Mounting device for a solar collector module with a curved mirror surface and method for mounting a solar collector module with a curved mirror surface

Abstract

Mounting device (1) for a solar collector module (100) with a curved mirror surface (110), with a support structure (3) with several mirror support surfaces (5), the position on the support structure (3) and orientation of which is adapted to a predetermined shape of a mirror element (120) or several mirror elements (120) of the solar collector module (100), with at least two suspension brackets (9) for suspending the support structure (3) on support stands (130) of the solar collector module (100), and with at least one fastening device (13) for releasably fixing a frame structure (140) of the solar collector module (100) to the support structure (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting device for a solar collector module with a curved mirror surface and to a method for mounting a solar collector module with a curved mirror surface.

[0002] Solar collectors with curved mirror surfaces are known in various designs. For example, parabolic trough collectors are such solar collectors, which are designed as uniaxially moving optical systems that concentrate direct solar radiation onto an absorber tube using parabolic mirrors in order to heat a heat transfer medium flowing in the absorber tube.

[0003] Currently used commercial parabolic trough collectors have several pylons between which collector modules are suspended. A parabolic trough collector can, for example, have twelve rigidly connected collector modules that are rotated as a single unit by a central drive.

[0004] Depending on the solar field size and application, various parabolic trough collector types can be selected. A common distinction is made between large and long parabolic trough collectors, which have an aperture width of more than 3 m and a collector length of more than 30 m, and small, short parabolic trough collectors, which have an aperture width of less than 2 m and a collector length of less than 30 m.

[0005] When constructing solar fields, collector modules are usually manufactured in a stationary mounting device erected at the solar field or in factories, and then attached to pylons erected in the solar field and subsequently aligned.

[0006] Large and long parabolic trough collectors are usually assembled at the solar field using a suitably sized mounting fixture to produce collector modules up to 12 meters long. These are then transported to the appropriate installation location in the field using a crane and special transport vehicles.

[0007] Smaller parabolic trough collectors use smaller solar collector modules that are easier to handle and can, for example, be carried by two people, thus eliminating the need for cranes and cumbersome transport vehicles. Finished units can be delivered by truck, for example.

[0008] Smaller collectors, however, often suffer from a significantly lower optical efficiency because they exhibit more negatively impacting edge effects compared to larger collectors. Furthermore, smaller collectors are typically operated with thinner absorber tubes, leading to higher pressure losses. The manufacturing costs of high-quality, thin absorber tubes are also comparatively high. Smaller collectors also require a greater number of collector drives compared to larger ones. Additionally, small collectors require many parallel loops, each with the same mass flow rate to ensure a uniform mass flow distribution. This necessitates a sophisticated control system.

[0009] The mounting system at the solar field for large collector modules, however, is comparatively large and must be very precise, resulting in high costs for the mounting system. Furthermore, the previously described construction of the solar field with large collector modules is very complex due to the required crane and special transport vehicles. The on-site mounting system is also only used for a relatively small number of modules, unlike, for example, smaller modules manufactured in a factory.

[0010] Nowadays, solar fields are mostly built with large collectors, with attempts to use, for example, two mounting structures per solar field. However, since only one collector module can be manufactured in each mounting structure, the speed of collector module production is still limited, resulting in a comparatively long construction time for solar fields. A larger number of stationary mounting structures is usually not practical due to the high investment costs.

[0011] The above description is part of the applicant's general knowledge, but does not necessarily refer to a specific published prior art.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device and a method for mounting a solar collector module, whereby the disadvantages described above are avoided as far as possible and the construction of solar fields is improved.

[0013] The assembly device according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 1.

[0014] The inventive method for mounting a solar collector module is defined by the features of claim 8.

[0015] The mounting device according to the invention for a solar collector module with a curved mirror surface comprises a support structure with several mirror contact surfaces, the position and orientation of which on the support structure are adapted to or correspond to a predetermined shape of one or more mirror elements of the solar collector module, as well as at least two suspension brackets for suspending the support structure from the mounting stands of the solar collector module. Furthermore, the mounting device comprises at least one fastening device for releasably fixing a frame structure of the solar collector module to the support structure.

[0016] The mounting device according to the invention enables the solar collector module to be mounted directly at the installation site by suspending the support structure from the solar collector module's mounting supports and using this support structure to mount the solar collector module. One or more mirror elements can be placed on the support structure and attached to the frame structure of the solar collector module. Since the support structure is attached to the frame structure of the solar collector module by means of at least one fastening device, the support structure and the frame structure of the solar collector module are aligned with each other and remain in this position during assembly, so that the mirror element(s) can be advantageously positioned correctly.Since the support structure has corresponding mirror mounting surfaces whose position on the support structure corresponds to the predetermined shape of the mirror element(s), the mirror element(s) can be positioned advantageously. After all mirror elements have been inserted and connected to the frame structure of the solar collector module, the mounting device can be removed and transported to another solar collector module location to mount this additional solar collector module.

