Autonomous heliostat

【0001】

[Technical field to which the invention belongs]

The present invention relates to an autonomous heliostat capable of concentrating sunlight in place while tracking the sun without the need for complex computer control.

【0002】

[Conventional technology]

In order to make effective use of solar energy, there is known a technique of reflecting and condensing sunlight to a predetermined position while tracking the sun with a large number of heliostats installed. The heliostat has a mirror that rotates in response to the movement of the sun, and this mirror can collect sunlight, for example, in a heat conversion facility, and generate electricity using the heat energy converted there (for example, patent documents). 1). Research has also been conducted on the production of alcohol fuel without emitting carbon dioxide by adding thermal energy from sunlight to coal and natural gas.

【0003】

[Patent Document 1]

Japanese Patent No. 2951297 [0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in such a conventional heliostat, it is necessary to separately control the rotation of the mirrors of a large number of installed heliostats according to the movement of the sun, which requires a large computer, which is costly. It is disadvantageous in terms of. In addition, in order to control the heliostat, which is often used outdoors such as in the desert, with a large computer, it is necessary to equip the large computer with equipment to protect it from external factors such as heat and dust, and the cost for that is required. Will also be bulky. Further, in a system in which a large number of heliostats are collectively controlled by a large computer, if the system goes down, all the heliostats are stopped, which is disadvantageous in terms of reliability.

【0005】

The present invention has been made by paying attention to such a conventional technique, and relates to an autonomous heliostat which does not require complicated control by a computer or the like and has an independent autonomous control function.

【0006】

[Means for solving problems]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the reflected light from the mirror configuration is directed to the target sensor installed at a predetermined position, and after being received by the target sensor, the reflected light is directed to the target sensor. To maintain, the control signal from the target sensor controls the orientation of the mirror configuration, and prior to control by the target sensor, the reflected light from the mirror configuration is at least related to the diurnal movement of the sun. It is characterized by providing a search sensor that controls the orientation of the mirror configuration so as to match the target sensor in the desired directionality.

【0007】

The invention according to claim 2 relates to the diurnal motion of the sun around a first polar axis parallel to the rotation axis of the earth in a mirror configuration which is one mirror or a group of mirrors moving as one. Mirrors are rotatably supported by the red meridian drive unit and the red weft drive unit in the red meridian direction and the red latitude direction related to the seasonal movement of the sun around the red latitude axis orthogonal to the first polar axis, respectively. After the reflected light from the configuration points to the target sensor installed at a predetermined position and is received by the target sensor, the reflected light from the target sensor maintains the state of pointing to the target sensor. The direction of the mirror structure is controlled by the control signal, and the direction of the mirror structure is matched so that the reflected light from the mirror structure matches the target sensor at least in the red meridian direction before the control by the target sensor. It is characterized in that a search sensor for controlling the above is provided.

【0008】

The invention according to claim 3 relates to the diurnal motion of the sun around a first polar axis parallel to the rotation axis of the earth in a mirror configuration which is one mirror or a group of mirrors moving as one. Mirrors are rotatably supported by the red meridian drive and the red weft drive in the red meridian direction and the red meridian direction related to the seasonal movement of the sun around the red latitude axis orthogonal to the first polar axis, respectively. A target sensor that detects reflected light in the direction in which sunlight is desired to be reflected by the configuration is installed, and after the target sensor receives the reflected light from the mirror configuration, the red meridian drive unit and the red latitude drive unit are installed from the target sensor. On the other hand, a control signal for rotating the mirror structure in the red meridian direction and the red weft direction is output so that the reflected light keeps the target sensor oriented, and the rotation axis of the earth. A second polar axis that is parallel and rotates in the same direction in conjunction with the first polar axis is provided, and a search sensor that detects sunlight is supported on the second polar axis, and the search sensor is in the red warp direction. In the state where the sun is captured, the direction of the mirror structure is aligned with the target sensor in the red meridian direction, and the first polar axis supporting the mirror structure is maintained in order to maintain the aligned state. The rotation and the rotation of the second polar axis supporting the search sensor have a relationship of about 1: 2, and the search sensor moves the sun in the red meridian direction by a predetermined start signal or restart signal. It is rotatable until it is in the direction that captures the image, and it is rotatable until the mirror configuration is in the red latitude direction and matches the target sensor, and the orientation of the mirror configuration is the target in the red meridian direction and the red latitude direction. It is characterized in that the function of the search sensor is stopped when it matches the sensor, the reflected light from the mirror structure points to the target sensor, and the target sensor can control the mirror structure.

