A control box of a solar power supply heliostat

Abstract

This utility model provides a control box for a solar-powered heliostat. The control box includes a control box body, an energy storage and control module, a control box cover, set screws, mounting screws, and a waterproof cable connector. The energy storage and control module is fixed to the control box body by the mounting screws. The control box cover is connected to the control box body by the set screws to form a sealed cavity. Waterproof cable connectors are provided on both sides of the control box body for fixing cables. This utility model uses solar panels to generate electricity and is equipped with corresponding energy storage batteries. The energy storage batteries supply power to the drive motor, which can greatly reduce the initial investment and construction difficulty, and avoid the problem of cable entanglement. (2) This utility model has an inner box and an outer box for the battery pack. The inner box and the outer box can be driven by a temperature control valve to achieve relative movement, thereby realizing the function of heat dissipation at high temperatures in summer and heat insulation at low temperatures in winter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of solar thermal utilization technology, and particularly relates to a control box for a solar-powered heliostat. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, heliostats are powered by a unified power supply system for the entire mirror field, requiring corresponding power transmission and transformation equipment and power cables. This not only uses a large number of cables, but also involves a significant amount of engineering work such as digging cable trenches and laying cables, resulting in high initial investment costs. Furthermore, during the movement of the heliostat, cables are easily entangled or even broken.

[0003] This patent utilizes solar panels to generate electricity, equipped with corresponding energy storage batteries, which then power the drive motor. This significantly reduces initial investment and construction difficulty, while also avoiding cable entanglement issues. Combined with wireless communication technology, it enables a cable-free mirror field.

[0004] Solar thermal power plants are mostly built in the cold, high-altitude northwest regions, where temperature variations are significant throughout the year. Summer temperatures can reach 40°C, while winter temperatures can drop below -35°C. To ensure the stable and efficient operation of the energy storage batteries and control system, insulation is required in winter and heat dissipation in summer. Existing control boxes, using a single enclosure, cannot achieve the switching between heat dissipation and insulation functions.

[0005] In this patent, the battery pack is provided with inner and outer boxes. The inner and outer boxes can be driven by a temperature control valve to achieve relative movement, thereby realizing the functions of heat dissipation at high temperatures in summer and heat insulation at low temperatures in winter. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a control box for a solar-powered heliostat, which has inner and outer housings for the battery pack. The inner and outer housings can move relative to each other through a temperature control valve, thereby achieving the functions of heat dissipation in summer and heat insulation in winter.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a control box for a solar-powered heliostat. The control box includes a control box body, an energy storage and control module, a control box cover, set screws, mounting screws, and waterproof cable connectors. The energy storage and control module is fixed to the control box body by the mounting screws, and the control box cover is connected to the control box body by the set screws to form a sealed cavity. Waterproof cable connectors are provided on both sides of the control box body for fixing cables.

[0008] Preferably, the energy storage and control module comprises an outer casing, a control module, a temperature control valve, a right cover, an inner casing, an energy storage battery pack, a reset spring, and a left cover. The control module is fixed to the outer casing by mounting screws.

[0009] Preferably, both the inner box and the outer box have elongated holes at their top and bottom, and both the inner box and the outer box are made of thermal insulation material.

[0010] Preferably, the energy storage battery pack is installed inside the inner box; the inner box and the energy storage battery pack are installed in the outer box, and the inner box can slide within the outer box.

[0011] Preferably, the left cover is fixed to the outer box body by a set screw, the left end face of the reset spring is fixed in the groove of the left cover, the right end face of the reset spring is in contact with the left end face of the inner box body, and the reset spring always applies a force to the right to the inner box body.

[0012] Preferably, the temperature control valve is installed in the positioning hole of the right cover, the push rod of the temperature control valve contacts the right end face of the inner box to restrict the position of the inner box, and the right cover is fixed to the outer box by a set screw.

[0013] Preferably, the temperature control valve consists of a housing, a push rod, a sealing ring, and paraffin wax. The push rod is installed in conjunction with the mounting hole of the housing. The push rod, the housing, and the sealing ring form a sealed cavity, which is filled with paraffin wax.

[0014] Preferably, the control module includes a PCB board, capacitors, inductors, an MPPT control chip, a boost regulator module, solar panel terminals, energy storage battery terminals, and DC power output terminals.

