Sun tracking system
A sun tracking system having at least one photo-sensor for each tracking axis, wherein a small inclined mirror, blackened except for a small reflective aperture, reflects a spot of light on a predetermined surface fixed with respect to the mirror. The position of the spot on the surface is in accordance with the relative alignment of the mirror to the sun. A photo-sensor associated with a given axis is disposed on the surface at a position corresponding to the desired alignment of the device to the sun. A further photo-sensitive device can be disposed in close proximity to the first photo-sensor to effect positive activation of a motor to correct misalignment, illumination of the first photo-sensor inhibiting the motor and for compensating for changes in ambient light. A simple transistor-relay circuit for effecting correction of alignment is also disclosed.
- Assignee:
- James W Fair
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4190766
- OSTI ID:
- 5535840
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Multi-dimensional corrective system for long radiation beams
The SolarTrak solar array tracking controller
Related Subjects
140501 -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
BLACK COATINGS
COATINGS
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
MIRRORS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELLS
PHOTOSENSITIVITY
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS
SENSITIVITY
SILICON SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CELLS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR TRACKING