at 3610 is engaged. A second mirror clip (not shown) can engage the male connector 3612 on the second side 3614 of the mirror support rib 3404 . It should be understood that while a female connector is associated with mirror clip 3602 and male connectors 3608, 3612 are described with reference to mirror support rib 3404, the disclosed aspects are not so limited. For example, mirror clip 3602 may be a male connector. According to some aspects, mirror clip 3602 can be a male connector or a female connector, so long as mirror clip 3602 can operatively engage mirror support rib 3404 (eg, mirror support rib 3404 provides a mating connector).

It should be understood that mirror clip 3602 is not limited to the illustrated and described design, as other clips may be utilized so long as mirror 3416 is securely engaged with each mirror support rib 3404-3414. Securing the mirror 3416 against each of the mirror support ribs 3404-3414 can help to enable the mirror 3416 to be free from contact with the mirror during transportation, assembly, or use of the connector assembly utilizing one or more solar panel assemblies. Support ribs 3404-3414 are disengaged. It is understood that any fastener may be utilized to secure the mirror 3416 to the mirror support rib 3404 and that the fasteners shown and described are for example purposes.

According to some aspects, the mirror clips 3602, 3604 are configured such that the mirror clips 3602, 3604 do not rotate. For example, a nut and screw combination may be utilized, where the screw protrudes above mirror contact surface 3616 that extends, for example, the length of mirror support rib 3404 from connector 3608 to connector 3612 . According to some aspects, the mirror clips 3602, 3604 can include anti-rotation features such that once in place, the mirror clips 3602, 3604 do not move (except from the first position 3606 to the second position 3702 and vice versa).

According to some aspects, the size of each mirror clip 3602 , 3604 depends on the thickness of the mirror 3416 . Since the mirror 3416 is locked between the mirror support rib 3404 and the mirror clips 3602, 3604, a thicker mirror 3416 will necessitate the use of smaller mirror clips 3602, 3604. Similarly, a thinner mirror 3416 may necessitate the use of larger mirror clips 3602, 3604 to mitigate the chance of the mirror sliding along the support ribs 3404-3414. According to some aspects, the size of the mirror clips 3602, 3604 depends on whether a mirror with a breakage resistant backing is utilized or whether a different type of mirror is utilized (eg, an aluminum mirror).

Matching the mirror clips 3602 , 3604 to the mirror thickness may further help to enable the mirror 3416 to not shift its position between the support ribs 3404 - 3414 and the mirror clips 3602 , 3604 . If the reflector 3416 changes (e.g., moves), it can cause the reflector 3416 to be in service (e.g., lower the solar energy collector assembly using one or more solar panel assemblies 3400) during transportation, field assembly, or when the solar collector assembly employs one or more solar panel assemblies 3400. flaps of the solar collector assembly, when rotating the assembly, tilting the assembly, etc.), as will be described in more detail below.

Referring again to FIG. 34, a collection of solar wing assemblies 3400 may be utilized to form a mirror wing array. For example, seven solar wing assemblies can be placed side by side to form a mirror wing array. Four similar mirror wing arrays, each containing seven solar wing assemblies 3400, for example, can form a solar collector assembly. However, it should be understood that more or fewer solar wing assemblies 3400 may be utilized to form a mirror wing array and any number of mirror wing arrays may be utilized to form a solar energy collection assembly and as shown and described Examples are for brevity. Additional information regarding the construction of a complete solar collection assembly will be described more fully with reference to the following figures.

38 illustrates another example schematic representation 3800 of a portion of a solar wing assembly 3400 according to an aspect. In this example, two hooks 3802 and 3804 are utilized to securely engage mirror 3416 against a mirror support rib (eg, mirror support rib 3404 and mirror support rib 3414 of FIGS. 34 and 35 ). To attach the mirror 3416, the mirror can be slid from a first end (e.g., at the mirror support rib 3404) to a second end (e.g., at the mirror support rib 3414, illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35 middle). Mirrors 3416 may slide under mirror clips or stop clips associated with mirror support ribs along the length of solar wing assembly 3400 . Sliding the mirror 3416 end-loading may be similar to installing a replacement windshield wiper blade on a car.

According to some aspects, mirror clips may be pre-installed. Hooks similar to hooks 3802 and 3804 can be positioned at the second end of solar wing assembly 3400 (eg, at mirror support rib 3414 ) and can be used to stop the mirror at a desired location. Hooks 3802 and 3804 may be used to secure mirror 3416 in place when mirror 3416 is engaged along the length of solar panel assembly 3400 .

FIG. 39 illustrates a backbone structure 3900 of a solar collector assembly according to disclosed aspects. As illustrated, a backbone structure 3900 may be formed utilizing rectangular beams 3902 and 3904 , two supports 3906 and 3908 and a central collection apparatus 3910 . However, it should be understood that other shapes may be utilized for the beams and that the disclosed aspects are not limited to rectangular beams. The beams and plates are attached together and soldered to form the backbone structure 3900 . According to some aspects, common sized panels are used to simplify assembly. The central collection device 3910 may contain photovoltaic cells for facilitating the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy.

A plurality of solar wing assemblies 3400 may be attached to backbone structure 3900 . 40 illustrates a schematic representation 4000 of a solar wing assembly 3400 and brackets 4002 that may be used to attach the solar wing assembly 3400 to a backbone structure 3900 (of FIG. 39 ) according to an aspect. The first end 4004 of the bracket 4002 can be operatively connected to the rectangular beam 3902 (of FIG. 39 ). For example, the first end of the bracket 4004 may have pilot holes, one of which is indicated at 4006, which allow the bracket 4002 to be connected to the rectangular beam 3902 using bolts or other fastening means. According to some aspects, bracket 4002 is soldered to rectangular beam 3902 .

The solar wing assembly 3400 is operatively connected to a second end 4008 of a bracket 4002, which is illustrated as a rectangular beam. Other solar wing assemblies 3400 can be secured to the rectangular beam 3902 in the following manner: when operating the solar assembly (e.g., lowering the solar collector assembly's wings, rotating the assembly, tilting the assembly, etc.), Solar wing assembly 3400 does not disengage from backbone structure 3900 . According to some aspects, the simplified corner pull installation of common wing panels allows for easy on-site assembly. The main beam can be pre-drilled at the factory with corner-guy mounting holes so that field alignment is not required. The angles formed in the gussets can help maintain the winged panels at the proper angle relative to the main beam.

41 illustrates a schematic representation of an example focal length 4100 representative of the arrangement of a solar wing assembly 3400 to a backbone structure 3900 according to an aspect. It should be noted that the illustrations represent an example of a common focal length mounting pattern for gussets of a parabolic finned panel and that the disclosed aspects are not limited to this mounting pattern.

The solar panel assemblies 3400 may be arranged such that each solar panel assembly has approximately the same focal length to the receiver. According to some aspects, one or more receivers may be included. The one or more receivers may include sensors that facilitate energy conversion (light to electricity) and/or harvest thermal energy (e.g., through coils with circulating fluid that absorb heat formed at the one or more receivers) Photovoltaic (PV) modules. According to some aspects, the receiver harvests heat, PV, or both heat and PV. It should be noted that the degrees and other measurements illustrated are for example purposes only, and that the disclosed aspects are not limited to these examples.

Illustrated at 4102 is an aspect in which solar reflectors 4104 are operatively connected to the main support beam in a straight configuration or slot design. In this aspect, the receivers are not necessarily at a similar focal distance from receiver 4106. As illustrated, line 4108 indicates an attachment line on the support frame.

Referring now to FIG. 42 , illustrated is a schematic illustration of a solar collection assembly 4200 utilizing four arrays 4202 , 4204 , 4206 , and 4208 comprising a plurality of solar wing assemblies 3400 , according to an aspect. Each array 4202, 4204, 4206, 4208 may include, for example, seven solar panel assemblies 3400 arranged transversely to each other. For example, there are seven solar panel assemblies 3400 in array 4208, as labeled. Each array 4202 , 4204 , 4206 , 4208 may be attached to backbone structure 3900 , and more specifically, to rectangular beam 3902 . According to some aspects, more or fewer solar wing assemblies 3400 can be utilized to form arrays 4202, 4204, 4206, or 4208, and more or fewer arrays 4202 to 4208 can be utilized to form solar energy collection assemblies 4200, And the disclosed aspects are not limited to four such assemblies.

Solar energy collection assembly 4200 can have a center of balance on a receiver mast (not illustrated) about which solar energy collection assembly 4200 can tilt or rotate. FIG. 43 illustrates a simplified pole mount 4300 that may be used with the disclosed aspects. The center of gravity may serve as the mounting point for the solar collection assembly 4200 (of FIG. 42 ) on the simplified pole mount 4300 . The positioning of the pole mount 4300 at this center of gravity allows the collector to be moved for ease of use, maintenance, storage, and the like.

For example, solar collection assembly 4200 may be tilted relative to pole mount support arm 4302 through the axis of declination. The pole mount support arm 4302 may be aligned with the surface of the earth such that the pole mount support arm 4302 is aligned parallel to the inclination of the earth's axis of rotation, as will be discussed in further detail below. A positioning device 4304 (eg, an actuator) is operatively connected to the positioning assembly 4306 and the rectangular beam 3904 of the backbone structure 3900 . Positioning device 4304 facilitates rotation of solar energy collection assembly 4200 about a vertical axis (which is also referred to as the declination axis). Positioning device 4304 may be, for example, an actuated cylinder (eg, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.).

Positioning assembly 4306 facilitates rotating solar energy collection assembly 4200 about the right ascension axis of pole mount support arm 4302 . Positioning device 4304 can tilt solar energy collection assembly 4200 to a desired declination angle relative to the position of the sun in the sky. As positioning device 4304 moves relative to positioning assembly 4306, supports 3906 and 3908 also move, thereby causing solar energy collection. Assembly 4200 is inclined across a range of declination angles.

As positioning assembly 4306 is rotated to track the sun's right ascension, positioning device 4304 may be utilized to enable solar energy collection assembly 4200 to maintain an optimal declination angle to capture the sun's rays. Using positioning device 4204 in conjunction with pole mount 4200 allows solar collection assembly 4200 to be adjusted to a desired declination angle at the onset of solar collection, rather than having to constantly adjust the tilt angle throughout the sun tracking process. This can alleviate the energy consumption associated with operating the solar energy collection assembly, because the positioning device 4304 only needs to be adjusted once a day (or multiple times a day if desired, in order to provide optimal tracking of the sun), rather than constantly adjusting the positioning device 4304 conventional techniques.

Referring now to FIG. 44 , illustrated is an example motor gear arrangement 4400 that may be used to control rotation of a solar collector assembly according to an aspect. The motor gear arrangement 4400 may be used at least in part to connect the solar energy collection assembly 4200 (of FIG. 42 ) to the pole mount support arm 4302 ( of FIG. 43 ). The motor gear arrangement 4400 can rotate the solar collection assembly 4200 about the central axis of the pole mount support arm 4302, which provides the right ascension positioning of the array. The motor gear arrangement 4400 includes a connector 4402 operable to operatively connect the pole mount support arm 4302 to the motor gear arrangement 4300 . Solar energy collection assembly 4200 may be operatively connected to support brackets 4404 and 4406 . Motor 4408 in combination with motor driver 4410 and drive unit 4412 facilitates rotation of solar energy collection assembly 4200 about pole mount support arm 4302 . According to an aspect, solar energy collection assembly 4200 can be fixed at connector 4402 and support brackets 4304 and 4306 and solar energy collection assembly 4200 can be rotated about pole mount support arm 4302 .

It should be noted that although the positioning device 4304 (of FIG. 43 ) and the motor gear arrangement 4400 are illustrated and described as separate components, it should be understood that the disclosed aspects are not so limited. For example, according to some aspects, positioning device 4304 is combined with motor-gear arrangement 4400 (or motor 4408 ) in a single assembly. This single assembly can provide the connection of the solar energy collection assembly 4200 to the pole mount support arm 4302, thereby facilitating the position of the solar energy collection assembly 4200 with respect to right ascension and declination relative to the sun or another energy source from which energy is to be captured A change in the location of the source. According to other aspects, various combinations of motors and positioning devices can be used to provide positioning of solar energy collection assemblies and devices for utilizing capture of radiation, etc., thereby facilitating adjustment of the position of the array and device relative to the energy source.

45 illustrates another example motor gear arrangement 4500 that may be used for rotation control, according to an aspect. As illustrated, the motor gear arrangement 4500 includes a pole mount support arm 4502 . Brackets 4504 and 4506 are also included. The gear arrangement 4500 also includes a motor 4508 and a motor driver 4510 . Furthermore, the gear arrangement 4500 comprises a drive unit 4512 .

FIG. 46 illustrates an example pole mounting bar 4600 that may be used with the disclosed aspects. The pole mounting rod 4600 comprises a first end 4602 which is operatively connected to the motor gear arrangement 4400 (of FIG. 44 ) or the motor gear arrangement 4500 (of FIG. 45 ). The second end 4600 of the pole mounting rod 4604 can be operatively connected to a mounting unit (not shown). According to an aspect, the pole mounting rod 4600 can facilitate movement of the solar collector.

FIG. 47 illustrates another example of a pole mounting bar 4700 that may be used with various aspects. The pole mounting rod 4700 includes a first end 4702 operatively connected to the motor gear arrangement 4400 and/or 4500 . The second end 4704 of the pole mounting rod 4700 can be operatively connected to a mounting unit (not shown). FIG. 48 illustrates a view of the first end 4702 of the pole mounting rod 4700 . As illustrated, the motor gear arrangement 4400 and/or 4500 may be attached to the pole mounting bar 4700 by means of various connection members, such as the illustrated connection member 4800 .

Figure 49 illustrates a fully assembled solar collector assembly 4900 in an operating condition, according to an aspect. Assembled solar collector assembly 4900 includes solar energy collection assembly 4200 aligned to reflect the sun's rays onto central collection device 3910 . Solar energy collection assembly 4200 includes a plurality of mirrors that can be used to concentrate and focus solar radiation onto central collection device 3910 . The mirrors may be included as part of a solar wing assembly combined to form a solar array, as illustrated by array 4202 , array 4204 , array 4206 , and array 4208 .

The central collection device 3910 may contain photovoltaic cells for facilitating the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. The solar collection assembly 4200 and the central collection device 3910 are supported on pole mount support arms 4302 . Additionally, arrays 4202, 4204, 4206, and 4208 may be arranged such that gap 4902 divides arrays 4202, 4204, 4206, and 4208 into two groups, such as a first group 4604 (comprising arrays 4202 and 4206) and a second group Group 4906 (comprising arrays 4204 and 4208).

To facilitate harnessing energy from the sun's rays (or other light sources), solar energy collection assembly 4200 can be rotated in various planes to properly align the mirrors of each array 4202, 4204, 4206, and 4208 relative to the direction of the sun , thereby reflecting the sun's rays (or other light sources) onto the central collection device 3910. Fig. 50 illustrates a schematic representation 5000 of a solar energy collection assembly 4200 in a tilted position according to an aspect.

Referring now to both FIGS. 49 and 50 , according to some aspects, a motorized gear assembly can connect solar energy collection assembly 4200 and central collection device 3910 to pole mount support arm 4302 . The pole mount support arm 4302 is aligned with the Earth's surface such that it is aligned parallel to the inclination of the Earth's axis of rotation. The motor gear arrangement 4400 can allow the solar collection assembly 4200 and central collection apparatus 3910 to rotate about a horizontal axis, also referred to as the right ascension axis. Solar energy collection assembly 4200 and central collection device 3910 are further connected to pole mount support arm 4302 by positioning means 4304 . Positioning device 4304 allows solar energy collection assembly 4200 and central collection device 3910 to rotate about a vertical axis (also referred to as a declination axis). Rotating solar energy collection assembly 4200 changes the orientation of the array (eg, an operating position, a safe position, or any position in between).

The pole mount support arms 4302 are operatively connected to the bottom feet 4908 when the solar collector assembly 4900 is to be assembled in the field (eg, in an operating position). Attached to the footing 4908 may be a mounting bracket 4910 that allows the pole mount support arm 4302 to be selectively (at least partially) disengaged from the footing 4908 (e.g., for tilting and lowering of the solar collector assembly 4900) . The other footing 4912 may have a mounting unit 4914 thereon to which the solar collector assembly 4900 is attached. It should be appreciated that feet 4908 and 4912 extend below surface 4916 (eg, ground, earth) at an appropriate depth to anchor solar collector assembly 4900 .

Referring now to FIG. 51 , illustrated is a schematic representation 5100 of a solar energy collection assembly 4200 rotated at an orientation substantially different from operating conditions, according to an aspect. Rotating solar energy collection assembly 4200 in this manner allows maintenance and repairs to be performed on the receiver.

