Method and system for controlling operation of an energy conversion device
US6688303B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/46
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system is described for controlling a solar collector. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in the system and determines the level of operation of an energy conversion device. If the level of operation reaches a predetermined setpoint below a maximum level at which the device is to operate, a variable focus solar concentrator is defocused to reduce energy input into the energy conversion device. When the system cools down and operates at a second predetermined level, lower than the first predetermined level, the concentrator is then refocused to increase the power input to the energy conversion device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.