[0017] The mounting device according to the invention has a comparatively simple design and can, for example, be manufactured using lightweight construction methods. This makes it advantageously portable and cost-effective to produce. Thus, several mounting devices according to the invention can be provided for a solar field, which can, for example, be carried by installers. This enables very fast and cost-effective construction of solar fields.

[0018] The mounting device according to the invention is particularly suitable for collector modules of parabolic trough collectors. However, the mounting device can also be used in principle for other solar collector modules with a curved mirror surface, such as so-called dish collectors.

[0019] Within the scope of the invention, solar collector modules with curved mirror surfaces also include solar collector modules that have a non-continuously curved mirror surface and, for example, consist of a plurality of flat facets arranged along a curvature.

[0020] Preferably, the support structure has recesses for the insertion of mirror stabilization struts. Some mirrors have additional mirror stabilization struts on the outside of the mirror elements, which connect the mirror element(s) to the frame structure of the solar collector module and increase the stability of the mirror elements and thus the rigidity of the mirror surface. To allow these mirror stabilization struts to be installed before the mounting fixture is removed, the mounting fixture can have corresponding recesses. This allows the mirror stabilization struts to be attached while the support structure is still maintaining the shape of the solar collector module, thus preventing any changes to the shape of the solar collector module during subsequent installation of the mirror stabilization struts.

[0021] In particular, the support structure can be designed as a lattice structure. Such a structure allows for the simple provision of a recess for the insertion of mirror stabilization struts and, furthermore, offers a very lightweight and structurally simple structure that nevertheless possesses high stability.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the suspension brackets each have a projection adapted to a bearing recess of one of the support structures, the projection being insertable into the respective bearing recess. The support structure can thus be suspended from the support structures by inserting the projections of the suspension brackets into the bearing recesses. This also makes it possible, in particular, to rotate the support structure relative to the support structures, so that the support structure, together with the frame structure, can be rotated into a more accessible position for inserting the mirror element(s) before the mirror element(s) are inserted.

[0023] Preferably, the specified shape is a parabolic shape.

[0024] The support structure can have several lattice strut groups extending in the direction of curvature, with each group of mirror bearing surfaces arranged on a lattice strut group.

[0025] In the mounting device according to the invention, it can be provided that the mirror support surfaces are formed by mirror support blocks.

[0026] A group of mirror support surfaces can comprise at least four, preferably at least six, mirror support surfaces. Such a number has proven particularly advantageous for support along the curved shape.

[0027] The mounting device can be suitable, for example, for solar collector modules with a module length of 4 m, so the support structure can also have a length of 4 m. The solar collector modules can, for example, have an aperture width of 4.20 m. Since the mirror elements should extend beyond the support structure when placed on it to allow for easy attachment of the mirror elements to the frame structure, it is sufficient if the support structure has a width of, for example, 4 m.

[0028] The inventive method for mounting a solar collector module with a curved mirror surface comprises the following steps: a) Attaching a frame structure of the solar collector module to at least two support structures of the solar collector module, b) Arranging a mounting device according to the invention on the bearing supports, wherein the support structure is suspended on the bearing supports by means of suspension brackets and aligned in a basic position, c) Fixing the frame structure of the solar collector module to the support structure by means of at least one fastening device, d) Placing at least one mirror element on the mirror support surfaces, e) Attaching the at least one mirror element to the frame structure, f) Detaching the support structure from the frame structure of the solar collector module g) Removing the mounting device from the bearing supports.

[0029] Using the method according to the invention, a solar collector module can thus be easily mounted directly at the installation site. This avoids the complex transport of a complete solar collector module to the support structures and allows a solar field to be set up in a simple manner.

[0030] In the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that steps a) and b) are carried out in reverse order, so that the assembly device is first arranged on the bearing supports before the frame structure is attached.

[0031] Depending on the design of the bearing supports, it is also generally possible that the frame structure is first attached to the support structure and then both are arranged together on the bearing supports.

[0032] Preferably, in step b), the support structure is suspended from the bearing stands by means of the suspension brackets, by inserting the projection of one of the support brackets into a bearing recess of one of the bearing stands. This allows the mounting device to be advantageously arranged on the bearing stands. Since the bearing stands of solar collector modules are generally very precisely aligned, suspending the support structure by means of the projections that are inserted into the bearing recesses of the bearing stands is particularly advantageous, as it enables a particularly precise alignment of the support structure.

