WO2010124343A1 - A solar energy collection system - Google Patents

A solar energy collection system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010124343A1
WO2010124343A1 PCT/AU2010/000503 AU2010000503W WO2010124343A1 WO 2010124343 A1 WO2010124343 A1 WO 2010124343A1 AU 2010000503 W AU2010000503 W AU 2010000503W WO 2010124343 A1 WO2010124343 A1 WO 2010124343A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
reflector
reference surface
support
collection system
receiver
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2010/000503
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Johan Frederick Dreyer
James Yorston
Martyn Beaumon
Original Assignee
Nep Solar 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
Priority claimed from AU2009901918A external-priority patent/AU2009901918A0/en
Application filed by Nep Solar Pty Ltd filed Critical Nep Solar Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2010124343A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010124343A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/18—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prisms; for mirrors
    • G02B7/182—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prisms; for mirrors for mirrors
    • G02B7/183—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prisms; for mirrors for mirrors specially adapted for very large mirrors, e.g. for astronomy, or solar concentrators
    • 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
    • F24S23/74—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with trough-shaped or cylindro-parabolic reflective surfaces
    • 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
    • F24S23/77—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with flat reflective plates
    • 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
    • F24S23/80—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors having discontinuous faces
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
    • 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
    • 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

  • the present invention broadly relates to a solar energy collection system and a method of assembling a solar energy collection system.
  • Concentrating solar energy collection systems are of growing interest for providing energy in a sustainable manner.
  • Concentrating solar energy collection systems typically comprise reflectors that receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to receivers.
  • the reflectors may be provided in the form of elongate trough reflectors, paraboloids, or Fresnel reflectors.
  • the solar collection system may comprise a field of heliostats that direct solar radiation to a central tower to provide thermal energy or direct generation of electricity using photovoltaic devices.
  • solar energy collection systems may comprise parabolic trough reflectors that each comprise a respective receiver.
  • the reflectors are arranged to focus received solar radiation to a focal region over the reflector.
  • the receiver typically a tube through which a fluid is directed or a photovoltaic device, is positioned at ' the focal region of the reflector.
  • Such a solar collection system typically is arranged for tracking the relative movement of the sun and an example is disclosed in the applicant's PCT international application no. PCT/AU2006/001989.
  • the efficiency of such a solar collection system critically depends on the positioning of the receiver tube relative to a focal region of the reflector, which usually requires cumbersome adjustment and fine tuning.
  • the present invention provides in a first aspect a solar energy collection system comprising: a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region, the reflector having at least one reflector reference surface; a receiver arranged to receive the reflected solar radiation; a support structure arranged to support the reflector and the receiver, the support structure having at least one support reference surface that is in use in contact with the at least one reflector reference surface and has a predetermined position relative to the receiver; wherein, prior to assembly of the solar collection system, the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector and the support structure, respectively, such that, when assembled and the at least one reflector reference surface contacts the at lest one support reference surface, the focal region of the reflector is positioned at the receiver.
  • the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface typically are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector and support structure, respectively, such that in use the focal region of the reflector is positioned within the receiver
  • the reflector typically is supported by the support structure at the at least one reflector reference surface.
  • the at least one reflector reference surface and/or the at least one support reference surface may be surfaces of spacers or projections that project in a predetermined manner from a base surface.
  • the at least one reflector reference surface and/or the at least one support reference surface typically is immobile relative to the other portion of the reflector and support structure, respectively.
  • the at least one reflector reference surface and/or the at least one support reference surface typically are integral with a portion of the reflector and a portion of the support, respectively .
  • the support structure typically also comprises at least one receiver reference surface which the receiver in use contacts, and at which the receiver typically is supported.
  • the at least one receiver reference surface typically is immobile relative to the other portion of the support and may be integral with the portions of the support structure.
  • the reflector comprises a body portion and a reflective material which is supported by the body portion.
  • the at least one reflector reference surface typically is integrally formed with at least a portion of the body portion.
  • the body portion may at least in part be formed from a polymeric material in a mould. If the body portion is formed in a mould, it is typically possible to fabricate a relatively large number of such body portions with substantially identical exterior dimensions and consequently the location of the reflector reference surface relative to other components of the reflector is typically also substantially identical.
  • the reflective material typically is directly bonded to the polymeric body during fabrication of the polymeric body.