If the solar collection assembly 4200 is placed in a location for storage, safety, or for maintenance purposes, such as the location illustrated in FIG. The array is moved from an operational position (eg, the position illustrated in FIG. 49 ) to a position illustrated in FIG. 51 (sometimes referred to as a storage or secure position). Describing this example further, the number of steps the motor uses to move solar collection assembly 4200 from the operating position to the storage position in a clockwise direction can be determined along with the desired number of steps in a counterclockwise direction. The two counts can be compared (eg, clockwise and counterclockwise) and the shortest direction can be utilized to place the array in the storage location.

In another aspect, solar energy collection assembly 4200 may be placed in the safe location in response to hail weather. A record of the number of steps required to position the array in the safe position from its operational position (eg, its position before receiving a command to move to the safe position) may be determined. After the hail (or other hazard) has passed, the array can be repositioned for continued operation. The repositioning can be determined based on the last known position of the array plus the number of steps needed to compensate for the current position of the sun (e.g., the last position of the array before a hailstorm plus the current position of the sun to move the array to number of steps in position). The current position of the sun may be determined by using latitude, longitude, date and/or time information associated with the array and the array's location. The current position of the sun can also be determined by using a sun position sensor which can be used to determine at which angle the energy of sunlight is strongest and position the array accordingly.

Furthermore, the gaps 4902 in the array groups 4904, 4906 allow the arrays to be positioned such that the mirrors forming the arrays are least sensitive to environmental damage such as high winds and hail. As depicted in Figure 50, the solar collection assembly 4200 can be rotated about the pole mount support arm 4302 to place the array in a "safe position". The ability to rotate the solar collection assembly 4200 about the right ascension axis and tilt about the declination axis allows positioning the solar collection assembly 4200 such that its alignment with any prevailing wind force minimizes the sailing effect of the solar collection assembly 4200 in the wind. Additionally, in the event of hail strikes, snow, etc., the solar collection assembly 4200 can be positioned such that the mirrors face downward with the backside of the array structure exposed to hail strikes, thereby mitigating damage to the mirrors.

According to some aspects, solar energy collection assembly 4200 may utilize an electronic device, such as a computer operable to perform positioning (eg, tilt, rotation, etc.) of solar energy collection assembly 4200 . For example, sensors positioned on or near solar energy collection assembly 4200 can sense weather conditions and automatically place solar energy collection assembly 4200 in a safe location. Multiple solar collection assemblies located in a geographic area may utilize a common electronic device configured to control movement of the multiple solar collection assemblies. Furthermore, the one or more electronic devices can intelligently operate the solar energy collection assembly so as to mitigate damage to the device.

For example, various aspects (e.g., with respect to sensing adverse operating conditions, detecting the movement of the sun, etc.) may employ various machine learning schemes (e.g., artificial intelligence, rule-based logic, etc.) for implementing various aspects thereof . For example, the process for determining whether a solar energy collection assembly should be placed in a safe location can be facilitated by an automated sorter system and process. The machine learning solution can measure various weather conditions, for example from a central collection. According to some aspects, the machine learning component can communicate (eg, wirelessly) with various weather command centers (eg, via the Internet) to obtain weather conditions.

Artificial intelligence-based systems (e.g., explicitly and/or implicitly trained classifiers) can be used to perform inference and/or probabilistic determinations and/or statistical-based determinations, such as according to one as described herein or more than one aspect. The term "inference" as used herein generally refers to the process of inferring or inferring the state of a system, environment, and/or user from a set of observations captured through events, sensors, and/or data. For example, inference can be used to identify a particular context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over states. The inference can be probabilistic—that is, computing a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are related in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come from one or several events and data sources. Various classification schemes and/or systems (e.g., support vector machines, neural networks, expert systems, Bayesian trust networks, fuzzy logic, data fusion engines...) can be used to perform automatic and/or inference with respect to the disclosed aspects Actions. Additional information regarding electronic devices that may be used with the disclosed aspects is provided below.

FIG. 52 illustrates a solar collector assembly 5200 rotated and lowered according to various aspects presented herein. Lowering the solar collector assembly allows for easy maintenance, service and repair. Additionally, lowering the solar collector assembly 5200 can provide a safe location for inclement weather. Rotation of the array solar collection assembly 4200 about the right ascension and declination axes may allow all areas of the solar collection assembly 4200 to be easily accessible to the operator. The operator may be an installation engineer who needs access to the various mirrors contained in the array, central collection device 3910, etc. during the installation process. For example, the installation engineer may need access to the central collection facility 3910 for alignment purposes. The operator may also be a service engineer who needs access to solar energy collection assembly 4200 for cleaning the mirrors, replacing mirrors, and other functions.

The pole mount support arm 4302 (and possibly the mounting bracket as well) is disengageable from the foot 4908 . This allows the pole mount support arm 4302 to rotate on the mounting unit 4914 and thus the solar energy collection assembly 4200 can be brought into closer contact with the ground 4916 .

Figure 53 illustrates a schematic representation 5300 of a solar energy collection assembly 4200 in a lowered position according to an aspect and Figure 54 illustrates a schematic representation of a solar energy collection assembly 4200 in a lowermost position (which may be a storage position) according to an aspect Sex indicates 5400.

FIG. 55 illustrates another solar collection assembly 5500 that may be used with the disclosed aspects. According to this aspect, solar collection assembly 5500 includes solar wing assembly 5502 utilizing a single mirror 5504 . As discussed with reference to the aspects above, each vane array 4204, 4206 has several vane assemblies including a separate mirror for each vane assembly. In this alternate aspect, a single mirror 5504 is utilized instead of two separate mirrors. A single mirror 5504 extends across two wings 5502 and 5506 on opposite sides of the disc or solar collection assembly 5500 . Using a single mirror 5504 can increase the reflective area of the mirror array. The individual mirrors 5504 can be attached by various techniques (e.g., sliding the mirrors along the length of the wings 5502 and 5506, manually attaching the mirrors at each mirror support rib, or by other techniques). Connected to the wings 5502 and 5506.

FIG. 56 illustrates an example receiver 5600 that may be used with the disclosed aspects. As illustrated, an example receiver 5600 may be arranged with photovoltaic cell modules, several of which are labeled at 5602 , 5604 and 5606 . Cooling lines 5608 and 5610 may also be provided for heat harvesting. According to some aspects, this heat can be used for multiple purposes. FIG. 57 illustrates an alternate view of the example receiver 5600 illustrated in FIG. 56 according to an aspect. The view in FIG. 57 illustrates how cooling lines 5608 and 5610 may extend the length of receiver 5600 . Cooling lines 5608 and 5610 may have coolant therein to cool the photovoltaic cells (eg, operate as heat exchangers). It should be understood that the various exemplary devices disclosed herein (eg, receiver 5600, motor gear arrangement 4400, etc.) are for example purposes only and that the disclosed aspects are not limited to these examples.

According to one aspect is a method of erecting a solar collector assembly. The method includes attaching a plurality of arrays to a backbone structure. Each of the plurality of arrays is attached to the backbone structure to maintain a spatial distance from each of the other plurality of arrays. Additionally, the plurality of arrays includes at least one reflective surface. According to some aspects, the method includes attaching the plurality of arrays such that the plurality of arrays rotate through a vertical axis according to the spatial distance. The method may further comprise connecting the backbone structure to a pole mount located at or near the center of gravity and attaching the pole mount to a fixed mount and a movable mount enabling lowering of the solar collector assembly . According to some aspects, a method includes disengaging the pole mount from the movable mount to lower the solar collection assembly. According to some aspects, a method includes rotating the plurality of arrays and the backbone structure about a center of gravity along the vertical axis to change the orientation of the plurality of arrays. Alternatively or additionally, the method may include rotating the plurality of arrays and the backbone structure about a center of gravity along the vertical axis to change one of an operating position, a safety position, or any position of the plurality of arrays existing therebetween . The plurality of arrays may be attached to the backbone structure at the same focal length. According to an aspect, the solar collector assembly is shipped in a partially assembled state. According to another aspect, the solar collector assembly is shipped as a modular unit.

According to some aspects, methods for mass production of solar collectors are provided. The method includes forming a solar wing panel into a parabolic shape, the solar wing panel including a plurality of support ribs, attaching a reflective surface to the solar wing panel to form an assembly, and forming a solar wing assembly having a plurality of solar wing panels. array. Additionally, the method may include attaching the array to a backbone structure. The backbone structure may be equipped with a plurality of photovoltaic cells to facilitate the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. According to some aspects, forming the solar wing into the parabolic shape includes attaching the plurality of support ribs to a support beam, the height of each support rib being selected to form the parabolic shape. According to some aspects, attaching the reflective surface to the solar wing comprises placing the reflective surface on the plurality of support ribs and securing the reflective surface to the plurality of support ribs. In one aspect, the method includes shipping the solar collector produced in a partially assembled state. In another aspect, the method includes shipping said produced solar collector as a modular unit.

Figure 58 illustrates a method 5800 for mass production of solar collectors according to one or more aspects. Method 5800 can simplify the production of solar collectors in an inexpensive manner. Aspects related to mass production of solar collectors may also contribute to cheaper costs for shipping large quantities of solar collectors (eg, pucks). For example, the solar collector may be constructed from modular components, allowing transport of these modular components. According to some aspects, the solar collector may be shipped in a partially assembled state.

At 5802, a solar panel is formed into a parabolic shape. The solar wing panel may include a plurality of support ribs operatively connected to support beams. The support ribs may be of various heights, wherein pairs of support ribs in the support ribs have approximately the same height. The height of the support rib is the height measured from the support beam to the mirror contact surface (eg, the end of the support rib opposite the support beam). The height of the support rib at the middle of the support beam may be shorter than the height of the support rib at the end of the support beam, thereby forming the reflector into a parabolic shape. The height of each support rib is selected to form the parabolic shape.

At 5804, reflective surfaces (eg, mirrors) are attached to the solar wings to form an assembly. This may include placing the reflective surface on the plurality of support ribs (or on a contact surface associated with each support rib) and securing the reflective surface to the plurality of support ribs. The increased height of the support ribs (outward from the center) facilitates forming the reflective surface into the parabolic shape. At 5806, the reflective surface is attached to the solar panel using a fastening member. For example, the fastening member may be placed on top of the reflective surface and secured to an associated support rib. Two fastening members may be utilized for each support rib. The fastening member holds the reflective surface against the support ribs to mitigate movement of the reflective surface.

According to some aspects, the fastening members may be hooks located at each end of the solar panel assembly. The hooks can be used as stops to prevent the mirror (which slides into place) from disengaging from the solar panel assembly. According to this aspect, attaching the reflective surface to the solar panel includes sliding the reflective surface over the plurality of support ribs and under the mirror support clips and securing the reflective surface to the at both ends of the solar panels. In an example, the reflector may be end-loaded similar to a windshield wiper blade replacement. The wing has stop clips on the end closest to the beam and the mirror slides between the clips to form the shape. A second set of stop clips may be attached to secure the mirror.

At 5808, the plurality of solar panels are combined to form a solar panel array. Any number of solar panels may be utilized to form the array. According to some aspects, seven solar panels are utilized to form the array; however, more or fewer solar panels may be utilized. The solar panels can be arranged into the array such that the solar panels are at a similar focal length to the receivers.

According to some aspects, at 5810, the array is connected to a backbone structure. Method 5800 may also include equipping the backbone structure with a plurality of photovoltaic cells operable to facilitate conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. Attaching the array to the backbone structure is optional and may be connected to the backbone structure after shipment (eg, in the field). The solar collector may be shipped in a partially assembled state or as a modular unit.

According to some aspects, method 5800 can include shipping the solar collector produced in a partially assembled state. According to other aspects, method 5800 includes shipping said produced solar collector as a modular unit.

Figure 59 illustrates a method 5900 for erecting a solar collector assembly according to an aspect. The solar collector assembly can be assembled such that the assembly can be rotated, tilted, and lowered for various purposes (eg, construction, repair, maintenance, safety, etc.). Assembly of the collector is also possible without the assistance of a crane. Furthermore, once assembled, no further alignment of the panels is required.

At 5902, a plurality of arrays are attached to a backbone support. The array may include a plurality of solar panels. However, according to some aspects, the array can be constructed from a single solar panel. The plurality of arrays may include at least one reflective surface.

The array is attached to the backbone support to maintain a spatial distance from each of the other plurality of arrays. This spatial distance can mitigate the effects that wind forces can have during periods of high wind. The array can also be mounted to allow slight movement and flexibility while maintaining stiffness to maintain the focus of sunlight on the receivers. According to some aspects, the array is arranged as a slot design instead of being placed at a similar focal distance from the receiver. According to some aspects, the spatial distance allows rotation of the plurality of arrays through a vertical axis.

The backbone is connected to the pole mount at 5904. The pole mount can be positioned at or near the center of gravity of the solar collector, which can allow the collector to be moved (eg, tilted, rotated, lowered) for use, maintenance, storage, and the like. According to some aspects, the plurality of arrays may be attached to the backbone structure at the same focal length.

At 5904, the pole mount is attached to a fixed mount and a movable mount. The pole mount is selectively removable from the movable mount to allow lowering of the solar collector for maintenance, repair or for other purposes.

Additionally, method 5900 can include rotating the plurality of arrays and the backbone structure about the center of gravity along the vertical axis to change the orientation of the plurality of arrays. The orientation may be one of an operating position or a safe position. Alternatively or additionally, method 5900 may include disengaging the pole mount from the movable mount to lower the solar collector assembly.

Another aspect of the invention provides a system of solar concentrators having a heat regulating assembly that regulates (eg, in real time) heat dissipation therefrom. FIG. 60 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view 6000 of a thermal regulation assembly 6010 underlying a modular arrangement 6020 of photovoltaic (PV) cells 6023, 6025, 6027 (1 to N, where N is an integer). The chemical arrangement has different temperature gradients. Typically, each of the PV cells (also referred to as solar cells) 6023, 6025, 6027 can convert light (eg, sunlight) into electrical energy. The modular arrangement 6020 of PV cells may include standardized cells or segments that facilitate construction and provide flexible arrangements.

In one exemplary aspect, each of the photovoltaic cells 6023, 6025, 6027 may be a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) comprising a plurality of glass substrates (not shown) on which is deposited a transparent conductive Coatings such as fluorine-doped tin oxide layers (for example).

Such a DSC may further comprise semiconductor layers such as _Ti02 particles, a sensitizing dye layer, an electrolyte and a catalyst layer such as Pt - (not shown) - which may be sandwiched between the glass substrates. For example, a semiconductor layer can be further deposited on the coating of the glass substrate, and the dye layer can be adsorbed on the semiconductor layer as a monolayer. Thus, electrodes and opposite cells can be formed by redox to control the flow of electrons between them.

Accordingly, the cells 6023, 6025, 6027 undergo a cycle of excitation, oxidation and reduction, which produces a flow of electrons, such as electrical energy. For example, incident light 6005 excites dye molecules in the dye layer, wherein the photo-excited dye molecules then inject electrons into the conduction band of the semiconductor layer. This can lead to oxidation of the dye molecules, where the injected electrons can flow through the semiconductor layer to form an electrical current. Thereafter, the electrons reduce the electrolyte at the catalyst layer and reverse the oxidized dye molecules to a neutral state. This cycle of excitation, oxidation and reduction can be repeated continuously to provide electrical energy.

The thermal conditioning device 6010 removes the generated heat from the hot spot area to maintain the temperature gradient of the modular arrangement of PVs 6020 within a predetermined level. The thermal conditioning device 6010 may take the form of a heat sink assembly comprising a plurality of heat sinks that may be surface mounted to the backside 6037 of the modular arrangement 6020 of photovoltaic cells, wherein each heat sink may further include a Multiple fins (not shown) extending laterally. Such heat sinks can be fabricated from materials with substantially high thermal conductivity (eg, aluminum alloys, copper, etc.). Furthermore, various clamping mechanisms or thermal adhesives or the like can be employed to securely hold the heat sink without pressure levels that could crush the modular arrangement 6020 of photovoltaic cells. In addition, "tube" elements in which a cooling fluid (eg water) circulates can meander throughout the thermal conditioning device in a snake-like fashion to further facilitate heat exchange.

The fins can enlarge the surface area of the heat sink to increase contact with a cooling medium (e.g., air, cooling fluid such as water) used to dissipate heat from the fins and/or photovoltaic cells heat. Thus, heat from the photovoltaic cells can be conducted via the heat sink and into the surrounding cooling medium. Furthermore, the heat sink may have a substantially small form factor relative to the photovoltaic cells to enable efficient distribution across the entire backside 6037 of the modular arrangement 6020 of photovoltaic cells.