【0009】

In the invention according to claim 4, as a first function, the red meridian drive unit moves the mirror configuration toward the red meridian so that the reflected light maintains the state in which the reflected light points to the target sensor by the control signal from the target sensor. In addition to precise rotation, as a second function, it is possible to precisely rotate the mirror configuration in the red meridian direction at a speed corresponding to the preset diurnal movement of the sun, regardless of the control signal from the target sensor. It is composed of a precision drive unit and a fast-forward drive unit that can be rotated at a speed faster than that of the precision drive unit. The interlocking search sensor is rotated in the red meridian direction until the search sensor catches the sun, and while the target sensor controls the mirror configuration, the reflected light is the target sensor by the first function of the precision drive unit. The mirror configuration can be precisely rotated in the red meridian direction so as to maintain the orientation of the sensor, and when necessary, the precision drive unit is switched from the first function to the second function to set the sun in advance. It is characterized in that the mirror structure can be precisely rotated in the red meridian direction at a speed corresponding to the diurnal motion of.

【0010】

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a light amount sensor for measuring the amount of sunlight is provided, and when the amount of sunlight drops to a extent that cannot be controlled by the target sensor, the precision drive unit is changed from the first function to the first function. It is characterized by switching to the function of 2.

【0011】

According to the invention of claim 6, the search sensor includes a light-shielding box having a window for introducing sunlight, and an optical sensor capable of detecting sunlight introduced from the window is provided on the inner bottom surface of the light-shielding box to provide light. It is characterized by having a structure that can freely output the detection state of sunlight by a sensor as a control signal.

【0012】

The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the optical sensor has a two-divided structure facing each other in a direction corresponding to the diurnal motion of the sun.

【0013】

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that the window of the shading box has a length capable of introducing sunlight from all positions in the seasonal movement of the sun into the optical sensor.

【0014】

The invention according to claim 9 is characterized by comprising a solar cell panel capable of supplying necessary electric power.

【0015】

[Effect of the invention]

According to the invention of claim 1, in a heliostat in which the orientation of the mirror configuration is controlled by the target sensor so that the reflected light from the mirror configuration always points to the target sensor. From the situation where the mirror structure is not controlled by the target sensor, the direction of the mirror structure is controlled by the search sensor, and the reflected light from the mirror structure is at least in the direction related to the diurnal movement of the sun. Since it can be matched with the target sensor, by combining the movement of the mirror structure in the direction related to the seasonal movement with small movement of the sun, the reflected light from the mirror structure can be easily guided to the target sensor and the target. Control by the sensor can be started immediately. In this way, even if there is no large computer to control the whole, each heliostat can automatically start the control by the target sensor by using the guide function by the search sensor, which is advantageous in terms of cost. is there. In addition, since each heliostat is an independent autonomous control system, even if a part of the many heliostats installed fails, the remaining heliostats will not be affected, and the remaining heliostats will be used for condensing work. Reliability is also improved because it can be continued.

【0016】

According to the invention described in claim 2, since the mirror configuration can rotate in the right ascension direction related to the diurnal motion and the red latitude direction related to the seasonal motion, respectively, the reflected light from the mirror configuration by the search sensor. When controlling to match the target sensor at least in the RA direction, the mirror configuration only needs to be rotated in the RA direction, which is easy to control. For example, if the mirror configuration is to be controlled in the direction related to the diurnal motion by the altazimuth mount method, the mirror configuration must be rotationally controlled in both the directional (horizontal) direction and the altitude (vertical) direction. However, the control is very troublesome, but if the structure is as described in this section, the control is easy because only the rotation in the red meridian direction is required.