  • the body portion may be formed such that the reflector reference surface is a surface of the body portion that is, typically without further manipulation or correction, positioned at the predetermined position relative to another portion of the reflector.
  • the at least one reflector reference surface typically is one of a plurality of reflector reference surfaces.
  • each reflector may have four or six, or any other suitable number, of reflector reference surfaces.
  • the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface typically are arranged such that the support structure and the reflector are in use positioned relative to each other at relative positions that are predetermined in three dimensions.
  • the body portion of the reflector typically is moulded such that fasteners for fastening of the reflector to the support structure are fixed to the body during moulding of the body.
  • the reflector may comprise a plurality of reflector reference surfaces and the fasteners may be positioned within the body and at the reflector reference surfaces.
  • the support structure typically comprises a member, such as a tube or any other suitable member that typically is arranged to carry or counteract torque introduced on the system by loads, such as wind loads on reflector panels and the support structure.
  • the support structure typically comprises support elements for supporting the reflector and the receiver and that are positioned on the member.
  • the member comprises an axis and is rotatable about the axis so that the solar collection system can track the movement of the sun when oriented accordingly.
  • the solar energy collection system may not be arranged for rotation about the axis of the member, but may be arranged for rotation about another axis, such an axis that is at a centre line of gravity of the solar energy collection system.
  • the support elements typically comprise the at least one support reference surface .
  • the reflector may be one of a series of reflectors and the support structure may comprise a plurality of support elements arranged to support the reflectors.
  • the present invention provides in a second aspect a method of assembling a solar energy collection system, the solar energy collection system comprising: a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region, the reflector having at least one reflector reference surface; a receiver arranged to receive the reflected solar radiation; and a support structure arranged to support the reflector and having at least one support reference surface, the method comprising: positioning the reflector on the support structure in a manner such that the at least one reflector reference surface contacts the or a respective support reference surface; and positioning the receiver on the support structure such that the receiver has a predetermined position relative to the at least one support reference surface; wherein the reflector and the receiver are positioned relative to each other so that a focal region of the reflector is at the receiver without adjustment of the positions of the reflector and receiver relative to each other.
  • the reflector and the receiver typically are positioned relative to each other so that a focal region of the reflector is within the receiver without adjustment of the positions of the reflector and receiver relative to each other.
  • the method typically also comprises securing the position of the reflector on the support structure using suitable fasteners .
  • the solar energy collection system typically is provided in the form of the solar energy collection system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the present invention provides in a third aspect a solar energy collection system comprising: a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region and having at least one reflector reference surface; a support structure arranged to support the reflector at predetermined positions relative to the support structure and having at least one support reference surface; wherein, prior to assembly of the solar collection system, the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector and support structure, respectively, such that, when assembled, the reflector is positioned relative to the support structure at a position that is predetermined for directing the received solar radiation to the receiver.
  • the at least one reflector reference surface typically is immobile relative to the other portions of the reflector and may be integral with the other portion of the reflector.
  • the present invention provides in a fourth aspect a method of forming a reflector for a solar energy collection system, the reflector comprising a body portion supporting a reflective portion, the body portion comprising a reflector reference surface at which in use the reflector is supported by a support portion, the method comprising the steps of: forming the body portion in a closed mould from a material that comprises a polymeric material and in a manner such that the reflector reference surface is a surface of the body portion and is integrally formed with the body portion.
  • the body portion typically comprises a core of a polymeric core material that is at least partially surrounded by a polymeric layer material that typically is fibre reinforced and harder than the polymeric foam material.
  • the method typically also comprises directly bonding the reflective portion to the polymeric body during formation of the polymeric body.
  • the method may also comprise forming the body portion such that fasteners for fastening of the reflector to a support structure are fixed to the body portion during moulding of the body portion.
  • the solar energy collection systems in accordance with the first and third aspects of the present invention may comprise a reflector formed by the method in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention.
  • FIGS 1 (a) and (b) show a solar energy collection system in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS 2 to 5 show components of the solar energy collection system.
  • FIG. 1 shows the solar energy collection system 100 during assembly and Figure 1 (b) shows the assembled solar energy collection system 100.
  • the solar energy collection system 100 comprises a series of reflectors 102 which are positioned on a support 103 that comprises a reflector mount 104, a receiver mount 105 and a base portion 106.
