WO2010022027A2 - Heliostat joint - Google Patents
Heliostat joint Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010022027A2 WO2010022027A2 PCT/US2009/054124 US2009054124W WO2010022027A2 WO 2010022027 A2 WO2010022027 A2 WO 2010022027A2 US 2009054124 W US2009054124 W US 2009054124W WO 2010022027 A2 WO2010022027 A2 WO 2010022027A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- heliostat
- axis
- recited
- joint
- pedestal
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- F24S30/45—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes
- F24S30/455—Horizontal primary axis
-
- 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
- F24S2030/135—Transmissions in the form of threaded elements
-
- 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
- F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
-
- 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 disclosure relates to a heliostat, and more particularly to a joint therefor.
- Current heliostats may have a relatively limited range of motion both in azimuth as well as in elevation.
- the relatively limited range of motion may require configuration changes for best operation at different field positions and at different latitudes. This may result in the use of different heliostat configurations in different fields or even in different parts of the same field to focus the sun's energy on the receiver.
- the relatively limited range of motion may also require some heliostats to reposition themselves 180 degrees at specific times during the day to continue tracking the sun. This action typically requires approximately 15 minutes during which the sun's energy is not captured.
- a heliostat according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a joint with a range of motion in both elevation and azimuth of more than 90 degrees.
- a heliostat includes a pedestal which defines a longitudinal axis, the pedestal defines a first radius.
- a first link is movably mounted to the pedestal about a first axis.
- a second link movably mounted to the first link about a second axis, the second axis displaced from the longitudinal centerline by at least the first radius.
- a heliostat according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a joint having a first member and a second member, wherein the first member has an axis of rotation that is skew to an axis of rotation of the second member, wherein the axis of the first member is offset a first distance from the axis of the second member, and wherein the second member has a radial length about the second axis at least approximately 1/2 of the first distance.
- FIG. 1 is a general schematic view of a solar power tower system for use with the present invention
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a heliostat
- Figure 3A is a side view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in a first position
- Figure 3B is a top view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in a second position;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first link for a joint for the heliostat;
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second link for a joint for the heliostat;
- Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the first link for a joint for the heliostat;
- Figure 7A is a side view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in the first position illustrating a drive system
- Figure 7B is a top view of a heliostat with the heliostat array in a second position illustrating a drive system
- Figure 8 is a top expanded view of the drive system
- Figure 9 is a side expanded view of the drive system.
- a solar power tower system 20 includes a high concentration central receiver system 22 having a receiver 24 coupled to a tower structure 25 at a predetermined height above ground to receive solar radiation S from a multiple of sun-tracking mirrors or heliostats 26.
- Molten salt or other thermal transfer fluid is communicated from a cold storage tank system 28 through the central receiver system 22 and heated.
- the heated thermal transfer fluid is then communicated to a hot storage tank system 30.
- the hot thermal transfer fluid is pumped to a steam generator system 32 that produces steam.
- the steam drives a steam turbine/generator system 34 that creates electricity for communication to a power grid.
- the thermal transfer fluid is returned to the cold storage tank system 28 for storage until reheated in the central receiver system 22 while the steam is recovered through a condenser system 36.
- the heliostat 26 generally includes a pedestal 40, a joint 42, a frame assembly 44, and a heliostat array 46.
- the pedestal 40 supports the joint 42 to permit articulation of the frame assembly 44 and thus the heliostat array 46 to track the sun and focus the solar radiation S as required.
- the pedestal 40 may be a generally cylindrical column which defines a longitudinal centerline A and a radius rl ( Figure 3B).
- a semi- spherical cap 48 in the disclosed, non-limiting embodiment tops the pedestal 40.
- the joint 42 generally includes a first link 50 and a second link 52.
- the first link 50 includes a first arcuate arm 54 with end pivots 54A, 54B and a second arcuate arm 56 with end pivots 56A, 56B.
- the end pivots 54A, 54B as illustrated define an initial elevation axis B and the end pivots 56A, 56B defines an initial azimuthal axis C (also illustrated in Figure 4).
- the end pivots 54A, 54B are oriented relative the end pivots 56A, 56B such that axis B is transverse to axis C. In one non-limiting embodiment axis B is perpendicular to axis C.
- the second link 52 includes an arcuate arm 58 with end pivots 58A, 58B ( Figure 5) which engages the end pivots 56A, 56B of the first link 50 (along axis C).
- the first link 50' includes a single end pivot 56C ( Figure 6).
- the first link 50 is movably mounted to the pedestal 40 about axis B.
- the second link 52 is movably mounted to the first link 50 about axis C. That is, axis C is offset by at least the column radius rl relative to the longitudinal centerline A by axis B to achieve a significant freedom of motion.
- the second link 52 positions the heliostat array 46 at least an additional radius rl from axis C to provide essentially unrestricted azimuth and elevation motion of the heliostat array 46 relative to the pedestal 40.
- the joint 42 provides a significant range of motion in both elevation and azimuth.
- the range of motion is more than 90 degrees and typically approximately 180 degrees in both elevation and azimuth. It should be understood that the heliostat array 46 may be mounted asymmetrically as desired to optimize load and other operating characteristics and requirements.
