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Abstract

A system for configuring a solar concentrator has a parabolic solar concentrator that is moved by a mechanical alignment system for aligning the concentrator relative to the sun. A GPS receiver receives GPS signals and extracts a local time value for use in calculating the sun's position. An optical encoder provides a position of the solar concentrator relative to a known reference point, and a calibration circuit returns the parabolic solar concentrator to the known reference point at intervals in order to reduce effects of cumulative error within the optical encoder. A processor determines a position of the sun based on the local time value, and determines an adjustment for moving the solar concentrator from a current position thereof into an aligned condition with the sun. A signal is provided from the processor to a controller for moving the solar concentrator into the aligned condition.

First Claim