Solar collector device

Abstract

The invention provides a solar collector device comprising a reflector (12), a collector (14) and a support device (16). The support device is configured to allow relative displacement of the reflector and the collector between an operational state in which the collector is positioned to receive reflected radiation from the reflector and a stowed state. In the stowed state, the spacing between the reflector and the collector is less than the spacing in the operating state, and the wind load on the solar collector device is less than the wind load in the operating state. The invention extends to a solar module comprising a mobile platform on which a solar collector device is mounted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to solar energy. More specifically, the present invention relates to a solar energy collector device. The present invention also relates to a solar energy module. Background Art

[0002] The inventors have learned that a solar collector device comprises a solar dish or reflector and a receiver mounted to receive concentrated radiation reflected from the solar dish. To this end, the receiver is mounted in a fixed position relative to the reflector, which position usually coincides with the focus of the reflector.

[0003] To optimize the collection of solar energy, the reflector and receiver are secured together in a fixed spatial arrangement as an assembly that is typically mounted for angular displacement about vertical and horizontal axes to enable the reflector to follow the path of the sun.

[0004] In some circumstances, such as in high wind conditions, the reflector and receiver assembly is displaced to a stowed state in which the reflector faces downward and the receiver is located below the reflector. One problem with this arrangement is that it requires the reflector and receiver assembly to be mounted on a tower that is tall enough to ensure that the reflector is spaced far enough from the ground when in the stowed state to provide sufficient clearance for the receiver to be positioned between the reflector and the ground. This results in the solar collector apparatus being subject to considerable wind loads in both its operating and stowed states. In addition, construction costs are increased due to the height and strength of the tower required to support the reflector and receiver assembly. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide means which the inventors believe will at least alleviate this problem or provide a useful alternative.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar collector device comprising:

[0007] Reflector;

[0008] a receiver; and

[0009] A support arrangement is configured to allow relative displacement of the reflector and the receiver between an operative condition and a stowed condition, in which the receiver is positioned to receive reflected radiation from the reflector.

[0010] In the stowed state, the spacing between the reflector and the receiver may be smaller than in the operational state.

[0011] In the stowed state, wind loads on the solar collector arrangement may be less than in the operational state.

[0012] The support device may be configured to allow the reflector and the receiver to be angularly displaced relative to each other between a stowed state and an operational state. To this end, the support device may include a support structure to which at least one of the reflector and the receiver is pivotally connected by a pivot connection so as to be displaced about a first pivot axis between an operational state and a stowed state. In one embodiment of the invention, the reflector is pivotally connected to the support structure, and the support device may include an actuator, whereby the reflector can be displaced relative to the support structure between its operational state and a stowed state. In one embodiment of the invention, the actuator may include a piston and cylinder assembly operated by a pressurized fluid. In another embodiment of the invention, the actuator may be electrically operated, or optionally a combination of hydraulic and electric. In another embodiment of the invention, the reflector may be displaced relative to the support structure by a torque tube, which may be rotated, for example, electrically or hydraulically.

[0013] The solar collector arrangement may comprise a base rotatable about a vertical rotation axis, the support arrangement being pivotably mounted on the base for angular displacement about a second pivot axis.

[0014] The first and second pivot axes may be parallel.

[0015] The support structure may include: an elongated first support arm, one end of which is connected to the base, the receiver is mounted at or near the other end of the first support arm; and a second support arm, which is angularly spaced from the first support arm and the reflector is connected to the second support arm.

[0016] The reflector may be a composite structure and include a plurality of reflector elements. Each of at least some of the reflector elements may be parabolic in shape and each reflector has a focus that coincides with the receiver when the reflector is in its operational state.

[0017] The receiver may be configured to heat a fluid. To this end, the receiver may include an inlet for receiving the fluid to be heated and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet through which the heated fluid may be discharged from the receiver in use.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the receiver may be configured to heat a solid body.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar module, comprising:

[0020] Mobile platforms; and

[0021] The solar collector device as described above is mounted on a mobile platform to be moved from one location to another.

