Daniel W Gregory

US Patent:

7875796, Jan 25, 2011

Filed:

Jul 30, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/881957

Inventors:

J. Christopher Clemens - Chapel Hill NC, US
Charles R. Evans - Chapel Hill NC, US
Daniel C. Gregory - Chapel Hill NC, US
Russell M. Taylor - Pittsboro NC, US

Assignee:

MegaWatt Solar, Inc. - Hillsborough NC

International Classification:

H01L 31/00
H01L 31/052

US Classification:

136259, 136246

Abstract:

Disclosed is a lightweight reflecting system for the concentration of solar radiation in which the reflecting optic is approximately sinusoidal in cross section and is maintained in this shape by minimal contact with a support frame. The reflector can be a flexible rectangular sheet deformed into a generally sinusoidal trough by compression between fixed or adjustable end supports. The sinusoid can be adjusted to be less than half a cycle by torsion applied to each end of the flexible sheet. A reflective film, polished metal, or similar material on the reflector surface can concentrate sunlight along a diffuse band rather than a sharp line, providing improved concentration levels for photovoltaic cells. The reflectors and their support frames can be mounted singly or severally on a tracking device that maximizes instantaneous power output by orienting the collectors toward the sun.

US Patent:

8260469, Sep 4, 2012

Filed:

Nov 4, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/612530

Inventors:

Daniel Constantine Gregory - Chapel Hill NC, US
Lawrence H. Alesi - Chapel Hill NC, US
J. Adam Crain - Durham NC, US

Assignee:

Green Energy Corporation - Denver CO

International Classification:

G05D 3/12
G05D 5/00
G05D 9/00
G05D 11/00
G05D 17/00
G08B 21/00
F03D 9/00
H02P 9/04

US Classification:

700287, 700297, 340635, 290 44

Abstract:

The subject matter described herein includes a distributed hybrid renewable energy power plant. One exemplary hybrid renewable energy power plant includes a plurality of renewable energy power generation sources that are distributed over a geographic area. A plurality of grid interface boxes connect each of the renewable energy power generation sources to a power distribution grid, measure power output by each of the renewable energy power generation sources, and regulate power delivered to the grid by each of the renewable energy power generation sources. A plant front end communicates with the grid interface boxes, determines a total output power available from the renewable energy power generation sources based on instantaneous power available from each of the renewable energy power generation sources, determines a statistical availability of the total output power based on weather and other conditions affecting power output from the renewable energy power generation sources, and outputs the total output power and the statistical availability to an energy management system.