  • the support 103 comprises a tube 107 to which the reflector mounts 104 and the receiver mounts 105 are attached.
  • the solar energy collection system comprises a receiver 108 mounted to the receiver mounts 105.
  • the tube 107 with the receiver mounts 105, the receiver 108, the reflector mount 104 and the reflectors 102 is rotatable about its axis to track the relative movement of the sun.
  • the tube 107 comprises a motor drive, which is not shown and a counter weight 109 provides balance.
  • the reflectors 102 have a parabolic trough shape and are arranged to receive solar radiation and focus the solar radiation into the receiver 108.
  • the receiver 108 is arranged for through flow of a fluid which will absorb thermal energy associated with the focused solar radiation.
  • the reflectors 102 comprise a polymeric body that is formed in a mould and to which a reflective material is attached in a direct bonding process.
  • each reflector has a length of approximately two meters and an aperture of 1.2 meters.
  • the solar energy collection system 100 comprises in this example 12 of such reflectors 102 and consequently the total length of the solar energy reflection system is 24 meters.
  • the receiver 108 may comprise a tube having a diameter of the order of 28mm to 48 mm for reflectors having an aperture 1.2 meters to 2.3 - ii -
  • the focal region of the reflectors 102 should be within the tube of the receiver 108 and consequently the shape and positioning of the reflectors 102 relative to the receiver 108 is critical, typically requiring adjustment tolerances of the order of 2 milliradians of the positions of the reflectors 102 relative to the receiver 108.
  • Each reflector 102 has a plurality of reflector reference surfaces and the support 103 has corresponding support reference surfaces.
  • the reflector reference surfaces and the support reference surfaces are positioned so that, when in contact and the reflectors 102 are positioned on the support 103, the assembled module is automatically adjusted so that the focal region of the reflectors 102 is within the receiver 108 without need for further adjustment and with a resulting tolerance of the positions of the reflectors 102 relative to the receiver 102 of the order of 2 milliradians. This will be explained in the following in more detail.
  • Figures 2 to 5 show components of the solar energy reflection system 100.
  • Figure 2 shows an end-view of some of the components prior to assembly
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a support 103
  • Figure 5 shows a detail of the components of the solar energy collection system 100.
  • the reflectors 102 are positioned on reflector supports 104 and in this embodiment each reflector 102 comprises a plurality of reflector reference surfaces 113 that are carefully positioned at pre-determined positions relative to a reflective surface of the reflector 102 and consequently relative to a focal region of the reflector 102.
  • each reflector 102 comprises 6 reflector reference surfaces 113. It is to be appreciated, however, that in variations of the described embodiment the reflector elements 102 may comprise any other number of reflector references surfaces.
  • the reflector support 104 comprises corresponding support reference surfaces 114.
  • each support element 104 comprises 4 pairs of support reference surfaces 114 which are positioned to contact reflector reference surfaces 113 when the solar energy collection system 100 is assembled.
  • the positions of the support reference surfaces 114 are carefully chosen such that, when the receiver is positioned on the receiver support 105 and the reflector 102 is positioned on the reflector support 104, in use the focal region of the reflector 102 is within the receiver 108.
  • the reflector mounts 104 together with corresponding receiver mounts 105 are adjusted relative to adjacent reflector mounts 104 and receiver mounts 105 by rotation about the axis of the tube 107 until the reflector mounts are aligned with each other and the receiver mounts are aligned with each other.
  • the reflector mounts 104 and the receiver mounts 105 are then secured in the aligned position.
  • the solar energy collection system also comprises fastening assemblies 120.
  • a fastener 122 comprising a metallic plate is positioned within the polymeric body of the reflector 102. In this embodiment the fastener 122 is secured in position by and during the moulding process of the reflector body.
  • the fastener 122 also comprises a nut 124 is that is welded to the metallic plate and in use a bolt 126 penetrates through a portion of the reflector support 104 and is received by the nut 124. A further nut 128 is tightened until the respective reflector reference surface 113 is positioned on a support reference surfaces 114 in a secure manner.
  • Each reflector support 104 comprises four support reference surfaces 114 (two pairs) and each pair of support reference surfaces 114 is in contact with two reflector reference surfaces 113 (or, if the reflector 102 is positioned at an end of a series of reflectors 102, one support reference surface of each pair is in contact with a respective reflector reference surface 113) .
