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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application (PPA) Ser. No. 61 / 295,793 filed Jan. 18, 2010 by the present inventors, which is incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present embodiment generally relates to solar energy collection, and in particular, it concerns optimizing the allocation of solar radiation between applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Modern facilities use solar energy for a variety of applications. Three primary uses of solar energy are for heating, electrical power, and lighting. Referring to FIG. 1, a diagram of a typical solar collecting system, solar panels, also known as solar energy collectors, such as thermal solar panel 132, and photovoltaic (PV) solar panel 134, capture LIGHT for a variety of applications 102 within a facility 120. In the context of this document, the term facility generally refers to the consumer of the collected solar energy, typically a house,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]In another optional embodiment, the controller is configured to dynamically control the solar allocation and distribution system to provide solar radiation based on optimizing the cost function to minimize the expense of providing energy to a facility.

[0016]In an optional embodiment, 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. In another optional embodiment, the step of distributing includes optimizing the cost function to minimize the expense of providing energy to the facility.

Problems solved by technology

As a result, the available solar energy falling on the external surfaces of a structure is not optimally utilized to meet the energy or commercial needs of the occupants or associated entities.

Images