EP1747410A1

EP1747410A1 - Solar collector mechanism

Info

Publication number: EP1747410A1
Application number: EP04806642A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ahmet Lokurlu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-12-31
Filing date: 2004-12-31
Publication date: 2007-01-31
Also published as: CN1922449B; TR200603229T1; WO2005066553A1; CN1922449A

Abstract

This invention is related to a solar collector mechanism that converts the energy collected from sun rays to heat energy with high efficiencies and further using this energy to heat the fluid flowing inside the collector to high temperatures, also related to the utilization of the hot fluid obtained for hot steam production and utilization of this steam in cooling. Solar collector mechanism (1) being the subject of invention comprises at least one motion system (3), at least one solar collector (2) which is controlled by the motion system (3), heat transmission system (4) which transmits the fluid heated by collectors.

Description

A SOLAR COLLECTOR MECHANISM

This invention relates to a solar collector mechanism that converts the energy collected from sun rays to heat energy with high efficiency and further uses this energy to heat the fluid flowing inside the collector to high temperatures, and is also concerned with the utilization of the hot fluid obtained for hot steam production and utilization of this steam in cooling.

Nowadays, advances achieved in the industry and the desire of individuals to live at higher standards significantly increases the energy consumption. Coal, oil, natural gas is commonly utilized in order to meet the energy demand. However, issues such as the possibility of the paucity of these fuels in question in the near future and the increase in environmental contamination as a result of intensive industrialization in certain regions mostly due to the utilization of fossil fuels arise in the use of these fuels. In order to tackle these issues, there are ongoing researches on the utilization of renewable energy sources that can be restored such as the sun, wind, geothermal, biomass in various industries. The reception of solar energy through space is realized by means of electromagnetic radiation. Solar energy collectors, devices that can convert solar radiation to heat energy, absorb solar radiation by their wide surfaces and convert this radiation to heat. The heat of material that absorbs radiation increases. The heat of absorbent surface is transmitted by fluid or gaseous liquids. Heat transfer is realized by heat transmitters such as serpentine, membrane, heat exchanger, etc.

In the current state of art, solar energy is applied in obtaining hot water for usage, residential heating-cooling, greenhouse heating, agricultural product drying, swimming pool heating, solar furnaces and ovens and soil solarization.

In the known solar collector systems, a conductive surface having adequate size is used on the southern side of a building for collecting solar energy and thermal mass is utilised for absorption, storage and transmission of heat. Heat energy converted from sun rays is used for hot water production. Solar energy systems, apart from meeting the residential hot water demand, also decrease the fuel costs by being integrated on boiler systems that produce hot water and steam which are required in industries.

In the current state of art, the known solar collectors are in a straight or concave forai and their surfaces that face the sun are dark colored for the purpose of absorbing more rays. Liquid that is desired to be heated is located just behind the ray absorbent layer and thus heated. Another known solar collector operates in principle by reflecting sun rays and the passing liquid to be heated from where it is reflected. In order to benefit utmost from sun rays, moveable collectors are also utilized.

In the current state of art, United States patents US4175391 and US4000734 describe two concave collectors that are connected parallel to each other. Although they do have the ability to move in order to benefit more from sun rays, only if one of them moves, the other does the same movement since these two collectors are connected parallel to each other. Under the circumstances, ray received vertically by one of them would not be received as vertical by the other; thus second collector can benefit from the rays less.

United States patent application PCT/US01/25900 published as WO02/093741 describes parabolic solar collectors connected to each other in series and located in a rotating circular tray which is elevated by legs. Solar collectors heat the fluid that is inside the fluid pipes which passes through the focal point by means of the received sun rays. In parallel to the signals received from the sun detector, collectors can move independent from the circular tray. However, this movement is not sufficiently sensitive.

Solar collector mechanism, the subject of invention, comprises at least one solar collector that converts sun rays into heat energy by reflecting sun rays which are successively superposed at a certain region, at least one motion system (3) which provides rotation of the solar collector around one axis in order to constantly receive sun rays vertically, a heat transmission system (4) that transmits the fluid heated by the solar collector to be used in cooling and heating processes. By utilizing the solar collector which is the subject of invention, fluid having a temperature of 350-400°C is achieved.

The purpose of this invention is to realize a solar collector mechanism, the movement of which is controlled by triggering with a computer software and solar sensor.

Another purpose of this invention is to achieve the movement of more than one collector with the same motor power in a way that they would receive sunlight vertically.

Moreover, another purpose of the invention is to realize a solar collector mechanism that provides the utilization of heat energy converted from solar energy for both heating and cooling purposes.

Drawings illustrated below are prepared to assist the description of the invention. However, the invention is not limited with these drawings.

Fig 1 is a perspective representation of a solar collector mechanism,

Fig 2 is a schematic representation of a solar collector mechanism, Fig 3 is a perspective representation of a solar collector mechanism that is in stand-by (sleeping) mode,

Fig 4 is a frontal cross sectional representation of the motion system, Fig 5 is a lateral cross sectional representation of the motion system, Components illustrated on the drawings are numbered individually and listed below.