[0022] The mobile platform may be in the form of a trailer and may be detachably connected to a towing vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] In the attached picture:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a solar collector device according to the invention in an operating state and a first position;

[0026] Figure 1A Shows Figure 1 an enlarged view of a portion of a solar collector device;

[0027] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the solar collector device in a second position;

[0028] Figure 2A Shows Figure 2 an enlarged view of a portion of a solar collector device;

[0029] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the solar collector device in a third position;

[0030] Figure 3A Shows Figure 3 an enlarged view of a portion of a solar collector device;

[0031] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a solar collector device in a partially retracted state;

[0032] Figure 4A Shows Figure 4 an enlarged view of a portion of a solar collector device;

[0033] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of a solar collector device in its retracted state viewed from an opposite side;

[0034] Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of a solar module according to the invention, wherein a solar collector device of the solar module is in an operating state;

[0035] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A side view of a solar panel;

[0036] Figure 8 Shows something like Figure 7 A side view of the solar collector assembly in a first stowed state; and

[0037] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 6 A rear view of a solar assembly of FIG. 1 , wherein the solar collector device is in a second stowed or transport state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following description of the present invention is provided as an implementation teaching of the present invention. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes can be made to the described embodiments while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It is also obvious that some desired benefits of the present invention can also be obtained by selecting some features of the present invention without using other features. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and changes to the present invention are possible, and even desirable in some cases, and are a part of the present invention. Therefore, the following description is provided as an illustration of the principles of the present invention, rather than a limitation of the present invention.

[0039] In the attached figure Figures 1 to 5 In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a solar collector arrangement according to the invention. The solar collector arrangement 10 comprises a reflector generally indicated by reference numeral 12, a collector or receiver generally indicated by reference numeral 14 and a support arrangement generally indicated by reference numeral 16.

[0040] The support device 16 comprises a base 20 on which is mounted a turntable 22 which comprises a top 24 rotatable about a vertically extending axis of rotation 26 .

[0041] The support device 16 also includes a support structure, generally indicated by the reference numeral 28, which is mounted on the top 24 of the turntable 22. The support device 16 includes an upright support member 30 mounted on the top 24 of the turntable 22 and extending vertically upward from the top. The support structure 28 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the upright support member 30 by pivot pins 32, which allow the support structure 28 to be pivotally displaced relative to the upright support member 30 about a horizontal pivot axis 34. The support structure 28 includes an elongated rod (boom) having a proximal end 36.1 and a distal end 36.2.

[0042] 36. In addition, the support structure 28 includes a reflector support arm 38 having a proximal end 38.1 and a distal end 38.2. The proximal end 36.1 of the rod 36 and the proximal end 38.1 of the reflector support arm 38 are connected together so that the rod 36 and the reflector support arm 38 extend perpendicularly away from their connection. A pair of struts or support columns 40 extend between the rod 36 and the reflector support arm 38 to secure the rod 36 and the reflector support arm 38 together.

[0043] The receiver 14 is mounted at or towards the distal end 36 . 2 of the rod 36 . The reflector 12 is connected to the distal end 38 . 2 of the reflector support arm 38 by a pivot connection 42 for pivotal displacement about a horizontal pivot axis 44 .

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, displacement of the support structure 28 relative to the upright support 30 about the pivot axis 34 is accomplished by a pressurized fluid operated piston and cylinder assembly 46 connected to and extending between the upright support 30 and the rod 36. Alternatively, displacement of the support structure 28 relative to the upright support 30 about the pivot axis 34 may be accomplished by an electrical actuator, such as a motor gearbox combination. Pivotal displacement of the reflector 12 relative to the support structure 28 about the pivot axis 44 is accomplished by a piston and cylinder device 48 connected to and extending between the reflector 12 and the support structure 28. Similarly, an electrical actuator, such as a motor gearbox combination, may be used in place of the piston and cylinder device 48. As can be seen from the drawings, the connection between the piston and cylinder arrangement 48 and the reflector 12 is located spaced from the pivotal connection between the reflector 12 and the reflector support arm 38 to provide the torque required to displace the reflector 12 as described in more detail below.

