TRACKING UNIT FOR A SOLAR SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tracking unit for a solar system, as well as a solar system. State of the art

[0002] Tracking units for solar systems, especially those for dual-axis tracking of solar collectors and / or solar cells, have so far suffered from the major disadvantage that all system lines, such as hydraulic or steam-flow lines, electrical lines, and lines for cleaning fluid, were routed exposed along the uprights and support arms of the solar system. Due to the lack of protection against the elements, these lines are prone to failure and require correspondingly high maintenance costs. In the only occasionally encountered internal installation of these lines—and thus protected from the elements—within the uprights and / or support arms, the disadvantage has always been that maintenance of these lines is very complex due to their inaccessibility.In addition, designs with correspondingly flexible hoses, which are necessary due to the constant tracking movements, are very expensive and the installation of such systems is extremely complex, especially due to the laborious production of all the connections.

[0003] Documents US 2015 / 0303864 and US 6,899,097 disclose tracking units for solar systems. A distribution unit for filling two hose connection stations with petroleum from a loading arm is known, for example, from US 4,209,192 A. Description of the invention

[0004] The present invention therefore has the object of enabling a two-axis tracking system for a solar system that avoids the disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, a tracking unit with ready-to-connect outlets for all lines of the solar system is to be provided, in particular hydraulic or steam-flowing, electrical or other supply and operating lines, which allows a safe and angle-independent rerouting of all lines. Furthermore, according to a further object of the invention, the supply and return lines of the upright can be rerouted inside the tracking unit across both axes of rotation (azimuth and elevation angle or sun altitude), preferably in a sealing manner up to 30 bar operating pressure, and divided into two partial flows for two support arms of the solar system. Furthermore, according to a further object of the invention, it should be possible to discharge superheated steam of up to 400°C internally.Furthermore, according to a further object of the invention, the possibility should be created to provide a hydraulic supply line with diversion via the rotation axes for cleaning agents (cleaning water). Furthermore, according to a further object of the invention, it should be possible to equip the solar system with outputs for electrical lines for PV power, whereby the diversion of these electrical lines should also take place inside the tracking unit and should not be subject to any rotation angle restrictions. Furthermore, according to a further object of the invention, rotation around the vertical axis (azimuth) should be possible without restriction (arbitrary rotations); the rotation possibility around the horizontal axis (sun altitude) should be at least 180°.Furthermore, according to a further object of the invention, it should be possible to pivot the solar collectors, in particular mirror collectors, or solar cells into a protective position pointing downwards, towards the ground, in order to be able to quickly remove and safely store particularly critical components (e.g. mirrors) in the event of storms or other extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, according to a further object of the invention, the control unit should be able to be accommodated inside the tracking unit. Furthermore, other modules (electronics, sensors, cleaning device, etc.) should also be able to be accommodated directly in the tracking unit in order to be protected from environmental influences (e.g. sandstorms, hail). Furthermore, according to a further object of the invention, it should be possible to move the solar collectors and / or cells into the protective position by hand in the event of tracking failure, for example due to a defective motor.The invention is also intended to enable uncomplicated maintenance of critical components despite the protected housing of these components. Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the description.

[0005] One object of the invention is achieved by a tracking unit for a solar power system. The tracking unit comprises a distribution unit, the distribution unit comprising at least a first line section with a first rotating block, which first rotating block is designed to establish a fluidic connection between the first line section and a base element, in particular a post, of the solar power system, and a second line section with a second rotating block, which second rotating block is designed to establish a fluidic connection between the second line section and a first support arm of the solar power system, wherein the first line section is rotatably connected to the first rotating block and wherein the second line section is rotatably connected to the second rotating block.This creates a distribution unit that makes it possible to provide a ready-to-connect tracking unit for a solar power system that can be installed in a simple and uncomplicated way. In particular, the rotating blocks that are rotatably connected to the line sections - which rotating blocks can be equipped with connection sections (connection flanges) that are tailored to the line connections of the external lines - enable a simple and tight connection to external lines, in particular hydraulic or steam-carrying lines of the base element on which the distribution unit is mounted, as well as to corresponding lines of the first support arm of the solar power system, on which support arm the solar collectors or cells are mounted. On the other hand, the rotatable and tight connection of the rotating blocks to the respective line sections of the distribution unit also creates the option of connecting the external lines in a torsionally rigid manner (orThe rotation blocks are connected to the rotating blocks in a rotationally fixed manner, so that neither the external cables nor the cable sections of the distribution unit itself need to be flexible to accommodate the rotations that occur during operation of the tracking solar system. These rotations involve rotations of the base element relative to the distribution unit (tracking in relation to azimuth) and rotations of the first support arm relative to the distribution unit (tracking in relation to the sun's altitude).