1- Solar collector mechanism 2- Solar collector 2.1 - Reflector 2.2 - Connector 2.3 - Framework 2.4 - Torsion tube 3- Motion system 3.1 - Primary disc 3.2 - Secondary disc 3.3 - Worm Gear 3.4 - Strainer 3.5 - Pulley 3.6 - Sensor 3.7 - Handle 3.8 - Driving system 4- Heat transmission system 4.1 - Pipe 4.2 - Hot water tank 4.3 - Steam generator 4.4 - Absorption cooling machine 4.5 - Cold water tank 4.6 - Holder 4.7 - Cooling- system

Solar collector mechanism (1), the subject of invention, comprises at least one motion system (3), at least one solar collector (2) which is controlled by the motion system (3), heat transmission system (4) which transmits the fluid heated by collectors. The mechanism illustrated in Figure 1 is the preferred application of the invention. At this application, more than one solar collector (2) are located in rows as they are connected in series to each other. Each row is placed preferably parallel to the other and behind one another. Collectors in each row are connected to each other via a motion system (3) or a connector (2.2). Thus, with the aid of the connector, all collectors in each row can change their location against the sun concurrently with a single motion system.

Solar collector (2) would comprise at least one reflector (2.1) for reflecting the received sun rays, at least one connector (2.2) that would connect collectors (2) in series to each other enabling the collective movement of two solar collectors together, at least one torsion tube (2.4) located fixed behind the collector and would prevent solar collector against torsion, a framework (2.3) made of a solid material such as iron which would enable a balanced setting on the ground and connect all the components forming the collector mechanism (1) to each other in order to enable the functionality of each component.

Reflector (2.1) is a plate which is painted or covered with a chemical substance that has reflecting property in order to provide the reflection of received rays. At one application of the invention, a second plate which has reflection property, having a very thin and solid structure and which is covered with a chemical substance, is fixed on the plate which forms the shape of the reflector. The plate is made of metal or a material with similar solid nature and inclining the plate to a concave forai is preferred. At another application of the invention, the cross section of the plate has a parabolic form. The reflector's (2.1) arms with parabolic form are located on framework (2.3) extending towards the sun. The dimension of the reflector (2.1) can be modified based on the area of application. The pipe (4.1) that contains the fluid which is desired to be heated is carried by holders (4.6) that are fixed on the solar collector and is passed over the focal point of the parabolic reflector. Due to -the • reason that the sun rays received by the reflectors are reflected and transferred through the focal point, it is preferred that the pipe (4.1) be situated on the focal point in order to encounter more rays. The location of the pipe (4.1) does not change linearly with the solar collector due to the fact that moving the solar collector also moves the holders that are comiected, and the pipe always stays on the focal point of the reflector.

In the motion system (3), at least one driving system (3.11), at least one worm gear (3.3) that transmits the action sourced by the driving system, a strainer (3.4) such as a wire, strap, string, etc. that is transmitted by a worm gear, at least one pulley (3.5) that enables the rotation of the strainer, at least one secondary disc (3.2) and at least one primary disc that rotate along with the movement of the strainer, a handle (3.7) that is attached to the solar collector by means of the primary disc.

Driving system (3.11) is a computer driven system that is controlled by a software and a database that stores information on the location, time of the collector system and the position of the sun. In this database, information comprising the position of the sun within 365 days/24 hours for the region where the coordinates are given is stored. Thus, when the location information of the collector in a region is given, information on the position of the sun for that location is acquired. Driving system that creates movement such as motor, etc. is driven by a computer which is controlled by software which uses this information.

Moreover, a solar sensor (3.6) is located in the motion system. The sensor (3.6) sends signals to the driving system by detecting the angle of sun rays. Driving system is driven by using both the signals from the solar sensor together with the signals from the computer due to its software. Priority is given to the signals received from the sensor when two sources send signals at the same time, and sensitive adjustment of the solar collector is realized based on this signal.

The cross sectional view of the motion system represented in Figure 4 illustrates at least two pulleys (3.5) that are fixed on the extensions of the framework (2.3).