[0033] It can be provided that the projections of the suspension brackets are each rotatably mounted in the corresponding bearing recess. This allows the support structure, together with the frame structure, to be rotated relative to the bearing supports, thus advantageously enabling the placement of at least one mirror element onto the mirror support surfaces.

[0034] Preferably, in step d) several mirror elements are placed on the mirror support surfaces, with each mirror element being attached to the frame structure. The mirror elements can, for example, have a size of 2 x 2.5 m. By providing several mirror elements of a comparatively small size, they can be advantageously transported to the mounting position and are easy to handle. Solar collector modules of the desired size can then be assembled from the several mirror elements.

[0035] Preferably, the support structure, together with the frame structure, is rotated in a first direction, and a first number of mirror elements are placed on and attached to the frame structure. Subsequently, the support structure, together with the frame structure, is rotated in a second direction, and a second number of mirror elements are placed on and attached to the frame structure. In other words, during assembly, the support structure can first be rotated in one direction so that the mirror elements on one side of the solar collector module can be arranged and attached. Then, the support structure, together with the already attached mirror elements, is rotated further so that mirror elements on the other side can be placed on and attached. This allows for a particularly advantageous assembly of the solar collector module.

[0036] It can be provided that the rotation in the first direction is at least 45° from the initial position of the support structure, and the rotation in the second direction is also at least 45° from the initial position of the support structure. The rotation of at least 45° in the respective direction allows the mirror elements to be positioned in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0037] In the method according to the invention, it can further be provided that in step a) the frame structure is subsequently aligned in the zenith position, preferably by means of an inclinometer measurement. This enables particularly precise mounting of the solar collector module, since the frame structure is exactly aligned before the subsequent mounting.

[0038] It can also be provided that in step b) the basic position of the support structure is the zenith position, with the alignment preferably being carried out by inclinometer measurement. This ensures that the support structure is also aligned very precisely, so that it assumes a precise position before the mirrors are placed on it.

[0039] The attachment of the mirror element or elements to the frame structure in step e) can be done with adjustable mirror clamps, which allow for fine adjustment, thereby compensating for inaccuracies in the frame structure.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that mirror stabilization struts are attached between steps e) and f), which connect the frame structure to an outside of the mirror element or to outsides of the mirror elements.

[0041] The inventive method thus allows for the simple attachment of additional mirror stabilization struts, which ensure increased stability of the mirror elements and therefore of the mirror surface. By attaching the mirror stabilization struts between steps e) and f), it is ensured that the support structure continues to support the mirror element(s), allowing for precise attachment of the mirror stabilization struts without affecting the predetermined shape of the mirror elements.

[0042] Within the scope of the invention, it can also be provided that a frame structure for several solar collector modules is provided and, for example, includes longitudinally extending so-called torsion boxes. Thus, in the inventive method for mounting a solar collector module, the frame structure can be attached to a plurality of support stands, and the mounting device according to the invention can be arranged only between two support stands in order to mount the corresponding solar collector module. Subsequently, the mounting device can be removed and arranged between the next two support stands, with the frame structure already installed by the mounting of the preceding solar collector module.

[0043] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the following figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a mounting device according to the invention for a solar module with a curved mirror surface in a state suspended on bearing supports, Fig. 2 a schematic side view of the in Fig. 1 shown assembly device and Fig. 3 a schematic view of the in Fig. 1. Mounting device shown with mounted solar collector modules.

[0044] In the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a mounting device 1 according to the invention for a solar collector module 100 with a curved mirror surface 110.

[0045] The mounting device 1 has a support structure 3 with several mirror mounting surfaces 5. The mirror mounting surfaces 5 are formed by mirror mounting blocks 7, which are attached to the support structure 3. The position of the mirror mounting blocks 7 and the corresponding mirror mounting surfaces 5 on the support structure 3 and their orientation are adapted to a predetermined shape of one or more mirror elements 120 of the solar collector module 100. In other words, a connection of the mirror mounting surfaces 5 results in the predetermined shape of the mirror element 120 or of more than one mirror element 120 of the solar collector module 100.

[0046] The support structure 3 is suspended from the bearing stands 130 of the solar collector module 100 by means of two suspension brackets 9. The suspension brackets 9 each have a projection 11 that engages in bearing recesses 130a of the bearing stands 130, as shown in the figure. Fig.2 is evident. The support structure 3 is thus rotatably mounted on the bearing supports 130.

[0047] During the assembly of the solar collector module 100, a frame structure 140 of the solar collector module 100 is also arranged on the support stands 130. The mounting device 1 is detachably fixed to this frame structure 140 by means of at least one fastening device 13. This allows the support structure 3 to be moved together with the frame structure 140.