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distribution unit has a third line section with a third rotating block, which third rotating block is designed to establish a fluidic connection between the third line section and a second support arm of the solar system, wherein the third line section is rotatably connected to the third rotating block. This enables the use of the distribution unit according to the invention in conjunction with tracking units for solar systems with two support arms. The rotatable connection of the third rotating block to the third line section ensures that the second support arm can be brought into a rotating position, which rotating position can be selected independently of a rotating position of the first support arm.Furthermore, all statements made with regard to the second line section, the second rotating block, and / or the first support arm also apply to the third line section, the third rotating block, and / or the second support arm. The first line section and the second line section can form an angle between 0° and 360° with each other, preferably an angle of approximately 90°. The first line section and the third line section can likewise form an angle between 0° and 360° with each other, preferably an angle of 270°. The second and third line sections can likewise form an angle between 0° and 360° with each other, preferably an angle of 180°.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first line section is mounted in a floating manner in the first rotating block and / or the second line section is mounted in a floating manner in the second rotating block and / or the third line section is mounted in a floating manner in the third rotating block. The floating mounting of the line sections in their respective rotating blocks ensures that thermal expansion of the line sections, the rotating blocks and / or the external lines (or any connecting elements) can be absorbed without stress. The distribution unit is thus suitable for use in conjunction with a wide operating temperature range. In particular, it is possible to discharge or redirect hot steam of up to 400°C internally via the distribution unit.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distribution unit is designed as a T-piece, the stem of which forms the first line section and the arms of which form the second line section and the third line section of the distribution unit. This results in a particularly simple and compact design of the distribution unit, namely in the form of three line sections connected to one another at an intersection point. At the intersection point of the line sections, which here coincides with the intersection point of the stem and the two arms of the letter "T," the individual line sections are fluidically connected to one another. Furthermore, at the intersection point, a suitable distribution of the lines or flows routed in the first line section to the second and / or third line section—and vice versa—can take place.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one line section, preferably all line sections, of the distribution unit is designed as a pipe-in-pipe system with an inner pipe and an outer pipe, wherein an annular gap is formed between the inner pipe and the outer pipe in order to guide a flow and a return of a heating circuit. In particular, both the inner pipe and the outer pipe can be individually floatingly mounted in or on each of the rotating blocks. Alternatively, only the inner or outer pipe can be floatingly mounted in or on the rotating blocks, while the outer or inner pipe is mounted in a different way in or on the same rotating block.It is also fundamentally possible for the first line section to be mounted in a floating manner on the first rotating block, for example, only with the inner pipe, the second line section to be mounted on the second rotating block, for example, only with the outer pipe, and the third line section to be mounted on the third rotating block, for example, only with the inner pipe; all other permutations of this situation are also conceivable. In this way, optimal mounting of the distribution unit on the (connections of the) external lines of the base element, in particular the upright, and / or the first support arm and / or the second support arm can be ensured. In addition, the pipe-in-pipe system can be used to achieve particularly efficient and space-saving routing of two partial flows - such as supply and return - from the support arm(s) to the base element, in particular the upright.The rotating blocks, which are rotatably attached to the end sections of the individual line sections, can fulfill an additional function, namely the distribution of the partial flows carried in the pipe-in-pipe system to two or more outlets, which outlets are compatible with the (line connections of the) external lines of the base element and / or the support arms (or the support arm). The rotating blocks thus fulfill an adapter function and enable the use of the distribution unit according to the invention in conjunction with a wide variety of (line connections of the) external lines, whereby, however, the pipe-in-pipe system of this embodiment can always be used.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first rotary block has means for establishing a rigid (rotationally fixed, torsionally rigid) connection with the base element, in particular the upright, and / or the second rotary block has means for establishing a rigid (rotationally fixed, torsionally rigid) connection with the first support arm and / or the third rotary block has means for establishing a rigid (rotationally fixed, torsionally rigid) connection with the second support arm. For this purpose, individual or all of the rotary blocks can be designed with corresponding connecting flanges or correspondingly designed end faces, by means of which a rigid and tight connection with the respective (line connections of the) external lines of the base element, in particular the upright, the first support arm and / or the second support arm can be established.For example, the end faces are flat and have - in addition to the inlets and outlets for the respective lines - recesses for receiving fastening elements, for example screws, by means of which fastening elements the (line connections of the) external lines can be attached to the respective rotating block.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first rotary block and / or the second rotary block and / or the third rotary block each have a main seal for sealing the outer tube and a secondary seal for sealing the inner tube. Thus, the outer tube and the inner tube can each extend into the respective rotary block at different lengths, which offers advantages with regard to the design options of the rotary block and the fluidic guides or deflections required in the rotary block, in particular for the supply and return flow. Furthermore, this embodiment enables a particularly simple possibility of floatingly supporting the inner and / or outer tube within the respective rotary block, namely by means of the main and / or secondary seals.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main seal provides the floating support of the outer pipe and / or the secondary seal provides the floating support of the inner pipe. This ensures particularly efficient and secure support of the respective pipe section in the respective rotating block. Depending on the requirements profile, for example with regard to pressure and / or temperature, the main and secondary seals can each be designed accordingly to optimally accommodate and securely support the inner pipe or the outer pipe. For example, the main and secondary seals can be made of different materials, which can achieve cost savings.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main seal comprises a sleeve that at least partially encloses the outer tube, and preferably a sealing element, in particular an O-ring, arranged at one end of the outer tube. The sleeve, which can be designed as a Teflon bushing, for example, could completely take over the sealing function of the main seal, provided the tolerances and surface quality are matched to the respective requirements (e.g., with regard to pressure and temperature). The high temperature and the installation preload can cause material changes (shrinkage), which can lead to leaks over time. An additional sealing element, made in particular of elastomer, which can be designed as an O-ring or quad ring, for example, retains its flexibility for a very long time and, if necessary, even at high temperatures and pressures, thus ensuring the desired seal for a long time.However, it is also conceivable to construct the (guide) sleeve and the additional sealing element (elastomer seal) as a single piece; or the sealing element can be omitted if the sleeve is designed accordingly.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first rotary block and / or the second rotary block and / or the third rotary block are each surrounded by a sheathing bush, wherein the sheathing bush is connected to the respective rotary block in a rotationally rigid manner, but is rotatable relative to the respective line section. Because the respective sheathing bush follows the rotational and, if applicable, axial movements of the respective rotary block, the rotary block and the associated sheathing bush form a unit which executes a relative movement with respect to the respective line section. Since no fastening of the sheathing bush to the respective line section is therefore necessary, this enables a particularly simple and cost-effective construction of the distributor unit according to the invention. In addition, the fixed arrangement of the rotary block and the respective sheathing bush relative to one another orThe fastening of the sheathing bushing to the respective rotating block, preferably by means of a front-end screw connection, and the arrangement of additional elements, lines, and devices in the space created between the rotating block and the (shell of the) sheathing bushing. The diameter of the sheathing bushing is preferably selected such that sufficient space is still available in the base of the sheathing bushing that is adjacent to or adjacent to the rotating block at the front end for openings for the passage of lines and / or cables.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sheathing bushing is attached, preferably screwed, to the respective rotary block in such a way that the main seal, preferably with a flange of the sleeve, is clamped between the sheathing bushing and the respective rotary block. This enables particularly simple positional fixation of the main seal within the rotary block and simultaneously provides the necessary protection against the thrust forces acting on the main seal during normal operation of the distribution unit.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, thermal insulation means are arranged between the sheathing bushing and the respective rotating block. Thus, the part of the line section running within the respective rotating block and / or the respective rotating block can be thermally insulated in a simple manner, increasing the efficiency of the solar system.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first rotary block and / or the second rotary block and / or the third rotary block each have a double-flow connection section for fluidically connecting the first rotary block to the base element, in particular the upright, and / or the second rotary block to the first support arm and / or the third rotary block to the second support arm, wherein the inner pipe preferably carries the return flow and the annular gap carries the flow. The respective rotary block redirects the return flow and the flow flow guided in the inner or outer pipe to two outlets, which outlets emerge in or on the connection section, preferably the connection flange, in order to be fluidically connected to corresponding (connections for the) external lines of the base element, in particular the upright, the first support arm and / or the second support arm. The main application for distribution units with double-flow connection sections is the solar generation of saturated steam.The distribution unit of this design can be designed without any special effort for system pressures of up to 50 bar and, depending on the material selection, for a steam pressure temperature of up to 260°C.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first rotary block and / or the second rotary block and / or the third rotary block each have a three-flow connection section for the fluidic connection of the first rotary block to the base element, in particular the upright, and / or the second rotary block to the first support arm and / or the third rotary block to the second support arm, wherein preferably the inner pipe carries the flow and the annular gap carries the return. What has been said about the two-flow connection sections also applies mutatis mutandis to this embodiment. Embodiments with three-flow connection sections enable use in particular in solar systems with high volume flows, such as in the case of steam superheating.Particularly in the case of large temperature differences between the flow and return, a further preferred embodiment of the invention may provide for the inner pipe to be double-walled, preferably with a vacuum annular gap, so that a temperature increase in the collectors due to thermal bridges is avoided.

