DRIVE TRACKING SYSTEM

Organization Name

KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS

Inventor(s)

Waleed Mohammed Abdo Hamanah of Dhahran (SA)

Mohamed Ali Abido of Dhahran (SA)

Aboubakr Salem Mohammed Salem of Dhahran (SA)

DRIVE TRACKING SYSTEM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18152564 titled 'DRIVE TRACKING SYSTEM

Simplified Explanation:

The patent application describes a drive tracking system for a heliostat structure, which includes linear actuators, a power electronic converter, and a tracking controller.

Key Features and Innovation:

Heliostat structure with linear actuators for precise movement.
Power electronic converter with DC chopper converters for efficient energy conversion.
Tracking controller with gyroscopic sensor for accurate tracking control.

Potential Applications:

This technology can be used in solar power plants, satellite tracking systems, and astronomical observatories.

Problems Solved:

The technology addresses the need for precise tracking of moving objects, such as the sun or satellites, to optimize energy generation or data collection.

Benefits:

The benefits of this technology include increased energy efficiency, improved accuracy in tracking systems, and enhanced performance in various applications.

Commercial Applications:

Potential commercial applications include solar energy systems, satellite communication systems, and scientific research facilities.

Prior Art:

Prior art related to this technology may include patents or research papers on solar tracking systems, heliostat structures, and power electronic converters.

Frequently Updated Research:

Researchers may be working on improving the efficiency of the power electronic converter, enhancing the tracking controller's capabilities, or developing new applications for this technology.

Questions about the Technology: 1. What are the specific advantages of using linear actuators in the heliostat structure? 2. How does the three-axis gyroscopic sensor improve the accuracy of the tracking controller?

Original Abstract Submitted

A drive tracking system including a heliostat structure, a power electronic converter, and a tracking controller. The heliostat structure includes a heliostat support frame, a plurality of linear actuators, and a heliostat facet. A first end of each of the plurality of linear actuators is connected to an underside of the heliostat facet and a second end of each of the plurality of linear actuators is connected to the heliostat support frame. The power electronic converter includes a plurality of direct current (DC) chopper converters mechanically coupled to the plurality of linear actuators via a worm gear system. The worm gear system includes a plurality of worm gears and a plurality of linear screws. The tracking controller includes a three-axis gyroscopic sensor and a microcontroller. The microcontroller has instructions to control the DC choppers based on data provided by the three-axis gyroscopic sensor.