FIG. 61 illustrates a schematic perspective assembly layout 6100 of a modular arrangement of PV cells in the form of a photovoltaic grid 6110 . Such a grid 6110 may be part of a single enclosure that converts solar energy into electrical energy. The heat regulating assembly may be arranged in the form of a heat transfer layer 6115 comprising cooling fins thermally coupled to the PV cells 6102 on the PV grid 6110 . Even though the invention is initially described as a heat transfer layer 6115 that dissipates heat from the PV grid 6110, it should be understood that such a heat transfer layer 6115 could also be employed to selectively induce heat within sections of the PV grid 6110 (eg, to mitigate environmental factors such as ice accumulating on it). System 6100 receives light reflected from a reflective plate (eg, mirror, not shown).

In one aspect, a heat transport layer 6115 exists on a plane below the PV grid 6110 and is thermally coupled to the plane. The heat transfer layer 6115 may include cooling fins that may be added to such a layer via the pick and place equipment typically used to place components and devices. In a related aspect, the heat transport layer 6115 can further include a base plate 6121 that can be held in direct contact with the hot spots 6126 , 6127 , 6128 created on the PV grid 6110 .

Additionally, the heat transport layer 6115 can include a heat promoting section 6125 . Heat promotion section 6125 facilitates heat transfer between PV grid 6110 and heat transfer layer 6115 . The heat promoting section 6125 may further include thermal/electrical structures embedded within. This permits the heat generated from the photovoltaic cells 6102 to diffuse or spread initially through the entire main base plate section 6121 and then into the thermal structure extension assembly, where such extension assembly may be connected to a heat sink. The thermal structure may further include a thermal conduction path (eg, metal layer) 6131 to the heat sink to mitigate direct physical or thermal conduction from the heat sink to the photovoltaic cells. This arrangement provides a scalable solution for proper operation of the PV modular arrangement 6110.

Figure 62 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a thermal regulation system 6200 according to one aspect of the invention. System 6300 includes a thermal conditioning device 6262 further comprising a thermal-electrical network assembly 6264 operatively coupled to a support plate 6263 that interacts with a photovoltaic grid assembly 6261 . The thermal-electrical network assembly 6264 may be composed of a plurality of thermal-electrical structures (eg, slots formed within a layer of the thermal regulation device and embedded with various electronic components) and may be operatively coupled to a heat sink 6265, The heat sink draws heat away from the thermal-electrical structure assembly 6264. Additionally, the thermo-electric structure assembly 6264 may be physically, thermally or electrically connected to a support plate which in turn contacts the photovoltaic grid assembly 6261 . This arrangement enables the photovoltaic grid assembly 6261 as a whole to interact with the thermo-electric structure assembly 6264 via the support plate 6263, rather than a portion of the photovoltaic grid assembly interacting with respective individual thermo-electric structure units. Processor 6266 may be operatively coupled to thermoelectric network assembly 6264 and programmed to control and operate various components within thermal conditioning device 6262 . Additionally, a temperature monitoring system 6268 may be operatively connected to the processor 6266e and to the photovoltaic grid assembly 6261 (via the support or base plate 6263). Temperature monitoring system 368e operates to monitor the temperature of photovoltaic grid assembly 6261. The temperature data is then provided to the processor 6266 which uses this data to control the thermal regulation device 6262. Processor 6266 may further be part of an intelligent device that senses or displays information, or converts analog information into digital information, or performs mathematical manipulation of digital data, or translates the results of mathematical manipulation, or based on the information to make decisions. Thus, the processor 6266 may be part of a logic unit, computer, or any other intelligent device capable of making decisions based on data collected by the thermo-electric structure and information provided to it by the thermal regulation device 6262 . A memory 6267 coupled to the processor 6266 is also included in the system 6200 and used to store code executed by the processor 6266 for implementing operational functions of the system 6200 as described herein. The memory 6267 may include read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The ROM contains, among other codes, the basic input-output system (BIOS), which controls the basic hardware operation of the system 6260. RAM is the main memory where the operating system and application programs are loaded. Memory 6267 is also used as a storage medium for temporary storage of information such as PV cell temperatures, thermometers, allowable temperatures, properties of thermo-electric structures, and other data used to practice the invention. For mass data storage devices, memory 6267 may include hard disk drives (eg, exabyte hard drives).

Photovoltaic grid assembly 6261 may be divided into an exemplary grid pattern as shown in FIG. 63 . Each grid block (XY) of the grid pattern corresponds to a particular portion of the PV grid assembly 6261 and each portion can be individually monitored and controlled for temperature via the control system described below with reference to FIG. 65 . In one exemplary aspect, one thermo-electric structure is used for each measured temperature, allowing the temperature of each zone to be individually controlled. In FIG. 63 , the temperature amplitude for each PV cell or segment (X ₁ Y ₁ . . X ₁₂ , Y ₁₂ ) of a grid section is shown, where the temperature of each respective section is monitored using a respective thermo-electric structure. Typically, the temperature at which the PV grid is located at coordinates (eg, X ₃ Y _{9 )} , which is located below the PV cells, has a low dissipation rate and an unacceptable temperature (Tu) that is substantially higher than that of the PV grid. The temperature of the other part XY of the grid. Similarly, during operation of a PV grid, the temperature of the zone of the PV arrangement may reach unacceptable limits (Tu). Activation of the respective thermo-electric structures of the zones can reduce the temperature to an acceptable value (Ta). Accordingly, in one aspect according to the invention, several thermo-electric structures can manage the flow of heat from this zone to bring the zone to an acceptable temperature.

Figure 64 illustrates a representative table of temperature amplitudes taken at various grid blocks that have been correlated with acceptable temperature amplitude values for the portion of the PV grid assembly mapped by the corresponding grid block. Such data can then be used by the processors of FIGS. 62 and 65 to determine grid blocks with undesirable temperatures outside the acceptable range (Ta range). Subsequently, the undesired temperature can be brought to an acceptable level via activation of corresponding cooling mechanisms (eg, heat sinks and/or thermo-electric structures).

According to other aspects, during typical operation of the photovoltaic grid assembly, the location of the hot spot is anticipated or determined via temperature monitoring, and a corresponding thermo-electric structure matched to the hot spot can be activated to remove the hot spot from the hot spot region. Heat away and/or induce heat to other regions of the photovoltaic grid assembly to create a uniform temperature gradient (eg, to mitigate environmental factors such as icing). Figure 65 illustrates a schematic diagram illustrating such a system for controlling the temperature of the photovoltaic grid assembly according to this particular aspect. System 6500 includes a plurality of thermo-electric structures (TS1, TS2, ... TS[N]), where "N" is an integer. In one aspect, the thermo-electric structures TS are preferably distributed along the back surface of the PV grid assembly 6574 and corresponding to the respective photovoltaic pool devices. Each thermo-electric structure may provide a respective heat path to a predetermined portion of the PV grid assembly 6574 . A plurality of heat sinks ( HS1 , HS2 , . . . HS[N]) are provided, wherein each heat sink HS is operatively coupled to a corresponding thermo-electric structure TS, respectively, to draw heat away from the PV grid assembly 6574 . System 6500 also includes a plurality of thermistors (TR1, TR2, . . . TR[N]). Each thermo-electric structure TS may have a corresponding thermistor TR for monitoring the temperature of the respective portion of the PV grid assembly 6574 that is temperature regulated by the corresponding thermo-electric structure. In one aspect of the invention, the thermistor TR may be integrated with the thermo-electric structure TS. Each thermistor TR may be operatively coupled to the processor 6576 to provide it with temperature data associated with a respective monitored zone of the PV cell modular arrangement. Based on the information received from the thermistor, as well as other information (e.g., expected location of a hot spot, properties of the PV cell), the processor 6576 drives a voltage driver 6579 operatively coupled thereto to control the thermo-electric structure in a desired manner to regulate the temperature of the PV grid 6574. The voltage driver may further be charged by electrical energy generated by the PV grid assembly.

The processor 6576 may be part of a control unit 6578 having the ability to sense or display information, or convert analog information to digital information, or perform mathematical manipulation of digital data, or translate the results of mathematical manipulation, or make decisions based on said information part. Thus, the control unit 6578 may be a logic unit, computer or any other intelligent device capable of making decisions based on data collected by the thermo-electric structure and information provided to it by the thermal conditioning device. The control unit 6578 assigns which thermo-electric structures should take heat away from the hot spot, and/or which thermo-electric structure should induce heat into the PV grid arrangement and/or which of the thermo-electric structures Should remain inactive. The thermal conditioning device 6572 provides the control unit with data on various physical properties of the different zones of the modular arrangement of PVs such as temperature, power consumption etc. continuously collected by the thermo-electric structure. Additionally, a suitable power source 6579 may also provide operating power to the control unit 6578 .

Based on the data provided, the control unit 6578 makes decisions regarding the operation of various parts of the thermo-electric structure assembly, eg, deciding what number of thermo-electric structures should dissipate heat and from which hot spots. Accordingly, the control unit 6578 may control the thermal regulation device 6572 , which in turn regulates the flow of heat away from and/or into the PV grid 6574 .

Figure 66 illustrates a related method 6600 of dissipating heat from a PV cell in accordance with an aspect of the invention. Although the exemplary method is illustrated and described herein as a series of blocks representing various events and/or actions, the invention is not limited by the illustrated order of such blocks. For example, some acts or events may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events in accordance with the disclosure, other than the order illustrated herein. In addition, not all illustrated blocks, events or acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the invention. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the exemplary and other methods according to the present invention may be implemented in conjunction with the methods illustrated and described herein, and may also be implemented in conjunction with other systems and devices not illustrated or described. First, and at 6610, incident light can be received through a modular arrangement of grid assemblies of PV cells. At 6620, the temperature of the PV cell can be monitored (eg, via a plurality of temperature sensors associated therewith). Based on the temperature, at 6630, cooling of the PV cells can occur in real time, with dissipation of heat from the PV cells at 6640, to ensure proper operation.

Figure 67 illustrates a further method 6700 for heat dissipation of a PV grid assembly according to an aspect of the invention. At 6702, a logic unit including a processor generates a temperature grid map of the PV grid assembly. Next, and at 6704, the temperature of each zone is compared to the corresponding allowable temperature for that zone, which ensures efficient operation of the PV cell. Then and at 6706, a determination is made whether the temperature of the zone exceeds the corresponding allowable temperature. If so, at 6708, activate the corresponding thermo-electric structure of the zone in conjunction with a heat sink to dissipate heat from the zone on the PV grid assembly. Otherwise, method 6700 proceeds to act 6702 to generate additional temperature grid maps of the PV grid assembly for cooling thereof.

68 illustrates a system 6800 in which a fluid (eg, water) is employed as a cooling medium to dissipate heat from the fins of a heat sink and/or photovoltaic cells of a PV system 6810 in accordance with other aspects of the invention. System 6800 regulates discharge of fluid from reservoir 6805 (e.g., as part of a pressurized closed circuit), where check/control valves 6820, 6825 can regulate liquid flow in a single direction and/or prevent the flow from directly The reservoir enters the thermal conditioning device of the PV system 6810. The system 6800 can alleviate thermal stress and material degradation to extend system life, and provide cooled or heated liquid for other commercial uses. Various sensors associated with the venturi/valve 6815 may provide data to the controller 6830. For example, the sensor analog output signal can be interfaced to a process control microprocessor, programmable controller, or proportional-integral-derivative (PfD) 3-mode controller, where the output controls the check/control valves 6820, 6825 according to PV cell temperature to regulate liquid flow.

According to other examples, valves 6820, 6825 may provide pulsed delivery of cooling medium. Such pulsed delivery of the cooling medium may provide a simple way to apply to control the rate at which the cooling medium is applied. In addition, a duty cycle may be obtained by controlling the valve at a set frequency for a short duration (eg, 1 millisecond to 50 milliseconds with a pulse frequency of 1 Hz to 50 Hz).

In a related aspect, the system 6800 can employ various sensors to assess its health to diagnose problems for substantially quicker repairs. For example and as explained previously, when the cooling medium exits the photovoltaic cell, it enters a venturi in which two pressure sensors allow the measurement of the flow of said coolant. Additionally, pressure sensors may further permit verification of the presence of sufficient coolant in the system 6800, where upstream or downstream obstructions may be sensed. In addition, the differential temperature calculation may further examine the heat transfer value for its comparison to a predetermined threshold, for example.

In related aspects, an AI component 6840 can be associated with the controller 6830 (or a processor as previously described) to facilitate heat dissipation from the PV cell (e.g., in conjunction with selecting zones of dissipated heat, estimating the amount of coolant required, valve operation, etc.). For example, the process for determining which region to select can be facilitated by automated classification systems and processes. Such categorization may employ probabilistic and/or statistically based analysis (eg, decomposed into analytical utility and cost) to diagnose or infer actions desired to be automatically performed. For example, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier may be employed. A classifier is a function that maps an input attribute vector x = (x1, x2, x3, x4, xn) to a confidence that said input belongs to a class - that is, f(x) = confidence(class). Other classification methods include Bayesian networks, decision trees, and probabilistic classification models that provide different dependency patterns can be employed. Classification as used in this paper also includes statistical regression for developing priority models.

The term "inference" as used herein generally refers to the process of inferring or inferring the state of a system, environment and/or user from a set of observations captured through events and/or data. For example, inference can be used to identify a particular context or action, or can generate a probability distribution over states. The inference can be probabilistic—that is, computing a probability distribution over states of interest based on a consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored event data, whether or not the events are related in close temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come from one or several events and data sources. As will be readily appreciated from this description, the present invention can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via sibling training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing system behavior, receiving apparent information) such that the A classifier is used to automatically determine which regions to select based on predetermined criteria. For example, with respect to the well-known SVM - it should be understood that other classifier models such as Naive Bayes, Bayes Net, decision trees and other learning models can also be utilized - SVM is passed through a learning or training phase and feature selection within the classifier constructor module configuration.

FIG. 69 illustrates a system plan view 6900 for multiple solar concentrators employing a thermal conditioning assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention. Such an arrangement may typically include a hybrid system generating both electricity and heat to facilitate and optimize energy output in conjunction with energy management. The heat conditioning assembly may include a network of conduits (eg, pipelines) in the form of a grid of columns 6902, 6908 and rows 6904, 6910 - which may further include associated valve/pump. System 6900 can further encompass a combination of concentrator discs (which can collect light in a focal point - or generally small focal line) and concentrator slots (which can collect light into a generally long focal line). For example, slots often require a simple design and thus may be well suited for heat generation. As explained earlier, the thermal energy collected from the pucks during cooling of the battery can be further used as a preheating fluid, which can then be superheated in a dedicated tank or accumulator located at one end of the coolant loop. Heating fluid. The tank or accumulator can superheat the fluid to a desired temperature level. System 6900 can further include a monitor (not shown) of the output temperature and control of a valve network via control component 6960 (eg, supervisory system), which can be used to achieve a desired temperature. Accordingly, by adjusting the flow of cooling medium within columns 6902, 6908 and rows 6904, 6910 - the energy output from both electrical and thermal energy from the corresponding solar concentrators can be optimized.

In one aspect, the control assembly 6960 can also actively manage (eg, in real time) the trade-off between thermal energy and PV efficiency, where a control network of valves can regulate the flow of coolant medium through the solar concentrator. For example, coolant flowing through the heat sink of one PV receiver can be routed into two thermal receivers and by separating the coolant line downstream from the PV receiver, the flow of coolant is split in half, This allows the coolant to be heated to a higher temperature as it passes more slowly through the downstream hot puck. The control component may take as input data, for example: current electricity prices that change based on market conditions (time of year, time of day, weather conditions, etc.); application-specific thermal energy requirements; the relationship between ambient temperature and fluid temperature. specific current temperature difference), etc. Based on such exemplary inputs, the control assembly may proactively adjust coolant pump speed and open and/or close valves to redirect coolant throughout the thermal loop between the discs and/or slots - to Optimize and generate electricity based on predetermined criteria (e.g., current electricity price based on time of year, time of day, changing weather conditions in market conditions; demand for thermal energy for a specific application; specific current temperature difference between ambient temperature and fluid temperature, etc.) The balance between output and heat output.

