WO2005003645A1 - Solar energy reflector support system - Google Patents

Solar energy reflector support system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005003645A1
WO2005003645A1 PCT/AU2004/000882 AU2004000882W WO2005003645A1 WO 2005003645 A1 WO2005003645 A1 WO 2005003645A1 AU 2004000882 W AU2004000882 W AU 2004000882W WO 2005003645 A1 WO2005003645 A1 WO 2005003645A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solar energy
support system
reflector
platform
carrier
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2004/000882
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Peter Le Lievre
Original Assignee
Solar Heat And Power Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Solar Heat And Power Pty Ltd filed Critical Solar Heat And Power Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2005003645A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005003645A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
    • F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
    • F24S23/82—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors characterised by the material or the construction of the reflector
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
    • F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
    • F24S30/42—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with only one rotation axis
    • F24S30/425—Horizontal axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
    • F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
    • F24S2023/83—Other shapes
    • F24S2023/834—Other shapes trough-shaped
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2030/10—Special components
    • F24S2030/13—Transmissions
    • F24S2030/133—Transmissions in the form of flexible elements, e.g. belts, chains, ropes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S2030/10—Special components
    • F24S2030/14—Movement guiding means
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a solar energy reflector support system of a type that is employed for reflecting incident radiation to a solar energy collector system.
  • the Applicant has developed a reflector carrier and drive arrangement which avoids or, at least, alleviates these problems and which provides for angular positioning of the reflector by rotation of the carrier.
  • this approach may require that the carrier be turned through an angle approaching or even exceeding 360 degrees from time-to-time. This, in turn, may give rise to the potential for torsion-induced twisting of the reflector along its length and, more particularly, along the extended length of reflectors carried by conjoined carriers.
  • a solar energy reflector support system that comprises: a) a carrier having a platform for supporting an elongate reflector element and having hoop-like end members between which the reflector element extends when supported by the platform, the end members being spaced-apart in the longitudinal direction of the reflector element and having a diameter at least equal to the width of the reflector element in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, b) support means for supporting the carrier by way of the end members and providing for rotation of the carrier about an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element when mounted to the platform, c) a drive system for imparting rotational drive to the carrier about the axis of rotation, and wherein the carrier is connectable to an axially aligned such carrier by way of at least one of the end members.
  • the potential for twisting along the length of the conjoined carriers, as a reaction to drive torque applied at one location along the length, may be reduced. That is, the axially aligned carriers may be interconnected at points approaching the periphery of the end members and the torque reaction force may, as a consequence, be reduced.
  • the reflector support system as above defined may be used as a stand- alone unit but two or more such systems will normally be interconnected in axial alignment.
  • a single drive system may be shared by a plurality of axially aligned reflector systems and the single drive system may be coupled to the combined system at one end of the combined system or at a location intermediate the ends of the combined system.
  • a reflector field may be created by locating a plurality of the reflector systems in parallel rows, with each row comprising a plurality of axially aligned reflector systems.
  • the carrier may, in one embodiment of the invention, be carried by the support members in a manner which accommodates unidirectional rotation of the carrier about the axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the reflector element.
  • substantially coincident is meant that the axis of rotation is located coincident with or adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element.
  • the drive system may, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, incorporate an electric motor and be arranged to impart unidirectional turning drive to the carrier.
  • unidirectional drive By providing such unidirectional drive, the traditional requirement for a reversible motor or a pivoting mechanism, with attendant backlash and other problems, will be avoided.
  • the carrier may be parked in a selected angular position with the reflector element orientated downwardly, to shield it from adverse ambient conditions, during the process of turning (ie, rotating) the carrier through 360 degrees during each 24-hour period.
  • the carrier may at any time within each 24-hour period be rotated temporarily to a selected angular position with the reflector element orientated in a direction away from potentially damaging climatic conditions.
  • the drive system may, in one embodiment of the invention, be arranged to impart the drive to the carrier by way of one only of the end members of the frame portion of the carrier.
  • the platform for the reflector element may, in one embodiment of the invention, comprise a fluted or corrugated metal panel, with the flutes or corrugations forming the stiffening elements of the platform.
  • the reflector element will be supported upon the crests of the flutes or corrugations.
  • the flutes or corrugations may extend in a direction that intersects the longitudinal axis of the reflector element, the flutes or corrugations desirably are orientated to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element.
  • the platform may be formed with a flat surface or such that the crests of the flutes or corrugations are located in a flat plane, the platform desirably is curved concavely in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element.
  • the frame structure of the carrier may comprise a skeletal frame structure that incorporates the hoop-like end members that extend about the axis of rotation of the carrier and between which the platform extends.
  • the support members which support the carrier by way of the hoop-like end members may comprise spaced-apart supporting rollers.
  • Such rollers desirably are sized and otherwise arranged to track within a channel region of the associated end members.
  • the drive system for imparting drive to the carrier may, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, be coupled to at least one of the hoop-like end members and it desirably incorporates a link chain that extends around and is fixed to one of the end members to form, in effect, a gear wheel.
  • a sprocket will be provided to engage with the link chain and to impart drive to the end member from the electric motor.