[0048] The support structure 3 is designed as a lattice structure. The support structure 3 has several lattice strut groups 15 that extend in the direction of curvature of the solar collector module 100 to be mounted. Each lattice strut group 15 is arranged with a group 5a of mirror support blocks 7 with mirror support surfaces 5. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a group 5a of mirror support surfaces 5 consists of six mirror support surfaces 5.

[0049] The support structure 3, through its grid structure, also forms recesses 17 through which mirror stabilization struts 150 can be guided during the assembly of the solar collector module 100. These struts are guided from the frame structure 140 of the solar collector module 100 to an outer surface 120a of the mirror element 120 or outer surfaces 120a of several mirror elements 120 and serve to increase the rigidity of the mirror surface 110.

[0050] Adjustable mirror clamps 160 can be provided for attaching the mirror element 120 or mirror elements 120 to the frame structure 140, by means of which fine adjustment can be made, thereby compensating for inaccuracies of the frame structure 140.

[0051] After the solar collector module 100 has been mounted, the mounting device 1 can be removed from the support stands 130. Reference symbol list 1 Mounting device 3 Support structure 5 Mirror mounting surface Group 5a 7 Mirror support block 9 Hanging bracket 11 lead 13 Fastening device 15 Lattice strut group 17 recess 100 solar collector modules 110 mirror surface 120 mirror elements 120a Outside 130 storage racks 130a Bearing recess 140 frame structure 150 Mirror stabilization strut 160 mirror clamp

Claims

[1] Mounting device (1) for a solar collector module (100) with curved mirror surface (110), with a support structure (3) with several mirror support surfaces (5), the position of which on the support structure (3) and orientation is adapted to a predetermined shape of a mirror element (120) or several mirror elements (120) of the solar collector module (100), with at least two suspension brackets (9) for suspending the support structure (3) from the support stands (130) of the solar collector module (100), and with at least one fastening device (13) for the detachable fixing of a frame structure (140) of the solar collector module (100) to the support structure (3). [2] Mounting device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the support structure (3) has recesses (17) for passing mirror stability struts (150). [3] Mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the support structure (3) consists of a lattice structure. [4] Mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the suspension brackets (9) each have a projection (11) which is adapted to a bearing recess (130a) of one of the bearing supports (130), wherein the projection (11) can be inserted into the respective bearing recess (130a). [5] Mounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the given shape is a parabolic shape. [6] Mounting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the support structure (3) has several lattice strut groups (15) extending in the direction of curvature, wherein a group (5a) of mirror support surfaces (5) is arranged on each lattice strut group (15). [7] Mounting device according to claim 6, characterized by , that a group (5a) of mirror support surfaces (5) has at least 4 mirror support surfaces (5). [8] Method for mounting a solar collector module (100) with a curved mirror surface (110), comprising the following steps: a) Attaching a frame structure (140) of the solar collector module (100) to at least two support stands (130) of the solar collector module (100), b) Arranging a mounting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7 on at least two bearing stands (130), wherein the support structure (3) is suspended on the bearing stands (130) by means of suspension brackets (9) and aligned in a basic position, c) Fixing the frame structure of the solar collector module (100) to the support structure (3) by means of the at least one fastening device (13), d) Placing at least one mirror element (120) on the mirror support surfaces (5), e) Attaching the at least one mirror element (120) to the frame structure, f) Detaching the support structure (3) from the frame structure (140) of the solar collector module (100) and g) Removing the mounting device (1) from the bearing supports (130). [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by , that in step b) the support structure (3) is suspended on the bearing stands (130) by means of the suspension brackets (9) by inserting the projection (11) of one of the suspension brackets (9) into a bearing recess (130a) of one of the bearing stands (130). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that the projections (11) of the suspension brackets (9) are each rotatably held in the bearing recess (130a). [11] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized by , that in step d) several mirror elements (120) are placed on the mirror support surfaces (5), with each of the mirror elements (120) being attached to the frame structure (140). [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized by , that the support structure (3) together with the frame structure (140) is rotated in a first direction and a first number of mirror elements (120) are placed on and attached to the frame structure (140) and then the support structure (3) together with the frame structure (140) is rotated in a second direction and a second number of mirror elements (120) are placed on and attached to the frame structure (140). [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized by , that the rotation in the first direction is at least 45° from the basic position of the support structure (3) and the rotation in the second direction is at least 45° from the basic position of the support structure (3). [14] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized by , that in step a) the frame structure (140) is subsequently aligned in zenith position, preferably by inclinometer measurement. [15] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized by , that in step b) the basic position of the support structure (3) is the zenith position, wherein the alignment is preferably carried out by inclinometer measurement. [16] Method according to any one of claims 8 to 15, characterized by , that between step e) and f) mirror stability struts (150) are attached, which connect the frame structure (140) to an outside (120a) of the mirror element (120) or to outsides (120a) of the mirror elements (120).

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