Furthermore, the system 6900 can readily detect ruptures distributed throughout a column/row network of valves and conduits (eg, by a network of pressure sensors, flow sensors). For example, pressure and temperature at different parts of the system can be constantly monitored to detect any changes that could indicate cracks and/or failures that indicate failure, such as at collector 6914, where such components can be effectively Isolated from the system (eg, a bypass valve selectively establishes a bypass path for the cooling fluid). It should be appreciated that control and monitoring of the system 6900 may be performed on a disc-by-disc basis or on any predetermined number of discs forming a strip or segment of the system 6900 . Such decisions may be based on cost, response time, efficiency, location, etc. associated with each puck or group thereof. It should further be appreciated that even though the methods described herein for cooling a disk are initially described as part of a population of disks, such methods are also applicable to a single disk and may be individually applied as appropriate.

In a related aspect, each of the solar concentrators may take the form of a modular arrangement comprising various valves, sensors and pipe sections integrated into the modular arrangement to form a module part. Such modules can be easily attached/detached to/from the network of conduits 6902, 6908, 6904, 6910. For example, the solar concentrator 6950 may comprise pipe sections to which valves and/or sensors are attached to form an integrated module - wherein the sensors may include sensors for measuring the temperature of the cooling medium, ambient Temperature sensors for temperature, pressure, flow, etc. Upon attaching such an integrated module to the conduit network and adjusting the associated valves, the cooling medium may then flow to the solar concentrator 6950 for cooling thereof. Furthermore, such an integrated solar concentrator module may comprise a housing partially or completely containing the solar concentrator, one or several pipe sections, valves, sensors and other peripherals/devices associated therewith. Additionally, a venturi can be molded directly in such a housing to facilitate measurement procedures.

Figure 70 illustrates a related method for operation of a thermal regulation assembly in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. First, and at 7010, incoming radiation to the system (e.g., via a radiation sensor) can be measured, and at 7020 the solar concentrator and/or PV cell can be estimated and/or inferred for operation of the valve based on the measurement (eg, the degree to which each valve should be opened and/or closed and the required flow at each section of the system). Then and at 7030, based on the collected data (eg, temperature, pressure, flow), a control feedback mechanism is employed to adjust the operation of the valve at 7040. For example, such a closed-loop component may further employ a proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID controller) that attempts to correct the error between the measured process variable and the desired set point (by calculation and subsequent output can be Adjust the correctness actions of the process accordingly).

FIG. 71A illustrates a diagram of an example parabolic solar concentrator 7100. The exemplary solar concentrator 7100 includes four panels ₇₁₃₀₁ to ₇₁₃₀₄ of reflectors 7135 that focus the light beams onto two receivers ₇₁₂₀₁ to ₇₂₀₂ - panels ₇₁₃₀₁ and ₇₁₃₀₃ focus the light on the receivers ₇₁₂₀₁ , and panels ₇₁₃₀₂ and ₇₁₃₀₄ focus light onto receiver ₇₁₂₀₂ . Both receivers ₇₁₂₀₁ and ₇₁₂₀₂ can harvest sunlight for electricity or power generation; however, in an alternative or additional configuration, receiver ₇₁₂₀₁ can be used for thermal energy harvesting and receiver ₇₁₂₀₂ can be used for power generation. Reflector 7135 is attached (e.g., bolted, soldered) to main support beam 7135 as part of a support structure comprising mast 7118, beam 7130 supporting receivers ₇₁₂₀₁ and ₁₂₀₂ , and lightening panel 7130 ₁ to 7130 ₄ Trusses 7125 (eg, single-column trusses) loaded on main beams 7115. The location of the truss joints depends on the loading of panels 7130 ₁ to 7130 ₄ . The support structure in the example solar concentrator 7100 can be fabricated from substantially any material (eg, metal, carbon fiber) that provides durable support and integrity to the concentrator. The reflectors 7135 can be the same or substantially the same; however, in one or more alternative or additional embodiments, the reflectors 7135 can be different sizes. In an aspect, reflectors 7135 of different sizes can be employed to produce a focused beam pattern of collected light having particular characteristics (eg, a particular level of uniformity).

Reflector 7135 includes a reflective element facing the receiver and a support structure (described below in connection with FIG. 72 ). The reflective element is a reliable, inexpensive, and readily available flat reflective material (eg, a mirror) that is bent in the longitudinal direction into a parabolic shape or through-shaped section and remains flat in the transverse direction to form a parabolic reflector. Thus, the reflector 7135 focuses the light onto the focal line in the receiver 7120. It should be appreciated that even though a specific number (7) of reflectors 7135 is illustrated in the example solar concentrator 7100 _, a greater or lesser number of reflectors may be employed in each panel _71301-71304 . Likewise, any substantial combination of reflector panels or arrays 7130 and receivers 7120 may be utilized in a solar concentrator as described herein. Such combinations may include one or more receivers.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that the back of the reflector 7135 can be coated with a protective element such as plastic foam or the like to adopt a safety or maintenance position (e.g., rotate) and expose the back of the panel _7130λ (where 1 = 1, 2, 3, 4) to promote the integrity of the element (for example).

It should be further appreciated that the example solar collector 7100 is a modular structure that can be readily mass-produced and shipped in sections and assembled at the deployment site. Furthermore, the modular structure of the panels _7130λ ensures a degree of operational redundancy that facilitates continuous sunlight collection even in the event that one or more of the reflectors becomes inoperable (eg, reflector breakage, misalignment).

In an aspect of the invention, the receivers ₇₁₂₀₁ through ₇₁₂₀₂ in the example concentrator 7100 can include photovoltaic (PV) modules that facilitate energy conversion (light to electricity), and which can also harvest thermal energy (eg, via a coil that circulates a fluid with absorbing heat developed at a receiver attached to the PV module's support structure). It should be appreciated that each of receivers ₇₁₂₀₁ and ₇₁₂₀₂ , or substantially any receiver in a solar concentrator as described in this specification, may include a PV module without a heat harvesting device, a heat sink without a PV module. harvesting device or both. Receivers ₇₁₂₀₁ through ₇₁₂₀₂ may be electrically interconnected and connected to a power grid or other disparate receivers in a solar concentrator. When a receiver includes a thermal energy harvesting system, the system can be connected across multiple receivers in a disparate solar concentrator.

FIG. 71B illustrates an example focused light beam 7122 focused on receiver 7120 _γ , which may be implemented in receiver 7120 ₁ or 7120 ₂ or any other receiver described in this specification. The focused light pattern 7122 exhibits non-uniformity with wider segments located near or at the endpoints of the pattern. A more diffuse focal region above and below the end regions of the pattern typically occurs due to the reflector being positioned slightly away from its focal length.

Details of an example solar collector 7100 and its components are discussed next.

Figure 72 illustrates an example configuration reflector 7135, referred to herein as a solar wing assembly. The solar reflector 7135 includes a reflective element 7205 that curves into a parabolic shape or a through shape in the longitudinal direction 7208 and remains flat in the transverse direction 7210. This bending of the reflective element 7205 facilitates reflection to focus the light in a line segment at the focal point intersected by the formed paraboloid. It should be understood that the length of the segment line is consistent with the width of the reflective element 7135 . The reflective material 7205 can be substantially any low-cost material, such as a metallic foil, a thin glass mirror, a highly reflective film material coated on plastic, where the film has predefined optical properties (e.g., range of absorption failure (for example, 514nm green laser or 647nm red laser)) or predefined mechanical properties like low elastic constants to provide stress tolerance etc.

In the example reflector 7135, six support ribs ₇₂₁₅₁ through 72153 attached to the backbone beam ₇₂₂₅ bend the reflective element 7205 into a parabolic shape. For this purpose, support ribs are of disparate sizes and are added at disparate locations in the beam 225 to provide a substantially parabolic profile: the outer rib ₇₂₁₅₃ has a first height greater than the second height of the rib ₇₂₁₅₂ , which is greater than The third height of the inner rib ₇₂₁₅₁ is large. It should be understood that a set of N (a positive integer greater than three) support ribs may be used to support the reflective element 7205 . It should be noted that the support ribs can be fabricated from substantially any material with sufficient stiffness to provide support and accommodate structural changes and environmental fluctuations. The number N of support ribs and the material (eg, plastic, metal, carbon fiber) may be determined based at least in part on the mechanical properties of reflective element 7205, manufacturing cost considerations, and the like.

Various techniques for attaching support ribs (eg, support ribs 7215 ₁ - 7215 ₃ ) to backbone beams 7225 may be utilized. Furthermore, support ribs (eg, support ribs 7215 ₁ - 7215 ₃ ) can hold reflective element 7205 in various configurations; for example, as illustrated in example reflector 7135 , support ribs can sandwich reflective element 205 . In one aspect of the invention, the support ribs 7215 ₁ through 7215 ₃ can be fabricated as an integral part of the backbone beam 7225 . In another aspect, the support ribs 7215 ₁ - 7215 ₃ can be clipped into the backbone beam 7225, which has at least the advantage of providing ease of maintenance and adjustment of reflective reconfiguration. In yet another aspect, the support ribs 7215 ₁ - 7215 ₃ can be slid along the backbone beam 7225 and put into place.

Female connector 7235 facilitates coupling example reflector 7135 to main structural frame 7115 in example solar concentrator 7100 .

It should be appreciated that the shape of one or more elements in the example reflector 7135 may vary from that illustrated. For example, the reflective element 7205 may take a shape such as a square, an ellipse, a circle, a triangle, and the like. Backbone beams 7225 may have a non-rectangular cross-sectional shape (eg, circular, oval, triangular); thus, connectors 7235 may be accommodated.

73A is a diagram 7300 of the attachment of a solar reflector 7135 to a main support beam 7115. As illustrated in the example parabolic solar collector 7100, seven reflectors 7135 are placed at a focal distance γ from the receiver 7120, where γ=1,2. The reflectors 7135 have the same focal length by design, and thus the beam will be focused in a line segment (eg, focal line). Fluctuations in attachment conditions (eg, changes in alignment of the reflectors) cause reflections to be located at distances slightly longer or shorter than the focal length and thus the beam image projected on receiver 120 may be rectangular in shape. It will be appreciated that in this configuration of reflectors, the pattern of focused light beams on receiver 7120 _γ is identical to the point pattern of focused light obtained by a conventional parabolic reflector or by a conventional reflector (which is scanned along a second parabolic path). The V-shaped patterns of collected light formed by passing parabolic segments) are substantially different.

Alternatively, in an aspect, the solar reflector 7135 can be attached to the main support beam 7135 in a straight line configuration or through design, rather than placed at the same focal distance _γ from the receiver 7120. Figure 73B illustrates a diagram 7350 of such an attachment configuration. Line 7355 illustrates the line of attachment on support frame 7135.

74A and 74B illustrate an example single receiver configuration 400 and an example dual receiver arrangement 450, respectively. In Fig. 74A, a beam pattern is schematically presented in receiver 120γ that is substantially uniform with small distortions other than those associated with fluctuations resulting in a rectangular light cast. However, this uniformity comes at the expense of limited collection area; for example, the two reflector panels ₇₁₃₀₁ through ₇₁₃₀₂ have seven constituent reflectors in each panel.

74B illustrates an example collector configuration 7450 utilizing two receivers ₇₁₂₀₁ through ₇₁₂₀₂ passing through a larger area (e.g., each with seven four reflector panels making up the reflector). 7130 ₁ to 7130 ₄ ) Facilitate a substantial increase in daylight harvesting. Configuration 7450 offers at least two advantages over single receiver configuration 7400: (i) the dual receiver configuration collects more than twice the radiant flux, and (ii) maintains substantial uniformity of the focused beam in the single receiver configuration. An example reflector arrangement 7450 is utilized in the example solar collector 7100.

It should be noted that implementing a collection area within a single receiver configuration as large as that in arrangement 7450 can result in substantial distortion of the focused beam pattern. In particular, for large area collectors with large arrays of constituting reflectors that include external reflectors that are generally remote from the receiver, "bow-tie" distortions can develop. Thus, the added complexity resulting from utilizing a second receiver and associated circuitry and active elements is overcome by the advantages associated with uniform illumination. Figure 75 illustrates the "bowtie" distortion of light focused on a receiver 7510 in a central configuration of a solar concentrator with array panels 7130 ₁ through 7130 ₄ .

(骨干梁225与含有主支撑梁115的平面之间的角度)重新配置为其中

(通常，

为10度)。位置调整的结果是将由个别普通反射器面板(例如，面板7130₁)形成的光束线移位以更均匀地照射接收器7120以进一步利用PV电池特性的优点。图77图解说明图表7600中所显示的失真图案的经调整实例的图表7700。FIG. 76 illustrates a graph 7600 of typical slight distortions that may be corrected prior to deployment of a solar concentrator or may be adjusted during a scheduled maintenance session. This distortion in the image focused on receiver 7610 can be corrected by a small adjustment Δθ in the reflector panel (e.g., panel 130 ₁ ) of the position of the constituting reflector or solar wing (which can be implemented in receiver 7120 ₁ or 7120 ₂ ). The adjustment target is to change the panel attachment angle φ to the central support beam 7130 . This adjustment can be thought of as a rotational "twist" that changes φ from a value of 3.45 degrees to 3.45 ± ΔΘ. Alternatively, or in addition, the second attachment angle can be

(the angle between the backbone beam 225 and the plane containing the main support beam 115) is reconfigured as in

(usually,

is 10 degrees). The result of the position adjustment is to shift the beamlines formed by individual common reflector panels (eg, panel 7130 ₁ ) to illuminate receiver 7120 more uniformly to further take advantage of the PV cell properties. FIG. 77 illustrates a graph 7700 of an adjusted example of the distortion pattern shown in graph 7600 .

78 is a diagram of an example embodiment 7800 of a photovoltaic receiver (eg, receiver 7120 ₁ or 7120 ₂ ) for harvesting sunlight for energy conversion (eg, light to electricity). In embodiment 7800, the receiver comprises a module of photovoltaic (PV) cells, eg, PV module 7810. The groups or clusters of PV cells 7820 are aligned in the direction of the focused light beam (see, eg, FIG. 71B ). In addition, groups of PV cells 7820 or PV active elements are arranged in clusters of N constituent cells and M rows, wherein constituent PV cells in a row are electrically connected in series and rows are electrically connected in parallel; N and M are positive integers. In example embodiment 7800, N=8 and M=3. Such alignment and electrical connectivity can take advantage of aspects of PV cells such as vertical multi-junction (VMJ) cells to uniquely utilize a narrow beam focused on a receiver (eg, 7120 ₁ or 7120 ₂ ) to maximize electrical output . It should be noted that VMJ cells are monolithic (eg, integrally joined) and oriented in a particular direction, which generally coincides with the crystallographic axes of the semiconducting materials making up the VMJ cells. It should be appreciated that the PV cells utilized in the PV module 7810 can be substantially any solar cell, such as crystalline silicon solar cells, crystalline germanium solar cells, III to V semiconductor based solar cells, CuGaSe based solar cells, CuInSe based solar cells, Solar cells, amorphous silicon cells, thin-film tandem solar cells, triple-junction solar cells, nanostructure solar cells, etc.

It should be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment 7800 of a PV receiver includes a coil 7830 that can be used to circulate a fluid or liquid coolant to collect heat for at least two purposes: (1) to operate the cluster or group within an optimal temperature range PV cells 7820 in , since PV cell efficiency degrades as temperature increases; and (2) utilize the heat as a source of thermal energy. In an aspect, the coils 7830 can be deployed in a pattern that optimizes heat extraction. Deployment may be achieved by at least partially embedding a portion of the coil 7830 in a material comprising the PV receiver (see, eg, FIG. 79A ).

79A-79B illustrate diagrams 7900 and 7950 of receiver 7120 _γ with housing 7910 attached thereto. Enclosure 7910 may enclose human agents or operators installing, servicing or maintaining solar concentrator 100 from exposure to the focused light beam and associated elevated temperatures. Enclosure 7910 includes exhaust nozzles 7915 that direct passive hot airflow across the PV cells in receiver _7120γ in order to reduce the accumulation of trapped hot air that can distort the beam of light reaching the PV module. The exhaustion or reduction of the hot air layer results in a higher electrical output. Exhaustion can be improved by adding a small active cooling fan in the nozzle 7915.

FIG. 80 is a reproduction 8000 of beam pattern 7122 focused on receiver 7120 _γ , which includes a PV active element (illuminated) and coil 7830 . Pattern fluctuations are visible; for example, beam pattern 7122 is narrower in the central region of receiver 120γ and widens toward the ends of receiver 7120. This pattern shape is reminiscent of the "bowtie" distortion discussed above. It should be appreciated that detrimental effects on performance caused by such fluctuations or distortions in the beam pattern 7122 can be mitigated by various arrangements of PV cells as discussed below.