- a drive system 70 attached between the pedestal 40 and the heliostat array 46 at two points e, f on the heliostat array 46 defines the orientation and position of the heliostat array 46.
- the drive system 70 generally includes two drive rods 72A, 72B such as lead screws attached between the heliostat array 46 through mounts 74A, 74B and the pedestal 40 through offset arms 76A, 76B ( Figure 7B).
- the drive system 70 adjusts the heliostat array 46 relative to the pedestal 40 to provide articulation to utilize the range of motion provide by the joint 42.
- the joint 42 essentially provides one point g in space for the heliostat array 46.
- the two other points e, f as represented by the mounts 74A, 74B the definition and orientation of the heliostat array 46 plane is established. In this manner, there is no singularity point and no need to significantly realign the azimuth to continue tracking the sun. Instead, sun tracking is accomplished in a smooth and continuous manner.
- each of the drive rod 72A, 72B are attached to the mounts 74A, 74B through joints 78A, 78B such as a ball-joint or U-joint to provide a universal connection therebetween.
- the mounts 74A, 74B support the respective joints 78A, 78B to permit rotation and articulation of the respective drive rod 72A, 72B to position the heliostat array 46.
- each offset arm 76A, 76B generally includes a shoulder 80, an arm
- a pivot 92 between the shoulder 80 and the arm 82 permits movement of the arm 82 in a plane P transverse to the pedestal 40 and generally parallel to ground G ( Figure 7A). It should be understood the plane P may be alternatively oriented.
- the wrist rotator 88 is mounted to the forearm 84 through the rotational bearing 86 such that the wrist rotator 88 may rotate about the forearm 84 (illustrated schematically by axis F and arrow F).
- the rotational bearing 86 may essentially include a sleeve which permits rotation F.
- the wrist rotator 88 includes a turntable 96 which permits rotation (illustrated by arrow W) of the drive motor 90 and thus the drive rod 72A about an axis W (also illustrated in Figure
- the wrist rotator 88 supports the drive motor 90 through which the drive rod 72 may be extended and retracted along axis Y through, for example, a threaded engagement with the lead screw. It should be understood that other drive motors such as linear electric motors or other telescopic arrangements may alternatively or additionally be provided.
- the turntable 96 may include rotational couplings to communicate electrical power and controls signals to the respective drive motor 90.
- the shoulder 80, arm 82 and forearm 84 provide an offset to provide full motion and avoid overextension of the drive rod 72A, 72B.
- the arm 82 and forearm 84 may each be of a length which is at least equivalent to the radius rl .
- the arm 82 and forearm 84 may alternatively be of a longer or shorter length dependant in part on whether more or less than a 180 degree range of motion is to be provided.
- the drive rods 72A, 72B may be maintained in tension when extended and only experience compressive loading when at reduced extension.
- the joint 42 facilitates an extended operational range for the heliostat 26 with a robust drive system 70 for effective control and actuation of heliostat 26. Unique maneuvers are avoided and relatively uncomplicated and reliable hardware supports the heliostat array 46.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mounting And Adjusting Of Optical Elements (AREA)
- Walking Sticks, Umbrellas, And Fans (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/001,855 US20110108019A1 (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-08-18 | Heliostat joint |
CN2009801322160A CN102124284A (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-08-18 | Heliostat joint |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US8984308P | 2008-08-18 | 2008-08-18 | |
US61/089,843 | 2008-08-18 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2010022027A2 true WO2010022027A2 (en) | 2010-02-25 |
WO2010022027A3 WO2010022027A3 (en) | 2010-06-17 |
Family
ID=41707625
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2009/054124 WO2010022027A2 (en) | 2008-08-18 | 2009-08-18 | Heliostat joint |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110108019A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102124284A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010022027A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3179177A1 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2017-06-14 | Marco Antonio Carrascosa Perez | Heliostat with an improved structure |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8168931B1 (en) * | 2009-12-09 | 2012-05-01 | Concrete Systems, Inc. | Solar tracking device |
US9746207B1 (en) * | 2011-03-16 | 2017-08-29 | Solarreserve Technology, Llc | Tracking modules including tip/tilt adjustability and construction features |
US20130061845A1 (en) * | 2011-09-12 | 2013-03-14 | Zomeworks Corporation | Radiant energy driven orientation system |
CA2849537C (en) * | 2011-09-21 | 2017-04-04 | The University Of Western Ontario | Solar tracker |
CN103472851B (en) * | 2012-06-09 | 2016-08-03 | 张建民 | Practical intelligent sun system for tracking |