[0019] One object of the invention is achieved by the tracking unit for a solar system, the tracking unit comprising at least one housing with a housing interior, which housing is designed at least for the intended accommodation of the distribution unit according to the invention, and preferably also for the accommodation of further components such as rotary feedthroughs, electrics, slip rings, cables, hoses and / or control unit, in the housing interior and which housing is formed by at least one carrier ora support frame and a cover detachably connected to the support frame, as well as at least one first gear for rotation about a vertical axis and a second gear for rotation about a horizontal axis, wherein the distribution unit is arranged in the interior of the housing, preferably axially centered with respect to the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, wherein a gear housing of the first gear is connected in a rotationally rigid manner to the support frame and an output of the first gear is accessible from the outside in order to be connected directly or indirectly to a base element, in particular a post, and wherein a gear housing of the second gear is connected in a rotationally rigid manner to the support frame and an output of the second gear is accessible from the outside in order to be connected directly or indirectly to a first support arm of the solar system.In this context, intended accommodation means that the accommodation of the distribution unit or the other components is carried out in such a way that all connections, in particular fluid connections, and couplings between the distribution unit or the respective component and a peripheral device, in particular the external lines of the base element or upright and / or the first support arm and / or the second support arm, can be established preferably within the housing itself. The tracking unit according to the invention is characterized first and foremost by its independent, modular design and in particular by the housing, which housing is formed by the support frame and the cover detachably connected to it.Critical elements of the solar system - i.e. elements that should be protected from external forces and the effects of the weather in order to keep the maintenance effort of the solar system as low as possible - can be housed in a protected manner inside the housing, but are still easily accessible by removing the cover. In addition to the associated reduced maintenance effort, the tracking unit according to the invention is particularly characterized by the two gears (first gear, second gear), which are each mounted directly and non-rotatably on the tracking unit and whose outputs point away from the interior of the housing, i.e. outwards. Other gears, which in solar systems known from the prior art are mounted on the base element oron the upright, or on one or both of the support arms, are therefore not required; the tracking unit according to the invention does not require any additional gears for two-axis tracking. Motor units, such as worm drives, can be mounted on the drives of the gearboxes.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first gear and the second gear are each designed as a slewing ring gear. Slewing ring gears have the advantage, on the one hand, that they have a central opening, which according to the invention is used to pass through cables or cable connections or cable flanges in order to create the necessary connections and couplings between the base element or upright, and the first and / or second support arm. On the other hand, compared to the spindle drives used in the prior art, they have the advantage that no bellows need to be used for sealing, which further reduces the maintenance effort of a solar system equipped with the tracking unit according to the invention. A further advantage is that the rotary movement is no longer restricted by the inventive use of the slewing ring gear, whereas with spindle drives, rotations of a maximum of + / - 60° are possible.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support frame has at least a first through-opening for establishing connections to the base element, in particular the upright, and a second through-opening for establishing connections to the first support arm, wherein the first through-opening encloses the vertical axis and the second through-opening encloses the horizontal axis. Preferably, the first through-opening is aligned, particularly preferably coaxial, with the central opening of the first gear and / or the second through-opening is aligned, particularly preferably coaxial, with the central opening of the second gear. In this context, "aligned" means that the through-opening and the central opening each at least partially overlap to allow the passage of cables.In this context, coaxial means that the (symmetry) axes of the feedthrough opening and the central opening coincide. In particular, the symmetry axis of the first feedthrough opening is the vertical axis, and the symmetry axis of the second feedthrough opening is the horizontal axis. In these described embodiments, the required connections and couplings between the base element, first support arm, and / or second support arm, on the one hand, and the components arranged inside the housing, in particular the distribution unit, on the other hand, are particularly easy to establish, which significantly improves the installation of the tracking unit according to the invention and its user-friendliness.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support frame has a third through-hole for establishing connections to the second support arm, wherein the third through-hole encloses the horizontal axis, preferably the horizontal axis represents the axis of symmetry of the third through-hole. The second and third through-holes can thus be arranged coaxially, namely in particular centered around the horizontal axis, and on opposite sides of the support frame. The tracking unit according to the invention is thus suitable for use in solar systems with two support arms.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tracking unit has a pivoting bracket for receiving the first support arm and / or the second support arm, wherein the pivoting bracket is configured in the region of a first through-opening to be connected to the output of the second gear by means of the first support arm, and wherein the pivoting bracket is configured in the region of a second through-opening to receive the second support arm or to be connected to the housing by means of the second support arm, so that the second through-opening of the support frame overlaps at least in sections with the first through-opening, preferably is aligned coaxially with it, and the third through-opening of the support frame overlaps at least in sections with the second through-opening, preferably is aligned coaxially with it. The horizontal axis preferably forms the axis of symmetry of the first and second through-opening.The swivel bracket according to the invention therefore enables a synchronous rotation of the two support arms (first support arm, second support arm) by actuating the second gear.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support frame has a bearing block in the region of the third through-opening to accommodate a hollow shaft of an intermediate flange, which intermediate flange is arranged between the second support arm and the pivot bracket in the operating state to connect the second support arm to the housing. The bearing block can be a separate component that is fastened to the support frame by means of screws or welded to it. Alternatively, the support frame can be manufactured as a cast part, preferably using the aluminum die-casting process; in this case, the bearing seat for the hollow shaft can be machined directly from the die-cast part, or the bearing block and the support frame can be manufactured as a single piece.The bearing block according to the invention enables a particularly stable mounting of the second support arm on the housing and thus increases the operational reliability of a solar system equipped with the tracking unit according to the invention.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bearing block has a rotary seal to seal the housing in the area where the pivoting bracket contacts. This further reduces the maintenance effort of the tracking unit according to the invention and corresponding solar systems equipped with it. The components housed inside the housing, in particular the distribution unit, can thus be even more reliably protected against wear, damage, and contamination.

[0026] According to the invention, the distribution unit according to one of the embodiments described above is accommodated in the housing interior. Preferably, the distribution unit is accommodated in the housing interior axially centered with respect to the vertical and horizontal axes. Thus, the tracking unit according to the invention has all of the advantages described above in connection with the distribution unit. In particular, the tracking unit of this embodiment allows for particularly simple and rapid production of all fluidic and, if necessary, electrical connections, since only the corresponding (connections of the) external lines of the base element or upright, the first support arm, and / or the second support arm need to be connected to the corresponding rotating blocks.This eliminates the need to first position various hoses, lines, and cables and then connect them individually; instead, all connections and couplings can be created in a single step, for example, using plug-in connections. For example, all supply and return lines of the base element or upright can be fluidically connected to the corresponding lines of the tracking unit by coupling the connecting section or flange of the first rotating block to the corresponding connection (flange) of the base element or upright. The same applies to the first support arm and the second rotating block, and the second support arm and the third rotating block.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a cleaning device is arranged inside the housing. This cleaning device has means for supplying cleaning agent supply lines to the first support arm and / or the second support arm. In other words, the tracking unit has a device accommodated inside the housing for distributing or forwarding cleaning water supplied from the base element or upright into designated lines on the two support arms. This further reduces the maintenance effort of the tracking unit or a solar system equipped with it.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for supplying cleaning agent supply lines comprise at least one flexible hose, at least one rotatable hose connection and / or at least one rotary union, wherein the rotary union is preferably mounted on the end face of the casing bushing of the first rotary block and a line nozzle of the rotary union runs between the first rotary block and its casing bushing and is guided through an opening in the end face base of this casing bushing in order to enable a fluidic connection of the cleaning device to a corresponding connection of the base element, in particular of the upright.A device for distributing the cleaning water supplied from the upright into the pipes of the two support arms has been created, which is particularly stable and space-saving, but can be connected to the corresponding connections of the base element or the upright in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a rotary housing is mounted on an outer side of the sheathing bushing of the first rotary block, the second rotary block and / or the third rotary block, wherein the rotary housing is preferably fastened to the support frame, and wherein the rotary housing accommodates slip rings and sliding contacts and / or flexible cable harnesses, in particular for supplying a distribution box and / or a photovoltaic system. This enables particularly space-saving and functionally optimized accommodation of electrical components. By arranging the rotary housing on the outer side of the sheathing bushing, which is preferably cylindrical, stable mounting is ensured but no contact is made with other components, such as the cleaning device, or their operation is disrupted. In addition, the proximity to the support frame enables reliable positional fixation of the rotary housing.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a distribution box with one or more connections, preferably plug-in connections, is arranged inside the housing. This distribution box is preferably attached to the support frame and / or clamped between two parts of the rotating housing. Thus, all electrical connections for operating the solar system can be made in a protected environment, namely inside the housing, and all components of the solar system or the tracking unit can be supplied with electricity.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electronic control unit with connections for components, in particular transmission motors and / or sensors, is arranged inside the housing. This control unit is preferably electrically connected to the distribution box via one or more connections, in particular plug-in connections. In this embodiment, the control unit is also housed in the protected interior of the housing; since the essential electrical components, in particular motors and sensors, are also located in or on the tracking unit—and not on the base element or upright, or the support arms—they do not perform any relative movements to the control unit during the two-axis tracking movements. This allows for the use of comparatively less flexible but all the more stable cabling to connect these components to the control unit; at the same time, the required cable lengths can be reduced to an absolute minimum.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more sensors are arranged inside the housing and are preferably fixed in position on the support frame. These sensors are configured to read angle information via angle-coded rings attached to the casing bushings of the first rotary block, the second rotary block, and / or the third rotary block and transmit it to the control unit. In this way, particularly reliable tracking or control of the tracking movements of the solar system can be ensured. In particular, this embodiment takes advantage of the fact that the casing bushings are connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the respective rotary blocks of the distribution unit, and these rotary blocks are in turn connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the (connections of the) external lines of the base element or upright, the first support arm, and / or the second support arm during operation.This means that the rotational position of the sheathing bushing always corresponds to the current rotational position of the respective base element, post, or support arm. Alternatively, the sheathing bushing itself could be angle-coded, and the angle-coded ring could be omitted.