  • the solar energy collection system is arranged such that no further adjustment of the reflector position relative to the receiver is required.
  • Each reflector 102 comprises a polymeric body portion that is formed in a closed mould and a reflective material is directly bonded to the polymeric body portion during formation of the polymeric body portion.
  • the polymeric body portion comprises a core of a polymeric core material that is surrounded by a polymeric layer material that is glass fibre reinforced and harder than the polymeric foam material.
  • the reflector reference surfaces 113 are exterior surfaces of the body portion and integrally formed with the body portion.
  • the fasteners 122 are integrated into the polymeric body portion during formation of the polymeric body portion.
  • the reflectors may not necessarily be provided in the form of parabolic trough reflectors and may not necessarily comprise a polymeric body.
  • the solar energy collection system may only comprise one or any other number of reflectors.
  • the reference surfaces 113 and 114 typical are integral with portions the reflector 102 and the reflector support 104, respectively, but may alternatively also be surfaces of spacers or bolts.
  • the receiver may also be provided in any other form and may, for example, also comprise photovoltaic elements.
  • the solar energy collection system may or may not comprise a tube on which the reflector and receiver mounts are positioned and may be arranged for rotation about an axis which is not the axis of the tube, but another axis.
  • the solar energy collection system may in variations of the described embodiments alternatively comprise Fresnel reflectors or heliostats which are arranged for directing solar radiation to a tower, such as a central tower.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • Optical Elements Other Than Lenses (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Mounting And Adjusting Of Optical Elements (AREA)

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a solar energy collection system that comprises a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region. The reflector has at least one reflector reference surface. The solar energy collection system also comprises a receiver arranged to receive the reflected solar radiation. Further, the solar energy collection system comprises a support structure that is arranged to support the reflector and the receiver. The support structure has at least one support reference surface that is in use in contact with the at least one reflector reference surface and has a predetermined position relative to the receiver. Prior to assembly of the solar collection system, the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector and the support structure, respectively, such that, when assembled and the at least one reflector reference surface contacts the at least one support reference surface, the focal region of the reflector is positioned at the receiver.

Description

A SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
The present invention broadly relates to a solar energy collection system and a method of assembling a solar energy collection system.
Background of the Invention
Solar Energy Collection systems are of growing interest for providing energy in a sustainable manner. Concentrating solar energy collection systems typically comprise reflectors that receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to receivers. The reflectors may be provided in the form of elongate trough reflectors, paraboloids, or Fresnel reflectors.
In one variation the solar collection system may comprise a field of heliostats that direct solar radiation to a central tower to provide thermal energy or direct generation of electricity using photovoltaic devices. Alternatively, solar energy collection systems may comprise parabolic trough reflectors that each comprise a respective receiver. In this case the reflectors are arranged to focus received solar radiation to a focal region over the reflector. The receiver, typically a tube through which a fluid is directed or a photovoltaic device, is positioned at ' the focal region of the reflector. Such a solar collection system typically is arranged for tracking the relative movement of the sun and an example is disclosed in the applicant's PCT international application no. PCT/AU2006/001989. The efficiency of such a solar collection system critically depends on the positioning of the receiver tube relative to a focal region of the reflector, which usually requires cumbersome adjustment and fine tuning.
There is a need for technological advancement.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention provides in a first aspect a solar energy collection system comprising: a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region, the reflector having at least one reflector reference surface; a receiver arranged to receive the reflected solar radiation; a support structure arranged to support the reflector and the receiver, the support structure having at least one support reference surface that is in use in contact with the at least one reflector reference surface and has a predetermined position relative to the receiver; wherein, prior to assembly of the solar collection system, the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector and the support structure, respectively, such that, when assembled and the at least one reflector reference surface contacts the at lest one support reference surface, the focal region of the reflector is positioned at the receiver. The at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface typically are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector and support structure, respectively, such that in use the focal region of the reflector is positioned within the receiver.
The reflector typically is supported by the support structure at the at least one reflector reference surface.
The at least one reflector reference surface and/or the at least one support reference surface may be surfaces of spacers or projections that project in a predetermined manner from a base surface. However the at least one reflector reference surface and/or the at least one support reference surface typically is immobile relative to the other portion of the reflector and support structure, respectively. Further, the at least one reflector reference surface and/or the at least one support reference surface typically are integral with a portion of the reflector and a portion of the support, respectively .
