The Practical Solar control system (model number CS510) includes the control software, driver box, international power adaptor, USB-to-Serial Port adaptor cable, sun alignment tool, user manual, and instructional DVD "Installing and Operating the Practical Solar Heliostat System". The control system can operate up to 200 heliostats (higher power drivers available upon request).
CS510 Price = $345
Software
Practical Solar's Windows-based software represents the ultimate method of precise sun-tracking. It surpasses sensor-based sun tracking in both reliability and affordability. Rotation of the heliostats is digitally controlled based on the mathematically computed position of the sun relative to each heliostat and its target.
A setup program guides the user through a straightforward routine that establishes the heliostat’s location (latitude and longitude), its position relative to True South, and its position relative to the target. The software uses the PC’s date and time to compute the precise location of the sun, and in turn, the precise position required of each of the heliostat’s axes in order to reflect sunlight to the target at every moment of the day. A sighting tool is also included with the control system, to be used during the setup routine for determining True South.
Driver Box
A single driver box can control up to 200 heliostats. The driver box connects to the PC with a standard serial connection (RS-232C). A USB-to-Serial Port adapter is included with the system, since most new computers do not have a serial port. The driver box can be positioned up to 100 meters away from the heliostat. Heliostats are “daisy-chained” in series, so that only one cable need connect from a heliostat array to the driver box. Cable connection to each heliostat is accomplished in seconds using standard household tools. For a ground installation, the cable is typically buried 4" underground, much like an “invisible fence” for pets, so it is out of sight and safe from a lawnmower.
Control System Features and Advantages
- No dedicated computer required. Software operates as a background program on a Windows-based PC (from Windows 95 to Vista). The programs are very small and use minuscule CPU, so the burden is negligible – even on the slowest PCs.
- Software calculates the position of the sun, eliminating the need for sun-tracking sensors, which are an important source of failure for many sun-tracking systems.
- Position and calibration of each heliostat is permanently registered in the system – no periodic adjustment required.
- Up to 200 heliostats can be registered and individually controlled with a single control system, and each heliostat may be programmed for multiple targets. Users can switch a heliostat’s target at will, or have it switch automatically by using the software’s timer function. New targets for any heliostat can be programmed in minutes.
- Software provides a continuous “collection efficiency” rating for each heliostat, based on angle between the heliostat, target, and sun.
- Software corrects for up to 4 degrees of tilt in the mounting of the heliostat (including tilt in the pole).
Driver Box Specifications
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Dimensions |
8" x 4" x 2" (20.3 x 10.2 x 5.1 cm) |
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Weight |
0.8 lbs (0.4 kg) |
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Input voltage |
12 VDC (using 120-240 VAC, 47/63 Hz switching power supply, included) |
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Input power |
0.1 watts/heliostat |
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Heliostats/array |
200 maximum; higher power drivers on request |
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Operating temperature range |
-20°C to +50°C (-4°F to 122°F) |
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Operating humidity range |
0-99% humidity, non-condensing [driver box is designed for indoor use] |
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Maximum distance from heliostat(s) |
100 meters |
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Computer connection |
RS-232C standard serial connection. USB-to-Serial Port adapter is included |