[0045] It should be understood that one or more of the turntable 22, piston and cylinder assembly 46, and piston and cylinder assembly 48 may be replaced with an alternative drive arrangement, such as a slew drive, such as that available from Bearings Distributors (Pty) Ltd.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the reflector 12 is a composite reflector and includes a support frame 50 to which a plurality of reflector elements 52 are connected at spaced-apart locations. Each reflector element 52 is generally parabolic in shape and is positioned so that when the reflector is in the position of the drawing, the reflector 12 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam. Figures 1 to 3 In the operating state shown, the focal point of the reflector element coincides with the receiver 14 .

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the receiver 14 is configured to heat a fluid. To this end, the receiver 14 includes an inlet for receiving the fluid to be heated and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, through which the heated fluid can be discharged from the receiver in use. A conduit 53 is provided to supply the fluid to be heated to the inlet and to supply the heated fluid to a desired location, such as for use as process heat or for power generation. In one application, the heated fluid is used to melt metal, such as for processing, manufacturing or recycling. In another embodiment of the present invention, the receiver 14 is configured to heat or melt a solid (e.g., directly or indirectly heat a solid piece or pieces of metal).

[0048] In use, when the solar collector device 10 is in the Figures 1 to 3 In the operating state shown, the solar collector device 10 is used in a conventional manner and can be displaced about the vertical rotation axis 26 and the horizontally extending pivot axis 34 to follow the path of the sun and maximize the radiation collection on the collector. Figure 1 The sun is relatively low in relation to the horizon, such as in the early morning.

[0049] When it is desired to move the solar collector assembly to the stowed position, such as during high winds and / or low light conditions such as at night, the piston and cylinder assembly 48 is operated to move the reflector 12 in the direction of arrow 54 ( Figure 1 ) direction about the pivot axis 44 formed by the pivot connection 42. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen from the figure, the reflector 12 is Figures 1 to 3 ) to its stowed state (as shown in the accompanying drawings) Figure 5 ) is displaced by about 90°. Naturally, in order to return the reflector to its operating state, the reverse procedure is followed.

[0050] It will be appreciated that when in the stowed position, the overall height of the solar collector arrangement 10 is significantly reduced. In addition, the reflector 12 extends generally parallel to the ground, thereby effectively reducing the surface area of ​​the reflector 12 exposed to any wind loads. Naturally, this may occur, for example, during high wind conditions, heavy rain, etc. In addition to minimizing the load on the support structure during high wind conditions, the stowed feature of the reflector also protects sensitive reflector facets / elements from damage due to environmental exposure from above, such as during hail, dust storms, etc.

[0051] Another advantage of being able to place the collector in a stowed position is that the reflector facets / elements face downwardly towards the ground, which allows for more efficient cleaning and maintenance of the reflector elements.

[0052] Furthermore, since the pole 36 and receiver 14 are not displaced with the reflector 12 when the reflector is displaced to its stowed condition, the height of the upright support 30 need only be sufficient to provide clearance between the lowest edges of the reflector 12 and pole 36 and the ground during normal use. This reduced height of the solar collector apparatus of the present invention significantly reduces wind loads on the solar collector apparatus in its operating and stowed conditions compared to prior art solar collector apparatus known to the inventors of the present invention.

[0053] Now refer to the accompanying drawings Figures 6 to 9 , wherein reference numeral 100 generally designates a solar module according to the invention.

[0054] The solar assembly 100 includes a mobile platform, generally indicated by the reference numeral 102 , and a solar collector device, generally indicated by the reference numeral 103 , mounted on the mobile platform 102 .

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile platform 102 is in the form of a trailer including a wheeled chassis 104 having a hitch 106 whereby the trailer 102 may be removably separated from a towing vehicle.

[0056] The solar collector device 103 mounted on the trailer 102 is similar to that shown in the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 5 The solar collector device 10 shown and described above, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals used above are used to indicate similar components. The main difference between the solar collector device 103 and the solar collector device 10 is that the reflector 12 of the solar collector device 103 uses fewer reflector elements 52. However, it should be understood that the reflector can include more or fewer reflector elements depending on the intended application.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the trailer 102 includes four retractable legs 108 that can be deployed to stabilize the trailer 102 when the trailer 102 is in a desired location. It should be understood that more or fewer legs may be used.