In addition, the support structure typically also comprises at least one receiver reference surface which the receiver in use contacts, and at which the receiver typically is supported. The at least one receiver reference surface typically is immobile relative to the other portion of the support and may be integral with the portions of the support structure. Embodiments of the present invention have significant commercial advantages. Because of the positioning of the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface there is typically no need for adjustment of the position of the reflector relative to the receiver. Consequently, assembly of the solar collection system is significantly simplified, which relates to cost advantages .
In one specific embodiment the reflector comprises a body portion and a reflective material which is supported by the body portion. The at least one reflector reference surface typically is integrally formed with at least a portion of the body portion. For example, the body portion may at least in part be formed from a polymeric material in a mould. If the body portion is formed in a mould, it is typically possible to fabricate a relatively large number of such body portions with substantially identical exterior dimensions and consequently the location of the reflector reference surface relative to other components of the reflector is typically also substantially identical. Consequently, if the position of the reflector reference surface is carefully chosen, fabrication of the body portion in a mould facilitates formation of components of the system so that assembly of a system having a large number of such reflectors with support structure is possible without adjustment of the positions of the reflector relative to the support structures.
The reflective material typically is directly bonded to the polymeric body during fabrication of the polymeric body. The body portion may be formed such that the reflector reference surface is a surface of the body portion that is, typically without further manipulation or correction, positioned at the predetermined position relative to another portion of the reflector.
The at least one reflector reference surface typically is one of a plurality of reflector reference surfaces. For example, each reflector may have four or six, or any other suitable number, of reflector reference surfaces.
The at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface typically are arranged such that the support structure and the reflector are in use positioned relative to each other at relative positions that are predetermined in three dimensions.
The body portion of the reflector typically is moulded such that fasteners for fastening of the reflector to the support structure are fixed to the body during moulding of the body. For example, the reflector may comprise a plurality of reflector reference surfaces and the fasteners may be positioned within the body and at the reflector reference surfaces.
The support structure typically comprises a member, such as a tube or any other suitable member that typically is arranged to carry or counteract torque introduced on the system by loads, such as wind loads on reflector panels and the support structure. The support structure typically comprises support elements for supporting the reflector and the receiver and that are positioned on the member. In one example, the member comprises an axis and is rotatable about the axis so that the solar collection system can track the movement of the sun when oriented accordingly. Alternatively, the solar energy collection system may not be arranged for rotation about the axis of the member, but may be arranged for rotation about another axis, such an axis that is at a centre line of gravity of the solar energy collection system. The support elements typically comprise the at least one support reference surface .
The reflector may be one of a series of reflectors and the support structure may comprise a plurality of support elements arranged to support the reflectors.
The present invention provides in a second aspect a method of assembling a solar energy collection system, the solar energy collection system comprising: a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region, the reflector having at least one reflector reference surface; a receiver arranged to receive the reflected solar radiation; and a support structure arranged to support the reflector and having at least one support reference surface, the method comprising: positioning the reflector on the support structure in a manner such that the at least one reflector reference surface contacts the or a respective support reference surface; and positioning the receiver on the support structure such that the receiver has a predetermined position relative to the at least one support reference surface; wherein the reflector and the receiver are positioned relative to each other so that a focal region of the reflector is at the receiver without adjustment of the positions of the reflector and receiver relative to each other.
The reflector and the receiver typically are positioned relative to each other so that a focal region of the reflector is within the receiver without adjustment of the positions of the reflector and receiver relative to each other.
The method typically also comprises securing the position of the reflector on the support structure using suitable fasteners .
The solar energy collection system typically is provided in the form of the solar energy collection system in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
The present invention provides in a third aspect a solar energy collection system comprising: a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region and having at least one reflector reference surface; a support structure arranged to support the reflector at predetermined positions relative to the support structure and having at least one support reference surface; wherein, prior to assembly of the solar collection system, the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector and support structure, respectively, such that, when assembled, the reflector is positioned relative to the support structure at a position that is predetermined for directing the received solar radiation to the receiver.
The at least one reflector reference surface typically is immobile relative to the other portions of the reflector and may be integral with the other portion of the reflector.
