US 7,893,391 B2 · Positional sensor for solar energy conversion device

Abstract

A positional sensor for a solar energy collection device includes a fine sensing device having first light-sensitive sensors supported above a base so that adjacent first light-sensitive sensors are oriented in mutually orthogonal directions at a sensor height above the base. The first light-sensitive sensors are positioned at oblique angles relative to the base. The sensor also includes a coarse sensing device having a light-opaque shield surrounding the first light-sensitive sensors that extends outwardly from the base to a height that is greater than the sensor height. The shield includes second light sensing devices directed outwardly from the shield and arranged so that adjacent second light-sensitive sensors are oriented in mutually orthogonal directions.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A sun position sensor, comprising:

a base;
a cylindrical shadow shield extending upwardly from the base, the shield including an upper end, a cylindrical inner surface, and an outer surface;
a sensor support having a lower portion connected to the base inside the shadow shield and an upper portion in the form of a truncated pyramid, the upper portion having four sloping sides positioned approximately ninety degrees)(90°) apart;
four photovoltaic cells mounted on the support, one on each sloping side of the truncated pyramid at an optimal angle to exploit the nonlinear absorbtance of the photovoltaic cells;
and
four photovoltaic cells mounted on the outer surface of the shadow shield and oriented approximately ninety degrees (90°) apart and mounted such that a sensing surface is substantially perpendicular to the base.

3 more elements

A control system for a solar energy collection device, comprising:

a processing system;
and
a positional sensor operably coupled to the processing system, the positional sensor further comprising:
a sensor support coupled to a base and configured to orient adjacent first light sensing devices in mutually orthogonal directions at a predetermined sensor height above the base, the sensor support further configured to position the light sensing devices at oblique angles relative to the base;
and
a shield coupled to the base and surrounding the sensor support that extends outwardly from the base to a height that is greater than the sensor height, the shield further including second light sensing devices directed away from the sensor support and arranged to orient adjacent second light sensing devices in mutually orthogonal directions and mounted such that a sensing surface is substantially perpendicular to the base, wherein the positional sensor is configured to generate positioning signals responsive to a direction of solar incidence, and further wherein the processing system is operable to receive the positioning signals and to control at least the azimuthal and elevational position of the solar energy collection device in response to the positioning signals.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Positional sensor for solar energy conversion device

Life of this patent

Positional sensor for solar energy conversion device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20