Linear solar energy collection system

Abstract

A modular linear solar energy collection system comprises one or more reflector units each having a light-weight generally planar aluminum frame that mounts a number of solar panels in a fixed position at angles which progressively increase from the frame centerline outwardly to its perimeter so as to collectively form a surface having a shape approximating that of a parabola. The focal line of such parabola is coincident with a secondary reflector which receives sunlight incident on the solar panels and reflects such light onto a receiver tube mounted in a fixed position concentric to the centerline of the frame. The frame is connected to a drive mechanism operative to pivot the frame and solar panels in order to track the position of the sun during the course of a day.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to the generation of electrical energy through solar thermal power collection, and, more particularly, to a linear solar energy collection system that employs a secondary reflector, light-weight solar panels and a fixed linear receiver tube in which a heat transfer fluid is circulated.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Systems for the generation of electricity by collecting solar thermal radiation were first introduced in 1914, and have become increasingly popular with the rise in fossil fuel costs and concerns over global warming. The majority of solar energy collection systems currently in use are of the type depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. A generally parabolic-shaped trough 10 is provided having a curved, reflective surface 12 that is typically formed of a number of mirrors. The reflective surface 12 is effective to concentrate and reflect incident sunlight 13 at 30 to 80 times its normal intensity along a focal line that is coincident...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]This invention is directed to a linear solar energy collection system that improves solar field efficiency, lowers operational and maintenance costs, and therefore reduces the overall cost of generating electricity per kilowatt-hour.

[0007]One aspect of this invention is predicated on the concept of providing a simple, modular linear solar energy collection system comprising one or more reflector units each fabricated using light-weight materials arranged in a construction that is highly accessible, easily maintained, and lower in initial cost. In one embodiment, each reflector unit includes a light-weight, generally planar aluminum frame that mounts a number of solar panels in a fixed position at angles progressively increasing from the frame centerline outwardly to its perimeter so as to collectively form a surface having a shape approximating that of a parabola. The focal line of such parabola is coincident with a secondary reflector which receives sunlight incident on the solar panels and reflects such light onto a receiver tube mounted in a fixed position substantially concentric to the centerline of the frame. The frame is supported by truss elements to add rigidity, and is connected to a drive mechanism operative to pivot the frame and truss elements in order to track the position of the sun during the course of a day. A number of individual reflector units may be arranged side-by-side to form a solar energy collection system having a collection field of desired size.

[0008]Preferably, each solar panel comprises a honeycomb aluminum section and a highly reflective silver-metallized surface connected together by an adhesive layer. The solar panels are strong, durable, light-weight and efficiently reflect incident sunlight many times its normal intensity onto the secondary reflector. The reflective surface of such panels may be washed to maintain cleanliness, which, in one presently preferred embodiment of this invention, is accomplished by the provision of an in-ground washing system operative to direct cleansing water against such surfaces.

[0009]A heat transfer fluid is circulated through the receiver tube for heating by the sunlight directed thereto from the secondary reflector. Because the receiver tube is fixed relative to the pivoting frame, it may be connected to a fixed transfer conduit that communicates with a steam generator and turbine. Since both the receiver tube and transfer conduit are mounted in a fixed position, heat losses resulting from the transfer of fluid out of the receiver tube are minimized and maintenance problems with the moving connections between the receiver tube and transfer conduit that were required in prior art systems, as described above, are substantially eliminated.

Problems solved by technology

Solar collection systems of the type described above suffer from a number of deficiencies.

These mirrors are very heavy, and are available from only a few manufacturers.

They are difficult to install and require robust mounting structure to support in order to provide for accurate positioning of the reflective surface 12 and to resist wind loads.

While thinner glass mirrors have been suggested as an alternative, they are more fragile resulting in increased handling costs and breakage losses.

Most support structures 18 for the mirrors are formed of galvanized steel which is also heavy, requires precise manufacturing and is expensive to build.

Bridge trusses have been employed in more recent designs for the support structures 18, but have proven to be nearly equally expensive to manufacture and often are lacking in torsional stiffness.

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