  • the reflector element may comprise a single panel-shaped glass mirror or a reflective metal panel, but it desirably comprises a plurality of square or rectangular glass mirrors that are mounted in edge abutting relationship upon the supporting platform. In this case the rear, silvered faces of the mirrors may be protected against adverse ambient conditions by sealing surrounding gaps and spaces with a silicone or other suitable sealant.
  • the platform for the reflector element is curved concavely, the reflector element will be secured to the platform in a manner such that the concavity will be transferred to the reflecting surface of the reflector element.
  • the reflector support system of the invention may be embodied in various arrangements, one of which is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the reflector system with a carrier structure of the system rotated to an angular position in which a reflector element is orientated to reflect in an upward direction
  • Figure 1 A shows a portion of two reflector systems of the type shown in Figure 1 connected in axially aligned relationship
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the same reflector system but with the carrier structure rotated through approximately 180 degrees to expose the underside of a platform and skeletal frame structure for the reflector element
  • Figure 3 shows, on an enlarged scale, a portion of an end member and a drive system of the reflector system
  • Figure 4 shows, also on an enlarged scale, a portion of the end member and an associated mounting arrangement for the reflector system.
  • the reflector system in its exemplified embodiment comprises a carrier structure 10 to which a reflector element 11 is mounted.
  • the carrier structure itself comprises an elongated panel-like platform 12 which is supported by a skeletal frame structure 13.
  • the frame structure includes two hoop-like end members 14.
  • the members 14 are centred on and extend about an axis of rotation that is approximately coincident with a central, longitudinally-extending axis of the reflector element 11.
  • the axis of rotation does not need to be exactly coincident with the longitudinal axis of the reflector element but the two axes desirably are at least adjacent on another.
  • the platform 12 is approximately twelve metres long and the end members 14 are approximately two metres in diameter. That is, as can be seen from Figure 1 of the drawings, the carrier structure 10 has a length in the longitudinal direction of the reflector 11 which is approximately equal to the length of the reflector, and the end members 14 have a diameter that is slightly larger than the width of the reflector in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the reflector.
  • the platform 12 comprises a corrugated metal panel and the reflector element 11 is supported upon the crests of the corrugations.
  • the corrugations extend parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the reflector element 11, and the platform 12 is carried by six transverse frame members 15 of the skeletal frame structure 13. End ones of the transverse frame members 15 effectively comprise diametral members of the hoop-like end members 14.
  • the transverse frame members 15 comprise rectangular hollow section steel members and each of them is formed with a curve so that, when the platform 12 is secured to the frame members 15, the platform is caused to curve concavely (as viewed from above in Figure 1) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element 11.
  • the radius of curvature of the transverse frame members 15 is in the range of twenty to fifty metres and preferably of the order of thirty-eight metres.
  • the skeletal frame 13 of the carrier structure 10 also comprises a rectangular hollow section steel spine member 16 which interconnects the end members 14, and a space frame which is fabricated from tubular steel struts 17 connects opposite end regions of each of the transverse frame members 15 to the spine member 16.
  • This skeletal frame arrangement, together with the corrugated structure of the platform 12 provides the composite carrier structure 11 with a high degree of torsional stiffness.
  • the hoop-like end members 14 are formed from channel section steel, such that each end member is provided with a U-shaped circumferential portion and, as shown in Figure 4, each of the members 14 is supported for rotation on a mounting arrangement that comprises two spaced-apart rollers 18.
  • the rollers 18 are positioned to track within the channel section of the respective end members 14, and the rollers 18 provide for turning (ie, rotation) of the carrier structure 10 about the axis of rotation that is approximately coincident with the longitudinal axis of the reflector element 11.
  • a hold-down roller 18a is located adjacent the support rollers 18 and is positioned within the associated end member 14 to prevent lifting of the reflector system under adverse weather conditions.
  • a drive system as shown in see Figure 3, is provided for imparting unidirectional drive to the carrier structure 10 and, hence, to the reflector element 11.
  • the drive system comprises a shaded pole or other similar such non-reversible electric motor 19 having an output shaft coupled to a sprocket 20 by way of reduction gearing 21.
  • the sprocket 20 meshes with a link chain 22 through which drive is directed to the carrier structure 10.
  • the link chain 22 extends around and is fixed to the periphery of the outer wall 23 of the channel- section of one of the end members 14. That is, the link chain 22 affixed to the end member effectively forms a type of gear wheel with which the sprocket 20 engages.
  • reduction gearing and torque amplification in the order of (40.r): 1 may be obtained, where r is the reduction obtained through gearing at the output of the electric motor 19.
  • the reflector element 11 is formed by butting together five glass mirrors, each of which has the dimensions 1.8 m wide X 2.4 m long.
  • a silicone sealant is employed to seal gaps around and between the mirrors and to minimise the possibility for atmospheric damage to the rear silvered faces of the mirrors, and the mirrors are secured to the crests of the platform 12 by a urethane adhesive.
  • the mirrors have a thickness of 0.003 m and, thus, they may readily be curved in situ to match the curvature of the supporting platform 12.
  • two or more of the above described reflector systems may be positioned linearly in a row and be connected one to another by way of adjacent ones of the hoop-like end members 14.
  • a single drive system may be employed for imparting unidirectional drive to the complete row of reflector systems.
  • Interconnection of the axially aligned reflector systems will be made by connecting adjacent ones of the hoop-like end members 14 at points adjacent the outer periphery of the members 14 or, at least, at points located closer to the outer periphery than to the axis of rotation of the reflector systems.
  • the potential for twisting along the length of the conjoined carriers, as a reaction to drive torque applied at one location along the length will be reduced. That is, by interconnecting the carriers at points approaching the periphery of the end members 14, the torque reaction force may be reduced.
  • FIG. 1 A of the drawings indicates the manner in which two reflector systems might be interconnected.

