Method And System For Allocating Solar Radiation Between Multiple Applications

Abstract

The system facilitates dynamically allocating a variable amount of solar radiation to or between multiple solar applications based on optimizing a time-dependent cost function using multiple parameters as inputs to the cost function. Also described is an optical architecture that enables dynamically channeling incident solar radiation to or between multiple solar applications based on the optimization of a cost function. A solar allocation and distribution system includes an allocation sub-system; a distribution sub-system; and a controller configured for controlling the allocation sub-system and the distribution sub-system based on optimizing a cost function, wherein the cost function is time-dependent and based on energy utilization of a facility.

1 . A solar allocation and distribution system comprising:
 (a) an allocation sub-system;   (b) a distribution sub-system; and   (c) a controller configured for controlling said allocation sub-system and said distribution sub-system based on optimizing a cost function, wherein said cost function is time-dependent and based on energy utilization of a facility.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the solar allocation and distribution system includes an array of reflectors that are independently adjustable by said controller in orientation along a given axis of each of the reflectors. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the solar allocation and distribution system includes one or more secondary reflectors configured to distribute solar radiation to one or more solar applications. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the reflectors are dichroic reflectors. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the solar allocation and distribution system includes an array of dichroic reflectors configured to distribute respective spectrums of incoming solar radiation between solar applications. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the solar allocation and distribution system includes a uni-axial opto-mechanical architecture, wherein the uni-axial control is East-West. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said allocation subsystem includes at least two components selected from a group consisting of:
 (a) solar thermal collectors; 
 (b) solar photovoltaic collectors; 
 (c) optically adjustable skylights; and 
 (d) optical lightguides for internal illumination. 
 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  further including an array of reflectors that are dynamically configured to provide solar radiation to at least two components selected from a group consisting of:
 (a) solar thermal collectors; 
 (b) solar photovoltaic collectors; 
 (c) optically adjustable skylights; and 
 (d) optical lightguides for internal illumination. 
 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said controller is configured to control the solar allocation and distribution system to provide solar radiation to at least two applications selected from the group consisting of: thermal conversion; photovoltaic conversion and light transmission. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said controller is configured to dynamically control the solar allocation and distribution system to provide solar radiation based on said cost function being time-dependent on a time of day. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said cost function is additionally based on at least two parameters selected from a group consisting of:
 (a) commercial parameters derived from energy use of the facility; 
 (b) environmental parameters derived from an environment of the facility; 
 (c) environmental parameters derived from an environment of the solar allocation and distribution system; 
 (d) technical parameters derived from the solar allocation and distribution system; and 
 (e) economic parameters derived from energy usage costs. 
 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said controller is configured to dynamically control the solar allocation and distribution system to provide solar radiation based on optimizing said cost function to minimize the expense of providing energy to a facility. 
     
     
         13 . A method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a solar allocation and distribution system for supplying solar radiation to a plurality of applications; and   (b) distributing said solar radiation among said plurality of applications according to a cost function that is time dependent and based on energy utilization of a facility.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of distributing includes dynamically controlling the allocation of solar radiation based on said cost function being time-dependent on a time of day. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said cost function is additionally based on parameters derived from at least two parameters selected from a group consisting of:
 (a) commercial parameters derived from energy use of the facility; 
 (b) environmental parameters derived from an environment of the facility; 
 (c) environmental parameters derived from an environment of the solar allocation and distribution system; 
 (d) technical parameters derived from the solar allocation and distribution system; and 
 (e) economic parameters derived from energy usage costs. 
 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of distributing includes controlling the allocation of solar radiation to at least two applications selected from the group consisting of thermal conversion; photovoltaic conversion; light transmission; and electricity storage. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of distributing includes optimizing said cost function to minimize the expense of providing energy to the facility.