Solar sensors have many different applications, not only in the aerospace sector where Solar MEMS specialises, but also in the defence sector, the car industry and the area of renewable energy. In our company, we are working to innovate in all these markets and in this article we are going to look at some of the main uses and applications in industry.
Use of solar sensors in the aerospace sector
One of the areas where the solar sensors we work with are most commonly used is the aerospace sector, and these are some of the applications that our technology based on micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are used for :
- Solar monitoring of large heliostats and Stirling power generation systems.
- Temperature and shadow control inside a vehicle
- Controlling vehicles using the position of the sun as an absolute reference.
- To determine the attitude of a boat in wave conditions
- Hot air balloons taking the internet to remote places: hot air balloons are quick and easy to install and deploy
- To study rocket performance in academic and research programs
- Solar sensors for lunar rover
Use of solar sensors in the renewable energy sector
Renewable energies are becoming more important all the time, and solar sensors have an essential role to play in relation with solar power.
Among the main functions of the sensors are to track the sun and sources of light, to take readings of solar radiation, orientation systems, attitude control, to determine the attitude of drones and as controllers for platforms for tracking the sun.
Knowing how to locate the sun’s energy and its radiation can benefit the environment because it makes solar power much more efficient, as one of the most powerful sources of energy in our fight against climate change. Among other reasons, solar power does not emit greenhouse gases, so it does not contribute to global warming and makes it a great alternative to the use of polluting fuels like coal.
At Solar MEMS we have pooled all our know-how, and we are applying it to the technology of solar sensors for terrestrial uses and we have managed to retain their high precision and reliability, as well as reducing the cost of devices, as a way of inducing companies to invest in solar power
Use of solar sensors in the aeronautical sector
One of the main uses of solar sensors in the aeronautical sector is to determine flight references and to offer a supplementary form of attitude control for other types of sensors.
At Solar MEMS we are developing technology which is principally to be used for:
- Stability control
- Geographic self-location
- Precise operation for navigation systems of UAVs, Drones and RPAS
Use of solar sensors in the car industry
Did you know that miniaturized solar sensors can be used in the heating, ventilation and climate control systems of cars?
At present, our technology is being used in the car industry to:
- Determine the angle of the sun and to measure solar radiation to ensure a more comfortable environment.
- Provide smarter temperature control in vehicles.
Use of solar sensors in the defence industry
The defence industry makes use technology from the car and aeronautical sectors, which means that the applications in this area are similar.
Above all, they are useful in determining and tracking the position of the sun for support systems in unmanned military vehicles such as boats and rescue vessels, tanks, tractors and lorries, for making autonomous journeys.
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