Tracking instrument and control for solar concentrators. Final technical report, October 1979-January 1981
The tracker uses a single photo sensor, and a rotating aperature to obtain tracking accuracies better than 1.5 mrads (0.1 degs). Peak signal detection is used to eliminate tracking of false sources, i.e., clouds, etc. A prism is employed to obtain an extended field of view (150 degs axially - 360 degs radially). The tracker digitally measures the Suns displacement angle relative to the concentrator axis, and repositions it incrementally. This arrangement permits the use of low cost non-servo motors. The local controller contains microprocessor based electronics, incorporating digital signal processing. A single controller may be time shared by a maximum of sixteen trackers, providing a high performance, cost effective solar tracking system, suitable for both line and point focus concentrators. An installation may have the local controller programmed as a standalone unit or slaved to a central controller. When used with a central controller, dynamic data monitoring and logging is available, together with the ability to change system modes and parameters, as desired.
- Research Organization:
- G K Systems, Inc., Westlake Village, CA (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC01-79ET21109
- OSTI ID:
- 6515823
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ET/21109-T1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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