The present invention provides in a fourth aspect a method of forming a reflector for a solar energy collection system, the reflector comprising a body portion supporting a reflective portion, the body portion comprising a reflector reference surface at which in use the reflector is supported by a support portion, the method comprising the steps of: forming the body portion in a closed mould from a material that comprises a polymeric material and in a manner such that the reflector reference surface is a surface of the body portion and is integrally formed with the body portion.
The body portion typically comprises a core of a polymeric core material that is at least partially surrounded by a polymeric layer material that typically is fibre reinforced and harder than the polymeric foam material. - S -
The method typically also comprises directly bonding the reflective portion to the polymeric body during formation of the polymeric body.
The method may also comprise forming the body portion such that fasteners for fastening of the reflector to a support structure are fixed to the body portion during moulding of the body portion.
The solar energy collection systems in accordance with the first and third aspects of the present invention may comprise a reflector formed by the method in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention.
The invention will be more fully understood from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention. The description- is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings .
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figures 1 (a) and (b) show a solar energy collection system in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention; and
Figures 2 to 5 show components of the solar energy collection system.
Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments
A solar energy collection system 100 is now described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 (a) shows the solar energy collection system 100 during assembly and Figure 1 (b) shows the assembled solar energy collection system 100. The solar energy collection system 100 comprises a series of reflectors 102 which are positioned on a support 103 that comprises a reflector mount 104, a receiver mount 105 and a base portion 106. The support 103 comprises a tube 107 to which the reflector mounts 104 and the receiver mounts 105 are attached. Further, the solar energy collection system comprises a receiver 108 mounted to the receiver mounts 105. The tube 107 with the receiver mounts 105, the receiver 108, the reflector mount 104 and the reflectors 102 is rotatable about its axis to track the relative movement of the sun. The tube 107 comprises a motor drive, which is not shown and a counter weight 109 provides balance.
In this embodiment the reflectors 102 have a parabolic trough shape and are arranged to receive solar radiation and focus the solar radiation into the receiver 108. The receiver 108 is arranged for through flow of a fluid which will absorb thermal energy associated with the focused solar radiation. In this embodiment the reflectors 102 comprise a polymeric body that is formed in a mould and to which a reflective material is attached in a direct bonding process. In the present example each reflector has a length of approximately two meters and an aperture of 1.2 meters. The solar energy collection system 100 comprises in this example 12 of such reflectors 102 and consequently the total length of the solar energy reflection system is 24 meters. The receiver 108 may comprise a tube having a diameter of the order of 28mm to 48 mm for reflectors having an aperture 1.2 meters to 2.3 - ii -
meters, respectively. The focal region of the reflectors 102 should be within the tube of the receiver 108 and consequently the shape and positioning of the reflectors 102 relative to the receiver 108 is critical, typically requiring adjustment tolerances of the order of 2 milliradians of the positions of the reflectors 102 relative to the receiver 108.
Each reflector 102 has a plurality of reflector reference surfaces and the support 103 has corresponding support reference surfaces. The reflector reference surfaces and the support reference surfaces are positioned so that, when in contact and the reflectors 102 are positioned on the support 103, the assembled module is automatically adjusted so that the focal region of the reflectors 102 is within the receiver 108 without need for further adjustment and with a resulting tolerance of the positions of the reflectors 102 relative to the receiver 102 of the order of 2 milliradians. This will be explained in the following in more detail.
Figures 2 to 5 show components of the solar energy reflection system 100. Figure 2 shows an end-view of some of the components prior to assembly, Figure 3 shows a perspective view, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a support 103 and Figure 5 shows a detail of the components of the solar energy collection system 100. The reflectors 102 are positioned on reflector supports 104 and in this embodiment each reflector 102 comprises a plurality of reflector reference surfaces 113 that are carefully positioned at pre-determined positions relative to a reflective surface of the reflector 102 and consequently relative to a focal region of the reflector 102. In this embodiment each reflector 102 comprises 6 reflector reference surfaces 113. It is to be appreciated, however, that in variations of the described embodiment the reflector elements 102 may comprise any other number of reflector references surfaces.
The reflector support 104 comprises corresponding support reference surfaces 114. In this embodiment each support element 104 comprises 4 pairs of support reference surfaces 114 which are positioned to contact reflector reference surfaces 113 when the solar energy collection system 100 is assembled. The positions of the support reference surfaces 114 are carefully chosen such that, when the receiver is positioned on the receiver support 105 and the reflector 102 is positioned on the reflector support 104, in use the focal region of the reflector 102 is within the receiver 108.