[0033] One object of the invention is achieved by a solar system comprising at least one tracking unit equipped with a distribution unit according to the invention according to one of the embodiments described above, a base element, in particular a post, and at least one first support arm with at least one solar collector, in particular a mirror-reflecting solar collector, and / or solar cells attached thereto, characterized in that the first rotating block is fluidly connected in a sealing and torsionally rigid manner to lines of the base element, in particular the post, and the second rotating block is fluidly connected in a sealing and torsionally rigid manner, and preferably in a sealing manner, to lines of the first support arm. In this way, a solar system is provided which brings with it all of the advantages described with regard to the distribution unit and the tracking unit.In particular, the solar system is characterized by extremely low maintenance requirements, as hydraulic or steam lines are routed within the base element or upright and within the support arm, and are diverted and distributed by the distribution unit protected within the tracking unit. These lines can therefore be routed to the solar collectors and / or solar cells of the solar system, protected from all external influences.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the solar system comprises a second support arm with at least one solar collector attached thereto, in particular at least one mirror-reflecting solar collector, and / or at least one solar cell attached thereto, wherein the third rotating block is fluidly connected in a rotationally rigid and preferably sealing manner to lines of the second support arm. Thus, a solar system with two support arms is created, both of which can be rotated about the horizontal axis in the manner described in order to track the solar collectors and / or cells with regard to the height of the sun. By means of the pivoting bracket according to the invention, both support arms can be moved synchronously and securely mounted on the housing of the tracking unit. A particularly reliable seal for the tracking unit orof the housing interior at transitions to the support arms can be achieved on the one hand by at least one rotary seal and on the other hand by at least one rotary seal of the bearing block.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the case of double-flow rotary blocks, the fluidic connection is established by means of double-flow counterflanges of the base element, in particular the upright, the first support arm and / or the second support arm, which counterflanges are fastened, in particular screwed or welded, to the connection sections of the rotary blocks, preferably in an axis-centering manner, particularly preferably in an exact axis-centering manner, wherein the counterflanges are preferably fixedly connected to the base element, in particular the upright, the first support arm and / or the second support arm via insulating jaws or are formed integrally with them. Double-flow counterflanges, in the case of double-flow connection flanges or end faces of the rotary blocks, enable a particularly simple and time-saving establishment of a fluidic connection between the line sections of the distributor unit, on the one hand, and the external lines of the base element orThe upright, the first support arm, and / or the second support arm on the other hand. At the same time, flange connections, i.e., the connection of the connecting flanges to the respective counterflanges, enable a particularly tight fluidic connection. The insulating jaws enable thermal insulation of the counterflanges from the external lines of the base element or upright, the first support arm, and / or the second support arm. Particularly preferably, the counterflanges are attached, in particular screwed, to the connecting sections of the rotary blocks via sealing elements.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in the case of triple-flow rotary blocks, the fluidic connection is established by means of triple-flow counterflanges of the base element, in particular the upright, the first support arm and / or the second support arm, which counterflanges are fastened to the connection sections of the rotary blocks, wherein the counterflanges are preferably each rigidly connected to an intermediate plate via two external return lines, and the intermediate plates are each fastened via insulating sleeves to receptacles of the base element, in particular the upright, the first support arm and / or the second support arm, which receptacles have, in particular, guides for a contactless feedthrough of the two external return lines and an internal supply line. Thus, the advantages described in connection with double-flow counterflanges can also be achieved with triple-flow counterflanges.In particular, thermal insulation can be achieved by avoiding contact between the intermediate plate and the internal flow line of the base element or upright, the first support arm, and / or the second support arm, as well as by attaching the intermediate plate to the respective support via insulating sleeves. The contactless routing of the flow and return lines in the base element or upright, the first support arm, and / or the second support arm also contributes to thermal insulation of the solar system and increases its efficiency.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lines, particularly thermal, hydraulic, or steam-carrying lines, of the base element, in particular of the upright, the first support arm, and / or the second support arm, are sealingly connected, in particular welded, to the counterflanges. The connection can be achieved, for example, via screw connections between the connecting flanges or end faces of the rotating blocks on the one hand and the counterflanges on the other. This further increases efficiency and further reduces maintenance requirements.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base element, in particular the upright, is connected to the output of the first gearbox, the first support arm is connected to the pivot bracket and to the output of the second gearbox in the region of the first through-opening of the pivot bracket, and the second support arm is connected to the pivot bracket and the housing in the region of the second through-opening of the pivot bracket, preferably with the intermediate flange in between. This provides the structural support of the base element or upright, first and / or second support arm on the tracking unit. The special choice of fastening on the outputs of the gearbox and on the pivot bracket ensures that tracking is particularly efficient, while the solar system can be operated with as little maintenance as possible.

[0039] The present invention relates to a distribution unit and a tracking unit for solar systems with solar collectors, in particular for mirror-concentrating collectors, and / or solar cells that enable biaxial tracking of the solar system. The tracking unit can be provided as a ready-to-deliver compact unit for a wide variety of connection peripherals. Slewing ring gears can be used for both axes of rotation. The heart of the system is the distribution unit according to the invention, which can be arranged in the tracking unit at the intersection point of the two axes of rotation for azimuth (vertical axis) and sun altitude (horizontal axis). Depending on the dimensioning of the flow cross-sections of the line sections of the distribution unit, which line sections are fluidically connected to one another, it is possible to transport wet steam, superheated steam and / or condensate via the distribution unit along the axes of rotation to and from the solar collectors.It is possible to equip the tracking unit with modular electrical components or devices, which conduct the power from PV collectors (e.g., cooled photovoltaic systems) via cables of the tracking unit along the two rotational axes. Components or devices for diverting and distributing cleaning water or cleaning agents fed to the collectors can also be provided in a modular manner within the tracking unit. All of these hydraulic and electrical devices can execute the rotary movements about the two rotational or tracking axes in a sealed interior of the tracking unit; in other words, these components and devices do not change their relative positions to the tracking unit during the tracking movements.The control unit of the solar system and the sensors can also be arranged in the interior of the tracking unit, i.e. in the interior of the housing, so that as few cable strands as possible have to be laid to and from a collector system. According to the invention, all essential technical components, preferably all critical components, are accommodated in an interior space formed by the interior of the housing, which interior is created by a simple cover that is detachably connected to the support frame. The tracking unit has at least two, but preferably three flange receptacles (or receiving flanges), namely one flange receptacle centered around the vertical axis for the base element, which base element can be formed by a mast or upright, and two further flange receptacles centered around the horizontal axis for the support or holding arms. All cables can be installed inside the supporting pipes or structures (namely the base element orThe distribution unit essentially allows rotational movements around any angle. For example, the rotation range around the horizontal axis can be limited to 180° to prevent collisions with other parts of the solar system. Around the vertical axis, however, any rotation (all-round movement) is possible.

[0040] Flexible cables and hoses can restrict movement. As shown, a 180° rotation along the horizontal axis is still possible even with flexible cables and hoses. The support arms can be pivoted into a special protective position so that the incident radiation surfaces, whether for mirror-concentrating collectors, flat-plate collectors, or solar cells, are directed downward, toward the ground or subsurface.

[0041] A rotation of up to 270° (+ / - 135°) around the vertical axis is sufficient for azimuth adjustment or tracking over a wide latitude range (approximately 23° to -53°). This can still be achieved with flexible cables and hoses. If unrestricted rotation in azimuth is desired, there is a version with slip ring contacts for the electrical system. There is also a special version with a rotary feedthrough for the supply of cleaning water. Solar systems of this type can rotate as desired around the vertical axis and be brought into the starting and / or protective position via the shortest route. In extreme latitudes (e.g. near the Arctic Circle, but also near the equator within + / - 23°), it may be necessary to design the systems for all-round movement.

