Showing papers on "Solar power published in 1995"
Patent•
18 Jan 1995
TL;DR: A fiber optical solar power generating system provides a tower outside a structure to be supplied with solar energy and on which a multiplicity of collectors is provided as mentioned in this paper, which carries the collected optical energy to the structure in which a photovoltaic and/or a light/heat transducing stack can be provided and to which light is distributed from the optical fiber trunk so that the transducers need not occupy large areas of the property.
Abstract: A fiber optical solar power generating system provides a tower outside a structure to be supplied with solar energy and on which a multiplicity of collectors is provided. An optical fiber trunk carries the collected optical energy to the structure in which a photovoltaic and/or a light/heat transducing stack can be provided and to which light is distributed from the optical fiber trunk so that the transducers need not occupy large areas of the property.
95 citations
Patent•
24 Mar 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used low levels of light energy as found within dwellings, or other enclosed but lit spaces, to power a smoke alarm in place of conventional replaceable batteries.
Abstract: This invention uses low levels of light energy as found within dwellings, or other enclosed but lit spaces, to power a device such as a smoke alarm in place of conventional replaceable batteries. Light incident upon a solar cell array (2) attached to a smoke alarm or other battery powered device is collected and converted to a voltage which is multiplied by the action of one or more DC-DC converter circuits (3, 4 and/or 5) to give rise to a resulting output voltage (6). This voltage is applied via resistor (7) and series device (8) to a rechargeable cell or cells (10) and is limited to a maximum voltage by zener diode (9). If desired, a DC-DC converter can be added at the output of the cell (10) in addition to or in place of the DC-DC converter connected to the solar cell. The converter or converters, the regulating circuits and the cell (10) are all housed in a container which is the same size and shape as a conventional dry cell.
61 citations
Patent•
17 Feb 1995
TL;DR: In this article, a solar energy collecting device is mounted on an automobile for exposure to solar energy, and an energy supply mechanism that routes energy collected by the solar energy collection device to the auxiliary motor device.
Abstract: In an automobile having a primary engine fueled by a primary source of fossil fuel energy, the primary engine and an auxiliary motor device are drivably connected to one or more ground engagement wheels of the automobile. A solar energy collecting device is mounted on the automobile for exposure to solar energy, and has an energy supply mechanism that routes energy collected by the solar energy collecting device to the auxiliary motor device. A control mechanism operates so that either energy is routed from the energy supply device to the auxiliary motor device, or energy is prevented from being routed to the auxiliary motor device.
59 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the state of the art and the technical and economical development of different solar thermal power plants (e.g., parabolic trough, central receiver and dish systems) are discussed.
41 citations
Patent•
01 Jun 1995
TL;DR: A solar power-operated cooling system installed in a motor vehicle for circulation of air, including a solar power device having a plurality of photovoltaic cells mounted for converting the radiant energy of sunlight into electric power and a power output terminal for output of electric power from the photoprocessor as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A solar power-operated cooling system installed in a motor vehicle for circulation of air, including a solar power device having a plurality of photovoltaic cells mounted for converting the radiant energy of sunlight into electric power and a power output terminal for output of electric power from the photovoltaic cells, an electric connector having an input terminal connected to the power output terminal of the solar power device and at least two output terminals, at least one blowing fan and at least one exhaust fan respectively installed in the interior door panel assemblies of the motor vehicle and electrically connected to the output terminals of the electric connector and driven to draw fresh air into or to draw hot air out of the motor vehicle.
23 citations
Patent•
14 Aug 1995
TL;DR: In this article, a post-mounted solar power system for self-contained fueling stations is described, including a solar array providing shade for a shielded box holding a battery and a power control system with a wireless-remote-controlled safety power cutoff system.
Abstract: This invention relates to solar power systems for self-contained fueling stations. More particularly, this invention concerns the attachment to and above such a fueling station of a post-mounted solar power system, including a solar array providing shade for a shielded box holding a battery and a power control system with a wireless-remote-controlled safety power cutoff system. Such post and solar power system may be folded down adjacent the fueling station, thus enabling easier transport of the fueling station. The safety power cutoff system includes a series of relay switches for disabling key-switch control of a fuel pump.
22 citations
Patent•
13 Oct 1995
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed to desalt seawater by utilizing waste heat of a solar power generating device and to obtain power and fresh water at low cost even in a place such as an isolated island where energy and water resources are scare.
Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To desalt seawater by utilizing waste heat of a solar power generating device and to obtain power and fresh water at low cost even in a place, such as an isolated island where energy and water resources are scare. SOLUTION: Seawater pumped up by a seawater pump 5 is used as a waste heat recovering refrigerant for a solar power generating device, and is introduced into a heat exchanger for heat radiation 6 in which it exchanges heat with gas heated by solar heat in a condensing type heat receiver 1 and discharged from a gas turbine 2 of the solar power generating device, and is heated and evaporated. This evaporated steam is condensed in a condenser 7 to obtain fresh water.
22 citations
Patent•
09 Jun 1995
TL;DR: In this article, a method for the production of steel in an environmentally benign fashion, energy sources other than conventional fossil fuels are used to produce reductant fuels, which are used for the reduction of iron ore and its conversion to steel.
Abstract: In a method for the production of steel in an environmentally benign fashion, energy sources other than conventional fossil fuels (1) are used to produce reductant fuels. These reductant fuels are used for the reduction of iron ore (10) and its conversion to steel (11). Furthermore, these reductant fuels may be stored in order to smooth fluctuations in the primary energy supply. Electrical energy may be stored (8) to smooth out short term fluctuations in the primary energy source. Energy for the reduction and conversion process may be supplied in part directly from the primary energy source, avoiding inefficiencies in the production and storage of the reductant fuel. Possible primary energy sources include solar power, wind power, off-peak power supplied as part of load leveling plants, as well as conventional constant power output from an ordinary power plant (1).
16 citations
Patent•
03 Oct 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose to detect the failure of a solar cell module by installing a circuit which generates a failure output corresponding to the current flowing state of a current relay operated by a current flowing through a bypass diode when it continues for a specific period.
Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To surely detect the failure of a solar cell module by installing a circuit which generates a failure output corresponding to the current flowing state of a current relay operated by a current flowing through a bypass diode when it continues for a specific period. SOLUTION: When a solar cell module 7 does not generate electric power on account of failure, a bypass diode 8 turns on, and a current generated by other solar cell module 7 in the same string flows through the diode. In this case, a current relay 10 also operates and shuts a contact 10a. The current relay 10 operates also when the solar cell module 7 is not temporarily irradiated with light. In order to cope with it, each of the output contacts 10a is connected with an output circuit 11 provided with a timing circuit like an on-delay timer. Thereby a failure output is generated only when the operation of the current relay 10 has continued for a specific period. COPYRIGHT: (C)1997,JPO
16 citations
Patent•
05 Sep 1995
TL;DR: In this article, the authors simulate a solar battery in various sunshine conditions by calculating a current value corresponding to a voltage value which is outputted at present so that it is adjusted to a PV characteristic (solar power generation characteristic) based on table data obtained by means of calculating the current/ voltage characteristics of solar power generation.
Abstract: PURPOSE:To simulate a solar battery in various sunshine conditions by calculating a current value corresponding to a voltage value which is outputted at present so that it is adjusted to a PV characteristic (solar power generation characteristic) based on table data obtained by means of calculating the current/ voltage characteristics of solar power generation. CONSTITUTION:A sunshine calculation device 1 stores the measured sunshine temperature data (a), and outputs it to a PV calculation device 2 with a basic period in accordance with real time. The PV calculation device 2 stores PV characteristic data b1 of a calculated result to a storage device 10. A switch controller 12 outputs a supply request to a switch 3, and the switch 3 selects PV characteristic data b2 and b3 in order. The PV calculation device 2 inputs new sunshine temperature data (a). Thus, new data by new sunshine temperature data is calculated. Data is outputted to a storage device 11 which is newly selected accompanied by the termination of calculation, and a switch request is outputted again to the switch 3 after output. An interpolation device 5 inputs PV characteristic data from the storage device 10 or 11.
Patent•
04 Aug 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, the output cables from solar battery panels installed on a roof surface are guided to a terminal box in a building, and connected to an input jack, where a patch cable 12 is connected to a output jack 11 of an opposite side, the panels 41 are connected in series, and cables 43A to an inverter are connected to its both ends.
Abstract: PURPOSE:To provide a solar power generator which can be easily installed and maintained. CONSTITUTION:All output cables 41A from solar battery panels 41 installed on a roof surface are guided to a terminal box in a building, and connected to an input jack. A patch cable 12 is connected to an output jack 11 of an opposite side, the panels 41 are connected in series, and cables 43A to an inverter are connected to its both ends. A connection and an operation on a back surface of the panel 41 can be omitted.
