Computer based sun following system

This paper is a design study of a computer based system which controls a large number of paraboloidal collectors for sunfollowing operation. The system operates with the computer changing the speeds of each of the collector actuators in the field at regular intervals over the day. It is assumed that each collector requires individual attention in the calculation of appropriate speeds. Sources of following error within the system are evaluated, and for specific data rates over the communication link between the central controller and the field of collectors, the variables within the system are chosen to minimise the following error. Accurate sun following is shown to require a data output from the central controller of only 500 bit/sec for 10,000 collectors.

Further a computer based learning procedure which is functionally equivalent to an alignment process is detailed. This procedure is implemented by collecting data from each collector in the field. Accurate “alignment” of a 10,000 collector field is shown to require data collection by the central controller at a rate of only 500 bit/sec for a single day. No new technology is required to accommodate the data rates mentioned.