【0017】

According to the invention of claim 3, the mirror structure and the search sensor have a structure in which they rotate in the same direction about the first polar axis and the second polar axis parallel to the rotation axis, respectively. By making the rotation angle of the mirror configuration 1/2 of the rotation angle of the search sensor that rotates to capture the sun, the reflected light from the mirror configuration is always reflected in the same direction in the RA direction. Can be done. This 1/2 angle is the ratio when the mirror structure reflects sunlight in a plane perpendicular to the mirror structure, and the direction of reflection of sunlight depends on the position of the target sensor with respect to sunlight. If is out of the plane (twisted), the 1/2 ratio changes slightly. Therefore, in the present invention, it is defined as "a ratio of about 1: 2". Therefore, due to this "ratio of about 1: 2", the orientation of the mirror configuration when the search sensor catches the sun in the RA direction at the stage of first setting the orientation of the search sensor and the mirror configuration. Once set to match the target sensor in the RA direction, the relationship is maintained, and when the search sensor catches the sun, the reflected light always matches the target sensor in the RA direction. become. Therefore, by combining the rotation of the mirror structure in the declination direction, the reflected light always directs to the target sensor, is received by the target sensor, and control is started. Then, when the control by the target sensor starts, the role of the search sensor as a guide for guiding the reflected light from the mirror configuration to the target sensor ends, so the function of the search sensor is stopped and the control is performed only by the target sensor. Switch to.

【0018】

According to the invention of claim 4, until the search sensor catches the sun, the mirror structure and the search sensor linked thereto are rotated at a high speed by the fast-forward drive unit, so that the reflected light from the mirror structure is emitted. It can be introduced into the target sensor in a short time, and the rotation control by the target sensor can be started at an early stage. In addition, once the control by the target sensor is started, the first function of the precision drive unit enables the mirror configuration to be precisely controlled according to the movement of the sun based on the control signal from the target sensor, and when necessary. Can switch to the second function of the precision drive unit and automatically control the mirror configuration (equatorial mount control) at a speed corresponding to the preset diurnal motion of the sun.

【0019】

According to the invention of claim 5, when the amount of sunlight decreases , the rotation control by the precision drive unit is automatically switched to the second function, so that the sunlight becomes a cloud or the like during the rotation control by the target sensor. Even if it is interrupted by the light, the mirror structure automatically continues to rotate as if it is controlled by the target sensor, and when the sunlight is restored again, it can return to the control by the first function as it is.

【0020】

According to the invention of claim 6, by surrounding the optical sensor with a light-shielding box having a window, the sunlight introduced into the optical sensor is limited to the one that has passed through the window, so that stray light from the outside is emitted. Can be blocked, and sunlight can be reliably detected by an optical sensor.

【0021】

According to the invention of claim 7, since the optical sensor has a two-divided structure, more accurate detection can be performed by detecting a neutral point at which the light receiving amounts of the two divided optical sensors are equal. it can.

【0022】

According to the invention of claim 8, since the window of the shading box has a length capable of introducing sunlight from all positions in the seasonal movement of the sun into the optical sensor, the search sensor is kept in a constant state. It only needs to be fixed, and it is not necessary to have a structure that rotates in the direction of seasonal movement.

【0023】

According to the invention of claim 9, since the power required for the rotation of the mirror structure and the control of the sensor can be supplied by the solar cell panel, the heliostat itself operates when there is a sufficient amount of sunlight. All the power supply required for the above can be provided by the solar cell panel. Therefore, the power transmission equipment to the heliostat can be simplified or omitted, and the cost can be reduced in this respect as well.

【0024】

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

【0025】

1 to 10 are views showing a first embodiment of the present invention. A large number of heliostats 1 according to this embodiment are installed so as to surround a heat exchange facility (not shown), and FIG. 1 shows one of them as a representative.

【0026】

The stanchion 2 of the heliostat 1 is fixed to the ground, and in the case of the illustrated heliostat 1, the upper part of the stanchion 2 is tilted to the south side. At the upper part of the support column 2, the first polar axis K1 that is parallel to the rotation axis of the earth and coincides with the first straight line L1 that is at a constant angle θ1 with respect to the ground penetrates the support column 2. It is rotatably provided in the right ascension direction A around the first straight line L1.