Patent•
17 Mar 1995
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a method to positively detect the individual operation of an inverter without generating a power loss by using a voltage detection circuit or a frequency detection circuit.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To positively detect the individual operation of an inverter without generating a power loss. CONSTITUTION: In a solar power generation system where an inverter 22 for converting a DC power generated by a solar cell 21 to AC is joined to a system power supply 23 by a system interconnection device 24, the inverter 22 monitors the individual operation of the inverter 22 due to a system separation using a voltage detection circuit 31 or a frequency detection circuit 32. Then, the system separation is generated, the phase jump or the frequency fluctuation of a system voltage is detected by the voltage detection circuit 31 or the frequency detection circuit 32 and the detection signal is directly transmitted to an output control circuit 33. A control signal is transmitted to a main circuit 28 by the output control circuit 33, thus decreasing the output of the inverter 22. COPYRIGHT: (C)1996,JPO
Patent•
21 Dec 1995
TL;DR: In this article, the photovoltaic unit is in the form of a cover or lid and is directly mounted on an individual noise protection element, while the side facing the noise source remains an independent protection element.
Abstract: The module includes photovoltaic units mounted on noise absorption panels. The photovoltaic unit is in the form of a cover or lid and is directly mounted on an individual noise protection element. The module has several connections between two or more prefabricated noise protection and solar power generation parts. The side facing the noise source remains an independent protection element. Pref. different solar cell technologies and cell can be used, as well as photovoltaic module shapes and materials. DC and AC may be realised.
Patent•
25 Jul 1995
TL;DR: In this article, an incomings and outgoings control system in which the charge amount of a storage battery is monitored by integrating charge/discharge current, in a standalone solar power generating system having a solar cell, the storage battery, and a load, is presented.
Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase the accuracy of an integrated value and show an accurate remaining capacity in an incomings and outgoings control system in which the charge amount of a storage battery is monitored by integrating charge/discharge current, in a standalone solar power generating system having a solar cell, the storage battery, and a load. SOLUTION: In the incomings and outgoings control system of a standalone solar power generating system having a solar cell 10, a storage battery 11 which is charged with the solar cell 10, and a load 11 which receives electric power supplied from the solar cell and the storage battery, the charge amount of the storage battery is monitored by the integrated value of charge/discharge amount obtained by multiplying the charge amount or the discharge amount by a charge efficiency factor. The operating mode of the load is varied based on the charge amount integrated value to always keep the charge amount of the storage battery in a constant range, the overcharge or overdischarge of the storage battery is judged based on the voltage of the storage battery, and the overcharge amount value or the overdischarge amount value is corrected with the charge amount integrated value.
Patent•
18 Aug 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose to start a solar power generation system smoothly and to utilize the generated power effectively by enhancing the accuracy in the estimation of feedable power for the entire solar cell module group.
Abstract: PURPOSE:To start a solar power generation system smoothly and to utilize the generated power effectively by enhancing the accuracy in the estimation of feedable power for the entire solar cell module group. CONSTITUTION:When a solar power generation system is started, a short circuit switch 24 is closed by a switching command signal SSC delivered from a start monitoring circuit 22 thus short-circuiting a plurality of modules selected from a solar cell module group simultaneously. When a short circuit current detection signal ISCl is higher than a preset level, the start monitoring circuit delivers a starting command signal SSTl to an inverter section 21 thus starting the inverter section 21. The short circuit switch 24 is then opened by the switching command signal SSC thus resetting two sets of solar cell modules to normal connection. Alternatively, a switching element at the inverter section 21 is turned ON and the starting conditions are decided as mentioned above for the detected value of total short circuit current. Each operation 15 effected automatically.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze the current market conditions that influence the adoption and maintenance of solar electricity systems in developing countries, focusing on household PV (photovoltaic) systems for several reasons.
