Heliostat Repositioning System and Method

Abstract

A system and method for providing real time control of a heliostat array or CPV/PV module that reduces actuation cost, the disclosure reduces the fixed cost of calibrating and repositioning an individual surface. This simultaneously removes the core engineering assumption that drives the development of large trackers, and enables a system and method to cost effectively track a small surface. In addition to lower initial capital cost, a small heliostat or solar tracker can be pre-assembled, mass-produced, and shipped more easily. Smaller mechanisms can also be installed with simple hand tools and do not require installers to rent expensive cranes or installation equipment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for controlling multiple solar surfaces comprising:
 a track for supporting a controller;   a first solar surface of the multiple solar surfaces coupled to a first end of a first support structure, wherein a second end of said first support structure is adjacent to a first position of said track and said first support structure includes a first position locking mechanism;   a second solar surface of the multiple solar surfaces coupled to a first end of a second support structure, wherein a second end of said second support structure is adjacent to a second position of said track and said second support structure includes a second position locking mechanism; and   a robotic controller, including drive system for positioning said robotic controller on said track and to modify a direction of said first solar surface when said robotic controller is positioned near said first position of said track, and to modify a direction of said second solar surface when said robotic controller is positioned near said second position of said track.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a size of said first solar surface is less than four square meters and a size of said second solar surface is less than four square meters. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said robotic controller further comprises:
 a position sensing device for identifying when said robotic controller is positioned near said first or second positions;   an alignment module, disposed to interact with said first position locking mechanism when near said first position and disposed to interact with said second position locking mechanism when near said second position.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said first position locking mechanism includes:
 a first inner linking structure, for moving said first solar surface in response to interactions with said alignment module;   a first outer linking structure, positioned around a portion of said first inner linking structure, for moving said first solar surface in response to interactions with said alignment module.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 ,
 wherein said first inner linking structure adjusts the azimuthal orientation of said first solar surface; and   wherein said first outer linking structure adjusts the elevation orientation of said first solar surface.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein said first inner linking structure includes a first inner linking gear that interacts with said alignment module. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said first outer linking structure includes a first outer linking gear that interacts with said alignment module. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said alignment module interacts with said first position locking mechanism using a mechanical interface. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein said alignment module includes alignment gears that couple to gears in the first position locking mechanism to modify the direction of said first solar surface when said robotic controller is positioned near the first position. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said alignment module includes alignment gears that couple to gears in the second position locking mechanism to modify the direction of said second solar surface when said robotic controller is positioned near the second position. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said alignment module interacts with said first position locking mechanism using an electromagnetic interface. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said first position locking mechanism includes at least one first electromagnetic device and wherein said alignment module includes at least one second electromagnetic device, wherein said electromagnetic interface includes said first and second electromagnetic devices. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein said second electromagnetic device causes said first electromagnetic device to move and to modify the direction of said first solar surface. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said first position locking mechanism prevents any substantial movement of said first support structure when in the locked position. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said track is not level. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said robotic controller is positioned within said track. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said track includes a cover, wherein said cover and track form an enclosed path and wherein said robotic controller travels along said enclosed path. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  1 , wherein said robotic controller includes:
 a calibration sensor to detect a first orientation of said first solar surface when positioned near said first position and to detect a second orientation of said second solar surface when positioned near said second position.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein said robotic controller includes:
 a power charging mechanism for charging an internal power storage device.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second robotic controller, wherein said first and second robotic controllers communicate with each using a wireless communication system.