81A-81B show exemplary embodiments of PV modules according to aspects of the invention. In the embodiment 8140 illustrated in FIG. 81A , the PV receiver is made of sheet metal 8145 and the PV modules 8150 are attached, for example, by epoxy or other thermally conductive or electrically insulating adhesive material, tape, or similar bonding material. onto the metal plate, or otherwise adhered into the metal surface of the receiver. In the illustrated embodiment 8140, the PV module 8150 includes a layout of N=4 constituent cells, represented as square blocks, and M=4 rows. In embodiment 8140, the PV module includes six cavities 8148 to either bolt or fasten the PV module to a support structure, such as post 7110. Additionally, the illustrated embodiment 1100 includes four additional fastening members 8152 .

In the example embodiment 8180 shown in FIG. 81B , a PV module 8190 is made of a metal plate 8185 on which clusters 8150 of PV cells are deployed. As mentioned above, the cluster includes N=4 constituent cells, represented as square blocks, and M=4 rows, and the metal plate includes four fastening members 8152 . In one aspect, in embodiment 8180, the metal sheet forming the PV module embodies a semi-open enclosure that may allow fluid circulation through apertures 8192 for causing cooling or thermal energy harvesting of the PV module. It should be appreciated that in the embodiment 8180, the PV module does not include heat harvesting or cooling equipment, such as coils 7830 or other conduits, but instead the PV module 8190 can be assembled or coupled with a cooling or heat harvesting unit as described below. Together.

Figure 82 shows an embodiment of a channelized heat collector 8200 that may be mechanically coupled to a PV module (not shown in Figure 82) to extract heat therefrom in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The active cooling or heat transfer medium may be embodied in a fluid circulating through a plurality (Q) of channels or conduits 8210, where Q is a positive integer. Channelized heat collectors 8200 may be machined in individual metal sheets (eg, Al or Cu sheets, or any material with high thermal conductivity). In an aspect, the first orifice 8240 can allow coolant fluid to enter the channeled heat collector and the second orifice allows the coolant fluid to drain. Apertures 8220 or 8230 allow channelized heat collector 8200 to be fastened (eg, bolted or bolted) to a PV module (not shown). There may be additional fasteners 8252 to enable attachment to the PV module. It should be noted that a hard cover sheet (not shown) can be placed over the open surface of the channelized heat collector 8200 to close and seal the channelized collector 8200 to prevent leakage of coolant fluid; The ridges 8254 in the inside surface of the chemical heat collector 8200 are supported. The covering stiff sheet can be a thermoelectric material that utilizes heat harvested from fluid circulating through the channelized heat collector to generate additional electricity that can supplement the electrical output of the cooled PV module. Alternatively or additionally, a thermoelectric device may be attached in thermal contact with the hard cover sheet to generate supplemental electricity.

The channelized heat collector 8200 is modular in that it can be mechanically coupled to disparate PV modules (such as 8180) at one time to harvest thermal energy and cool the irradiated PV modules. At least one advantage of the modular design of the channelized heat collector 8200 is that it can be efficiently and practically reused after the end of the PV module's operational life; for example, when the PV module fails to supply a cost-effective current output, the A PV module is detached from the channelized collector and a new PV module can be secured to the channelized collector. At least another advantage of channelized heat collectors is that the fluid acting as the heat transfer medium can be selected, at least in part, to suit a particular heat load and effectively cause cooling of disparate PV modules operating at different irradiances or photon fluxes.

In an aspect, the PV element may be bonded directly to the channelized collector 8200 on the surface opposite the surface of the hard cover sheet that closes and seals the channelized collector. Thus, the channelized collector acts as a support plate for the PV cell, while it provides cooling or heat extraction. It should be noted that a set of channelized collectors 8200 can be secured to a support structure to form a PV receiver; for example, 7120 ₁ . At least one advantage of the modular configuration of the set of channelized collectors 8200 is that when a PV element is bonded to each collector in the set and one or more PV elements in the collector fail, they can be individually replaced Affected PV elements and support channelized collectors without detriment to the operation of the disparate collectors and associated PV cells in the bank of channelized collectors 8200 .

，其中ΔV_C为构成电池电压。个别PV电池以低电压产生能量；大多数电池输出0.5V。因此，为产生实质电力，鉴于可用的低电压，电流往往较高。然而，实质电流可导致与串联电阻相关联的显著电力损失，因为此种电力损失与I²成比例，其中I为通过串联电阻运送的电流。相应地，系统等级的电力损失随着高电流及低电压可快速增加。后者导致利用以串联配置互连的太阳能电池的太阳能转换设计以增加电压输出。83A-83C illustrate three example scenarios of illumination of an active PV element that may be part of a PV module 7810 or any other PV module described herein by sunlight harvesting through a parabolic solar concentrator 7100 . In one aspect of the invention, the active PV element is a monolithic (eg, integrally joined), axially oriented structure comprising a set of N (N is a positive integer) constituents or units connected in series Solar cells (eg, silicon-based solar cells, GaAs-based solar cells, Ge-based solar cells, or nanostructured solar cells). The set of N solar cells is illustrated as block 8325. The solar cells generate a series voltage along the axis Z 8302 of the structure

, where ΔV _C is the constituent battery voltage. Individual PV cells generate energy at low voltages; most cells output 0.5V. Therefore, to generate substantial power, the current tends to be high given the low voltage available. However, substantial current flow can result in significant power loss associated with the series resistance because this power loss is proportional to I ² , where I is the current carried through the series resistance. Accordingly, power loss at the system level can increase rapidly with high current and low voltage. The latter leads to solar energy conversion designs utilizing solar cells interconnected in a series configuration to increase voltage output.

Structure 8325 represents an example vertical multi-junction (VMJ) solar cell. In one aspect of the VMJ solar cell, a set of N constituent solar cells is stacked along the growth direction Z 8302, each constituent cell having a p-doped layer near the first interface of the cell with the disparate cell, and a second There is an n-doped layer near the interface, wherein the first and second interfaces are perpendicular to the plane of the growth direction Z 8302 . In another aspect of VMJ cells, a 1 cm ² VMJ solar cell can output close to 25 volts under typical operating conditions, since typically N-40 constituent cells are connected in series. Thus, eight VMJ solar cells electrically connected in series can generate close to 200V. Furthermore, the series connection of constituent solar cells in the VMJ solar cells can result in a low current state when the VMJ solar cells are not uniformly illuminated or when one or more of the VMJ solar cells are not illuminated. An open circuit condition leading to failure, because the current output of a chain of electrically active elements connected in series (eg, a constituent solar cell when illuminated) is usually limited by the cell producing the lowest amount of current. Under non-uniform illumination, the resulting power output depends approximately on the details of the collected light incident on the VMJ cell or approximately either or either active PV element. Therefore, it should be noted that VMJ solar cells or substantially any or any active PV elements (e.g. thin film tandem solar cells, crystalline semiconductor based solar cells, amorphous semiconductor based solar cells, Design of solar concentrators based on uniform illumination of nanostructured solar cells).

FIG. 83A shows an example scenario 8300 in which an illustrative focused beam 8305 of oblate shape covers the entire surface of a PV element 8325. Therefore, irradiation is considered optimal. 83B presents an example scenario 8330 that is suboptimal with respect to power or energy output (due to partial illumination of a PV active element 8325 constituting a solar cell (represented as a rectangle))—for example, a unit or the entire width of a constituting solar cell passes through Irradiation of focal area 8335 failed. 83C is an example scenario 8340 of an operational failure (e.g., a zero output condition) because the focal region 8345 fails to illuminate the subset of PV active elements 8325 that make up the solar array, and therefore the power output is zero (due to not being illuminated No voltage appears at the constituent solar cells).

FIG. 84 shows a plot ₈₄₀₀ of a computer simulation of the distribution of light collected by an example parabolic concentrator 7100. The simulations (eg, which may include a ray tracing model of the optical properties of the reflective material 7205 ) reveal non-uniform light patterns in the direction Y 8405 (perpendicular to the axis of the VMJ cell) and in the orthogonal direction X 8407 . The particular stretching properties of the light focal area result from the distribution of positions around the focal point of a plurality of reflectors (e.g., reflector 7135) comprising a solar collector (e.g., solar collector 7100); Multiple, relatively misaligned images superimposed at the receiver. It should be appreciated that as the area of collection (eg, the area of panels _71301-71304 ) increases and additional mirrors or reflectors are added, the distribution of light at the focal point can become increasingly non _- uniform.

Additionally, FIG. 84 presents a diagram 8450 illustrating an example described positioning and alignment of a pair of VMJ cells 8455 relative to an optical image (in dark gray shades) produced by a solar collector (e.g., 100); image in diagram 8450 Same image as in Chart 8400. One or more VMJ cells or substantially any or any PV active elements may be added on the sides of the VMJ cells 8455 along direction Y 8405; The configuration will be such that the main axis of the optical image passing through the focused beam (eg, an axis parallel to direction Y 8405) has reflective symmetry.

It should be noted that in solar concentrators that generate thermal energy, this non-uniformity of illumination, predicted by simulations and observed experimentally, does not affect performance because thermal energy is efficiently integrated in an illuminated thermal receiver (e.g., a back-mounted coil 7830 )middle. However, when the PV cell is located near the focal locus (e.g., a point or line) of collected light, non-uniform illumination can result in poor illumination of a portion of the PV cell (see, e.g., FIGS. 83A-83C ) and thus substantially lower energy. Conversion performance; for example, reducing the power output of a set of PV cells within a PV module.

It will be appreciated that the solar concentrators disclosed in this disclosure (eg, solar concentrator 7100 ) are designed to tolerate spatial fluctuations (eg, dimensional variations of various structural elements) within the configuration of the structure. In addition, the disclosed solar concentrators (e.g., 7100) are also tolerant of environmental fluctuations, such as (i) substantial daily temperature gradients, which occur in desert-like weather conditions (e.g., Nevada, USA; Colorado, USA; northern Australia, etc. ) and some deployment sites for severe storm conditions like high-velocity wind and hail may be ordinary events. It should be readily understood that environmental fluctuations can substantially affect the structural condition, and furthermore substantially any type of stress can cause the focused sunlight to deviate from the designed or intended focus trajectory. The fluctuations or changes typically displace portions of the focused light pattern up or down in the direction of the minor axis of the support beam of the solar receiver, and to the left or in the direction of the major axis of the support beam perpendicular to the centerline. Shift right. By positioning PV active elements (e.g., VMJ solar cells, triple-junction solar cells) 7820 at optimum locations (e.g., informally At locations known as "sweet spots"), detrimental effects associated with such changes in the light pattern can be mitigated because the PV active element can remain illuminated even though the light focus may shift.

As described below, the PV elements can be configured or arranged in a layout that ensures that light incidence on the PV elements is substantially independent of fluctuations in the light focus. In one aspect of the invention, by orienting the PV cells (e.g., VMJ solar cells) on the receiver as described below, the output of the parabolic solar collector system 7100 can be approximately focused on the focal locus (e.g., point, line, or arc) Non-uniform illumination of is resilient because each unit cell within a VMJ cell can have at least a portion of its side section (eg, width) illuminated; see, eg, FIG. 83B and associated description. Accordingly, a VMJ solar cell or substantially any or any PV active element will be oriented in a manner wherein its series connections are aligned with the long axis of the optical image (eg, Y 8405).

85A-85C illustrate examples of cluster configurations or layouts of VMJ solar cells that may be used for energy conversion in a parabolic solar concentrator 7100. While the following description refers to VMJ solar cells, it should be noted that other alternative or additional PV active elements (eg thin film tandem solar cells) can be configured in much the same way. 85A shows three clusters 8520 ₁ to 8520 ₃ or strings 8535 ₁ and 8535 ₂ of VMJ solar cells with K=2 rows, each row comprising M=8 VMJ cells connected in series and each may contain approximately 40 constitute a solar cell. Clusters 8520 ₁ through 8520 ₃ are connected by wires or negative voltage bus 8560 and positive voltage bus (see also FIG. 86 ). Connect in parallel to increase the current output. It should be noted that the number M (a positive integer) of VMJ cells in a row within a cluster may be greater or less than eight based at least in part on design considerations, which may include commercial (e.g., cost, inventory, purchase orders) and Both technical aspects (eg cell efficiency, cell structure). For example, clusters 8520 ₁ through 8520 ₃ may result from a design aimed at producing ΔV = 200V with VMJ cells each producing 25V. Likewise, K (a positive integer) may be determined from design constraints initially associated with the spatial spread of the beam focused on the solar receiver 7120 _γ (see also FIG. 84 ). Clusters of VMJ cells are connected in series. Wires 8524 are routed on the backside of the solar receiver.

As previously described, the focused light tends to be non-uniform across the length of the receiver (oriented in the Y 8405 direction) toward the ends of the focused pattern. Thus, in one aspect, additional clusters can be added in a "split" layout, with four VMJ cell pairs at one end and another four VMJ solar cell pairs making up the balance of the cluster at the other end. This "split cluster" configuration trades off performance in one cluster (one split at either end) rather than 2 clusters (one at each end). The 2 halves of the split cluster may be interconnected by wires 8560 routed through and along the backside of the receiver.

Figure 85B illustrates a layout 8530 in which three rows 8565 ₁ to 8565 ₃ of PV active elements are deployed. The configuration includes three PV clusters 8550 ₁ to 8550 ₃ connected by wires or buses 8560 (see also FIG. 86 ). The spatial distribution of the PV active elements is generally wider than the expected spatial distribution of the focused light pattern; such width can be estimated by simulations such as those presented in FIG. 84 . Configuration 8530 may be implemented when the cost of PV active elements (eg, VMJ solar cells) is feasible. Such a configuration can maintain the desired system (e.g., solar concentrator 7100) tolerance to structural fluctuations, manufacturing imperfections (e.g., dimensional errors), and structural displacement because it provides for the displaced light to fall on it. larger target area. In this configuration scenario, additional VMJ solar cell area is introduced by introducing a third row, a portion of which may not be illuminated and this is non-operational; however, gaining operation (e.g., a net increase in illuminated area and Thus at least one advantage of configuration 8530 is the utilization of more radiation. It should be appreciated that the relative cost effectiveness or trade-off of utilizing a larger VMJ solar cell footprint and a larger beam footprint depends at least in part on the solar concentrator 7100 structure and corresponding The relative cost and efficiency of components (eg, mirrors) versus the relative cost and efficiency of PV active components (eg, VMJ cells).

Figure 85C illustrates an example configuration 8580 in which clusters with disparate structures can be adjusted according to the expected (see Figure 84) spatial variation of the focused beam pattern; e.g., along the direction of the focused image over the entire length of the receiver The width of the X 8407 varies.

To adjust the PV active element layout, clusters can be varied in width (eg, the number of parallel VMJ solar cells in a string or row can be adjusted over the entire length of the receiver). In one aspect, side clusters 8582 ₁ and 8582 ₃ include K=3 rows 8585 ₁ to 8585 ₃ with M=8 PV elements each, while central cluster 8580 ₂ can be K=2 rows, such as PV active Component widths of 8595 ₁ and 8595 ₂ . Clusters 8582 ₁ through 8582 ₃ are connected in parallel by wires or positive voltage bus 8590.

In the example configuration scenarios 8500, 8530, and 8580, and in any configuration utilizing PV active elements (e.g., VMJ solar cells) in series-connected strings, the performance of the cluster is affected by the PV element with the lowest performance because this This element is the current output bottleneck in the series connection, eg, the current output is reduced to that of the worst performing PV active element. Therefore, to optimize performance, a string of PV active elements can be based on performance characterization in a test bed under conditions (e.g., wavelength and concentration intensity) generally similar to those expected normal operating conditions for solar collector systems. matched.

Furthermore, the current matched strings can be geometrically arranged to optimize power production. For example, when three strings (e.g., rows 8565 ₁ to 8565 ₃ ) are connected in parallel to form a cluster, the middle string (e.g., row 8565 ₂ ) may include the highest performance current-matched PV active elements because the middle string may Optimum location for focused collected beam or optical image. Furthermore, the top string (eg, 8565 ₁ ) may be the second best performing string, and the bottom string (eg, 8565 ₃ ) may be the third best performing string. In such an arrangement, when the image is shifted upwards, the top and middle strings may be fully illuminated, while the bottom strings may be partially illuminated, providing higher power than when the focused beam image is shifted downwards output, so the middle and lower strings are fully illuminated while the top string is partially illuminated. When substantially all clusters of PV active elements (e.g., VMJ cells) are configured with the poorer performing PV active elements in the bottom row, the best performing cells in the middle of the arrangement, and the next best performing element at the top When in a string, a tracking system (e.g., system 8700) for adjusting the position of the collector panels (e.g., 7130 ₁ to 7130 ₄ ) to at least partially track the position of the sun can be employed to adjust the collector panels or reflectors therein. The configuration of the collector is such that the beam focus image is shifted towards the top of the receiver (eg, 7120 _γ ) during concentrator operation in order to maximize the electrical output—eg, preferentially illuminate the middle and top rows in configuration 8530. Additionally or alternatively, the tracking system may be employed to adjust the position of collector panels or reflectors therein to enable energy conversion in scenarios where the PV elements in a PV module (e.g., 7810) are not current matched or otherwise matched performance or electrical output maximum.

