Two-axis tracking solar collector mechanism
Abstract
This invention is a novel solar tracking mechanism incorporating a number of practical features that give it superior environmental resilience and exceptional tracking accuracy. The mechanism comprises a lightweight space-frame assembly supporting an array of point-focus Fresnel lenses in a two-axis tracking structure. The system is enclosed under a glass cover which isolates it from environmental exposure and enhances tracking accuracy by eliminating wind loading. Tracking accuracy is also enhanced by the system's broad-based tracking support. The system's primary intended application would be to focus highly concentrated sunlight into optical fibers for transmission to core building illumination zones, and the system may also have potential for photovoltaic or photothermal solar energy conversion. 16 figs.
- Inventors:
- Issue Date:
- OSTI Identifier:
- 7235502
- Patent Number(s):
- 5169456
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-781558
- Assignee:
- PTO; EDB-94-087244
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-76SF00098
- Resource Type:
- Patent
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 22 Oct 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- 14 SOLAR ENERGY; SOLAR COLLECTORS; SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEMS; DESIGN; LIGHT TRANSMISSION; LIGHTING SYSTEMS; OPERATION; PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION; SOLAR THERMAL CONVERSION; USES; CONVERSION; DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION; ENERGY CONVERSION; ENERGY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT; HELIOSTATS; SOLAR CELL ARRAYS; SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION; SOLAR EQUIPMENT; SOLAR TRACKING; 141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators
Citation Formats
Johnson, K C. Two-axis tracking solar collector mechanism. United States: N. p., 1992.
Web.
Johnson, K C. Two-axis tracking solar collector mechanism. United States.
Johnson, K C. Tue .
"Two-axis tracking solar collector mechanism". United States.
@article{osti_7235502,
title = {Two-axis tracking solar collector mechanism},
author = {Johnson, K C},
abstractNote = {This invention is a novel solar tracking mechanism incorporating a number of practical features that give it superior environmental resilience and exceptional tracking accuracy. The mechanism comprises a lightweight space-frame assembly supporting an array of point-focus Fresnel lenses in a two-axis tracking structure. The system is enclosed under a glass cover which isolates it from environmental exposure and enhances tracking accuracy by eliminating wind loading. Tracking accuracy is also enhanced by the system's broad-based tracking support. The system's primary intended application would be to focus highly concentrated sunlight into optical fibers for transmission to core building illumination zones, and the system may also have potential for photovoltaic or photothermal solar energy conversion. 16 figs.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1992},
month = {12}
}