[0042] All electrical cables for the sensors, the control unit, and the drives can be quickly connected, preferably via plug-in contacts, to the distribution box, which is also protected within the tracking unit. The invention relates in particular to the transmission design and the gradual modular expansion with all other technical components.

[0043] The aim of this development is to provide a ready-to-connect unit (tracking unit) for all supply and external lines, which are permanently installed in the support arms and the upright and, if necessary, insulated. This enables, among other things, a design of the solar system according to the invention without external cables and lines (apart from cables that run from the interior of the tracking unit housing to the motors of the gearboxes (first and second gearboxes) and cables that can run from the support arms (first and second support arms) to the solar collectors and / or solar cells). The distribution unit can be housed inside the tracking unit in a thermally insulated manner. Thus, with appropriate insulation of the solar system, possibly with minimal heating, freezing of the solar system or its components can be prevented, preferably without the addition of antifreeze.This is especially true for mirror-concentrating collectors with vacuum technology, which have very low heat radiation.

[0044] According to the invention, the tracking unit is characterized, among other things, in that a support frame with three flange receptacles is provided, which flange receptacles can be arranged surrounding the feed-through openings, namely a first flange receptacle for receiving the first gear unit for rotation about the vertical axis, a second flange receptacle for receiving a gear unit for rotation about the horizontal axis and a third flange receptacle for receiving a bearing block, which bearing block is arranged in alignment with the horizontal axis. The feed-through openings, i.e. sufficiently large openings for the feed-through of connections, couplings, connecting flanges, counter flanges, lines and cables, can be provided in the center of the flange receptacles (pitch circles to the). The gear units are mounted on the tracking unit in a rotationally fixed manner and are directed outwards on the output side. Gear body or-housing and (indirectly) thus also the motor unit connected or connectable to the drive of the respective gearbox are rigidly connected to the support frame or housing of the tracking unit. A solid swivel bracket with two flange receptacles is provided to accommodate the support arms, each of which can be arranged surrounding one of the two through-openings. The fixed bearing is located on the output flange of the second gearbox and the loose bearing is on the bearing block. The two flange receptacles of the swivel bracket each have a sufficiently large through-opening for the laying or passage of the hydraulic and electrical lines as well as connections, couplings, connecting flanges, counter flanges and cables. The flange receptacle arranged on the second gearbox is located between the output flange of the second gearbox and the first support arm.A cover is detachably mounted on the support frame so that all technical components (at least the distribution unit as well as any rotary unions, electrical components, slip rings, control unit and the distribution box) are protected in a closed and sealed space, the interior of the housing.

[0045] The gearboxes can preferably be designed as slewing rings or slewing ring gearboxes, which have centered openings (centric openings) with respect to the respective axis of rotation (vertical or horizontal axis). These openings allow the routing or passage of hydraulic and electrical lines as well as connections, couplings, connecting flanges, counterflanges, and cables. The power reduction can preferably be achieved by a worm drive. The gearboxes are preferably equipped with rotary seals and are therefore virtually maintenance-free. A further reduction with planetary gear sets or another worm drive can be provided in the motor unit. In contrast to the usual state of the art, the first gearbox for rotation about the azimuth axis is permanently mounted on the tracking unit so that its output is directed downwards.Also new to the state of the art is the use of a slewing ring gear for height adjustment (sun height). Compared to the commonly used spindle drives, this has the advantage that no bellows are required for sealing, enabling maintenance-free operation. A further advantage is that the rotary movement is no longer restricted, whereas with spindle drives a maximum rotation of around + / - 60° is possible. The motor units are also easily accessible and serviceable from the outside. This has advantages in terms of the operational reliability of the solar system. If a motor or motor unit is defective, the solar collectors or cells may remain in an (weather-) unfavorable position. After dismantling the motor unit, the gear can be operated using a hand crank. This allows the collector system to be moved into the protective position by hand.For industrial plants with a large number of collector units, it makes sense to keep at least one motor unit in stock so that a defective plant can be put back into operation immediately.

[0046] The free-running bearing of the swivel bracket is a floating bearing. The bearing block is attached to the support frame or is part of the support frame. The bearing shaft is a push-in tube that is fixed to the swivel bracket or projects through the second through-hole in the swivel bracket into the bearing of the bearing block. The swivel bracket is preferably secured for transport on the floating bearing side to the sealing ring between the swivel bracket and bearing block and on the drive side to the output flange of the second gearbox. The swivel bracket is only non-positively secured during assembly of the two support arms. For delivery, however, it is sufficient to provide locating pins with a slight press fit and / or additional fixation with countersunk screws. The locating pins allow the support arms to be installed in a precisely axis-centered position. Further details on the design and assembly can be found in the figure description.

[0047] The distribution unit can be positioned at the intersection of the two rotation axes, comprising a T-shaped pipe-in-pipe system that forms an annular gap, and further comprising three rotating blocks. This directs the supply and return flow via the rotating blocks (first, second, and third rotating blocks) to the collectors and back from the collectors. The rotating blocks can be slid over the pipe-in-pipe system and connected (relative to the vertical and horizontal axes) in a rotationally fixed manner to the upright and the two support arms via connecting or sealing flanges. The rotating blocks rotate with the output of the respective gearbox (first rotating block with the first gearbox, second and third rotating blocks with the second gearbox). This leads to a relative rotation of the rotating blocks to the line sections of the distribution unit or to the support frame.The T-shaped pipe-in-pipe system can be mounted in a floating manner in or on the rotating blocks so that this pipe-in-pipe system does not change its position relative to the support frame or housing of the tracking unit. The rotating blocks are held axially displaceably on the seals (floatingly mounted) so that thermal expansion can be absorbed, in particular without stress. The rotating blocks have connecting sections (connecting flanges, flange receivers), which connecting sections preferably do not protrude from the interior of the housing, thus enabling collision-free removal and installation of the distribution unit. The corresponding counter flanges of the base element or the upright as well as the two support arms are connected to the respective base element, in particular the upright, and / or the first support arm and / or the second support arm orThey are fixed to their pipe supports or guides, largely preventing heat flow from the hot pipes through the counter flanges. The rotating blocks themselves are thermally insulated and, thanks to the insulating blocks, have only minimal thermal bridges across the counter flanges. To avoid damaging distortions, it is important that the distribution unit is installed precisely aligned with the axis, as well as that the distribution unit and tracking unit are connected to the other parts of the solar system, particularly the base element and support arm(s). This can be achieved by precisely and axially centered mounting of the support arms and the base element using locating pins on the flange mounts of the tracking unit.

[0048] The distribution unit can, for example, be designed with two or three outlets. The connecting sections (flange mounts) of the rotary blocks, the seals used for sealing, and the counterflanges of the support arms and the base element or upright differ accordingly. The tracking units can be modularly equipped and / or retrofitted with additional components, whereby the additional components are preferably completely housed within the housing. This means that no collisions occur in any configuration, and the connection dimensions of the tracking unit are suitable for different installations or connection peripherals. Both of the variants described in more detail below are discussed in more detail in the figure description.

