Solar concentrator construction with chromed torsion box

Abstract

The solar concentrator includes a base with a support frame that is rotatably connected thereto. A torsion box is tiltably mounted to the support frame to provide a wide range of movement of the torsion box and the finish surface thereon, which is preferably of a single plane parabolic shape that carries a layer of highly reflective chrome material. A receiver is mounted above the surface of the chrome layer at the focus of the parabola by a bracket to optimize reflection of radiation thereto. Plumbing transports liquid, such as water, through the receiver for heating thereof for various purposes, such as water desalinization. Thus, the solar concentrator is an optimized low cost and easy to manufacture solar concentrator.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of earlier filed non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13,462,249, filed on May 2, 2012, which is related to and claims priority from earlier filed provisional patent application Ser. No. 61 / 483,141, filed May 6, 2011, the entire contents of the foregoing is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to power generation systems. In particular, the invention relates to a solar thermal power plant using solar heat energy in a direct steam generation (DSG) process, wherein a liquid phase of a phase changing fluid (e.g. water) is provided by a pressure vessel to a boiler tube where concentrated solar radiation heating takes place, and a gaseous phase of a phase changing fluid (e.g. steam) is cycled back to the pressure vessel, so as to enable flow control under rapidly varying solar heating transients and two-phase working fluid instability condition...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a new solar concentrator that has advantages over current solar concentrators. It is cheaper to manufacture, lighter, and easier to assemble, while also being able to track the sun for optimal performance. The technical effects of the invention are improved performance and reduced cost of construction.

Problems solved by technology

It is well known in the industry that a large portion of the cost and effort in manufacture is directed to the construction of the solar concentrator body itself.

As can be understood, this custom mirrored glass is very expensive and the large cement base is extremely heavy.

As a result, these prior art solar concentrators that are known in the art are very expensive and cumbersome.

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