[0015] Preferably, when the temperature is low, the paraffin inside the temperature control valve contracts, the cavity volume decreases, the push rod of the temperature control valve retracts, and the reset spring pushes the inner box to move, so that the inner box and the outer box cover each other, the ventilation hole is closed, and the purpose of heat preservation is achieved.

[0016] Preferably, when the temperature is high, the paraffin inside the temperature control valve expands, the cavity volume increases, the push rod of the temperature control valve extends, pushes the inner box to move, and the return spring is compressed, so that the ventilation hole between the inner box and the outer box is connected, thereby achieving the purpose of ventilation and heat dissipation.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: (1) This utility model uses solar panels to generate electricity and is equipped with corresponding energy storage batteries. The energy storage batteries supply power to the drive motor, which can greatly reduce the initial investment and construction difficulty, and avoid the problem of cable entanglement. Combined with wireless communication technology, the mirror field can be cable-free. (2) This utility model is designed with an inner box and an outer box for the battery pack. The inner box and the outer box can be driven by a temperature control valve to achieve relative movement, thereby realizing the function of heat dissipation at high temperatures in summer and heat insulation at low temperatures in winter. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1This utility model provides a schematic diagram of the control box for a solar-powered heliostat.

[0019] Figure 2 Exploded view of the energy storage and control module in the control box of the solar-powered heliostat provided by this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This utility model provides a structural diagram of the inner box of the control box for a solar-powered heliostat.

[0021] Figure 4 This utility model provides a structural diagram of the outer casing of the control box for a solar-powered heliostat.

[0022] Figure 5 This utility model provides a structural diagram of the energy storage control module in the control box of a solar-powered heliostat.

[0023] Figure 6 The structural diagram of the temperature control valve in the control box of the solar-powered heliostat provided by this utility model.

[0024] Figure 7 A structural diagram of the energy storage and control module in the control box of a solar-powered heliostat operating at low temperatures.

[0025] Figure 8 A structural diagram of the energy storage and control module in the control box of a solar-powered heliostat operating at high temperatures.

[0026] 01-Control box body, 02-Energy storage and control module, 03-Control box cover, 04-Control box cover set screw, 05-Energy storage and control module mounting screw, 06-Waterproof cable connector, 0201-Outer casing, 0202-Control module, 0203-Temperature control valve,

[0027] 0204-Right cover, 0205-Inner box, 0206-Storage battery pack, 0207-Reset spring, 0208-Left cover, 0209-Set screw, 0210-Mounting screw, 0211-Oblong hole, 020201-Solar panel terminal, 020202-Storage battery terminal, 020203-PCB board, 020204-Capacitor, 020205-Inductor coil, 020206-MPPT control chip, 020207-Boost voltage regulator module, 020208-DC power output terminal, 020301-Push rod, 020302-Sealing ring, 020303-Housing shell, 020304-Paraffin wax. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this application, the following will provide a more detailed description of this application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] In the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined. The terms "install," "connect," "link," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "link" can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0031] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment / mode," "some embodiments / modes," "specific embodiment / mode," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment / mode or example, which is included in at least one embodiment / mode or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / mode or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments / modes or examples.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a control box for a solar-powered heliostat. The control box includes a control box body, an energy storage and control module, a control box cover, set screws, mounting screws, and waterproof cable connectors. The energy storage and control module is fixedly mounted on the box body by four mounting screws. The control box cover is connected to the control box body by set screws, and the box body and the control box cover form a sealed cavity. A waterproof cable connector is provided on each of the left and right sides of the control box body for fixing cables. The waterproof cable connector on the left side is fixedly connected to the cable of the solar panel, and the waterproof cable connector on the right side is fixedly connected to the cable of the heliostat drive motor.

[0033] A waterproof cable gland is a device used to seal cable entry and exit points. Through mechanical clamping and sealing structures, it prevents water, moisture, dust, oil, and other contaminants from entering the cable connection area, while also securing the cable to prevent damage from pulling. Its core functions include: waterproof sealing, mechanical protection, and electromagnetic shielding.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage and control module comprises an outer casing, a control module, a temperature control valve, a right cover, an inner casing, an energy storage battery pack, a return spring, and a left cover. The control module is fixed to the outer casing with mounting screws. The energy storage battery pack is installed inside the inner casing; the inner casing and the energy storage battery pack are installed in the outer casing, and the inner casing can slide freely in the left and right directions within the outer casing. The left cover is fixed to the outer casing with set screws. The left end face of the return spring is fixed in the groove of the left cover, and the right end face of the return spring contacts the left end face of the inner casing. The return spring always applies a rightward force to the inner casing. The temperature control valve is installed in the positioning hole of the right cover, and the push rod contacts the right end face of the inner casing to restrict the position of the inner casing. The right cover is fixed to the outer casing with set screws.