Motion created by the motion system is transmitted by the strainer which advances between pulleys. Driving system (3.8) is situated on the framework (2.3) and the outer end where motion is transferred, is connected to the worm gear. Worm gear (3.3) is driven by the driving system. The other end of the worm gear (3.3) is connected to the strainer and by the rotation of the screw, the strainer is moved. The direction of this translation can be from the worm gear (3.3) towards the strainer (3.4) or the opposite direction. Strainer (3.4) is pulled by the movement of the worm gear (3.3) towards one direction; moreover, it is pushed when moved in the opposite direction. Strainer (3.4) rotates by leaning on at least one secondary disc (3.2), one primary disc (3.1) and one pulley (3.5) forming the motion system (3) and is connected with the other end of the driving system. Primary disc (3.1) and one or more than one secondary disc (3.2) located in the motion system the cross sectional view of which is represented in Figure 4, are fixed on an extension of the framework (2.3). Advancing strainer revolves around the secondary disc (3.2) by leaning on it, moves toward the primary disc (3.1), revolves around the primary disc and rotates the primary disc (3.1) together with the motion, path and direction driven from the driving system. After the strainer is revolved around the primary disc, it is connected to the driving system by revolving around the other pulley and accomplishes its cycle. At an application of the invention, there are two secondary discs (3.2) in the mechanism. After the strainer is revolved around the primary disc, it revolves around the other secondary disc and is connected to the other pulley and the driving system. At another application of the invention, the strainer moves around two pulleys by providing connection with the worm gear (3.3) and the driving system (3.8). When the strainer accomplishes the translation movement, it is connected with the secondary disc (3.2) and causes this disc to rotate. Strainer material such as string, strap, etc. is used^'for transmitting rotation movements of the primary disc (3.1) and secondary disc (3.2) to each other. Thus, by rotating the secondary disc, primary disc rotates, and when the primary disc rotates, the handle (3.7) situated on it rotates the solar collector.

When it is determined that the temperature of the fluid inside the pipe (4.1) exceeds a certain level, motion is transmitted on the worm gear by a signal given by the computer that triggers the driving system, this motion is transmitted to the strainer (3.4), secondary disc (3.2) and primary disc (3.1); hence, solar collector (2) is rotated. At 'the end of the rotation process, sun rays are not received at desired vertical axis and less rays are collected on the pipe situated on the focal point than before. This situation decreases the temperature of the fluid inside the pipe.

When it is detennined that the wind velocity in the region where the collector mechanism (1) is situated exceeds a specified level, motion is transmitted on the wonn gear by a signal created by the computer that triggers the driving system, this motion is transmitted to the strainer (3.4), secondary disc (3.2) and primary disc (3.1); hence, solar collector (2) is rotated as the concave surface of the reflector faces the ground.

Heat transmitting system (4) is the mechanism in which the cooling and heating processes of fluid inside the pipe that extends along the focal points of solar collectors reaching high temperature values, are realized. After the storage of fluid that comes from the solar collector, inside hot fluid tank, vaporization process of the high temperature fluid stored inside the steam generator is realized.

Hot water is generated by heating the water pipes with saturated steam obtained and this hot water is used in devices such as radiators for heating purposes. At another application, water is used as fluid and hot water generated is used directly as hot water or in devices such as radiators for heating purposes.

Cooling process can be summarized by the following steps;

Saturated steam generated by the steam generator is transferred to the absorption cooling machine (4.4) in order to produce cold water.

- Cold water that leaves the absorption cooling machine is used in climatization devices such as air conditioners, and in cooling systems such as refrigerators, deep freezes in order to cool medium and/or objects. Absorption cooling machine operates in principle as the lithium bromide solution transforms into a muddy state when hot steam is introduced and the water inside the mud evaporates by consuming the heat of the medium; eventually, cooling the medium.

When the solar energy is converted to heat energy, with the solar collector mechanism which is the subject of the present invention, the fluids circulating in the mechanism can be heated to extremely high temperatures. Under unexpected conditions such as the velocity of the wind and the temperature of fluid circulating in the pipes exceeding the predetennined level, the mechanism is protected by stimulating signals that are generated by the computer that supports sensor and driving systems. In the mechanism which is the subject of the present invention, the generated high temperature fluid is used both in heating and cooling systems.

Claims

CLAIMS - A solar collector mechanism (1) comprising at least one concave reflector (2.1) where sun rays are received, a pipe (4.1) in which fluid passes and on which sun rays received by this reflector are focused, is characterized by;

At least one motion system (3) which rotates this reflector around one axis in order to provide constant vertical reception of sun rays,

A control unit that triggers this motion system based on the information related to the position of the sun within 365 days/24 hours in a region where its coordinates are given,

And a solar sensor. - A solar collector mechanism (1) as described in Claim 1, comprising; - A framework (2.3) made of a solid material such as iron which would enable a balanced setting on the ground and connecting all the components forming the collector mechanism (1) to enable the functionality of each component. - A solar collector mechanism (1) as described in any of the above mentioned Claims, comprising;

- At least one driving system (3.11), at least one worm gear (3.3) that transmits the action sourced by the driving system, at least one strainer (3.4) such as a wire, strap, string that is transmitted by a wonn gear, at least one pulley (3.5) that enables the rotation of the strainer, at least one secondary disc (3.2) and at least one primary disc that rotate along with the movement of the strainer, a handle (3.7) that is attached to the solar collector and the primary disc. - A method where a solar collector mechanism as described in any of the Claims described above, is utilized, comprising the below mentioned steps;

Focusing of sun rays received by the reflector onto the pipe in which the fluid passes,

Heating the fluid that passes through this pipe to high temperatures,

Generating hot steam inside a steam generator by the heated fluid,

Utilization of this hot steam for the heating and/or cooling of place and environment. - A method as described in Claim 4 where an absorption cooling machine (4.4) is used for cooling of the environment.