It should be appreciated that the configuration or pattern or cell size (e.g., length and width) and shape of the PV active elements is not limited to those sizes and shapes illustrated in FIGS. 85A-85C or those generally discussed above. . The solar cell size and shape can be varied to match the concentrated light pattern produced by various possible mirror or reflector configurations. In addition, the arrangement or configuration of the PV elements can be straight lines, squares, bow ties, arcs, or other patterns to take advantage of unique features or aspects of the PV elements; for example, the monolithic, axially oriented nature of VMJ solar cells .

86A-86B illustrate two example cluster configurations of PV cells that enable active correction of changes in focused beam light patterns according to aspects described herein. Example cluster configurations 8600 and 8650 enable passive adjustment for changes in the focused pattern of collected sunlight (which is represented by shaded block 8605). In the example configuration 8600, three clusters 8610 ₁ through 8610 ₃ are illuminated by a focused collected beam 8605 in the initial configuration of the solar collector (eg, 7100). The electrical output of each cluster is electrically connected to a +V (eg, +200V) voltage bus 8676 . Likewise, wire 8677 is a common negative voltage bus. In one or more alternative embodiments _or configurations, connection to bus 8626 is accomplished through blocking diodes; for example, in configuration 8680 _in FIG _. Blocking diodes 8684, 1886 and 8688 are inserted between the outputs of the Blocking diodes can prevent bus 8626 current from flowing back into PV clusters that are non-functional or underperforming (due to internal failure or lack of illumination). Each cluster includes two rows (M=2) of eight (N=8) PV elements. Upon occurrence of a change, e.g., a structural change or the onset of a fault condition (e.g., breakage of a reflective element (e.g., 7205)), the focused beam 8605 may shift position onto the receiver (e.g., 7120 ₁ ); as Illustrated by the open arrows in the figure, the focused pattern 8605 can be shifted sideways and thus it can stop illuminating the first pair 8615 of PV active elements connected in parallel in cluster ₈₆₁₀₁ . To prevent the ensuing open circuit condition that may result from lack of illumination of the first pair 8615 PV elements, an additional or redundant pair 8620 of PV cells may be placed adjacent to the PV cluster ₈₆₁₀₃ and electrically connected in parallel with the pair 8615. Connections; electrical connections are illustrated by wires 8622 and 8624. Accordingly, additional illumination of 8620 results in a closed-loop configuration of cluster ₈₆₁₀₁ and maintains its energy conversion properties even if the focused beam 8615 is displaced.

In the example configuration 8650, three clusters 8610 ₁ through 8610 ₃ are illuminated by a focused collected beam 8605 in the initial configuration of the solar collector (eg, 7100). Additional or redundant cell pairs 8670 allow the performance of the module ₈₆₆₀₃ to be maintained even when displacement of the focused collected light beam 8605 (see open arrow) results in the PV cell pair 8665 not being illuminated. As noted above, the additional parallel electrical connection of the PV element 8670 and the cell pair 8665 results in a closed current loop that enables the performance of the PV cell cluster 8660 ₃ to be substantially maintained relative to near-ideal or ideal illumination conditions (see also FIGS. 83A-83C ). ). Electrical connections in pair 8670 and 8665 are made by wires 8622 and 8624. The electrical output of each cluster is electrically connected to a +V (eg, +200V) voltage bus 8626; in one or more alternative embodiments, the connection to bus 1626 is done through blocking diodes.

In additional or alternative embodiments, in addition to a second blocking diode electrically connected between the output of the additional pair 8620 and the PV cell pair 8615, an electrical connection may be made in series between the pair 8615 and the second pair of PV cells in module _86101. Connect the first blocking diode. In one aspect, the first blocking diode can be diode 8684, which can be disconnected from bus 8626 and the output of cluster ₈₆₁₀₁ and reconnected as described. It should be noted that the second blocking diode is a diode other than diodes 8684, 8686, and 8688. When clusters 8610 ₁ to 8610 ₃ are illuminated normally, eg, the collected sunlight pattern 8605 covers the three clusters, the inserted first blocking diode does not affect the operation of cluster 8610 ₁ or the entire three-cluster PV module. As noted above, additional battery 8620 is electrically connected to pair 8615 in an OR arrangement to prevent open circuit conditions. When the PV cell pair 8615 is not being illuminated due to shifting of the focused light pattern 8605, the first blocking diode prevents current from flowing back into the pair 8615 (due to its poor performance or bad condition), while the second blocking diode allows current output From the additional pair 8620 into the PV cells that remain illuminated (and thus functional within the cluster ₈₆₁₀₁ ). Similar embodiments including blocking diodes in configuration 8650 can be implemented. However, in such an embodiment, the first diode may be embodied in diode 8688 after the first (leftmost) PV cell pair in cluster ₈₆₁₀₃ is reconnected in series with the remaining PV elements in the cluster. middle.

It should be noted that for when VMJ cells comprise clusters 8610 ₁ to 8610 ₃ , the large reverse bias breakdown voltage associated with the VMJ cells causes unnecessary connection of bypass diodes in the subset of VMJ cells within the cluster. However, for PV elements other than VMJ cells (e.g., triple-junction solar cells), such bypass diodes can be included within each PV cluster so that the PV elements mitigate the non-operability that can result from a failed PV element. situation.

The passive nature of the tuning arises from the fact that PV performance is substantially maintained—the extent to which energy conversion performance is maintained is dictated at least in part by the energy conversion efficiency of the additional pair 8620 relative to the efficiency of the PV element 8615. Although passive adjustment is illustrated in cluster configurations 8600, 8650, and 8680 with a single additional pair, larger additional clusters (eg, two pairs) can also be employed to accommodate shifts in the focused beam pattern. It should be noted that larger redundant pairs can also be utilized in configurations with blocking diodes in much the same manner as previously described. In an aspect, a PV module consisting of a set of PV clusters for energy conversion may include additional cells 8620 and 8670 to accommodate shifting of the focused light pattern in both directions along the pattern's axis. Furthermore, additional or redundant PV cells may be placed in alternate or additional locations near clusters 8610 ₁ , 8610 ₂ or 8610 ₃ to passively correct operation when the focused pattern 8605 shifts in alternate directions. It should be appreciated that including one or several additional or redundant PV cell pairs may allow for maintaining operation of a larger PV cell cluster; as described, a single additional PV element pair may protect an entire module of NxM elements.

87 is a block diagram of an example adjustment system 8700 that enables adjustment of the position of a solar collector or reflector panel thereof to maximize a performance metric of the solar collector according to aspects described herein. Adjustment system 8700 includes a monitor component 8720 that can supply operational data of the solar concentrator to a control component 8740 that can adjust the position of the solar concentrator or one or more components thereof so as to allow for the operation of the solar concentrator. The performance measure for data extraction is the largest. Control component 8740 (e.g., a computer-related entity that may be hardware, firmware, or software, or any combination thereof) may implement a solar collector or portion thereof (e.g., one or more panels (e.g., 7130 ₁ through 7130 ₄ ) or one or Tracking or adjustment of the position of more than one reflector assembly (7135). In one aspect, such tracking includes at least one of: (i) collecting data through measurements or access to a local or remote database, (ii) actuating a motor to adjust the temperature of an element within the solar concentrator position, or (iii) reporting the status of the solar concentrator, such as energy conversion performance metrics (eg, output current, heat transferred...), response of controlled elements, and diagnostics of generally any type. It should be appreciated that the control component 8740 can be internal or external to the conditioning component 8710, which itself can be a centralized or distributed system, and can be embodied in a device that can include a processor unit, data and system bus architecture, and memory storage devices. in the computer.

Monitor component 8720 can collect data associated with the performance of the solar energy concentrator and supply the data to a performance metric generator component 8725 (also referred to herein as performance metric generator 8725), which A performance metric can be evaluated based at least in part on the data. The performance metric may include at least one of energy conversion efficiency, current output of energy conversion, thermal energy production, and the like. A diagnostic component 8735 can receive the generated performance metrics and report the condition of the solar concentrator. In an aspect, conditions can be reported at various levels based at least in part on the granularity of the collected operational data; for example, for data collected at a cluster level within a PV module, the diagnostic component 8735 can report conditions at the cluster level . Reported conditions can be saved in memory 8760 to generate historical operational data that can be used to generate operational trends.

Based at least in part on the generated performance metrics, the control assembly 1740 can drive the actuator assembly 8745 to adjust the solar concentrator or components thereof (e.g., one or more panels disposed within one or more panels forming the solar concentrator). at least one of the above reflectors). The control assembly 8740 can repeatedly drive the actuator assembly 8745 in a closed feedback loop to maximize one or more performance metrics: at each iteration of the position correction effected by the actuator assembly 8745, the control assembly 8740 can signal The notification monitor component 8720 collects operational data and feeds that data back to further drive position adjustments until the performance metric is satisfactorily within a predetermined tolerance, such as an acceptable performance threshold. It will be appreciated that the positional adjustments achieved by the adjustment system 8700 involve focusing the collected sunlight into the solar concentrator in a manner that maximizes the performance of the solar concentrator. In one aspect, as described above, for PV modules that include an array of better-performing PV elements in the top row within a cluster, the tracking system 8700 can be configured to alleviate the focused image of the beam toward the receiver (e.g., 7120) to ensure operation remains within the high output domain.

Adjustment assembly 8710 may also allow automatic electrical reconfiguration of PV elements or clusters of PV elements in one or more PV modules utilized in solar concentrator 8705. For at least this purpose, in an aspect, monitor component 8720 can collect operational data and generate one or more performance metrics. The monitor component 8720 can convey the one or more generated performance metrics to the control component 8740, which can reconfigure the plurality of PVs of the one or more clusters associated with the generated one or more performance metrics Electrical connectivity in the elements to maintain the desired performance of the solar concentrator 8705. In an aspect, electrical reconfiguration can be done iteratively by continuously collecting performance data via monitor component 8720 . Logic (not shown) for electrically configuring or reconfiguring the plurality of PV elements of the one or more clusters may be maintained in memory 8760 . In one aspect, the control component 8740 can implement the multiple PV elements through the configuration component 8747 (which can at least turn on each of the plurality of PV elements and turn off at least each of the plurality of PV elements). Electrical configuration or reconfiguration of individual PV elements, or creation of additional or alternative electrical paths in individual elements within the plurality of PV elements to achieve an advantageous electrical arrangement that provides or approaches target performance. In one or more alternative embodiments, reconfiguration of the plurality of PV elements may be performed mechanically by moving individual ones of the plurality of PV elements. At least one advantage of automatic reconfiguration of PV modules in solar collector 8705 is to maintain operational performance at a substantially desired level without operator intervention; thus, adjustment assembly 8710 causes solar collector 8705 to self-heal.

Example system 8700 includes one or more processors 8750 configured to impart, and which at least in part impart, the described functionality of adjustment component 8710 and components therein or associated therewith. In addition to uniprocessor and multiprocessor architectures, etc., the processor 8750 may include various implementations of computing elements, such as field gated programmable arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and substantially any chipset with processing capabilities. It should be appreciated that each of the one or more processors 8750 may be a centralized element or a distributed element. In addition, the processor 8750 may be functionally coupled to the adjustment component 8710 and components therein and the memory 8760 through a bus, which may include at least one of a system bus, an address bus, a data bus, or a memory bus. Processor 8750 may execute code instructions (not shown) stored in memory 8760 or other memory to provide the described functionality of example system 8700 . Such code instructions may comprise program modules or software or firmware applications implementing the various methods described in this application and associated at least in part with the functionality of example system 8700 .

In addition to code instructions or logic to implement monitoring and control, memory 1860 may hold performance metric reports, logs of adjusted positions of solar concentrators, time stamps of position corrections implemented, and the like.

88A-88B represent disparate views of an embodiment of a daylight receiver 8800 utilizing a wide collector according to aspects described herein. As illustrated, the solar receiver 8800 includes a group of PV modules 8810, each PV module having a set of PV clusters illustrated as a square; each set of PV clusters is joined to a channelized collector 1240κ, where κ=1,2 , 3, 4. The channelized collectors 8200 ₁ through 8200 ₄ are fastened to guides 8820 that are attached to or are an integral part of a support structure 8825 that may be coupled to a support mast, such as 7130; although Illustrated as having a square cross-section, but the support structure 8825 could be fabricated with a disparate cross-section. Channelized collectors 8200 ₁ through 8200 ₄ can extract heat from a group of PV modules 8810. In addition, solar receiver 8800 includes open collection guides 8820 (also referred to as guides 8820) with gradually opening side sections (FIG. 18A) and rectangular top sections (FIG. 88B); guides 8820 can be made of metal, ceramic, or Coated ceramic or cast material or substantially any solid material that is highly reflective in the visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. It should be noted that the outer surface of the director 8820 may be coated with a thermoelectric material for energy conversion (as a by-product of heating of the director due to incident sunlight). As noted above, thermoelectrically generated electricity can supplement the electricity generation of the PV module 8810. In addition, the guide 8820 can include one or more conduits 8815, typically inside the walls of the guide 8820 or embedded within the guide 8820, which can allow circulation of fluid for heat harvesting; the circulating fluid can be circulated through At least a portion of the fluid passing through the channelized heat collector 8200κ.

An advantage of the broad-collector receiver is that light incident in the inner walls of the broad guide 8820 is reflected and scattered in multiple instances, and thus creates a homogenization of light incidence across the PV module 8810 group. It should be noted that sunlight impinges directly into the PV module 8810 or may be reflected and scattered at the interior of the director 8820 and recollected after one or more consecutive scattering events. The angles formed in the major sides of the director 8820 and the platforms formed by the channelized collectors 8200 ₁ through 8200 ₄ can at least partially dictate the uniformity of the resulting light incidence in the PV module 8810.

FIG. 89 shows an example alternative embodiment of a solar receiver 8900 utilizing broad collectors according to aspects described herein. The guide 8820 (shown in cross-sectional view) is attached to a set of two heat collectors or heat transfer elements ₈₉₂₀₁ and ₈₉₂₀₂ ; each of the heat collectors comprises substantially the same channelized structure as 8210, and Thus operates in much the same manner as channelized heat collector 8200. As noted above, the guide 8820 includes conduits 8930 that allow circulation of fluid for cooling or heat collection of the guide. Likewise, heat collectors ₈₉₂₀₁ and ₈₉₂₀₂ have conduits 8940 that allow passage of a cooling fluid that further enables refrigeration and heat harvesting. Heat transfer elements 8920 ₁ and 8920 ₂ are fastened to support plate 8917 which is an integral part of support structure 8915 . Although two heat collectors 8920 ₁ and 8920 ₂ are illustrated, there may be additional heat collectors in broad collector 8900 as permitted by the size of support plate 8917 . Bolted or fastened to the heat collectors ₈₉₁₀₁ and ₈₉₂₀₁ is a set of three PV modules 8140. It should be appreciated that each of the PV modules is in thermal contact with the heat collector; however, it is not bonded to the heat collector but is fastened to the heat collector by fastening means included in the PV modules (See Figure 81). Furthermore, additional PV modules 8140 may be deployed as permitted by the space constraints imposed by the size of each of the heat collectors. As described above, the broad collector or receiver 8900 allows for a near-uniform distribution of light onto the PV module 8400 and enables the harvesting of thermal energy. Furthermore, each of the deployed PV modules 8400 can be maintained or replaced individually, with consequent reductions in operating and maintenance costs.

FIG. 90 illustrates a ray tracing simulation 9000 of light incidence on the surface of a PV module 8810 due to multiple reflections on the interior surface of the guide 8820. In the simulation, randomly oriented light rays 9005 (shown as solid lines) within a predetermined range of angles are directed towards the broad collector, shown as outlines 9030 and 9020, and may reach a PV module, modeled as a zone 9010. The collection of incident events (eg, the accumulation of rays reaching the surfaces of the PV modules in the model, as illustrated by region 9010 ) enables the generation of simulated detector profiles that are at least semi-quantitatively revealed. 91 presents a simulated image 9110 of light collected at a PV module 8810 in a broad-collector receiver with director 2020. A simulated image of the collected light reveals that the multiple reflections at the inner walls of the guide 8820 provide for substantially uniform light collection, which can reduce the complexity of PV cell clusters in the PV module 8810.

