Solar energy collector with calculation of the trajectory of the sun according to the motion of a shadow of a projecting pointer
US7847228B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar energy collector includes a parabolic reflector, a solar panel, a photosensor panel, a projecting pointer, a solar location calculator, and a reflector mount. The parabolic reflector includes a parabolic reflecting surface. The solar panel includes a light receiving surface for facing the reflecting surface. The photosensor panel includes a light sensing surface. The projecting pointer is mounted on the photosensor panel. The solar location calculator is connected to the photosensor panel, and is configured for calculating the trajectory of the sun relative to a geographic location of the parabolic reflector according to the motion of a shadow of the projecting pointer on the light sensing surface sensed by the photosensor panel and generating a control signal associated therewith. The reflector mount is configured for supporting and moving the parabolic reflector in following movement of the sun in response to the control signal from the solar location calculator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.