[0049] Variant A - Dual-flow connection: The primary application for dual-flow connections is solar saturated steam generation. The rotary blocks have a flow and a return connection. The inner T-shaped branch pipe carries the flow out of the collector (heating return), while the annular gap between the inner and outer pipe carries the flow in (heating flow). When considering collectors with direct evaporation, the amount of condensate delivered to the collectors is very small. This is due to the extremely high evaporation energy in the lower wet steam range. The distribution unit will be primarily used in such systems with direct evaporation. The condensate line therefore has a small flow cross-section. The effect of the thermal bridge between the condensate and saturated steam is negligible. Each of the rotary blocks has a primary and secondary seal.The primary seal can consist of a heat-resistant guide sleeve (e.g. made of Teflon) and an inserted soft seal (e.g. made of Viton, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or Peak), which is arranged between the rotary block and the outer pipe of the T-piece. The system pressure must be sealed against the external pressure. The secondary seal seals the inner pipe against the annular gap and is therefore exposed to the system pressure on both sides. Thus, only the pressure loss to and from the collectors is relevant for the seal. Here, too, a sleeve made of Teflon, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or Peak between the inner pipe of the T-piece and the rotary block is recommended. The distribution unit can be designed without any special effort for system pressures of up to 50 bar and, depending on the material selected, for a steam pressure temperature of up to 260°C.

[0050] Variant B - Triple-flow connection: Triple-flow connections are used when high volume flows are present, such as in steam superheating. The rotary blocks have one flow connection and two return connections. The inner T-shaped branch pipe carries the flow inward of the collector (heating flow), while the annular gap between the inner and outer pipe carries the flow outward of the collector (heating return). The flow is reversed compared to Variant 1. The sealing design is the same as for the double-flow distribution unit, only with different cross-section dimensions. System pressures of up to 50 bar can be operated here as well. Superheating the steam to high temperatures above 400°C is not a problem, as the main seal operates at the same temperature as the saturated steam (return) at a maximum of 260°C. The secondary seal, on the other hand, operates in the high temperature range.For this purpose, it is recommended to use a metal or ceramic seal. In the simplest case, a precise fit without a sealing sleeve is sufficient. A small leakage can be tolerated, as the volumetric expansion of the steam is very high, resulting in negligible mass flow leakage due to a flow short circuit. Since the temperature difference between the flow and return can be relatively high, it is recommended to design the inner pipe with a double wall (e.g., with a vacuum annular gap) to prevent a temperature increase in the collectors due to thermal bridges.

[0051] The primary application for generating superheated steam is power generation. Generating superheated steam in two separate stages—evaporation and superheating—has the advantage that the heat can be more easily transferred to the station for power generation. Depending on the process pressure (15–50 bar), the heat share for superheating is 10% to 20%. Thus, in larger plants, every tenth to fifth collector tree is designed for steam superheating. The advantage of separating the tasks lies in the heat input. This allows the high-temperature collectors to be installed as close as possible to the station when the pipe lengths are short. High process temperatures are advantageous because the output of peripheral connecting devices for power generation or cooling increases with temperature. When generating saturated steam, heat losses in the pipes do not necessarily increase with high process temperatures, since higher temperatures also result in higher system pressures.As pressure increases, the specific volume of steam decreases, which in turn allows for smaller pipe cross-sections. This reduces the heat-dissipating surfaces. Small pipe cross-sections also reduce the heat capacity of the system, which reduces the energy required to heat the system. Complete insulation and the avoidance of thermal bridges are important. The rotary blocks can be encased in a cylindrical casing. The space between them can be filled with insulating material. The pot-shaped casing can be mounted on the front of the rotary blocks. This mounting can also secure the main seals (guide sleeves) of the rotary blocks, which would otherwise be pushed out by the system pressure. The thrust can be up to 75 kg, depending on the system pressure. Further details are shown in the figures and discussed in the figure description.

[0052] Intermittent or regular cleaning of the collectors is important to maintain high performance and protect the mirrors. An automatic cleaning system is advisable for industrial systems, as the labor costs for regular cleaning can become relatively high over the years. Optionally, a device for branching the cleaning water, which is directed along the two rotational axes (vertical and horizontal), is now available for automatic cleaning. This is a modular configuration according to customer requirements; the cleaning system can also be retrofitted. Modular here means that all components can be installed in different configurations, collision-free and fully functional – even retrofitted.

[0053] Depending on whether a limited or unlimited rotation around the azimuth axis (vertical axis) is desired or required, there are two variants for the passage of the cleaning water via the azimuth axis:

[0054] Cleaning variant A - restricted movement: When mounted on the upright, the pipe socket of the upright protrudes into the interior of the housing for cleaning, or rather the space between a base plate of the support frame and the first rotary block. There is enough space to mount a hose connection on this pipe socket. In order to keep the bending movements of the hose as moderate as possible, it is recommended to provide rotatable connections. These take up little space. The rotary connections for such pipe sockets or cleaning devices can be located eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the respective gearbox - in this case eccentrically to the vertical axis. The hoses connected to such rotary connections still have to bend during the rotation that occurs during tracking, but can do so over a much larger radius. Another advantage of this system is that during maintenance orIf the cleaning system is dismantled due to a leak, the solar system's hydraulic system does not need to be opened. Operation can continue.

[0055] Cleaning variant B - any rotation: If the system is designed for any rotation around the azimuth axis (vertical axis), a rotary union can be provided for the cleaning water. Installation space is provided, for example, above the first rotary block (vertical rotary block). This rotary union can have a nozzle for a hose connection on the downstream side and a pipe nozzle on the upstream side, preferably with a flange connection, which is inserted between the rotary block and the jacket bushing. Further details on installation and design are shown in the figure description.

[0056] Electrics: According to the invention, a control unit can be installed inside the housing of the tracking unit. The sensors for detecting the angular position of the first and / or second support arm and / or the base element can also be housed inside the housing of the tracking unit. The end positions can also be defined via the angle measurement, so that no separate limit switches are required. The angle can be measured at the rotary blocks, which move relative to the gear housing. Since the control unit can be housed in the protected interior, the cables from the control unit to the two motor units or motors of the tracking unit can be laid rigidly and via the shortest possible route. The motor units or motors only require the signals from the control unit for operation (e.g. plus and minus).The cabling of a wind sensor, which can be attached to the tracking unit, in particular to the tracking unit's housing, can also be rigid, as it rotates with the tracking unit's support frame and thus with the control unit. In other words: the wind sensor's attachment does not result in any relative movement to the tracking unit's housing. The sensor for fine calibration of the tracking to the sun's position rotates on the horizontal axis relative to the interior of the housing. A flexible cable must be provided for its connection to the control unit. The electrical cables for the motor units or motors that are or can be connected to the gear drives, the wind sensor, and / or the sensor for fine calibration of the tracking are introduced into the interior of the housing in a particularly sealed manner.A tubular cover, referred to here as the rotary housing, can be pushed onto the sheathing bushing of the first rotary block (vertical block), which rotary housing forms an annular gap. The rotary housing can be designed in two parts so that it can be dismantled for maintenance work without opening the hydraulic circuit. The rotary housing can be fixed (rotationally fixed) to the support frame and centered by the sheathing bushing. By fixing the rotary housing, an external insulating block or a distribution box with plug-in contacts can be attached at the same time. The control unit can be plugged in here. The electrical system can be transferred around the rotary axis in the annular gap inside the rotary housing using slip rings or flexible cable harnesses. Depending on whether slip rings or flexible cable harnesses are provided, the external insulating block or distribution box has aThe distribution box has a spring-loaded slip ring connection or tangentially outgoing cable harnesses. During rotational movements, the cable harnesses can wind and unwind geometrically along precisely defined paths in the annular gap according to the clockspring principle, as is common with steering systems in the automotive sector. Depending on the design, the electrical cables can be connected via a recess in the sheath to an internal insulating block or distribution box with slip rings or tangentially outgoing cable harnesses. Further details on installing the electrical system are provided in the figure description. The electrical system can be connected to the cable harness from the upright via a multiple plug. Cooled photovoltaics (PV), particularly for concentrator systems, are playing an increasingly important role in connection with renewable energies. A receiving area can be kept free in the rotating housing to install the additional electrical system for the PV power.Flexible cable strips or slip rings are also used here. Further details can be found in the figure description. Short description of the characters