EP2917658B1 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2018-08-01 | Stellenbosch University | A concentrating solar energy system comprising support structures for multiple heliostats |
US9255725B2 (en) * | 2014-01-30 | 2016-02-09 | Jasem M K Th Sh Al-Enizi | Sun tracking solar energy collection system |
WO2016094864A1 (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2016-06-16 | Nevados Engineering, Inc. | Articulating joint solar panel array |
US10388277B1 (en) | 2015-06-25 | 2019-08-20 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Allocation of local and remote resources for speech processing |
Citations (9)
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US4172443A (en) * | 1978-05-31 | 1979-10-30 | Sommer Warren T | Central receiver solar collector using analog coupling mirror control |
US4318522A (en) * | 1979-05-01 | 1982-03-09 | Rockwell International Corporation | Gimbal mechanism |
US4832002A (en) * | 1987-07-17 | 1989-05-23 | Oscar Medina | Unified heliostat array |
DE9411061U1 (en) * | 1994-07-07 | 1994-12-01 | Schultze, Hans-Georg, 23996 Bobitz | Solar energy supply and signal reception system |
DE10022236A1 (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2001-11-15 | Grollius Horst Walter | Mechanical and hydraulic positioning system for two axis solar generator includes toothed rod for adjustment about first axis, and hydraulic cylinder gives motion about second axis |
JP2002213827A (en) * | 2001-01-17 | 2002-07-31 | Sanesu:Kk | Solar light collecting device |
ES2283233A1 (en) * | 2007-03-29 | 2007-10-16 | Jose Antonio Rodriguez Hoyo | Frame structure for solar panels allowing sun following |
WO2008035132A1 (en) * | 2006-09-22 | 2008-03-27 | Eskom Holdings (Pty) Ltd | A heliostat support and drive mechanism |
WO2008092195A1 (en) * | 2007-01-29 | 2008-08-07 | Solar Heat And Power Pty Ltd | Solar energy collector field incorporating collision avoidance |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3064534A (en) * | 1960-04-13 | 1962-11-20 | United Aircraft Corp | Reflector for space vehicle |
US3105486A (en) * | 1960-11-16 | 1963-10-01 | United Aircraft Corp | Mirror petal modulator |
US4172739A (en) * | 1977-12-27 | 1979-10-30 | Solar Homes, Inc. | Sun tracker with dual axis support for diurnal movement and seasonal adjustment |
US4586488A (en) * | 1983-12-15 | 1986-05-06 | Noto Vincent H | Reflective solar tracking system |
AU3419193A (en) * | 1991-12-31 | 1993-07-28 | Wattsun Corporation | Method and apparatus for tracker control |
US20020042962A1 (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2002-04-18 | Willman Kenneth William | Cleaning sheets comprising a polymeric additive to improve particulate pick-up and minimize residue left on surfaces and cleaning implements for use with cleaning sheets |
US20040134016A1 (en) * | 2003-01-10 | 2004-07-15 | Royal Appliance Manufacturing Company | Suction wet jet mop |
US7884279B2 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2011-02-08 | United Technologies Corporation | Solar tracker |
US20110030672A1 (en) * | 2006-07-14 | 2011-02-10 | Olsson Mark S | Solar Collection Apparatus and Methods Using Accelerometers and Magnetics Sensors |
-
2009
- 2009-08-18 CN CN2009801322160A patent/CN102124284A/en active Pending
- 2009-08-18 US US13/001,855 patent/US20110108019A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-08-18 WO PCT/US2009/054124 patent/WO2010022027A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4172443A (en) * | 1978-05-31 | 1979-10-30 | Sommer Warren T | Central receiver solar collector using analog coupling mirror control |
US4318522A (en) * | 1979-05-01 | 1982-03-09 | Rockwell International Corporation | Gimbal mechanism |
US4832002A (en) * | 1987-07-17 | 1989-05-23 | Oscar Medina | Unified heliostat array |
DE9411061U1 (en) * | 1994-07-07 | 1994-12-01 | Schultze, Hans-Georg, 23996 Bobitz | Solar energy supply and signal reception system |
DE10022236A1 (en) * | 2000-05-08 | 2001-11-15 | Grollius Horst Walter | Mechanical and hydraulic positioning system for two axis solar generator includes toothed rod for adjustment about first axis, and hydraulic cylinder gives motion about second axis |
JP2002213827A (en) * | 2001-01-17 | 2002-07-31 | Sanesu:Kk | Solar light collecting device |
WO2008035132A1 (en) * | 2006-09-22 | 2008-03-27 | Eskom Holdings (Pty) Ltd | A heliostat support and drive mechanism |
WO2008092195A1 (en) * | 2007-01-29 | 2008-08-07 | Solar Heat And Power Pty Ltd | Solar energy collector field incorporating collision avoidance |
ES2283233A1 (en) * | 2007-03-29 | 2007-10-16 | Jose Antonio Rodriguez Hoyo | Frame structure for solar panels allowing sun following |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3179177A1 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2017-06-14 | Marco Antonio Carrascosa Perez | Heliostat with an improved structure |
WO2017097712A1 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2017-06-15 | Marco Antonio Carrascosa Perez | Heliostat with improved grid structure |
WO2017097718A1 (en) | 2015-12-07 | 2017-06-15 | Marco Antonio Carrascosa Perez | Clearance reducing device and heliostat with clearance reduced structure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010022027A3 (en) | 2010-06-17 |
CN102124284A (en) | 2011-07-13 |
US20110108019A1 (en) | 2011-05-12 |
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