Method of supporting a solar energy collection unit

Abstract

A method (92) of supporting a solar energy collection unit (22, 54, 76) of a solar energy system (20, 52, 78) calls for redistributing (96) earth at a worksite (26) to form an elevated earthen structure (24) having a sun facing surface (28), compacting (102) the earthen structure (24), and arranging (106) the solar energy collection unit (22, 54, 76) upon the sun facing surface (28) of the earthen structure (24). The earthen structure (24) may include internal strengthening material (32) detached from the energy collection unit (22, 54, 76) and the earthen structure (24) may be encased in a binder material (34) for additional stability. Channels (48, 50) may be provided proximate the earthen structure (24) for fluid supply and release functions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of solar energy systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a stable structure for supporting a solar energy collection unit of a solar energy system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Due to the finite supply of fossil energy sources, the global environmental damage caused by fossil fuels, increasing energy demand, and economic forces, society is becoming compelled to diversify energy resources, utilize existing fossil fuels more effectively, and reduce pollutants. An alternative energy resource, solar power, is already in widespread use where other supplies of power are absent such as in remote locations and in space. Solar power generally describes a number of methods of harnessing energy from the light of the sun. [0003] Solar power technologies can be classified as either direct or indirect. Direct solar power involves only one transformation into a usable form. Direct solar pow...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a method of supporting a solar energy collection unit of a solar energy system is provided.

[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is that a method of supporting a solar energy collection unit is provided that allows the use of local materials to support the solar energy collection unit.

[0011] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that a method of supporting a solar energy collection unit is provided that is readily customizable, stable under stress conditions, cost effective to build and maintain, and has a minimal long term impact on the local environment.

[0012] The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in one form by a method of supporting a solar energy collection unit of a solar energy system. The method calls for redistributing earth at a worksite to form an elevated earthen structure having a sun facing surface, compacting the earthen structure, and arranging the solar energy collection unit upon the sun facing surface of the earthen structure.

[0013] The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in another form by a method of supporting a photosynthetic bioreactor of a solar energy system. The method calls for redistributing earth at a worksite to form an elevated earthen structure having a sun facing surface, orienting the sun facing surface at an angular elevation from horizontal of greater than ten degrees and less than ninety degrees, and compacting the earthen structure. The method further calls for excavating a channel proximate the earthen structure and arranging the photosynthetic bioreactor upon the sun facing surface of the earthen structure. A supply fluid is directed through the channel and a fluid inlet of the photosynthetic bioreactor is supplied with the supply fluid from the channel.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, the algae was difficult to harvest and the energy required to “churn” the pond to ensure full algal exposure to sunlight was expensive.

Although solar collection efficiency has increased and the costs for the various solar energy collection units, such as photovoltaic cells, thermal collectors, fiber optic elements, algal bioreactors, and the like is decreasing through technological innovation, the cost effectiveness of the host support structures is not correspondingly decreasing.

Unfortunately, the construction of such a large structure is quite expensive, is difficult to install in remote locations, and is expensive to maintain.

Consequently, a major obstacle to a more widespread exploitation of both direct and indirect solar power technologies has been the development of stable, yet cost-effective, host structures for supporting solar energy collection units in alignment with incident rays of the sun.

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