The reflector mounts 104 together with corresponding receiver mounts 105 are adjusted relative to adjacent reflector mounts 104 and receiver mounts 105 by rotation about the axis of the tube 107 until the reflector mounts are aligned with each other and the receiver mounts are aligned with each other. The reflector mounts 104 and the receiver mounts 105 are then secured in the aligned position.
The solar energy collection system also comprises fastening assemblies 120. A fastener 122 comprising a metallic plate is positioned within the polymeric body of the reflector 102. In this embodiment the fastener 122 is secured in position by and during the moulding process of the reflector body. The fastener 122 also comprises a nut 124 is that is welded to the metallic plate and in use a bolt 126 penetrates through a portion of the reflector support 104 and is received by the nut 124. A further nut 128 is tightened until the respective reflector reference surface 113 is positioned on a support reference surfaces 114 in a secure manner. Each reflector support 104 comprises four support reference surfaces 114 (two pairs) and each pair of support reference surfaces 114 is in contact with two reflector reference surfaces 113 (or, if the reflector 102 is positioned at an end of a series of reflectors 102, one support reference surface of each pair is in contact with a respective reflector reference surface 113) . As detailed above, the solar energy collection system is arranged such that no further adjustment of the reflector position relative to the receiver is required.
Each reflector 102 comprises a polymeric body portion that is formed in a closed mould and a reflective material is directly bonded to the polymeric body portion during formation of the polymeric body portion. The polymeric body portion comprises a core of a polymeric core material that is surrounded by a polymeric layer material that is glass fibre reinforced and harder than the polymeric foam material. The reflector reference surfaces 113 are exterior surfaces of the body portion and integrally formed with the body portion. As mentioned above, the fasteners 122 are integrated into the polymeric body portion during formation of the polymeric body portion. For further details regarding the fabrication of the reflectors 102 reference is being made to PCT application no. PCT/AU2006/001989, which hereby is incorporated by cross-reference .
Reference that is being made to PCT application no.
PCT/AU2006/001989 does not constitute an admission that this PCT application is a part of the common general knowledge in Australia or anywhere else in the world. Although the invention has been described with reference to particular examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. For example, the reflectors may not necessarily be provided in the form of parabolic trough reflectors and may not necessarily comprise a polymeric body. Further, the solar energy collection system may only comprise one or any other number of reflectors. The reference surfaces 113 and 114 typical are integral with portions the reflector 102 and the reflector support 104, respectively, but may alternatively also be surfaces of spacers or bolts. In addition, the receiver may also be provided in any other form and may, for example, also comprise photovoltaic elements. Further, the solar energy collection system may or may not comprise a tube on which the reflector and receiver mounts are positioned and may be arranged for rotation about an axis which is not the axis of the tube, but another axis. The solar energy collection system may in variations of the described embodiments alternatively comprise Fresnel reflectors or heliostats which are arranged for directing solar radiation to a tower, such as a central tower.

Claims

The Claims :
1. A solar energy collection system comprising: a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region, the reflector having at least one reflector reference surface; a receiver arranged to receive the reflected solar radiation; a support structure arranged to support the reflector and the receiver, the support structure having at least one support reference surface that is in use in contact with the at least one reflector reference surface and has a predetermined position relative to the receiver; wherein, prior to assembly of the solar collection system, the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector and the support structure, respectively, such that, when assembled and the at least one reflector reference surface contacts the at least one support reference surface, the focal region of the reflector is positioned at the receiver.
2. The solar energy collection system of claim 1 wherein the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector and support structure, respectively, such that in use the focal region of the reflector is positioned within the receiver.
3. The solar energy collection system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the reflector is supported by the support structure at the at least one reflector reference surface.
4. The solar energy collection system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one reflector reference surface and/or the at least one support reference surface are immobile relative to the other portion of the reflector and support structure, respectively.
5. The solar energy collection system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one reflector reference surface and/or the at least one support reference surface are integral with a portion of the reflector and a portion of the support, respectively.
6. The solar energy collection system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the support structure also comprises at least one receiver reference surface which the receiver in use contacts.