In view of the example systems and elements described above, example methods that may be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter may be better understood with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 92-93 . As indicated above, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the example methods are presented and described as a series of acts; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the described and claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the acts, as some acts may Occurs in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts than shown and described herein. For example, it is to be understood and appreciated that a methodology could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events (eg, in a state diagram or an interaction diagram). Moreover, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement an example methodology in accordance with this specification. In addition, it should be further appreciated that the methods disclosed below and throughout this specification can be stored on an article of manufacture or a computer readable medium to facilitate transporting and transferring the methods to a computer for execution, and thus for implementation by a processor or stored in a memory .

In particular, FIG. 92 presents a flow diagram of an example method 9200 for utilizing parabolic reflectors to concentrate light for energy conversion. At activity 9210, the parabolic reflector is assembled. Assembly involves bending an otherwise flat reflective element (eg, a thin glass mirror) into a parabolic cross-sectional or through shape by differently sized support ribs attached to support beams. In one aspect, the initially flat reflective material is rectangular in shape and the support beams are oriented along the long axis of the rectangle. The parabolic reflector can be mass produced or assembled using a variety of materials and attachment components, including support rib and beam integration options.

At act 9220, a plurality of arrays of assembled parabolic reflectors are mounted in a support frame. The number of assembled parabolic reflectors included in each array depends, at least in part, on the desired size of the solar collection area, which may initially be determined by the utility intended for the collected light. Furthermore, the size of the array is also affected, at least in part, by the desired uniformity of the beam pattern collected in the receiver over the focal track. Increased uniformity is generally achieved with smaller array sizes. In one aspect of the invention, the parabolic reflectors are positioned at the same focal distance from the receiver to increase the uniformity of the collected light pattern.

At act 9230, the position of each reflector in the plurality of arrays is adjusted to optimize focusing of the light beam on the receiver. The adjustments may be implemented when the solar concentrator is deployed or utilized in a test phase or in production mode. Additionally, adjustments may be performed while operating the solar concentrator based at least in part on measured operating data and associated performance metrics generated from the data. Tuning generally aims to achieve a uniform collected light pattern on the receiver, which includes the PV modules for energy conversion. In addition to uniformity, tailoring the light pattern to be substantially fully focused on the PV active elements (eg, solar cells in a PV module) increases the performance of the module. The adjustment may be performed automatically via a tracking system installed in or functionally coupled to the solar collector. Such an automated system can increase the complexity of the receiver, since circuitry associated with the control components and related measurement devices will be installed in the receiver in order to perform tracking or optimization. However, the costs associated with increased complexity can be offset by increased performance of the PV modules resulting from maintaining an optimal solar concentration configuration of the reflectors within the array.

At act 9240, a photovoltaic module is configured on the receiver according to the pattern of concentrated light in the receiver. In an aspect of the invention, even the Optimal configurations for mounting parabolic reflectors can also result in non-uniform shapes of the beam pattern focused on the receiver. Accordingly, PV cells (e.g., VMJ, thin-film tandem solar cells, triple-junction solar cells, or nanostructured solar cells) in a PV module can be arranged into clusters or cells with disparate shapes ( FIGS. 15A-15C ) so that Exposure to collected light is increased and thus energy conversion performance is increased. Additionally, configuring the PV module can include positioning additional PV elements (eg, 1620 or 1670 ) to passively correct for shifts or distortions in the pattern of collected light.

At activity 9250, a heat harvesting device is mounted on the receiver to collect heat generated by light harvesting. In an aspect of the invention, the heat harvesting device may be at least one of a metal coil or a channeled collector that circulates a fluid to collect and transport heat. In another aspect, the thermal energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric device that converts heat into electricity to supplement photovoltaic energy conversion.

93 is a flowchart of an example method 9300 for adjusting the position of a solar concentrator to achieve a predetermined performance according to aspects described herein. The subject example method 9300 may be implemented by an adaptation component (eg, 8710 ) or a processor therein or functionally coupled thereto. Although illustrated with respect to a solar concentrator, the example method 9300 may be implemented for adjusting the position of one or more parabolic reflectors. At Act 9310, performance data for the solar concentrator is collected by at least one of measuring or retrieving from a database, the database including current and historical operational data. At act 9320, the status of the solar concentrator is reported. At act 9330, a performance metric is generated based at least in part on the collected performance data. The performance metric may include at least one of energy conversion efficiency, current output of energy conversion, thermal energy production, and the like. Furthermore, performance metrics may be generated for a group of clusters of PV elements in a PV module, for a single cluster, or for a group of one or more constituent PV elements within a cluster. At act 9340, it is evaluated whether the performance metric is satisfactory. In an aspect, such evaluation may be based on a set of one or more predefined thresholds for said performance metric, wherein a satisfactory performance metric is defined as performance above one or more thresholds; An operator of the device establishes the set of one or more thresholds.

When the result of evaluating action 9340 indicates that the performance metrics are satisfactory, flow is directed to action 9310 for further performance data collection. In an aspect, flow may be redirected to act 9310 after a predetermined wait period (eg, one hour, 12 hours, one day) has elapsed. In another aspect, before directing flow to act 9310, a message may be delivered to the operator (eg, via a terminal or computer) asking if further performance data collection is required. When the results of evaluating act 2340 reveal that the performance metric is unsatisfactory or below one or more thresholds, at act 9350 the position of the solar concentrator is adjusted and flow is redirected to act 9310 for further data collection.

As used in this specification, the term "processor" may refer to substantially any computing processing unit or device, including but not limited to including a single-core processor, a single processor with software multi-thread execution capability, a multi-core processor, a Multi-core processors with software multi-thread execution capability, multi-core processors with hardware multi-thread technology, parallel platforms and parallel platforms with distributed shared memory. In addition, a processor may refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) , discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Processors may utilize nanoscale architectures such as but not limited to molecular and quantum dot based transistors, switches and gates in order to optimize space usage or enhance the performance of user equipment. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computational processing units.

In this specification, terms such as "storage", "data storage", "data storage device", "database" and substantially any other information storage component related to the operation and functionality of the component refer to a "memory component" or An entity embodied in "memory" or a component making up said memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components described herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.

By way of illustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electronically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms such as Synchronous RAM (SRAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), Enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM) , Synchronous link (Synchlink) DRAM (SLDRAM) and direct Ram bus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the memory components of the systems or methods disclosed herein are intended to include, but are not limited to including, these and any other suitable types of memory.

Various aspects or features described herein may be implemented as a method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques. In addition, various aspects disclosed in this specification may also be implemented by program modules stored in memory and executed by a processor, or other combinations of hardware and software or hardware and firmware. The term "article of manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic stripe, ...), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray (BD)...), smart cards and flash memory devices (e.g. cards, sticks, key drives...).

With particular reference to the various functions performed by the above-described components, devices, circuits, systems, etc., unless otherwise indicated, terminology (including references to "means") used to describe such components is intended to correspond to Any component (eg, a functional equivalent) of a stated function of a component, even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, that performs the function in the example aspects illustrated herein. In this regard, it should also be appreciated that the various aspects include systems as well as computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions for performing the acts and/or events of the various methods.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, the examples are provided for clarity and understanding only and are not intended to limit the invention or its relevant parts in any way. It should be appreciated that numerous additional or alternative examples could have been presented, but have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

What has been described above includes examples of the present invention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the invention, but those skilled in the art can recognize that many other combinations and permutations of the invention are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that still fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in this detailed description or in the claims, the term's inclusion is intended to be included in a manner similar to the term "comprising" when used as a transition word in the claims. (comprising)" was explained.

Claims (154)