[0058] The solar assembly 100 with the retractable legs 108 in the retracted state can be transported to any desired location. At the desired location, the retractable legs 108 are extended so that they rest against the ground and support the trailer 104 in a stable manner, and so that the axis of rotation 26 extends vertically. The solar collector device 103 can then be used in substantially the same manner as the solar collector device 10 described above.

[0059] When it is desired to move the solar collector assembly 103 to a stowed position, for example during high winds and / or low light conditions such as at night, the reflector 12 is moved in the manner described above to the position shown in the drawings. Figure 8 When it is desired to return the solar collector assembly 103 to its operational state, the reverse procedure is followed.

[0060] However, it should be understood that Figure 8 In the stowed position shown, the reflector 12 will extend laterally out of the side of the trailer 102. Thus, when it is necessary to transport the trailer from one location to another, the solar collector device can be shifted to the transport position or the second stowed position, as shown in the accompanying drawings. Fig. 9 1, wherein the reflector extends generally longitudinally relative to the trailer 102 and does not protrude beyond the edge of the trailer.

[0061] In this arrangement, wind loads imposed on the solar connector due to the movement of the trailer are also limited, which not only alleviates stress from wind speed but also provides a compact profile, allowing it to be transported on public roads.

Claims

1. A solar collector device comprising: Reflector; Receiver; as well as A support arrangement is configured to allow relative displacement of the reflector and the receiver between an operative condition in which the receiver is positioned to receive reflected radiation from the reflector and a stowed condition.

2. The solar collector device according to claim 1, wherein: In the stowed state, the spacing between the reflector and the receiver is smaller than in the operating state.

3. A solar collector device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the stowed state, wind loads on the solar collector arrangement are less than in the operational state.

4. A solar collector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support means is configured to allow angular displacement of the reflector and receiver relative to each other between the stowed condition and the operative condition.

5. The solar collector device according to claim 4, wherein: In the stowed state, an angular separation between the reflector and the receiver is smaller than an angular separation between the reflector and the receiver in the operational state.

6. A solar collector device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The support arrangement comprises a support structure to which at least one of the reflector and the receiver is pivotally connected by a pivot connection for displacement about a first pivot axis between the operative condition and the stowed condition.

7. A solar collector device according to claim 6, wherein: The reflector is pivotally connected to the support structure and the support arrangement comprises an actuator whereby the reflector is displaceable relative to the support structure between the operative condition and the stowed condition.

8. The solar collector device of claim 7, wherein: The actuator includes a pressurized fluid operated piston and cylinder assembly.

9. A solar collector device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The actuator is electrically operated.

10. A solar energy collector arrangement according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising a base rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation, the support means being pivotally mounted on the base for angular displacement about a second pivot axis.

11. A solar collector device according to claim 10, wherein: The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are parallel.

12. A solar collector device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein: The support structure includes: an elongated first support arm, one end of which is connected to the base, and the receiver is mounted at or near the other end of the first support arm; and a second support arm, which is angularly spaced from the first support arm and the reflector is connected to the second support arm.

13. A solar collector device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The reflector has a composite structure and includes a plurality of reflector elements.

14. A solar collector device according to claim 13, wherein: Each of at least some of the reflector elements is parabolic in shape and has a focal point that coincides with the receiver when the reflector is in the operational state.

15. A solar collector device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The receiver is configured to heat a fluid, the receiver comprising an inlet for receiving the fluid to be heated and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet, through which the heated fluid can be discharged from the receiver in use.

16. A solar collector device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The receiver is configured to heat a solid body.

17. A solar module comprising: Mobile platforms; as well as 16. A solar collector arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 16, mounted on the mobile platform for movement from one location to another.

18. The solar module according to claim 17, wherein: The mobile platform is in the form of a trailer and is detachably connected to a towing vehicle.

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