【0027】

The central portion of the U-shaped arm 3 is supported at the southern end of the first polar axis K1. Between both ends of the arm 3, a declination axis 4 orthogonal to the first straight line L1 allows a mirror configuration 5 composed of one mirror to rotate in the declination direction B about the declination axis 4. It is supported.

【0028】

A declination drive unit 6 including a motor and a reduction mechanism is provided at one end of the arm 3. Then, the gear G1 of the declination drive unit 6 and the gear G2 provided on one of the declination shafts 4 mesh with each other, and the driving force of the declination drive unit 6 rotates the mirror configuration 5 in the declination direction B. You can do it.

【0029】

A RA drive unit 9 composed of a precision drive unit 7 and a fast-forward drive unit 8 is installed on the upper part of the support column 2. The precision drive unit 7 also has a structure consisting of a motor and a reduction mechanism, and the precision drive unit 7 itself is rotatably supported in the a direction (see FIG. 1) with respect to the support bracket 10 of the support column 2 via a bearing (not shown). ing. A gear G3 is formed around the body of the precision drive unit 7, and this gear G3 meshes with the gear G4 of the fast-forward drive unit 8. Therefore, by rotating the gear G4 of the fast-forward drive unit 8, the precision drive unit 7 itself can be rotated. Since the precision drive unit 7 itself rotates, power cannot be supplied by normal wiring. This is because the wiring is twisted. Therefore, the power supply to the precision drive unit 7 is performed by a known rotary contact method such as a slip ring instead of the normal wiring.

【0030】

The rotation speed of the gear G4 at the tip of the fast-forward drive unit 8 is about 6 to 10 times the rotation speed of the gear G5 at the tip of the precision drive unit 7. Even if the gear G5 at the tip of the precision drive unit 7 itself is in a non-rotating state, the entire precision drive unit 7 is rotated by the fast-forward drive unit 8, and as a result, the gear G5 at the tip of the precision drive unit 7 rotates. It will be in the state of. Even if the precision drive unit 7 is stopped, there is a reduction mechanism between the motor and the gear G5 in the precision drive unit 7. Therefore, due to the rotational resistance, the gear G5 at the tip of the precision drive unit 7 is moved. It will rotate with the fuselage.

【0031】

The gear G5 at the tip of the precision drive unit 7 meshes with the gear G6 of the first polar axis K1, and the gear G5 of the precision drive unit 7 is directly rotated by the driving force of the precision drive unit 7 itself. The first polar axis K1 is rotated in the right ascension direction A together with the arm 3 and the mirror configuration 5 by causing the fast-forward drive unit 8 to rotate indirectly by rotating the entire precision drive unit 7 by the fast-forward drive unit 8. Can be done.

【0032】

A second polar axis K2 that matches the second straight line L2 parallel to the first straight line L1 is rotatably supported at the upper end of the support column 2. The second polar axis K2 is also rotatable around the second straight line L2 in the right ascension direction A and rotates in the same direction as the first polar axis K1. Gears G7 and G8 are provided at the northern ends of the first polar axis K1 and the second polar axis K2, respectively, and a timing belt 11 is hung on these gears G7 and G8, respectively. By this timing belt 11, the rotational force of the first polar axis K1 is also transmitted to the second polar axis K2, and the second polar axis K2 rotates in the same direction as the first polar axis K1. Of the two gears G7 and G8 on which the timing belt 11 is hung, the gear G8 on the second polar axis K2 side has half the number of teeth as the gear G7 on the first polar axis K1 side. It has become. Therefore, the ratio of the rotation speeds of the first polar axis K1 and the second polar axis K2 is 1: 2.

【0033】

The search sensor 12 is fixed to the south side of the second polar axis K2 (see Fig. 2). The search sensor 12 has a structure in which a slit-shaped window 14 is provided on the upper surface of the light-shielding box 13, and a line-shaped optical sensor 15 is provided on the bottom surface inside the light-shielding box 13. Further, on the inner surface of the light-shielding box 13, a plurality of ribs 16 are formed to prevent the introduced sunlight S from being reflected on the inner surface, and an antireflection coating (not shown) is also applied. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, only the sunlight S introduced straight from the window 14 is received by the optical sensor 15. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the slit-shaped window 14 has a length capable of introducing sunlight S from all positions in the seasonal motion direction of the sun into the optical sensor 15.