Abstract

A solar energy reflector support system is disclosed and which comprises a carrier (10) having a platform (12) for supporting an elongate reflector element (11) and having hoop-like end members (14) between which the reflector element extends, the end members being spaced-apart in the longitudinal direction of the reflector element and having a diameter at least equal to the width of the reflector element in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Support means (18) are provided for supporting the carrier by way of the end members (14), to permit rotation of the carrier about an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element (11), and a drive system (19, 20, 22) is provided for imparting rotational drive to the carrier about the axis of rotation. The carrier (10) is connectable to an axially aligned such carrier by way of at least one of the end members (14) and, with this arrangement, two or more such systems may be connected in axial alignment.

Description

SOLAR ENERGY REFLECTOR SUPPORT SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a solar energy reflector support system of a type that is employed for reflecting incident radiation to a solar energy collector system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various solar energy reflector-collector systems have been developed for use in harnessing solar radiation that falls incident over areas that might range in size from 5x101 m2 to 25xl06 m2. In this context reference is made to collector systems that have been disclosed in Australian Patents 694335 and 724486 dated 28 March 1996 and 19 December 1997 respectively.
The most relevant of the earlier known reflector-collector systems, including those disclosed in the referenced patents, employ a field of reflectors which are driven to track movement of the sun (relative to the earth) and which are orientated to reflect incident radiation to distant, elevated collector systems. In the case of the system that is disclosed in Patent number 694335, at least some of the reflectors are mounted and arranged to be driven in a manner such that their orientation may be changed to move the direction of reflected radiation from one collector system to another.
However, a problem that is inherent in the above and other known reflector systems is that the reflectors are arranged to be driven clockwise and counter-clockwise, to accommodate changes in the angle of incident radiation in successive periods of daylight, and this requires the use of reversible motors or other reversible mechanisms and associated control systems. Also, regardless of their time-related orientation, the reflecting surfaces of the reflectors are exposed permanently to prevailing climatic conditions.
The Applicant has developed a reflector carrier and drive arrangement which avoids or, at least, alleviates these problems and which provides for angular positioning of the reflector by rotation of the carrier. However, this approach may require that the carrier be turned through an angle approaching or even exceeding 360 degrees from time-to-time. This, in turn, may give rise to the potential for torsion-induced twisting of the reflector along its length and, more particularly, along the extended length of reflectors carried by conjoined carriers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to avoid or, at least, minimise the above identified problems by providing a solar energy reflector support system that comprises: a) a carrier having a platform for supporting an elongate reflector element and having hoop-like end members between which the reflector element extends when supported by the platform, the end members being spaced-apart in the longitudinal direction of the reflector element and having a diameter at least equal to the width of the reflector element in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, b) support means for supporting the carrier by way of the end members and providing for rotation of the carrier about an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element when mounted to the platform, c) a drive system for imparting rotational drive to the carrier about the axis of rotation, and wherein the carrier is connectable to an axially aligned such carrier by way of at least one of the end members.
By providing for interconnection of two (or more) axially aligned carriers by way of the end members, the potential for twisting along the length of the conjoined carriers, as a reaction to drive torque applied at one location along the length, may be reduced. That is, the axially aligned carriers may be interconnected at points approaching the periphery of the end members and the torque reaction force may, as a consequence, be reduced.
The reflector support system as above defined may be used as a stand- alone unit but two or more such systems will normally be interconnected in axial alignment. In the latter case a single drive system may be shared by a plurality of axially aligned reflector systems and the single drive system may be coupled to the combined system at one end of the combined system or at a location intermediate the ends of the combined system. Also, a reflector field may be created by locating a plurality of the reflector systems in parallel rows, with each row comprising a plurality of axially aligned reflector systems.
OPTIONAL FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
The carrier may, in one embodiment of the invention, be carried by the support members in a manner which accommodates unidirectional rotation of the carrier about the axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the reflector element. By "substantially coincident" is meant that the axis of rotation is located coincident with or adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element.
