The corporate R&D unit of public sector Bharat Heavy Eletricals Limited (BHEL) in Hyderabad has developed a maintenance-free solar thermal sun tracker for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules that requires no external electro mechanical fittings.
The system for 20 watt PV modules automatically tracks the sun from east to west in a single axis from morning to evening. It again automatically turns to east in the morning of next day, within 15-30 minutes from the time of sunrise, according to HS Jain, executive director, BHEL Corporate R&D.
The innovation has given 36 per cent more power output than fixed-tilt modules. This sun tracker works based on the heat generated due to the solar heating and the transfer of liquid between the containers placed at the extreme ends of the panels. Jain said the solar thermal tracker, though demonstrated successfully, is yet to reach the commercialisation stage.
The Corporate R&D, which is part of BHEL’s in-house R&D network across its units, had filed 68 intellectual property applications comprising 37 patent and 31 copyright applications during the year 2010-11. Among these are design and development of high efficiency solar cells, nano particle coated grinding rolls with improved wear characteristics used in pulverisation of coal in thermal power plants, and maintenance management system for hydro power equipment.
The unit is planning to set up two more centres of excellence this year — an advanced centre for transmission systems and an advanced centre for energy materials entailing an investment of Rs 20 crore. It spent over Rs 198 crore on various research and development programmes last year.
ref:
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bhel-develops-sun-tracker-for-solar-modules/431998/
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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