【0034】

A light amount sensor 17 is provided at the highest position on the top of the support column 2. The light amount sensor 17 can freely measure the light amount of the sunlight S, and when the measured light amount becomes a predetermined value or less, the information can be output as a signal.

【0035】

In the case of the illustrated heliostat 1, the target sensor 19 is installed at a predetermined height position at the tip of the rod 18 extending southward from the support column 2. The target sensor 19 is composed of an upper right ascension sensor 20 and a lower declination sensor 21 (see FIG. 5). The RA sensor 20 has a slit-shaped window 22 formed in the vertical direction orthogonal to the RA direction A, and an optical sensor 23 divided into two in the direction facing the RA direction A is provided on the inner bottom surface thereof. There is. The RA sensor 20 is also surrounded by a light-shielding box like the search sensor 12, and the same ribs and anti-reflection coating are applied to the inside. The declination sensor 21 has basically the same structure as the RA sensor 20, but the window 24 and the optical sensor 25 are 90 degrees different from the RA sensor 20. Each of the light sensors 23 and 25 of the target sensor 19 is in a neutral position when the light introduced from the windows 22 and 24 hits the light sensors 23 and 25 divided into two by the same amount of light, respectively. The deviation direction and the deviation amount are output as a control signal to the outside.

【0036】

As shown in FIG. 6, the target sensor 19, the search sensor 12, the light intensity sensor 17, the RA drive unit 9, and the declination drive unit 6 are connected to the control unit 26, respectively. The RA drive unit 9 and the declination drive unit 6 are controlled by signals from the target sensor 19, the search sensor 12, and the light intensity sensor 17. The control will be described later in the operation section.

【0037】

As described above, as shown in FIG. 7, the rotation angles of the search sensor 12 and the mirror configuration 5 in the RA direction A have a 2: 1 relationship. FIG. 7 shows a state in which sunlight S is reflected at a point on the surface of the mirror structure 5 for convenience of explanation, and the angle change of the normal line at that point is the rotation angle θ2 of the mirror structure 5. , It shows that it is 1/2 of the rotation angle θ3 of the search sensor 12 (that is, the diurnal motion angle of the sun).

【0038】

Therefore, at the stage of first setting the orientations of the search sensor 12 and the mirror configuration 5, when the search sensor 12 catches the sun in the RA direction A, the orientation of the mirror configuration 5 is the target sensor 19 in the RA direction A. Once set to match, the relationship is maintained and the search sensor 12 catches the sun no matter how it is rotated with the search sensor 12 and mirror configuration 5 interlocked. In the state, the reflected light R from the mirror configuration 5 always coincides with the target sensor 19 in the right ascension direction A.

【0039】

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rotation angle θ4 of the mirror structure 5 in the declination direction B is also half of the rotation angle θ5 of the sun in the declination direction B.

【0040】

Next, the operation of the heliostat 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the state before starting the heliostat 1, the mirror configuration 5 faces the right ascension direction A, which has nothing to do with the target sensor 19, and the reflected light R reflected by the mirror configuration 5 is the target sensor. Not oriented towards 19.

【0041】

The start signal to the heliostat 1 is transmitted manually or by a timer. When the start signal is transmitted, the fast-forward drive unit 8 first rotates, and the precision drive unit 7 itself rotates quickly. Then, the gear G6 meshing with the gear G5 at the tip of the precision drive unit 7 rotates the first polar axis K1. At this time, the gear G5 of the precision drive unit 7 is not rotated by the motor in the precision drive unit 7, but is rotated by the entire precision drive unit 7 being rotated by the fast-forward drive unit 8.