The drive system may, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, incorporate an electric motor and be arranged to impart unidirectional turning drive to the carrier. By providing such unidirectional drive, the traditional requirement for a reversible motor or a pivoting mechanism, with attendant backlash and other problems, will be avoided. Also, by employing such a drive system, the carrier may be parked in a selected angular position with the reflector element orientated downwardly, to shield it from adverse ambient conditions, during the process of turning (ie, rotating) the carrier through 360 degrees during each 24-hour period. Furthermore, the carrier may at any time within each 24-hour period be rotated temporarily to a selected angular position with the reflector element orientated in a direction away from potentially damaging climatic conditions.
Also, the drive system may, in one embodiment of the invention, be arranged to impart the drive to the carrier by way of one only of the end members of the frame portion of the carrier.
The platform for the reflector element may, in one embodiment of the invention, comprise a fluted or corrugated metal panel, with the flutes or corrugations forming the stiffening elements of the platform. In such case, the reflector element will be supported upon the crests of the flutes or corrugations. Furthermore, although the flutes or corrugations may extend in a direction that intersects the longitudinal axis of the reflector element, the flutes or corrugations desirably are orientated to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element.
Also, although the platform may be formed with a flat surface or such that the crests of the flutes or corrugations are located in a flat plane, the platform desirably is curved concavely in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element.
The frame structure of the carrier may comprise a skeletal frame structure that incorporates the hoop-like end members that extend about the axis of rotation of the carrier and between which the platform extends.
The support members which support the carrier by way of the hoop-like end members, may comprise spaced-apart supporting rollers. Such rollers desirably are sized and otherwise arranged to track within a channel region of the associated end members.
The drive system for imparting drive to the carrier may, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, be coupled to at least one of the hoop-like end members and it desirably incorporates a link chain that extends around and is fixed to one of the end members to form, in effect, a gear wheel. In the latter case a sprocket will be provided to engage with the link chain and to impart drive to the end member from the electric motor. With such a drive arrangement, a relatively inexpensive electric motor may be employed and, with appropriately sized end members of the carrier structure, a high reduction in drive velocity and a commensurate increase in torque transmission may be obtained.
The reflector element may comprise a single panel-shaped glass mirror or a reflective metal panel, but it desirably comprises a plurality of square or rectangular glass mirrors that are mounted in edge abutting relationship upon the supporting platform. In this case the rear, silvered faces of the mirrors may be protected against adverse ambient conditions by sealing surrounding gaps and spaces with a silicone or other suitable sealant. When, as mentioned above, the platform for the reflector element is curved concavely, the reflector element will be secured to the platform in a manner such that the concavity will be transferred to the reflecting surface of the reflector element.
The reflector support system of the invention may be embodied in various arrangements, one of which is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the reflector system with a carrier structure of the system rotated to an angular position in which a reflector element is orientated to reflect in an upward direction, Figure 1 A shows a portion of two reflector systems of the type shown in Figure 1 connected in axially aligned relationship, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the same reflector system but with the carrier structure rotated through approximately 180 degrees to expose the underside of a platform and skeletal frame structure for the reflector element,
Figure 3 shows, on an enlarged scale, a portion of an end member and a drive system of the reflector system, and Figure 4 shows, also on an enlarged scale, a portion of the end member and an associated mounting arrangement for the reflector system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION As illustrated, the reflector system in its exemplified embodiment comprises a carrier structure 10 to which a reflector element 11 is mounted. The carrier structure itself comprises an elongated panel-like platform 12 which is supported by a skeletal frame structure 13. The frame structure includes two hoop-like end members 14.
The members 14 are centred on and extend about an axis of rotation that is approximately coincident with a central, longitudinally-extending axis of the reflector element 11. The axis of rotation does not need to be exactly coincident with the longitudinal axis of the reflector element but the two axes desirably are at least adjacent on another.
