MX2013014984A - Structure and integrated mechanism for positioning sun-path subordinated elements. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention refers to an integrated mechanism for positioning sun-path subordinated elements, which includes a tubular base of three disassembled modules for the azimuth and elevation movement in solar units, the modules comprising a fixed lower tube (1) where the azimuth rotation motor (11) is mounted, as well as an intermediate rotor system (2) intended to transfer the movement to the upper structure (3) and to the mobile upper structure (3) where the solar unit is mounted (7) as well as the elevation system, which includes a mechanism of four bars (8) where one of them refers to a prismatic pair (4).

Description

STRUCTURE AND INTEGRATED MECHANISM FOR THE POSITIONING OF ELEMENTS SUBORDINATED TO THE SOLAR PATH FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention is found in the field of renewable energies, in the branch of solar energy specifically in devices designed to assemble solar units that depend on the tracking of the sun's trajectory.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION When talking about an element subordinate to the solar path, it is a device that is positioned towards the sun at any time of the day to capture energy. These elements collect the sun's energy for different uses, for example, heliostats, furnaces, heaters and solar panels. The use of solar tracking technologies can increase the efficiency of solar units by one third or up to 40% compared to those units that do not use this system.

The solar tracking devices should be oriented in azimuth and elevation, this means that they must take into account the 24-hour cycle of the apparent movement of the sun through the sky due to the rotation of the earth and the solar declination. The solar declination is the angular deviation of the perpendicularity of the sun's rays with respect to the polar axis. The elevation angle is the polar angle that is defined as the elevation between the earth and the celestial pole. Once established, the azimuth axis and polar axis remain as references for the tracking device. If a constant focus is expected throughout the year it is necessary to follow the position of the sun accurately.

Although the movements of the solar tracking device are simple, control and operation raise the difficulties of use and installation. To achieve the proper movement of the solar tracking element, mainly mechanisms and reducing transmissions are used. Some designs also use hydraulic pistons as position mechanism in some of their axes. The position mechanism is attached to a post with the necessary height to be able to move the energy collecting device. The pole is attached to the ground through a shoe to ensure its stability.

In the current market of solar energy, tracking mechanisms are sought that mean practicality, low maintenance and low installation costs. The existing mechanisms are still complex, with many moving parts, which means they are more likely to fail or need high maintenance; To be competitive you need a simple and functional design.

In the Mexican document MX2011011144A "HEUOSTATO WITH MECHANISMS FOR MIRRORING OF MIRRORS AND ELEVATION MOVEMENT" is described, as part of a heliostat with mechanisms for mirror edging and lifting movement, the tracking mechanism; which is divided into the elevation and azimuth mechanism. A crank-crank mechanism for lifting that contains a piston formed by an acme screw and a servomotor, which tilts the metal structure and joins it with the azimuth transmission. Also for the azimuthal movement a corona endless transmission, which has a second reduction stage by means of a gear train connected to a servomotor, to give the azimuth movement to the metallic structure that connects the lifting mechanism with the heliostat post.

In the Chinese document CN102645035"Hydraulic drive mechanism of heliostat" describes a device consisting of three hydraulic pistons for positioning in elevation of the mechanism, two pistons are connected to the base plate, and the third is placed between the other pistons and the reflective plate.

The English document GB2499989"HELIOSTAT SUPPORT AND DRIVE MECHANISM" describes an invention with a mechanism with two linear actuators to control the movement in the direction of the azimuth angle, and the elevation is defined by a pivot coupled to a frame of fixed square.

The German document WO2013087695"SLEWING MECHANISM AND HELIOSTAT" describes an invention containing a primary axis placed horizontally to give an azimuth movement; this axis is coupled to a semicircular element to achieve the second degree of freedom.

The advantages of the invention with respect to previously cited designs are the decrease in the number of components of the azimuth and elevation mechanisms by eliminating the use of gear sets or crank-crank mechanisms, in addition to the implementation of a spindle system. Balls for lifting movement, which ensures accuracy and the spindle ball screw prevents backlash. This configuration allows you to perform the same actions with fewer elements, which means backlash reduction and precise control of the point to which the device is pointing.