Abstract: I. INTRODUCTION This paper analyzes the current market conditions that influence the adoption and maintenance of solar electricity systems in developing countries. Renewable solar power may offer a different route to higher living standards for developing countries than does the path followed by industrialized countries. If so, then accelerating use of energy in developing countries need not be accompanied by accelerating releases of carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas. Similarly, solar energy would reduce growth in regional ozone, carbon monoxide, acid deposition, and particulates, as well as reducing reliance on imported oil. The analysis here focuses on household PV (photovoltaic) systems for several reasons. Of course, other solar technologies are in use today, including household hot water systems and central station thermal systems (see Johansson et al., 1993, for a summary). In addition, one may broadly define solar energy as renewable energy, in the sense that biomass energy and hydro and wind power originate with solar-driven atmospheric forces. However, household PV electricity is a leading renewable technology both in research and application (Caldwell, 1994; Huacuz and Martinez, 1993; Hankins, 1993). Currently and in the past, PVs have claimed the largest share of U.S. federal appropriations for renewable energy activities (Golub and Brus, 1993). In the United States as well as in developing countries, PVs are beginning to penetrate markets accessible to PV's major competing technology, portable generators (Caldwell, 1994). U.S. capacity for remote household PV installations now is about 20 MW (megawatts), equal to approximately 7 percent of the small generator capacity (U.S. EPA, 1991; U.S. GAO, 1993). For a comparative perspective, consider that utility generating capacity in the U.S. is 700,000 MW (Electric Power Monthly, August 1993). Caldwell (1994) defines several market segments and emphasizes solar competitive grid-connected electricity. In contrast, the analysis here examines rural markets not served by central grids. II. SCALE ECONOMY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION In terms of optimal public policy, economic logic implies that implementing solar PV technology should be promoted when the declining social cost of PV energy passes below the rising social cost of conventional energy generation. (Social cost here is the sum of market and externality costs.) Assuming that the externality cost of gasoline production and use is significantly greater than that for PV use, one should expect that private market outcomes would defer solar implementation to later periods than would be socially optimal. With respect to producer costs for PV installation, analysts widely believe that significant scale economies reduce marginal and average cost as installations and capacity increase. Figure 1 shows a highly simplified static representation of these assumptions. Demand for solar increases with a lower price; the arrow also shows solar demand shifting up as conventional energy prices and taxation rise over time. The marginal market cost curve for solar (MMCs) shows scale economy, with marginal cost declining as volume increases; the arrow represents two dynamic factors that shift the MMCs curve downward. These two factors are (i) the learning curve effect, over time, and (ii) the beneficial results of public investment in solar research. Figure 1 represents the marginal social cost of solar (MSCs) as a constant distance below MMCs. This constant distance is a simplified assumption: the marginal non-market environmental cost of conventional electricity (MNCc) is constant, and each solar kilowatt hour displaces a conventional kilowatt hour. Therefore, under this representation, the social cost of solar electricity is less than the market cost by the value of the non-market environmental cost of the displaced conventional electricity. The market outcome [Mathematical Expression Omitted] shows high price and cost and low sales for household PV. …
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared a gas turbine generator with a photovoltaic (PV) power plant of the same capacity (100 MWe) as a clean and inexhaustible alternative.
09 Oct 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, the most important factors influencing the work of the solar powered AUV, evaluate a process of energy extraction, define correlations, describing main parameters of the vehicle, and reveal some quantitative results of the preliminary design, conducted in the Institute of Marine Technology Problems.
Abstract: This article is intended to reveal the most important factors, influencing the work of the solar powered AUV, evaluate a process of energy extraction, define correlations, describing main parameters of the vehicle. Some quantitative results of the preliminary design, conducted in the Institute of Marine Technology Problems are presented.
TL;DR: In this article, a model of a solar space power station is developed and the usual material properties are introduced and their influence on the system performance is analyzed, including geometric factors and the concentration ratio.
Abstract: A model of a solar space power station is developed. The usual material properties are introduced and their influence on the system performance is analyzed. The geometric factors and the concentration ratio are accurately defined and taken into account in case of five types of mirrors usual in solar power applications. Both design and operational optimizations are envisaged. Universal graphs are drawn for the optimum ratio between the collector and radiator area and for the maximum power. A brief comparison between three usual types of mirrors (conical, parabolic cylinder and paraboloidal) is performed.
Patent•
03 Aug 1995
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a U-shaped rail that fits over the window glass and a fan motor driven by solar power to ventilate parked cars in a half-opened window.
Abstract: The device for ventilating parked cars has a special insert placed between a half-opened window and the top of the window frame, containing a fan, driven by a motor. The upper and lower edges of the insert match the window frame and window edges exactly, the lower edge of the insert having a U- shaped rail that fits over the window glass. The fan motor is driven by solar power and a temperature sensor switches it off and on depending on the cabin temperature. (Original drawing not reproducible)
Patent•
04 Jul 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, a voltage arithmetic comparator is used to find the voltage which provides the maximum electric power from the temperature and illuminance of the solar battery. But the voltage arithmetic computes the voltage from the relation with temperature and illumination of the battery.