In terms of overall dimensions of the reflector system, the platform 12 is approximately twelve metres long and the end members 14 are approximately two metres in diameter. That is, as can be seen from Figure 1 of the drawings, the carrier structure 10 has a length in the longitudinal direction of the reflector 11 which is approximately equal to the length of the reflector, and the end members 14 have a diameter that is slightly larger than the width of the reflector in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the reflector.
The platform 12 comprises a corrugated metal panel and the reflector element 11 is supported upon the crests of the corrugations. The corrugations extend parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the reflector element 11, and the platform 12 is carried by six transverse frame members 15 of the skeletal frame structure 13. End ones of the transverse frame members 15 effectively comprise diametral members of the hoop-like end members 14.
The transverse frame members 15 comprise rectangular hollow section steel members and each of them is formed with a curve so that, when the platform 12 is secured to the frame members 15, the platform is caused to curve concavely (as viewed from above in Figure 1) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element 11.
The same curvature is imparted to the reflector element 11 when it is secured to the platform 12.
The radius of curvature of the transverse frame members 15 is in the range of twenty to fifty metres and preferably of the order of thirty-eight metres.
The skeletal frame 13 of the carrier structure 10 also comprises a rectangular hollow section steel spine member 16 which interconnects the end members 14, and a space frame which is fabricated from tubular steel struts 17 connects opposite end regions of each of the transverse frame members 15 to the spine member 16. This skeletal frame arrangement, together with the corrugated structure of the platform 12 provides the composite carrier structure 11 with a high degree of torsional stiffness.
The hoop-like end members 14 are formed from channel section steel, such that each end member is provided with a U-shaped circumferential portion and, as shown in Figure 4, each of the members 14 is supported for rotation on a mounting arrangement that comprises two spaced-apart rollers 18. The rollers 18 are positioned to track within the channel section of the respective end members 14, and the rollers 18 provide for turning (ie, rotation) of the carrier structure 10 about the axis of rotation that is approximately coincident with the longitudinal axis of the reflector element 11.
As also shown in Figure 4, a hold-down roller 18a is located adjacent the support rollers 18 and is positioned within the associated end member 14 to prevent lifting of the reflector system under adverse weather conditions.
A drive system, as shown in see Figure 3, is provided for imparting unidirectional drive to the carrier structure 10 and, hence, to the reflector element 11. The drive system comprises a shaded pole or other similar such non-reversible electric motor 19 having an output shaft coupled to a sprocket 20 by way of reduction gearing 21. The sprocket 20 meshes with a link chain 22 through which drive is directed to the carrier structure 10.
The link chain 22 extends around and is fixed to the periphery of the outer wall 23 of the channel- section of one of the end members 14. That is, the link chain 22 affixed to the end member effectively forms a type of gear wheel with which the sprocket 20 engages.
With the end member 14 having a diameter in the order of 2.00 m and the sprocket 20 having a pitch circle diameter of 0.05 m, reduction gearing and torque amplification in the order of (40.r): 1 may be obtained, where r is the reduction obtained through gearing at the output of the electric motor 19. The reflector element 11 is formed by butting together five glass mirrors, each of which has the dimensions 1.8 m wide X 2.4 m long. A silicone sealant is employed to seal gaps around and between the mirrors and to minimise the possibility for atmospheric damage to the rear silvered faces of the mirrors, and the mirrors are secured to the crests of the platform 12 by a urethane adhesive.
The mirrors have a thickness of 0.003 m and, thus, they may readily be curved in situ to match the curvature of the supporting platform 12.
Depending upon requirements, two or more of the above described reflector systems may be positioned linearly in a row and be connected one to another by way of adjacent ones of the hoop-like end members 14. In such an arrangement a single drive system may be employed for imparting unidirectional drive to the complete row of reflector systems.
Interconnection of the axially aligned reflector systems will be made by connecting adjacent ones of the hoop-like end members 14 at points adjacent the outer periphery of the members 14 or, at least, at points located closer to the outer periphery than to the axis of rotation of the reflector systems. By providing for interconnection of two (or more) axially aligned carriers by way of the end members 14, the potential for twisting along the length of the conjoined carriers, as a reaction to drive torque applied at one location along the length, will be reduced. That is, by interconnecting the carriers at points approaching the periphery of the end members 14, the torque reaction force may be reduced.
Figure 1 A of the drawings indicates the manner in which two reflector systems might be interconnected.
Variations and modifications may be made in respect of the carrier structure as above described by way of example without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