CLAIMS 1. A system to facilitate testing of solar concentrators comprising: a plurality of planar reflectors arranged as troughs that concentrate light in a common focal length pattern; and A solar concentrator testing system that emits light onto a subset of the plurality of flat reflectors, compares the reflected light against a standard, and determines a performance of the subset of the plurality of flat reflectors based on the comparison. quality. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the emitted light is laser radiation. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the emitted light is modulated laser radiation. 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a laser emitter component that emits the modulated laser radiation onto the subset of the plurality of planar reflectors. 5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a receiver component that retrieves the reflected modulated light for the comparison. 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising at least one additional receiver component that retrieves the reflected modulated light for the comparison. 7. The system of claim 3, further comprising a processor component that implements the comparing. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor is at least one of a laptop computer, notebook computer, desktop computer, smartphone, pocket computer, or personal digital assistant (PDA). 9. The system of claim 3, further comprising an artificial intelligence (AI) component employing at least one of probabilistic analysis and statistical-based analysis to infer actions that a user desires to perform automatically By. 10. A pole mount comprising: a panel mount physically coupled to the energy harvesting panel; and a base mount physically coupled to the base and aligning the pole mount relative to the inclination of the Earth's axis, the panel mount configured such that the energy harvesting panels lie in the plane of the base's axis Centered and rotated about the axis of the base and the center of gravity of the energy harvesting panel surrounds the pole mount. 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a first positioning assembly to facilitate rotation of the panel mount on a right ascension axis relative to movement of the sun across the sky. 12. The system of claim 11 , further comprising a second positioning assembly to facilitate tilting the energy harvesting panel across a range of angles to position relative to the sun's declination angle The energy harvesting panels. 13. The system of claim 12, the first and second positioning components being DC brushless stepper motors. 14. The system of claim 10, further comprising a positioning controller that controls a position of the pole mount relative to the sun. 15. The system of claim 14, the positioning controller to determine the pole mount based on a longitude of the pole mount, a latitude of the pole mount, date and time information, a calculated position of the sun of the described location. 16. The system of claim 10, the energy harvesting panel rotates about the base mount into a safe position or into a position to facilitate access for maintenance or installation. 17. The system of claim 16, the alignment of the base mount being adjusted to facilitate positioning of the energy harvesting panel into a safe position or into a position to facilitate access for maintenance or installation. 18. The system of claim 1, the alignment of the base mount being adjusted to facilitate positioning of the energy harvesting panel into a safe position or into a position to facilitate access for maintenance or installation. 19. The system of claim 1, further comprising an artificial intelligence component to assist in determining the position of the pole mount. 20. The system of claim 1, the energy harvesting panel is a mirrored surface, is a photovoltaic element, is an energy absorbing material, or a combination thereof. 21. A system for tracking the position of the sun to determine optimal positioning for direct sunlight comprising: a solar tracking component that distinguishes at least one light source as direct sunlight based at least in part on determining the collimation of the light source; and A positioning component that modifies a position of a device associated with the solar tracking component based at least in part on a position of the light source that is classified as direct sunlight. 22. The system of claim 21 , the heliostat assembly comprising a ball lens that receives the light source and reflects the light source onto one or more quadrant elements, the quasi- Straightness is determined at least in part by measuring the size of the focal point of the light source reflected on the one or more quadrant elements. 23. The system of claim 22, the positioning component to modify the position of the device based at least in part on a position of the focal point on the one or more quadrant cells. 24. The system of claim 21, the solar tracking component further distinguishes the light source as direct sunlight at least in part by measuring the wavelength and polarization level of the light source. 25. The system of claim 24, the solar tracking component comprising at least one filter that determines the light source's intensity based at least in part on rejecting passage of light outside of a range utilized by direct sunlight. The intensity and/or spectrum of the wavelength. 26. The system of claim 24, the solar tracking assembly comprising a plurality of differently angled polarizers based at least in part on measuring the light source passing through the plurality of polarizers. The polarization level of the light source is determined by the level of radiation after each of the polarizers. 27. The system of claim 26, the measured radiation levels of the light source at each of the plurality of polarizers being similar, thereby indicating an The polarization class. 28. The system of claim 24, the solar tracking component further distinguishing the light source as direct sunlight based at least in part on determining a lack of substantial modulation. 29. The system of claim 21, further comprising a clock component from which the position of a device associated with the solar tracking component is initialized from a predicted position of the direct sunlight. 30. A system comprising: obtaining a component that collects metadata of a location relative to gravity of a concentrator capable of energy harvesting from an astronomical energy source; and An evaluation component that compares the concentrator position against a desired position of the concentrator relative to the astronomical energy source, the comparison being used to determine ways to make changes to increase the effectiveness of the concentrator. 31. The system of claim 30, further comprising a conclusion component that determines whether movement should occur depending on a result of the comparison. 32. The system of claim 31, further comprising a generation component that generates a set of directions that instructs how movement should occur. 33. The system of claim 32, further comprising a feedback component that determines whether the set of directions leads to a desired result upon implementation of the set of directions by a movement component. 34. The system of claim 33, further comprising an adaptation component that modifies operation of the generation component with respect to the determination made about a set of directions. 35. The system of claim 30, further comprising a correction component that automatically corrects for misalignment or offset of an entity measuring the position of the concentrator relative to gravity. 36. The system of claim 35, further comprising a determining component that identifies the misalignment or the offset. 37. The system of claim 30, further comprising a computing component that computes the desired position of the energy source used by the evaluating component in the comparing. 38. The system of claim 30, the metadata is collected from an inclinometer. 39. The system of claim 30, further comprising a location component that concludes whether a location of an energy source can be determined, the evaluation component operating upon a negative conclusion. 40. A method comprising: comparing a calculated position of an energy harvester against an expected position of the harvester, the calculated position based on a gravitational force exerted on the harvester; and Based on the result of the comparison a conclusion is drawn whether the energy harvester should be moved. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising calculating the expected location of the energy harvester, the calculation based on date, time, longitude of the collector, and latitude of the collector. 42. The method of claim 40, said conclusion occurring through implementation of at least one artificial intelligence technique. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the one artificial intelligence technique enables a cost-utility analysis of the benefits of moving the energy harvester versus the costs associated therewith, wherein the costs include electricity consumption. 44. The method of claim 40, further comprising generating a set of instructions on how to move the energy harvester to about the expected location. 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising communicating the set of instructions to a mobile entity associated with the collector and implementing the set of instructions. 46. The method of claim 40, further comprising calculating the position of the energy harvester by using an inclinometer. 47. A system comprising: means for calculating the location of a solar electrical collector by analyzing metadata related to gravity exerted on said collector; means for calculating a desired location of the solar power collector based on date, time, longitude of the receiver and latitude of the collector; means for comparing the calculated position of the solar power collector against the desired position of the solar power collector; and Means for drawing a conclusion whether the solar power collector should move based on the result of the comparison. 48. The system of claim 47, further comprising means for obtaining the metadata related to the gravitational force exerted on the solar power collector from means for measuring the force exerted by gravity. 49. The system of claim 47, the means for concluding whether the solar power collector should be moved comprises a cost-utility analysis for implementing benefits and associated costs of moving the solar power collector , where the cost includes electricity consumption. 50. The system of claim 48, further comprising: means for identifying misalignment or offset of means for measuring the position of said solar power collector relative to gravity; and means for correcting for misalignment or offset of said means for measuring said position of said collector relative to gravity. 51. The system of claim 48, further comprising: means for generating a set of directions instructing how the collector should be moved and implemented by a collector displacement entity; means for communicating a set of instructions to the collector shift entity, the collector shift entity implementing the set of instructions; means for determining whether the set of directions leads to a desired result upon implementation of the set of directions by the collector shifting entity; and means for modifying the operation of the generating means with respect to the determination made about the set of directions. 52. A method for the mass production of solar collectors comprising: forming a solar wing panel into a parabolic shape, the solar wing panel comprising a plurality of support ribs; attaching reflective surfaces to the solar panels to form an assembly; and An array is formed having a plurality of solar panel assemblies. 53. The method of claim 52, further comprising: Attach the array to a backbone structure. 54. The method of claim 53, further comprising equipping the backbone structure with a plurality of photovoltaic cells. 55. The method of claim 52, forming said solar panel into said parabolic shape comprising: The plurality of support ribs are attached to a support beam, the height of each support rib being selected to form the parabolic shape. 56. The method of claim 52, attaching the reflective surface to the solar panel comprising: placing the reflective surface on the plurality of support ribs; and The reflective surface is secured to the plurality of support ribs. 57. The method of claim 52, attaching the reflective surface to the solar panel comprising: sliding the reflective surface over the plurality of support ribs and under mirror support clips; and The reflective surfaces are secured at both ends of the solar panels. 58. A system for concentration of solar energy comprising: Multiple solar concentrators; a heat conditioning assembly having conduits for conveying a cooling medium for dissipating heat generated from said solar concentrator, the flow of said cooling medium being controlled by a plurality of valves; and a control assembly that controls the operation of the valve in real time based on data collected from the system and the temperature of the solar concentrator. 59. The system of claim 58, a solar concentrator being part of the plurality of solar concentrators being a solar heat source. 60. The system of claim 58, another solar concentrator being part of the plurality of solar collectors comprising a modular arrangement of photovoltaic (PV) cells. 61. The system of claim 58, the data comprising at least one of temperature, pressure or flow of the cooling medium. 62. The system of claim 60, the data being the temperature of the photovoltaic cell. 63. The system of claim 60, further comprising a pump to facilitate flow of the cooling medium through the conduit. 64. The system of claim 58, the conduit being a pipeline. 65. The system of claim 58, the cooling medium freely flowing through the conduit. 66. The system of claim 58, the flow of cooling medium being pressurized. 67. The system of claim 58, further comprising an artificial intelligence component that facilitates dissipation of heat from the plurality of solar concentrators. 68. A method of regulating heat flow comprising: Receive radiation through solar concentrators; estimating the amount of cooling medium required to dissipate the heat generated by said solar concentrator by thermal conditioning means; and Operation of a valve is adjusted to facilitate flow of the cooling medium based on the temperature measured from the solar concentrator. 69. The method of claim 68, the regulating action being based on measurements of flow within a venturi. 70. The method of claim 68, further comprising monitoring a temperature of a PV cell associated with the solar concentrator. 71. The method of claim 70, further comprising adjusting heat dissipation from the PV cell in real time based on the monitoring action. 72. The method of claim 68, further comprising supplying the cooling medium to a consumer as a pre-heated fluid or for subsequent heating thereof. 73. The method of claim 70, further comprising generating a temperature grid map of the assembly of PV cells. 74. The method of claim 68, the adjusting action being based on data collected from the cooling medium. 75. The method of claim 68, further comprising employing closed loop control to mitigate errors. 76. The method of claim 68, further comprising detecting a failure in circulation of the cooling medium via at least one of a change in pressure, flow, or velocity of the cooling medium. 77. A heat regulating assembly comprising: means for real-time cooling of the solar concentrator by flowing a medium through the valve; and means for regulating the operation of the valve. 78. A method of optimizing energy output from a plurality of solar concentrators, comprising: Generate energy from both solar thermal sources and PV cells; absorbing heat from the solar heat source and PV cells via a cooling medium; varying the absorption action based on regulating a valve that controls the flow of the cooling medium based on temperature measured from the solar heat source or the PV cell, or a combination thereof; and The generating action is optimized based on predetermined criteria. 79. The method of claim 78, the predetermined criteria comprising one of a price of electricity or a temperature difference between an ambient temperature and a temperature of the cooling medium. 80. An integrated solar concentrator module comprising: solar concentrators; pipe sections with valves; and Said pipe section is connected to said solar concentrator for its cooling via a cooling medium regulated by said valve, said pipe section being attachable to a line carrying said cooling medium. 81. The integrated solar concentrator module of claim 80, further comprising a sensor to measure the pressure, velocity, temperature or flow of the cooling medium. 82. The integrated solar concentrator module of claim 80, further comprising a housing enabling partial containment of the integrated solar concentrator or complete containment of the integrated solar concentrator one of. 83. An integrated solar concentrator module as described in claim 82, further comprising a venturi molded directly into said housing. 84. A solar concentrator comprising: a plurality of parabolic reflector arrays, wherein each parabolic reflector comprises a reflective element bent into a trough shape via a set of support ribs attached to the backbone beam; and one or more receivers that collect light from the parabolic reflector, the collectors comprising at least one of a photovoltaic (PV) module for energy conversion or a thermal energy harvesting system; and A tuning system to optimize a light intensity distribution of a pattern of collected light in each of the one or more receivers in the plurality of arrays of parabolic reflectors. 85. The solar concentrator of claim 84, wherein said PV module comprises a cluster of PV cells arranged to optimally utilize said collected light, said PV cells in said cluster Including crystalline silicon solar cells, crystalline germanium solar cells, solar cells based on III to V semiconductors, CuGaSe based solar cells, CuInSe based solar cells, amorphous silicon cells, thin film tandem solar cells, triple junction solar cells or nano At least one of the structured solar cells. 86. The solar concentrator of claim 85, wherein each PV cell in the cluster is monolithic and oriented along a particular axis perpendicular to a plane containing the PV module. 87. The solar concentrator of claim 85, wherein each cluster of the set of PV cell clusters comprises one or more rows of a plurality of PV cells electrically coupled in series connection. 88. The solar concentrator of claim 87, wherein at least one of the plurality of PV cells of the one or more rows comprises a current matched PV active element, wherein the PV active element is Current matched based at least in part on performance characterization performed at a test facility under simulated operating field conditions. 90. The solar concentrator of claim 87, wherein one or more PV cells are placed adjacent to and electrically connected to PV elements in the one or more clusters. connected to mitigate performance degradation of the PV module. 91. The solar concentrator of claim 84, for a receiver comprising said thermal energy harvesting system, said thermal energy harvesting system residing in a back surface of said receiver. 92. The solar concentrator of claim 89, wherein said thermal energy harvesting system further comprises a thermoelectric device that converts heat into electricity to supplement PV energy conversion. 93. The solar concentrator of claim 84, wherein at least one of the one or more receivers includes a housing to mitigate operator interaction with the concentrated beam of light. 94. The solar concentrator of claim 84, wherein said housing contains a set of nozzles to exhaust hot air from the vicinity of said PV modules to increase energy conversion performance. 95. A method for assembling a solar collector, the method comprising: Assembling a parabolic reflector by bending a portion of flat reflective material into a trough shape via a set of support ribs attached to a backbone beam; mounting a plurality of arrays of assembled parabolic reflectors in a support frame; adjusting the position of each parabolic reflector in the plurality of arrays to optimize collection of light beams on a receiver, wherein the adjusting action includes automatically tracking the position of each parabolic reflector such that the collected light beam The fluctuation of the pattern is minimal; and A photovoltaic (PV) module is configured on the receiver according to the pattern of concentrated light in the receiver. 96. The method of claim 95, further comprising installing a heat harvesting device on the receiver to collect heat generated by light harvesting. 97. The method of claim 95, automatically tracking the position of each parabolic reflector to minimize fluctuations in the pattern of the collected beam comprising at least one of: by measuring or accessing A local or remote database to collect data; actuate a motor to adjust the position of an element in the solar collector; or report the condition of the solar collector. 98. The method of claim 95, configuring photovoltaic modules on the receiver according to a pattern of concentrated light in the receiver further comprising arranging a group of PV modules in a cluster of disparate cells PV cells in order to increase the exposure of the set of PV cells to the collected light. 99. The method of claim 95, wherein the disparate cluster of cells comprises one or more rows of a plurality of PV cells electrically coupled in series connection. 100. The method of claim 99, at least one of the one or more rows in the disparate cell cluster comprising a current matched PV active element, wherein the PV active element is at least part of Ground is current matched based on performance characterization performed in a test facility under simulated operating field conditions. 101. The method of claim 98, wherein arranging the set of PV cells in the PV module in a disparate cell cluster to increase exposure to collected light comprises positioning poorer performing PV active elements in In the bottom row within the PV module, the best performing cell is located at the middle section of the PV module, and the next best performing element is located in the top row within the PV module. 102. The method of claim 95, adjusting a position of each reflector in the plurality of arrays to optimize light beams collected on a receiver further comprising automatically configuring the position of each reflector to integrate the collected The pattern of light is shifted towards the middle section and the top row within the PV module to maximize electrical output. 103. The method of claim 96, wherein the heat harvesting device comprises a metal coil that circulates a fluid to collect and transport heat. 104. The method of claim 96, the heat harvesting device further comprising a thermoelectric device that converts heat to electricity to supplement PV energy conversion. 105. A photovoltaic receiver comprising: a set of PV elements electrically coupled to each other and secured on the first planar surface of the stable platform; wherein the set of PV elements is arranged to maximize exposure to sunlight incident in the PV module One or more clusters of PV active elements comprising at least one of crystalline semiconductor-based solar cells, amorphous silicon cells, thin-film tandem solar cells, or nanostructured solar cells; and module that cools the set of PV elements to maintain cost-effective energy conversion performance. 106. The photovoltaic receiver of claim 105, wherein said module is detachably attached to said stable platform and includes a set of conduits through which fluid for heat collection circulates. 107. The photovoltaic receiver of claim 105, wherein the stabilizing platform is part of the module that causes cooling of the set of PV elements. 108. The photovoltaic receiver of claim 105, further comprising a reflective light collection guide that allows for homogenization of light collected at the set of PV elements. 109. The photovoltaic receiver of claim 105, said module causing cooling of said set of PV elements to consist of a coil through which a fluid circulates, said coil being embedded as part of said stable platform. 110. The photovoltaic receiver of claim 105, wherein the module is coated with a thermoelectric material to supplement energy conversion produced by the photovoltaic receiver. 111. A method comprising: constructing a module capable of holding at least two energy harvesting panels and separating said panels by a gap; said gap between said at least two energy harvesting panels being sufficient to facilitate positioning said at least two energy harvesting panels such that said at least two energy harvesting panels are located on either side of the pole mount; and The module is configured to physically couple with the base. 112. The method of claim 111, further comprising positioning the at least two energy harvesting panels relative to the sun's right ascension or declination. 113. The method of claim 111, further comprising determining the energy harvesting based on a longitude of the energy harvesting panels, a latitude of the energy harvesting panels, date and time information, a calculated position of the sun, or a combination thereof The position of the panel. 114. The method of Claim 111, further comprising positioning the energy harvesting panel in a safe location. 115. A system comprising: means for constructing a module capable of holding at least two energy harvesting panels and separating said panels by a gap; means for physically coupling the module to the base; and means for positioning the at least two energy harvesting panels such that a center of gravity of the at least two energy harvesting panels and the module is aligned with the axis of the base. 116. The system of claim 115, further comprising: means for collecting external input for controlling the positions of the at least two energy harvesting panels; and Means for controlling the position of the module relative to the longitude of the at least two energy harvesting panels, the latitude of the at least two energy harvesting panels, date and time information, the calculated position of the sun, or a combination thereof. 117. The system of claim 115, further comprising: means for positioning the at least two energy harvesting panels in a safe position; and Means for positioning the at least two energy harvesting panels such that there is access to the at least two energy harvesting panels for installation and maintenance. 118. The system of claim 117, the means for positioning the at least two energy harvesting panels comprising at least one of rotating, tilting, lowering or raising the module, the base, or a combination thereof. 119. A system comprising: means for constructing a module capable of holding at least two energy harvesting panels and separating said panels by a gap; and means for physically coupling the module to the base. 120. A method for determining an optimum location for direct sunlight comprising: determining collimation of the light source at least in part by measuring the focus of reflection of the light source through the ball lens; classifying the light source as direct sunlight based at least in part on the size of the focal point; and An optimal location for receiving the direct sunlight is determined based at least in part on the location of the focal point on the quadrant unit. 121. The method of claim 120, further comprising aligning one or more solar cells or solar cell panels based at least in part on the determined optimum position for receiving direct sunlight. 122. The method of claim 120, further comprising determining a polarization level of the light source at least in part by measuring the level of radiation of the light source through a plurality of differently angled polarizers to further divide the light source into Divided into direct sunlight. 123. The method of claim 122, where the levels of radiation from the plurality of differently angled polarizers are similar, the polarization level is low. 124. The method of claim 120, further comprising allowing light from the light source having similar wavelengths in the range utilized by sunlight to pass through a spectral filter while rejecting light from the light source having wavelengths in the range Light of other wavelengths passes through. 125. The method of claim 124, further comprising measuring the intensity and/or spectrum of the light from the light source passing through the spectral filter to further distinguish the light source as direct sunlight. 126. The method of claim 120, further comprising determining collimation of the disparate light source at least in part by measuring a disparate focus of reflection of the disparate light source through the ball lens. 127. The method of claim 126, further comprising determining the disparate light source to be diffuse if a size of the disparate focus is greater than a threshold size. 128. The method of claim 127, further comprising rejecting the disparate light source based at least in part on determining the disparate light source as diffuse. 129. A system for tracking the position of the sun comprising: means for detecting direct sunlight from one or more light sources based at least in part on a measured collimation of the one or more light sources determined from a size of a focal point of the one or more light sources received through the lens; and means for determining an optimal axial position for receiving said detected direct sunlight based at least in part on a position of said focal point on one or more quadrant cells. 130. The system of claim 129, further comprising means for positioning one or more solar cells or solar cells based at least in part on the determined optimal axial position for receiving the detected direct sunlight. A component in which the battery panels are positioned on one or more optimal axes. 131. A computer implemented method of diagnosing quality of a solar concentrator comprising: The following actions are performed using a processor executing computer-executable instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium: emitting modulated laser radiation onto the concentrator; receiving modulated light at a location; Scan sources to establish signal strength; comparing the modulated light to the signal strength according to a threshold; and The quality of the aggregator is determined based on the results of the comparison. 132. The computer-implemented method of claim 131 , further comprising receiving additional modulated light at a disparate location, wherein the act of comparing employs the additional modulated light as a function of the threshold. 133. The computer-implemented method of claim 132, wherein the threshold is at least one of a preprogrammed threshold or an inferred threshold. 134. The computer-implemented method of claim 132, further comprising adjusting a position of the aggregator, wherein the adjustment facilitates enhanced performance of the aggregator. 135. The computer-implemented method of claim 132, wherein the threshold is an industry standard. 136. The computer-implemented method of claim 132, further comprising inferring the threshold based at least in part on environmental conditions. 137. A system to facilitate testing of solar concentrators comprising: means for emitting light onto a plurality of reflectors in said solar concentrator; means for capturing reflected light from at least a subset of said reflectors; and means for evaluating a quality of a position of each of the subset of reflectors based at least in part on a characteristic of the reflected light. 138. The system of claim 137, wherein the light is modulated laser light. 139. The system of claim 138, wherein the plurality of reflectors are arranged in a trough collector arrangement. 140. The system of claim 138, further comprising means for dynamically adjusting the position of the subset of reflectors based at least in part on the characteristic of the reflected light. 141. The system of claim 138, wherein the means for capturing the reflected light are at least two sensors positioned at disparate distances from the solar concentrator. 142. A method of erecting a solar collector assembly comprising: attaching a plurality of arrays to a backbone structure, wherein each of the plurality of arrays is attached to the backbone structure to maintain a spatial distance from each of the other plurality of arrays, the plurality of arrays comprising at least a reflective surface; connecting the backbone structure to a pole mount positioned at or near the center of gravity; and The pole mount is attached to a fixed mount and a movable mount that enables lowering of the solar collector assembly. 143. The method of claim 142, wherein attaching the plurality of arrays comprises attaching the plurality of arrays such that the plurality of arrays rotate through a vertical axis according to the spatial distance. 144. The method of claim 143, further comprising rotating the plurality of arrays and the backbone structure about the center of gravity along the vertical axis to change the orientation of the plurality of arrays. 145. The method of claim 144, wherein said rotating said plurality of arrays and said backbone structure comprises rotating said plurality of arrays and said backbone structure about said center of gravity along said vertical axis to One of the operational position, the safe position, or any position existing in between of the plurality of arrays is changed. 146. The method of claim 142, further comprising disengaging the pole mount from the movable mount to lower the solar collector assembly. 147. The method of claim 142, wherein attaching the plurality of arrays to the backbone structure comprises attaching the plurality of arrays to the backbone structure at the same focal length. 148. The method of claim 142, further comprising shipping the solar collector assembly in a partially assembled state or as a modular unit. 149. A solar collector comprising: at least four arrays attached to the backbone support, each array comprising at least one reflective surface; a pole mount on which the backbone support and the at least four arrays can be tilted, rotated or lowered, the pole mount positioned at or near the center of gravity; and a pole mount support arm, It is operatively connected to the movable mount and the fixed mount. 150. The solar collector of claim 149, said pole mount support arm being removed from said movable mount for lowering said solar collector. 151. The solar collector of claim 149, said backbone support comprising a collection device comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells for facilitating conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. 152. The solar collector of claim 149, each of said at least four arrays comprising a plurality of solar panels formed in a parabolic shape, each solar panel comprising a plurality of support ribs. 153. The solar collector of claim 149, further comprising positioning means to rotate said at least four arrays about a vertical axis. 154. A solar wing assembly comprising: a plurality of mirror support ribs operatively attached to the profile beam, wherein pairs of said plurality of mirror support ribs are of the same size to form a parabolic shape; A mirror rests on the plurality of mirror support ribs and is secured to the profile beam. 155. The solar wing assembly of claim 154, further comprising a plurality of mirror clips securing the mirror to the profile beam.

Images