【0042】

When the first polar axis K1 rotates, both the mirror configuration 5 and the search sensor 12 linked thereto rotate in the right ascension direction A. In this embodiment, the rotation of the search sensor 12 is rotated within a range that covers all of the diurnal motion of the sun. Therefore, there is a position where the search sensor 12 catches the sunlight S while rotating. That is, there is a position where the sunlight S inserted through the window 14 of the search sensor 12 hits the internal light sensor 15. In the search sensor 12, the light-shielding box 13 limits the sunlight S introduced into the optical sensor 15 to those that have passed through the window 14, so that stray light from the outside can be blocked, and the sun by the optical sensor 15 can be blocked. It is possible to reliably detect the light S.

【0043】

The search sensor 12 stops at the position where it catches the sun. Reflection from the mirror configuration 5 as shown in FIG. 10 because the mirror configuration 5 is preset to match the target sensor 19 in the red meridian direction A with the search sensor 12 capturing the sun. Even if the light R initially points at a different position from the target sensor 19, its reflected light R coincides with the target sensor 19 in the red meridian direction A. Since the rotation of the mirror structure 5 by the search sensor 12 can be performed faster by the fast-forward drive unit 8, the reflected light R from the mirror structure 5 coincides with the target sensor 19 in the right ascension direction A in a short time. Can be made to.

【0044】

Therefore, after that, the declination drive unit 6 is rotated, and the mirror configuration 5 is rotated in the declination direction B. Since the reflected light R from the mirror configuration 5 already matches the target sensor 19 in the declination direction A by the search sensor 12, the declination drive unit 6 rotates the mirror configuration 5 in the declination direction B. During the process, there is a position where the reflected light R coincides with the target sensor 19 in the declination direction B. That is, the reflected light R from the mirror configuration 5 coincides in both the RA direction A and the declination direction B, and the target sensor 19 is completely directed.

【0045】

When the reflected light R points to the target sensor 19, the red meridian sensor 20 in the target sensor 19 and the light sensors 23 and 25 in the declination sensor 21 are in a light receiving state, and the mirror configuration 5 is controlled by the target sensor 19. It will be possible. That is, the RA sensor 20 and the declination sensor 21 detect the deviation direction and the amount of deviation of the reflected light R in the RA direction A and the declination direction B, respectively, and control the mirror configuration 5 so as to correct them. Therefore, once the reflected light R points to the target sensor 19, that state is maintained even if the sun moves. Therefore, the reflected light R can always be continuously applied to the irradiation target (heat exchange facility, etc.) P (see FIG. 10) of the sunlight S ahead of the target sensor 19.

【0046】

In this way, when the control by the target sensor 19 starts, the role of the search sensor 12 as a guide for guiding the reflected light R from the mirror configuration 5 to the target sensor 19 ends, so the function of the search sensor 12 is stopped. Then, switch to the control of only the target sensor 19.

【0047】

During control by the target sensor 19, both the precision drive unit 7 and the declination drive unit 6 perform precision rotation controlled by the target sensor 19. The precision drive unit 7 and the declination drive unit 6 itself can rotate at a speed faster than the speed controlled by the target sensor 19, but during the control by the target sensor 19, precision according to the diurnal motion and seasonal motion of the sun. Make a rotation. In particular, the precision rotation controlled by the target sensor 19 in the precision drive unit 7 is referred to as a "first function".

【0048】

The precision drive unit 7 has a "second function" that does not depend on the control of the target sensor 19. That is, if the amount of sunlight S required for controlling the target sensor 19 cannot be obtained due to the generation of clouds during control by the target sensor 19, the state is detected by the light amount sensor 17 and precision. Switch the drive unit 7 to the "second function".

【0049】

The second function automatically controls the mirror configuration 5 based on a timer at a speed according to the preset diurnal motion of the sun (equator mount control). In other words, even if the sunlight S is blocked by clouds or the like, the mirror configuration 5 automatically continues to rotate as controlled by the target sensor 19, and when it clears up again and the sunlight S revives, it remains as it is. It is possible to return to the first function.

【0050】

Further, the heliostat 1 of this embodiment can be stopped from operating when necessary to perform maintenance or the like even during control by the target sensor 19. Then, when maintenance or the like is completed, if a restart signal is issued, the search sensor 12 searches for the position of the sun again in the same manner as described above, and the reflected light R from the mirror configuration 5 is introduced into the target sensor 19. , Control by the target sensor 19 can be easily resumed.

