Energy rays tracking device
An energy rays tracking device includes a receiver for fixing a position relative to the direction of maximum energy rays, a prime mover for maintaining the alignment of the receiver and an energy rays user, an energy rays tracker for controlling the power to the prime mover in response to the receiver, a timed tracker for controlling the prime mover when the energy rays tracker is not functioning due to energy rays being too diffused, an energy sensitive element for detecting the presence or absence of energy rays, and a power controller responsive to the energy sensitive element for repositioning the receiver and the energy rays user for the following period of tracking is disclosed. The receiver includes an enclosure which only allows a selected pattern of direct rays to penetrate into the enclosure. A razor sharp edge at the opening of the enclosure maintains the outermost direct energy rays undiffused. A differential sensor sensitive to direct energy rays is installed inside the enclosure for determining the direction of the direct energy rays. In an application for tracking the sun, the time tracker uses a piecewise linear method of tracking. In the return cycle during the night, the return is interspersed with a wash cycle for cleaning the energy rays user.
- Assignee:
- IFI; EDB-82-001562
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4267441
- OSTI ID:
- 5988324
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 3 Jul 1978
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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