The invention is modular and disassemblable for less complex transportation, storage, repair and production compared to the previous mechanisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is a structure and mechanism for the positioning of elements subordinate to the solar path that integrates the transmission (1) and the azimuth movement mechanism (2) to the main support structure of the solar unit, for the movement of elevation account with a mechanism of 4 bars where one of them refers to a prismatic pair (8). The invention has the advantage over existing mechanisms to integrate all the necessary components in two simple mechanisms that reduce the number of components and the backlash. The mechanism is modular and removable for easy transportation, storage, repair and production compared to the previous mechanisms.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a schematic view of the complete structure comprising the fixed lower tube (1) to which the motor for the transmission of the azimuthal movement (11) is mounted; the rotor system in the middle part (2), also fixed, and the upper mobile structure (3) to which the lifting system with ball screw (8) and the solar unit (7) that is assembled to the upper connection bar (6), for demonstration purposes illustrated as a plate (7).

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the azimuth rotation mechanism (10) comprising a rotor (13) that is connected to the rotation motor by the shaft (16), fixed to a set of bearings (14), two plates, one fixed and another mobile (15) to achieve rotational movement on the vertical axis; all contained in a medium tube (12), the mechanism is fixed to the first part of the support tube (11).

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the mobile upper structure comprising three arms, the major pair to place the solar unit (5) and the third (8) which is a four-bar mechanism for the lifting movement to where one of they refer to a pair (4) that is connected to the mechanism (8) with the spindle nut (9) and the second motor with screw supports.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION For the assembly of the invention, a foundation is made in situ where the first part of the support tube (1) is mounted, this first part remains fixed and inside it the motor is placed for the azimuthal movement (11). Next, the second tubular element (12) in which the rotor (13) is installed, which is manufactured separately, is fixed with flanges. On the second module the movable and final part of the support tube is coupled, in this section the panel of the solar unit and the lifting mechanism with the ball screw are connected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is a structure and mechanism for the positioning of elements subordinate to the solar path comprising the support structure of the solar unit (7), the azimuth movement (10) and elevation mechanisms. The invention is modular, in order to facilitate the assembly, maintenance and storage of its different components. In addition, the azimuth mechanism (10) is integrated into the structure to simplify the number of components, assembly, maintenance, diagnosis and extend the useful life of the system.

The first part of the support structure is a tube (1) containing the motor for the transmission of azimuthal movement, this tube is fixed to the ground with a shoe. The fixed tube has an opening to one side (11) to facilitate the installation of the motor without having to disassemble the complete mechanism.

The middle part is a tube (12) where the set of bearings (14) and the rotor (13) on which the upper mobile structure rotates, between the rotor and the mobile upper structure there is a space that allows rotation superior without friction. In this module of the invention integrates what in many mechanisms is a set of gears or complex components, the integration of this function in four elements is advantageous to the invention for its simplicity and functionality.

The upper part of the invention is the movable upper structure (3) formed by an upper pair of arms (5) and the four-bar mechanism (8) for the lifting movement. The mechanism (8) is connected to the transmission for lifting movement with a ball screw (4), the spindle nut (9) and a motor. To the mobile upper structure the solar unit (7) is fixed in the two arms at its ends (5).

Claims (3)

CLAIMS Having sufficiently described the invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore, the content of the following clauses is claimed:

1. An integrated mechanism for the positioning of elements subordinate to the solar path characterized by a tubular support in three removable modules for the azimuthal and elevation movement of solar units, the modules are a fixed lower tube, the intermediate rotor system and a superior structure mobile.

2. An integrated mechanism for the positioning of elements subordinate to the solar path according to claim 1, characterized in that the azimuth movement mechanism is integrated into four main parts; bearings, rotor body, covers and clamping flanges; and mounted inside the support tube of the solar tracking system.

3. An integrated mechanism for the positioning of elements subordinate to the solar path according to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting movement mechanism is integrated by a four-bar mechanism where one of them refers to a prismatic pair.