[0057] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These embodiments are intended to describe the inventive concept in more detail, but are by no means intended to limit or even represent it exhaustively. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a first embodiment of the tracking unit according to the invention in an exploded view, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the distribution unit according to the invention with a detailed view of the second rotary block in a sectional view, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the distribution unit according to the invention with a detailed view of the second rotary block in a sectional view, Fig. 4 the first embodiment of the distributor unit according to the invention with manufactured fluidic connections, Fig. 5 the second embodiment of the distributor unit according to the invention with manufactured fluidic connections, Fig. 6 a detail from Fig. 4 , Fig. 7 a detail from Fig. 5 with a detailed view of the counter flange of the upright, Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the cleaning device, Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the cleaning device, Fig. 10A a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the rotary housing, Fig. 10B a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the rotary housing from a second perspective, Fig. 11 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the rotary housing, Fig. 12a schematic view of a second embodiment of the tracking unit according to the invention, and Fig. 13 a schematic view of a third embodiment of the tracking unit according to the invention. Ways to implement the invention

[0058] Fig. 1shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of the tracking unit 43 according to the invention in an exploded view. The tracking unit 43 is characterized in that a support frame 1 is provided with three flange receptacles, which flange receptacles are each arranged around a first through-opening 44, a second through-opening 45 and a third through-opening 46. The first flange receptacle in the region of the first through-opening 44 serves to accommodate a first gear 2 for rotation about a vertical axis 47; the second flange receptacle in the region of the second through-opening 45 serves to accommodate a second gear 3 for rotation about a horizontal axis 48; and the third flange receptacle in the region of the third through-opening 46 serves to accommodate a bearing block 4, which bearing block 4 is arranged aligned or axis-centered to the horizontal axis 48.The three through-holes 44, 45, and 46 are provided for the passage of lines and cables. The output sides of the gearboxes 2 and 3 are directed outward, meaning their respective outputs are accessible from the outside. The gearbox body or gearbox housing 50 and the motor units 49 (see . Fig. 13) are rigidly connected to the support frame 1. A solid pivot bracket 5 with two flange receptacles is provided to accommodate a first support arm 6 (and optionally a second support arm 9). The fixed bearing is located on the output flange of the second gearbox 3, and the loose bearing is located on the bearing block 4. The two flange receptacles of the pivot bracket 5 each surround a through-opening, namely a first through-opening 51 and a second through-opening 52, for the routing or passage of hydraulic and, if necessary, electrical lines. The flange receptacle of the pivot bracket 5, arranged around the first through-opening 51, is embedded in the operating state (sandwich-like) between a flange of the output of the second gearbox 3 and a flange of the first support arm 6. The pivot bracket 5 is fixed to the loose bearing by an intermediate flange 7 with a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft forms the rotatable inner bearing for the bearing block 4.For transport, it is sufficient to fix the swivel bracket 5 with locating pins 12. The swivel bracket 5 is held to the bearing block 4 by a rotary seal 8. A force-fitting fixation only occurs when the support arms 6, 9 are mounted. The support arms 6, 9 and a base element of the solar system, designed as a post 11, are precisely centered in relation to the vertical and horizontal axes using the locating pins 12. A cover (not shown) is mounted over the support frame 1 so that technical components (e.g., distribution unit, rotary union, electrical system, slip rings, flexible cables, hoses, control unit) can be accommodated in a closed and sealed space, namely a housing interior 53.

[0059] Fig. 2shows a distributor unit 54 for a dual-flow connection. The distributor unit 54 comprises a first line section 55 with a first rotating block 15a, a second line section 56 with a second rotating block 15b, and a third line section 57 with a third rotating block 15c. The sectional view shows the internal structure of the line sections 55, 56, 57, which are fluidically connected to one another at the intersection point, namely a pipe-in-pipe system with an inner pipe 13 and an outer pipe 14. The outer pipe 14 of the respective line section, here the second line section 56, is mounted on a main seal 16 in a floating manner above the respective rotating block, here in the second rotating block 15b. The inner pipe 13 of the respective line section, here the second line section 56, is mounted on a secondary seal 17, also floatingly above the respective rotary block, here in the second rotary block 15b.The main seal 16 can, as shown here, be constructed from a (guide) sleeve 18 and an O-ring 19. A sheathing bushing 20 of the second rotary block 15b is screwed to the end face of the rotary block 15b and presses against the extension force of the guide sleeve 18. Also visible is a thermal insulation 21 of the first rotary block 15a, which thermal insulation can, however, be provided in several or all of the rotary blocks 15a, 15b, 15c to achieve thermal insulation of the respective line section 55, 56, 57.

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a distribution unit 54 for a three-flow connection. The basic structure is the same as for the two-flow distribution unit 54 ( Fig. 2), but possibly with different dimensions of the cross sections. The rotating blocks 15a, 15b, 15c are dimensioned or designed in such a way that the flows guided in the inner pipe 13 and the outer pipe 14 are divided into three partial flows, which partial flows correspond to the inlets and outlets opening into the respective connection section (seen in the front face of the third rotating block 15c in Fig. 3). Fig. 4shows the dual-flow distribution unit 54 in installation or with established fluidic connections to external (thermal) lines of the upright 11, the first support arm 6, and the second support arm 9. The distribution unit 54 is centrally mounted on the connecting sections 58a, 58b, 58c (flange receptacles) of the rotating blocks 15a, 15b, 15c. Dual-flow counterflanges 22a, 22b, 22c are fork-shaped and are attached via insulating jaws 23 to square tubes 24, which are fixedly connected to the support arms 6, 9 and the upright 11 or are formed integrally with them. The thermal lines of the support arms 6, 9 and the upright 11 are welded or sealed to the respective counterflange 22.

[0061] Fig. 5shows the triple-flow distribution unit 54 in installation or with established fluidic connections to external (thermal) lines of the upright 11, the first support arm 6, and the second support arm 9. Triple-flow counterflanges 25a, 25b, 25c to the rotary blocks 15a, 15b, 15c are each held by an intermediate flange 26. The counterflange 25a, 25b, 25c is supported by the outer tubes 27, which are permanently welded to the respective counterflange 25a, 25b, 25c. The intermediate flange 26 is screwed via insulating sleeves 28 to a round tube 29 with a front flange that is permanently welded to the upright 11 or the support arms 6, 9. The intermediate flange 26 and a front flange of the round tube 29 each have a correspondingly large through-hole in the middle, so that the hot inner tube 30 (see Fig. 7 ) with superheated steam an annular gap is provided. Fig. 6shows details of the mounts of the dual-flow distribution unit. Guides 59 for electrical cables (e.g., PV, operating current for the control unit, signal cable) are provided on the flange of the upright 11 next to the square tube 24.

[0062] Fig. 7shows details of the mounts for the triple-flow distribution unit 54 (here: on the upright 11). The two outer external lines or pipes 27 and the external inner line or pipe 30 are welded to the respective counterflange (here the first counterflange 25a). The outer pipes 27 are also welded to the intermediate flange 26 and support it. All other passages or guides 59 on the intermediate flange 26 (e.g. for the superheated steam line 30, electrical system, cleaning line) have an annular gap. The end flange of the round pipe 29 of the upright 11 also has corresponding contactless through-openings for the three external lines 27 and 30 (1 x supply and 2 x return) and, if necessary, for additional cables and lines. The support arms 6, 9 are constructed analogously in this respect.

[0063] Fig. 8shows the cleaning device 60 according to variant A. On a line nozzle 33, which projects from the upright 11 into the housing interior 53, a rotatable hose connection 61 with branch 62 to the support arms 6 and 9 (not in the picture) is fastened by means of a union nut. Fig. 9 shows the cleaning device according to variant B. In this case, a rotary union 31 is arranged above the casing bushing 20 of the first rotary block 15a (vertical rotary block). The line nozzle 32 of the rotary union 31 is guided through the space between the rotary block 15a (hidden in the image by the casing bushing 20) and the casing 20 and is screwed via a flange connection to the line nozzle 33, which protrudes from the upright 11 into the housing interior 53. The hose 63 can be rigid in this case.