[0035] like Figures 3-4 As shown, both the inner and outer boxes are made of thermal insulation material. There are elongated holes on the top and bottom surfaces of both the inner and outer boxes, with a width of 3-5mm and a spacing of 8-11mm, which are evenly distributed.

[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, the control module includes a PCB board, capacitors, inductors, an MPPT control chip, a boost regulator module, solar panel terminals, energy storage battery terminals, and DC power output terminals.

[0037] Solar panel terminal blocks: used to connect solar panels and introduce the electricity generated by photovoltaics.

[0038] Energy storage battery terminals: connect to the energy storage battery to realize the storage and release control of electrical energy.

[0039] PCB board: or printed circuit board, is the electrical connection carrier of the entire module, providing physical support and electrical connection paths for various electronic components.

[0040] Capacitors: They have the functions of storing and releasing electrical energy, smoothing voltage, stabilizing circuit voltage, and filtering out noise in the power supply.

[0041] Inductors: In circuits, they are used to store magnetic energy, filter, choke, etc., and work with capacitors to achieve electrical energy conversion and stable output.

[0042] MPPT control chip: Maximum Power Point Tracking control chip, which can monitor the output power of solar panels in real time and keep them working near the maximum power point, thereby improving the power generation efficiency of solar panels.

[0043] Boost voltage regulator module: Increases the voltage of solar panels or energy storage batteries to the required stable voltage value, providing a stable DC power supply for subsequent loads.

[0044] DC power output terminal: Outputs processed and stabilized DC power to power external loads (such as lamps, small appliances, etc.).

[0045] Solar cells are affected by the intensity of sunlight, resulting in highly unstable output voltage and power. The voltage varies between 0-21V, making it impossible to charge energy storage battery packs stably and efficiently. Therefore, maximum power control technology (MPPT) is required to control the charging process.

[0046] The energy storage battery pack uses 15 3000mAh 18650 lithium batteries, arranged in 5 series and 3 parallel configurations. The charging cutoff voltage is 4.2V, the discharge cutoff voltage is 2.75V, the nominal voltage is 18.5V, the charging cutoff voltage is 21V, and the discharge cutoff voltage is 13.75V.

[0047] Existing maximum power control technology (MPPT) only controls the charging process of solar cells to the battery pack. The output voltage and power of the battery pack are also affected by the battery capacity saturation and load conditions, which causes unstable power supply to the motor and affects the motor performance.

[0048] In this invention, the maximum power control module (MPPT) and the boost voltage regulator module are integrated into a single control board to achieve regulated power output.

[0049] The electrical energy from the solar cells is regulated by the MPPT module to charge the energy storage battery pack with maximum efficiency, thus making full use of solar energy. The electrical energy in the energy storage battery pack is boosted and regulated by the voltage regulator module to achieve a continuously adjustable output voltage of 24V-36V with a voltage fluctuation accuracy of ±0.2V, ensuring the stability of the motor power supply.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the temperature control valve consists of a housing, a push rod, a sealing ring, and paraffin wax. The push rod is installed in conjunction with the mounting hole of the housing. The push rod, the housing, and the sealing ring form a sealed cavity, which is filled with paraffin wax.

[0051] A push rod: It plays an actuating role in the device. After receiving internal driving force, it moves in a straight line and can be used to push external parts to achieve specific mechanical actions.

[0052] Sealing ring: Its main function is to seal and prevent the leakage of substances such as paraffin inside the shell, while preventing external impurities and moisture from entering, ensuring the stability of the internal environment of the device and maintaining the normal operation of the device.

[0053] Housing: As the main structure of the device, it serves to house and protect internal components (such as paraffin wax), provide guidance and support for the movement of the push rod, and ensure the structural strength of the device.

[0054] Paraffin wax: This is the heat-driven medium of the device. Utilizing the thermal expansion and contraction properties of paraffin wax, when the temperature rises, the paraffin wax melts and expands, generating pressure that pushes the push rod to move; when the temperature drops, the paraffin wax solidifies and contracts, and the push rod can be reset by other external forces (such as a return spring, not shown in the figure).