THE CLAIMS
1. A solar energy reflector support system that comprises: a) a carrier having a platform for supporting an elongate reflector element and having hoop-like end members between which the reflector element extends when supported by the platform, the end members being spaced-apart in the longitudinal direction of the reflector element and having a diameter at least equal to the width of the reflector element in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, b) support means for supporting the carrier by way of the end members and providing for rotation of the carrier about an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element when mounted to the platform, c) a drive system for imparting rotational drive to the carrier about the axis of rotation, and wherein the carrier is connectable to an axially aligned such carrier by way of at least one of the end members.
2. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 1 connected in axial alignment with at least one further such support system and interconnected with the further such support system by way of adjacent said end members to form a row of reflector support systems.
3. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 2 wherein a single said drive system is provided for the complete row of reflector support systems.
4. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the drive system is arranged to impart rotational drive to a said carrier at one end of the row of reflector support systems.
5. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drive system is arranged to impart unidirectional turning drive to the carrier by way of one of the end members.
6. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the drive system comprises: a) a link chain that extends around and is fixed to the end member to form, in effect, a gear wheel and b) a sprocket for transferring drive from the electric motor to the link chain.
7. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the platform comprises a panel-like platform which is formed with stiffening elements in the form of corrugations and wherein the reflector element is supported upon the crests of the corrugations.
8. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the platform comprises a panel-like platform which is formed with stiffening elements in the form of flutes and wherein the reflector element is supported upon the crests of the flutes.
9. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the stiffening elements are orientated to extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element.
10. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the platform is curved concavely in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the reflector element.
11. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the platform is curved with a radius of curvature within the range of 20 to 50 metres.
12. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the reflector element is secured to the platform in a manner such that the curvature of the platform is imparted to the reflector element.
13. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the reflector element comprises a panel-shaped glass mirror.
14. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the reflector element comprises a plurality of edge-abutting glass mirrors.
15. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the reflector element is adhered to the platform.
16. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the hoop-shaped end members has a channel- section circumferential portion and a diametrically extending member that is constituted by a transverse frame member of the platform.
17. A solar energy reflector support system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the support members comprise spaced-apart supporting rollers which track within the circumferential portion of associated ones of the end members.
18. A solar energy reflector support system substantially as shown in the accompanying drawings and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference thereto.
PCT/AU2004/000882 2003-07-01 2004-07-01 Solar energy reflector support system WO2005003645A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003903336 2003-07-01
AU2003903336A AU2003903336A0 (en) 2003-07-01 2003-07-01 Solar Engergy Reflector System

