Solar Reflection Apparatus

Abstract

A solar reflection apparatus (60) is disclosed comprising a rotatable reflection (assembly 20) and a drive mechanism (12) which is operable to drive rotation of the reflection assembly (20) at its axis of rotation. The reflection assembly (20) comprises a curved linear reflector (4) defining a focal axis F, a counter weight (17) operable to balance the self weight of the reflector (4), and a support structure (15) via which the reflector (4) and counter weight (17) are rotatably mounted at locations along the focal axis F of the reflector (4). A solar collection apparatus (2) is also disclosed comprising a solar reflection (apparatus 60) as disclosed above and a heat collecting element (6), fixedly mounted along the focal axis F of the reflector (4). Also disclosed is a method of reflecting solar radiation comprising forming a reflection assembly (20), mounting the reflection assembly (20) for rotation about the focal axis F of the reflector (4) and driving rotation of the reflection assembly (20) at its axis of rotation. The reflection assembly (20) comprises a linear curved reflector (4) that defines the focal axis F, a counter weight (17) operable substantially to balance the self weight of the reflector (4), and a support structure (15).

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to a solar reflection apparatus, a solar collection apparatus and a method of reflecting solar radiation, all of which may be appropriate for use in a solar thermal power plant.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems use lenses or mirrors to focus large areas of sunlight onto a small target area. The focused light is used to heat a working fluid or heat transfer fluid (HTF) for use in a conventional power plant. Tracking systems are employed to orient the lenses or mirrors to focus the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the solar day.[0003]One of the most efficient concentrating technologies is the parabolic trough, comprising a linear parabolic reflector which concentrates light on a heat collecting element positioned along the focal line of the reflector. The heat collecting element is generally a heat collecting pipe which may be filled with water for steam generation or with a HTF. The parabolic trough reflec...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026]The heat collecting element is mounted on at least two fixed supports distributed along the focal axis of the reflector. The supports may be located at opposed ends of the reflection assembly. The fixed supports may be operatively connected to the fixed frame on which the reflection assembly is mounted, thus simplifying the overall construction of the solar collection apparatus.

[0027]The heat collecting element may extend through the gear transmission of the drive mechanism, further simplifying construction. For example, the heat collecting pipe may pass through the bearings at each end of the assembly, and may be spaced from the bearings, so as not to be in contact therewith. By spacing the heat collecting pipe from the bearings, it is possible to reduce deleterious heating of the bearing by fluid in the collector pipe, and thus improve reliability. In an embodiment, the space between the heat collecting pipe and th

Problems solved by technology

Mounting the reflection assembly at the focal axis, about which the assembly is rotated, significantl

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