Tilt Sensor and Method of Use

Abstract

This invention relates to a system for tracking a solar energy collector and diagnosing the solar collector's operational status. More specifically, it relates to a system employing a 3-axis accelerometer to determine the orientation of a solar collector, the vibration experienced by that solar collector, whether that solar collector has experienced an impact, and initiating system position control and diagnostics based on that information.

1 . A sensor system for a solar collector, the system comprising:
 an accelerometer and a microprocessor; wherein said accelerometer is mounted on a solar collector and provides data to said microprocessor, and said microprocessor employs an algorithm and said data to determine the orientation of said solar collector.   
     
     
         2 . The sensor system for a solar collector of  claim 1 , wherein said microprocessor also employs said algorithm and said data to determine the vibration of said collector. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor system for a solar collector of  claim 2 , further comprising means for changing the orientation of said collector, wherein, based on said vibration, said microprocessor instructs said means for changing the orientation to orient said collector in a protected position. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor system for a solar collector of  claim 2 , wherein said microprocessor also employs said algorithm and said data to determine whether said collector has experienced an impact. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor system for a solar collector of  claim 4 , wherein said microprocessor also receives data on the output of said collector and initiates a review of said output based on whether said collector has experienced an impact. 
     
     
         6 . The sensor system for a solar collector of  claim 2 , wherein said microprocessor also receives data on the output of said collector and initiates a review of said output based on said vibration. 
     
     
         7 . A solar collector assembly, the system comprising:
 A plurality of mechanically linked solar collectors, an accelerometer, and a microprocessor; wherein said accelerometer is mounted on one of said plurality of solar collectors and provides data to said microprocessor, and said microprocessor employs said data to determine the orientation of said solar collector.   
     
     
         8 . The solar collector assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising means for changing the orientation of said linked solar collectors, wherein, based data from the accelerometer, said microprocessor instructs said means for changing the orientation to orient said collectors in projected positions. 
     
     
         9 . The solar collector assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said microprocessor also employs said algorithm and said data to determine whether said collector assembly has experienced an impact. 
     
     
         10 . The solar collector assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said microprocessor also employs said data to determine the level of wind buffeting. 
     
     
         11 . The solar collector assembly of  claim 10 , wherein said microprocessor also receives data on the output of said collector assembly and initiates a review of said output based on whether said collector assembly has experienced an impact. 
     
     
         12 . The solar collector assembly of  claim 10 , wherein upon receiving an indication that said level exceeds safe levels, the microprocessor initiates a process for orienting the collector into a position to decrease risk of damage. 
     
     
         13 . The solar collector assembly of  claim 8 , wherein said microprocessor also receives data on the power output of said photovoltaic cells of said collector assembly and initiates a process of fine adjustment of said collector assembly to maximize power output thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The solar collector assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of accelerometers mounted on said plurality of solar collectors, wherein said microprocessor receives data from each said accelerometer and power output data from each collector equipped with an accelerometer, and initiates a review of each said output based on whether at least one said collector is in need of calibration or repair. 
     
     
         15 . A sensor system for a moveable structure, the system comprising:
 an accelerometer, a microprocessor, and an algorithm; wherein said accelerometer is mounted on a structure and provides data to said microprocessor, and said microprocessor employs said algorithm and said data to determine the orientation of said structure.   
     
     
         16 . The sensor system for a structure of  claim 15 , wherein said microprocessor also employs said algorithm and said data to determine the vibration of said structure. 
     
     
         17 . The sensor system for a structure of  claim 15 , further comprising means for changing the orientation of said structure, wherein, based on said vibration, said microprocessor instructs said means for changing the orientation to orient said structure in a protected position. 
     
     
         18 . The sensor system for a structure of  claim 17 , wherein said microprocessor also employs said algorithm and said data to determine whether said structure has experienced an impact.