Publications (1)

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WO2005003645A1 true WO2005003645A1 (en) 2005-01-13

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007087680A1 (en) * 2006-02-03 2007-08-09 Miralite Pty Ltd Improved trough reflectors for solar energy collectors
US7950387B2 (en) 2006-06-08 2011-05-31 Sopogy, Inc. Use of identical components in solar energy collectors
US7997264B2 (en) * 2007-01-10 2011-08-16 Ric Enterprises Inflatable heliostatic solar power collector
CN102625894A (en) * 2009-03-11 2012-08-01 游丝空间框架公司 Drive mechanism for a solar concentrator assembly
US8850755B2 (en) 2008-07-09 2014-10-07 Skyfuel, Inc. Solar collectors having slidably removable reflective panels for use in solar thermal applications
US8904774B2 (en) 2008-08-22 2014-12-09 Skyfuel, Inc. Hydraulic-based rotational system for solar concentrators that resists high wind loads without a mechanical lock
FR3088108A1 (en) * 2018-11-05 2020-05-08 E.M.S. SOLAR COLLECTOR PROVIDED WITH A SUPPORT WHEEL AND A BASE

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US4106485A (en) * 1977-08-09 1978-08-15 Polley Joseph A Solar energy reflecting system

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US787145A (en) * 1903-12-12 1905-04-11 Edgar P Brown Solar motor.
US4106485A (en) * 1977-08-09 1978-08-15 Polley Joseph A Solar energy reflecting system

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2007087680A1 (en) * 2006-02-03 2007-08-09 Miralite Pty Ltd Improved trough reflectors for solar energy collectors
US7950387B2 (en) 2006-06-08 2011-05-31 Sopogy, Inc. Use of identical components in solar energy collectors
US8443795B2 (en) 2006-06-08 2013-05-21 Sopogy, Inc. Use of brackets and rails in concentrating solar energy collectors
US7997264B2 (en) * 2007-01-10 2011-08-16 Ric Enterprises Inflatable heliostatic solar power collector
US8850755B2 (en) 2008-07-09 2014-10-07 Skyfuel, Inc. Solar collectors having slidably removable reflective panels for use in solar thermal applications
US8904774B2 (en) 2008-08-22 2014-12-09 Skyfuel, Inc. Hydraulic-based rotational system for solar concentrators that resists high wind loads without a mechanical lock
CN102625894A (en) * 2009-03-11 2012-08-01 游丝空间框架公司 Drive mechanism for a solar concentrator assembly
FR3088108A1 (en) * 2018-11-05 2020-05-08 E.M.S. SOLAR COLLECTOR PROVIDED WITH A SUPPORT WHEEL AND A BASE

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