[0064] Fig. 10Ashows the electrical connection according to variant A in a first view. In the annular gap of a rotating housing 37, which is centered over the sheathing bushing 20 or arranged around the sheathing bushing 20, cable harnesses 35, 36 are laid mirror-symmetrically in both directions, undergoing a rolling rotary movement. The first cable harness 35 supplies a distribution box 38 with plug contacts 64. The second cable harness 36 serves as a PV connection with two poles. The PV cables 42 are routed behind the distribution box 38 - i.e., between the distribution box 38 and the rotating housing 37. The rotating housing 37 is designed in two parts here. The front side is removable and, in this view ( Fig. 10A ) is hidden. The distribution box 38 is fixed on or between the two halves of the rotating housing 37. Fig. 10Bshows a different perspective of this electrical connection according to variant A; in particular, the plug contacts 64 of the distribution box 38 are also visible here.

[0065] Fig. 11 shows the electrical connection according to variant B. Instead of the cable harnesses 35 and 36, slip rings 34 and sliding contacts 65 are used. Fig. 12 shows a fully equipped tracking unit with a double-flow distribution unit 54, where, in contrast to the Fig. 2 to 11 The support frame 1, the swivel bracket 5, and the bearing block 4 of the tracking unit 43 are also visible here. The cover is not shown. New features include a control unit 39, angle-coded rings 40, and angle sensors 41, shown only schematically here.

[0066] Fig. 13shows a fully equipped tracking unit 43 (without cover) with a three-flow distribution unit 54 in two views. The second cable harness 36 for PV is omitted here, as the sole purpose here is to superheat steam. Also visible are additional sensors, in particular a wind sensor, which are attached to the tracking unit 43 or its housing.

Claims

1. Tracking unit (43) for a solar installation, the tracking unit (43) comprising at least: a. a housing with a housing interior (53), the housing being designed in particular to accommodate a distribution unit (54), which distribution unit (54) comprises at least a first pipe section (55) with a first rotary joint (15a), the first rotary joint (15a) being configured to establish a fluid connection between the first pipe section (55) and a base element, in particular a support post (11), and a second pipe section (56) with a second rotary joint (15b), the second rotary joint (15b) being configured to establish a fluid connection between the second pipe section (56) and a first support arm (6) of the solar installation, wherein the first pipe section (55) is rotatably connected to the first rotary joint (15a), and the second pipe section (56) is rotatably connected to the second rotary joint (15b), and preferably also designed to accommodate additional components such as rotary feedthroughs, electrical components, slip rings, cables, hoses, and / or a control unit in the housing interior (53), and formed by at least a support frame (1) and a cover (10) detachably connected to the support frame (1), and b. at least a first gear unit (2) for rotation about a vertical axis (47) and a second gear unit (3) for rotation about a horizontal axis (48), wherein the first gear unit (2) and the second gear unit (3) are preferably each configured as slewing ring gear units, c. wherein the distribution unit (54) is arranged in the housing interior (53), preferably axially centered with respect to the vertical axis (47) and the horizontal axis (48), d. wherein a gear housing of the first gear unit (2) is rotationally fixedly connected to the support frame (1), and an output of the first gear unit (2) is accessible from the outside to be connected to a base element, in particular a support post (11), and e. wherein a gear housing of the second gear unit (3) is rotationally fixedly connected to the support frame (1), and an output of the second gear unit (3) is accessible from the outside to be connected to a first support arm (6) of the solar installation.

2. Tracking unit (43) according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution unit (54) comprises a third pipe section (57) with a third rotary joint (15c), the third rotary joint (15c) being configured to establish a fluid connection between the third pipe section (57) and a second support arm (9) of the solar installation, wherein the third pipe section (57) is rotatably connected to the third rotary joint (15c).

3. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first pipe section (55) is mounted floating within the first rotary joint (15a), and / or the second pipe section (56) is mounted floating within the second rotary joint (15b), and / or, if depending on claim 2, the third pipe section (57) is mounted floating within the third rotary joint (15c).

4. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the distribution unit (54) is designed as a T-piece, the stem forming the first pipe section (55) and the arms forming the second pipe section (56) and the third pipe section (57) of the distribution unit (54).

5. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one pipe section (55, 56, 57), preferably all pipe sections (55, 56, 57), of the distribution unit (54) are designed as a pipe-in-pipe system with an inner pipe (13) and an outer pipe (14), a ring gap being formed between the inner pipe (13) and the outer pipe (14) to guide a supply and return of a heating circuit.

6. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first rotary joint (15a) comprises means for rigid connection to the base element, in particular the support post (11), and / or the second rotary joint (15b) comprises means for rigid connection to the first support arm (6), and / or, if depending on claim 2, the third rotary joint (15c) comprises means for rigid connection to the second support arm (9).

7. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the first rotary joint (15a) and / or the second rotary joint (15b) and / or, if depending on claim 2, the third rotary joint (15c), each comprise a primary seal (16) for sealing the outer pipe (14) and an auxiliary seal (17) for sealing the inner pipe (13).

8. Tracking unit (43) according to claim 7, characterized in that the primary seal (16) facilitates the floating mounting of the outer pipe (14) and / or the auxiliary seal (17) facilitates the floating mounting of the inner pipe (13).

9. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the primary seal (16) comprises a sleeve (18) at least partially enclosing the outer pipe (14), and preferably a sealing element, in particular an O-ring (19), arranged at one end of the outer pipe (14).

10. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first rotary joint (15a) and / or the second rotary joint (15b) and / or, if depending on claim 2, the third rotary joint (15c), is each surrounded by a cladding sleeve (20), the cladding sleeve (20) being rotationally fixedly connected to the respective rotary joint (15a, 15b, 15c), but rotatable relative to the respective pipe section (55, 56, 57).

11. Tracking unit (43) according to claim 10, characterized in that the cladding sleeve (20) is attached to the respective rotary joint (15a, 15b, 15c) in such a way that the primary seal (16), preferably a flange of the sleeve (18), is clamped between the cladding sleeve (20) and the respective rotary joint (15a, 15b, 15c).

12. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that means for thermal insulation are arranged between the cladding sleeve (20) and the respective rotary joint (15a, 15b, 15c).

13. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the first rotary joint (15a) and / or the second rotary joint (15b) and / or, if depending on claim 2, the third rotary joint (15c), each comprise a dual-flow connection section (58a, 58b, 58c) for fluid connection of the first rotary joint (15a) with the base element, in particular support post (11), and / or the second rotary joint (15b) with the first support arm (6), and / or the third rotary joint (15c) with the second support arm (9), wherein the inner pipe (13) guides the return flow and the ring gap guides the supply flow.

14. Tracking unit (43) according to one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that the first rotary joint (15a) and / or the second rotary joint (15b) and / or, if depending on claim 2, the third rotary joint (15c), each comprise a triple-flow connection section (58a, 58b, 58c) for fluid connection of the first rotary joint (15a) with the base element, in particular support post (11), and / or the second rotary joint (15b) with the first support arm (6), and / or the third rotary joint (15c) with the second support arm (9), wherein the inner pipe (13) guides the supply flow and the ring gap guides the return flow.

15. Solar installation comprising at least a. a tracking unit according to one of claims 1 to 14, b. a base element, in particular a support post (11), and at least c. a first support arm (6) with at least one solar collector attached thereto, in particular a mirror-reflective solar collector and / or solar cells, characterized in that the first rotary joint (15a) is sealingly and rotationally fixedly connected to conduits of the base element, in particular of the support post (11), and the second rotary joint (15b) is sealingly and rotationally fixedly connected to conduits of the first support arm (6).