Abstract: PURPOSE:To find the state of the maximum electric power of a solar battery accurately irrelevantly to load variation without using a solar battery for a sensor by finding the voltage which provides the maximum electric power from the temperature and illuminance of the solar battery. CONSTITUTION:Characteristics of the relation between the open voltage and maximum electric power point voltage of the solar battery 1 and the relation of a short-circuit current and the maximum electric power point voltage are previously stored in an electric power arithmetic comparator 9. When the maximum electric power point voltage is found in an inverted state, an open switch 8 is momentarily opened to enters an unloaded state, or a short-circuit state generated with a short-circuit switch 7; and the open voltage and short-circuit current at this time are detected by a voltage detector 5 and a current detector 6 and inputted to the electric power arithmetic comparator 9. The voltage arithmetic comparator 9 finds an approximate value of the maximum electric power point voltage from the relation with temperature or illuminance and inputs it to an electric power setter 11 to control an electric power controller 3 so that the solar battery outputs the maximum electric power.
Patent•
22 Aug 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose to securely detect the maximal point at which actual maximum electric power is obtained and enable follow-up control over an operating voltage with the maximum voltage even if P-V characteristic has plural maximal points when plural solar cell arrays or modules are connected in series.
Abstract: PURPOSE:To securely detect the maximal point at which actual maximum electric power is obtained and enable follow-up control over an operating voltage with the maximum electric power even if P-V characteristic have plural maximal points when plural solar cell arrays or modules are connected in series. CONSTITUTION:When the solar power generation system having plural maximal points (a) and (b) of output electric power P as a result of a series connection of plural solar cell arrays or modules having different output characteristics is brought under output control, the lowest voltage V0 (or open voltage Voc) is regarded as a start point (x) and the operation voltage V is varied with specific step voltage width to the maximum voltage of the open voltage Voc (or lowest voltage V0) to detect all the maximal points a, b of the output electric power P; and then the voltage maximum is regarded as a return point (y) and the operating voltage V is varied with the specific step voltage width from the return point (y) and transferred to the maximum point (b) where the maximum electric power Pmax is reached between the detected maximal points (a) and (b).
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the main photoelectrical parameters of polycrystalline and single-crystal solar cells were studied and a conclusion was made about the advisability of using polycrystaline silicon solar cells in solar power plants with a concentration of solar radiation.
Abstract: Temperature characteristics of main photoelectrical parameters of polycrystalline and single-crystal solar cells are studied. Based on the results obtained a conclusion is made about the advisability of using polycrystalline silicon solar cells in solar power plants with a concentration of solar radiation.
TL;DR: Using experimental frequency response data, the Ziegler-Nichols tuning method for PID design is demonstrated to yield an unstable closed-loop system and a strategy which specifically aims to counter the adverse phase characteristics of the plant at resonance is adopted.
Abstract: Efficient operation of a distributed solar collector field requires effective regulation of the outlet temperature. Control schemes utilising PI-based controllers, whether adaptive or fixed paramet...
Patent•
14 Feb 1995
TL;DR: In this article, a solar power generation device with a recessed surface mirror and a light reflection plate is presented. But it does not require any running cost, non maintenance, and does not need any power supply this article.
Abstract: PURPOSE:To provide a solar power generation device which can generate power efficiently through day time, at the same time does not require any running cost, non maintenance. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with many solar power generation elements 1 arranged on a horizontal surface obliquely and a recessed surface mirror 2 and a light reflection plate 3 laid out opposite to the adjacent solar power generation elements in the direction of reverse side of each solar power generation element 1.
TL;DR: In this article, a mathematical model simulating global energy supply and demand in ultra-long term is presented, where constraints on CO/sub 2/ emissions are taken into consideration in the model.
Abstract: This paper aims at clarifying key points for realizing sustainable energy supply under restrictions on CO/sub 2/ emissions. For this purpose, the possibility of 'solar breeding system' is investigated as a key technology for the sustainable energy supply. Then we describe our mathematical model simulating global energy supply and demand in ultra-long term. Depletion of nonrenewable resources and constraints on CO/sub 2/ emissions are taken into consideration in the model. Computed results have shown that existing energy system based on nonrenewable resources shifts to a system based on renewable resources in the ultra-long term with appropriate incentives.