[0055] like Figures 7-8 As shown, when the temperature is low, the paraffin inside the temperature control valve contracts, the cavity volume decreases, the push rod of the temperature control valve retracts, and the reset spring pushes the inner box to move, so that the inner box and the outer box cover each other, the ventilation hole is closed, and the purpose of heat preservation is achieved.

[0056] When the temperature is high, the paraffin inside the temperature control valve expands, the cavity volume increases, the push rod of the temperature control valve extends, pushing the inner box to move, the return spring is compressed, and the ventilation hole between the inner box and the outer box is connected to achieve the purpose of ventilation and heat dissipation.

[0057] Photothermal heliostats operate in outdoor environments, with winters characterized by frigid temperatures that can drop as low as -40 degrees Celsius, and summers by temperatures that can reach 40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the battery packs require insulation in winter and heat dissipation in summer.

[0058] This solution uses a temperature control valve and a spring as the driving force. By changing the relative position of the inner and outer boxes, it can achieve the function of heat preservation or ventilation of the battery pack.

[0059] The thermostatic valve is filled with paraffin wax, a material that expands when heated. The thermal expansion working range is adjusted to 20-25 degrees Celsius, and the thermostatic valve push rod stroke is designed to be 4-5mm.

[0060] When the ambient temperature is below 20 degrees Celsius, the thermostatic valve has the shortest stroke, and the long ventilation holes on the inner and outer boxes are completely staggered to achieve heat insulation; when the ambient temperature is above 25 degrees Celsius, the thermostatic valve push rod has the longest stroke, and the long ventilation holes on the inner and outer boxes are completely overlapped to achieve ventilation and heat dissipation.

[0061] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention, and common knowledge regarding specific structures and characteristics of the solutions is not described in detail here. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Therefore, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control box for a solar-powered heliostat, characterized in that, The control box includes a control box body, an energy storage and control module, a control box cover, set screws, mounting screws, and waterproof cable connectors. The energy storage and control module is fixed to the control box body by mounting screws, and the control box cover is connected to the control box body by the set screws to form a sealed cavity. Waterproof cable connectors are provided on both sides of the control box body for fixing cables.

2. The control box for a solar-powered heliostat according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage and control module comprises an outer casing, a control module, a temperature control valve, a right cover, an inner casing, an energy storage battery pack, a reset spring, and a left cover. The control module is fixed to the outer casing by mounting screws.

3. The control box for a solar-powered heliostat according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the inner box and the outer box have elongated holes at their top and bottom, and both the inner box and the outer box are made of thermal insulation material.

4. The control box for a solar-powered heliostat according to claim 3, characterized in that, The energy storage battery pack is installed inside the inner box; the inner box and the energy storage battery pack are installed in the outer box, and the inner box can slide within the outer box.

5. The control box for a solar-powered heliostat according to claim 4, characterized in that, The left cover is fixed to the outer box body by a set screw. The left end face of the return spring is fixed in the groove of the left cover. The right end face of the return spring is in contact with the left end face of the inner box body. The return spring always applies a force to the right to the inner box body.

6. The control box for a solar-powered heliostat according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature control valve is installed in the positioning hole of the right cover. The push rod of the temperature control valve contacts the right end face of the inner box to restrict the position of the inner box. The right cover is fixed to the outer box by a set screw.

7. A control box for a solar-powered heliostat according to claim 2 or 6, characterized in that, The temperature control valve consists of a housing, a push rod, a sealing ring, and paraffin wax. The push rod is installed in conjunction with the mounting hole of the housing. The push rod, the housing, and the sealing ring form a sealed cavity, which is filled with paraffin wax.

8. The control box for a solar-powered heliostat according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module includes a PCB board, capacitors, inductors, an MPPT control chip, a boost regulator module, solar panel terminals, energy storage battery terminals, and DC power output terminals.

9. The control box for a solar-powered heliostat according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the temperature is low, the paraffin inside the temperature control valve contracts, the cavity volume decreases, the push rod of the temperature control valve retracts, and the reset spring pushes the inner box to move, so that the inner box and the outer box cover each other, the ventilation hole is closed, and the purpose of heat preservation is achieved.

10. A control box for a solar-powered heliostat according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, When the temperature is high, the paraffin inside the temperature control valve expands, the cavity volume increases, the push rod of the temperature control valve extends, pushing the inner box to move, the return spring is compressed, and the ventilation hole between the inner box and the outer box is connected to achieve the purpose of ventilation and heat dissipation.

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