7. The solar energy collection system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the reflector comprises a polymeric body that is formed in a mould and that supports a reflective material.
8. The solar energy collection system of claim 7 wherein the reflective material is directly bonded to the polymeric body during fabrication of the polymeric body.
9. The solar energy collection system of claim 7 or 8 wherein the at least one reflector reference surface is integrally formed with at least a portion of the body portion.
10. The solar energy collection system of any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the body portion is formed such that the reflector reference surface is a surface of the body portion that is, without manipulation or correction, positioned at the predetermined position relative to another portion of the reflector.
11. The solar energy collection system of any one of the preceding claims wherein the reflector is one of a series of reflectors and the support structure comprises a plurality of support elements arranged to support the reflectors .
12. A method of assembling a solar energy collection system, the solar energy collection system comprising: a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region, the reflector having at least one reflector reference surface; a receiver arranged to receive the reflected solar radiation; and a support structure arranged to support the reflector and having at least one support reference surface, the method comprising: positioning the reflector on the support structure in a manner such that the at least one reflector reference surface contacts the or a respective support reference surface ; and positioning the receiver on the support structure such that the receiver has a predetermined position relative to the at least one support reference surface; wherein the reflector and the receiver are positioned relative to each other so that a focal region of the reflector is at the receiver without adjustment of the positions of the reflector and receiver relative to each other.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the reflector and the receiver are positioned relative to each other so that a focal region of the reflector is within the receiver without adjustment of the positions of the reflector and receiver relative to each other.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the solar energy collection system is provided in the form of the solar energy collection system of claims 1 to 11.
15. A solar energy collection system comprising: a reflector arranged to receive solar radiation and reflect the received solar radiation to a focal region and having at least one reflector reference surface,- a support structure arranged to support the reflector at predetermined positions relative to the support structure and having at least one support reference surface; wherein, prior to assembly of the solar collection system, the at least one reflector reference surface and the at least one support reference surface are positioned relative to other portions of the reflector an support structure, respectively, such that, when assembled, the reflector is positioned relative to the support structure at a position that is predetermined for directing the received solar radiation to the receiver.
16. The solar energy collection system of claim 15 wherein the at least one reflector reference surface is immobile relative to the other portions of the reflector and may be integral with the other portion of the reflector.
17. A method of forming a reflector for a solar energy collection system, the reflector comprising a body portion supporting a reflective portion, the body portion comprising a reflector reference surface at which in use the reflector is supported by a support portion, the method comprising the steps of : forming the body portion in a closed mould from a material that comprises a polymeric material and in a manner such that the reflector reference surface is a surface of the body portion and is integrally formed with the body portion.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the body portion comprises a core of a polymeric core material that is at least partially surrounded by a polymeric layer material that is fibre reinforced and harder than the polymeric foam material .
19. The method of claim 17 or 18 comprising directly bonding the reflective material to the polymeric body during formation of the polymeric body.
20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19 also comprising forming the body portion such that fasteners for fastening of the reflector to a support structure are fixed to the body portion during moulding of the body portion.
21. The solar energy collection system of any one of claims 1 to 11 or 15 - 16 comprising a reflector formed by the method in accordance with any one of the claims 17 to 20.
PCT/AU2010/000503 2009-05-01 2010-04-30 A solar energy collection system WO2010124343A1 (en)

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EP2466225A1 (en) * 2010-12-15 2012-06-20 Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. Solar collector and cooperative solar collector system
WO2012152354A1 (en) * 2011-05-10 2012-11-15 Flabeg Holding Gmbh Solar collector module
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JP2014194321A (en) * 2013-03-29 2014-10-09 Hitachi Zosen Corp Solar light collector
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ITUB20160282A1 (en) * 2016-02-03 2017-08-03 Ronda High Tech S R L SOLAR ENERGY MANIFOLD WITH ADJUSTABLE FIXING DEVICE FOR REFLECTIVE ELEMENTS

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EP2466225A1 (en) * 2010-12-15 2012-06-20 Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd. Solar collector and cooperative solar collector system
WO2012152354A1 (en) * 2011-05-10 2012-11-15 Flabeg Holding Gmbh Solar collector module
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CN106524532B (en) * 2016-11-11 2018-12-28 内蒙古旭宸能源有限公司 The connection method of groove type solar parabolic mirror

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