【0051】

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the direction of the mirror configuration 5 is controlled by the search sensor 12, and the reflected light R from the mirror configuration 5 is at least in the right ascension direction in which the movement of the sun is large. Since A can be matched with the target sensor 19, the reflected light R from the mirror configuration 5 can be easily converted to the target sensor 19 by combining the movement of the mirror configuration 5 in the right ascension direction B where the movement of the sun is small. The control by the target sensor 19 can be started immediately. Therefore, even if there is no large computer to control the whole, each heliostat 1 can automatically start the control by the target sensor 19 by using the guide function by the search sensor 12, which is advantageous in terms of cost. is there. In addition, since each heliostat 1 is an independent autonomous control system, even if a part of the heliostats 1 installed in large numbers fails, the remaining heliostats 1 are not affected, and the remaining heliostats 1 do not affect the heliostats 1. Since the light collection work can be continued, the reliability is also improved.

【0052】

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, the optical sensor 28 in the search sensor 27 has a two-divided structure. Then, by detecting the neutral point at which the light receiving amounts of the two divided optical sensors 28 are equal, the search sensor 27 can perform more accurate detection.

【0053】

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention. In this third embodiment, the mirror configuration 29 is composed of a plurality of mirrors 30 and 31. That is, the mirror configuration 29 is formed by the round mirror 30 that sends the reflected light to the target sensor 32 and the plurality of square mirrors 31 around the round mirror 30. Further, a solar cell panel 34 capable of supplying the power required for the heliostat 33 is attached to the lower end of the mirror structure 29. The search sensor 35 and the target sensor 32 faced through the gap S between the round mirror 30 and the surrounding mirror 31. The structure in which the mirror configuration 29 is rotatably supported in the right ascension direction and the declination direction is basically the same as that in the first embodiment. Therefore, the parts common to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

【0054】

According to this third embodiment, more sunlight can be reflected. More efficient light collection can be performed by making the entire mirror structure 29 concave or by making individual mirrors 31 concave mirrors to concentrate the orientation. Further, since the power required for the rotation of the mirror structure 29 and the sensor control can be supplied by the solar cell panel 34, the power supply required for the operation of the heliostat 33 itself is provided when there is a sufficient amount of sunlight. Can be covered by the solar panel 34. Therefore, the power transmission equipment to the heliostat 33 can be simplified or omitted, and the cost can be further reduced.

【0055】

In each of the above embodiments, the target sensors 19 and 32 are fixed to the support column 2, but they may be fixed to the ground or the like. In short, any fixing method may be used as long as the positions of the target sensors 19 and 32 are fixed with respect to the mirror structures 5 and 29. Further, although the column 2 having an inclined upper portion is taken as an example, a structure in which an inclined first polar axis K1 and a second polar axis K2 may be provided on a straight column may be used. Further, without providing the light amount sensor 17, the light amount sensors 23 and 25 of the target sensors 19 and 32 are also used as the light amount sensor, and during the control by the target sensors 19 and 32, sufficient reflected light R is provided to the light amount sensors 23 and 25. If it does not reach, the precision drive unit 7 may be automatically switched to the second function.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a heliostat according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a search sensor.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the search sensor is cross-sectionald in the right ascension direction.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the search sensor is cross-sectionald in the declination direction.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a target sensor.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing control of a heliostat.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a rotation angle of a search sensor and a mirror configuration in the right ascension direction.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a rotation angle of the mirror configuration in the declination direction.

FIG. 9 is a chart diagram showing the operation of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the mirror structure is rotated in the right ascension direction to introduce reflected light into the target sensor.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a search sensor according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a heliostat according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 33 Heliostat 4 Declination axis 5, 29 Mirror structure 6 Declination drive 7 Precision drive 8 Fast forward drive 9 Declination drive 12, 27, 35 Search sensor 13 Shading box 14 Window 15, 28 Optical sensor 17 Light sensor 19, 32 Target sensor 34 Solar panel A Red meridian B Declination direction K1 First polar axis K2 Second polar axis R Reflected light