Actuation system and bearing assembly for solar collector system

Abstract

According to one example, a cylindrical bearing assembly for a solar reflector system includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion can remain stationary during operation of the solar reflector system. The inner portion includes first and second inner sections that can separate from each other, can be applied laterally to a thermal pipe of the solar reflector system, and can be connected together so that the inner portion surrounds the thermal pipe. The outer portion includes first and second outer sections that can separate from each other, can be applied laterally to the inner portion, and can be connected together so that the outer portion surrounds the inner portion, and so that the inner portion and outer portion form a bearing race that allows the outer portion to rotate relative to the inner portion during operation of the solar reflector system.

Description

ACTUATION SYSTEM AND BEARING ASSEMBLY FOR SOLAR COLLECTOR SYSTEMRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional App. 63 / 667,882 titled “Actuation System for Solar Collector System,” filed on Jul. 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to solar radiation utilization, and more specifically to a solar reflector system for thermal heat generation.OVERVIEW

[0003] Disclosed embodiments include solar reflector systems configured to focus sunlight onto pipes carrying thermal fluids such as water or other suitable thermal fluids.

[0004] In some examples, a solar reflector system includes a thermal pipe, a cylindrical bearing assembly, a reflector assembly, and an actuation system. The thermal pipe is arranged along a longitudinal axis that extends through at least a portion of an interior space of a building, and the thermal pipe remains stationary during operation of the solar reflector system. The cylindrical bearing assembly surrounds at least a portion of the thermal pipe and provides a rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe. The reflector assembly includes a parabolic reflector that directs sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe. The reflector assembly is connected to the cylindrical bearing assembly by one or more rigid members that extend radially from the cylindrical bearing assembly. The actuation system rotates the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe such that the parabolic reflector focuses sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe while the thermal pipe remains stationary. In operation, the firing surface (i.e., the location on the outer surface of the thermal pipe onto which the parabolic reflector focuses sunlight) changes over time as the reflector assembly rotates about the thermal pipe because the thermal pipe remains stationary while the reflector assembly moves. Also, the actuation system, in some embodiments, includes a drive mechanism. In some examples, the drive mechanism is ground-mounted. In other examples, the drive mechanism is not groundmounted.

[0005] In some examples, the bearing assembly of the solar reflector system includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a bearing race. The inner portion remains stationary during operation of the solar reflector system. Furthermore, the inner portion includes first and second inner sections. The first and second inner sections of the inner portion can connect together so that the inner potion surrounds at least a portion of the thermal pipe, and the first and second inner sections of the inner portion can also separate from each other. This separation can be a complete separation, or it can be a partial separation. The outer portion can surround at least a portion of the inner portion, and the outer portion includes first and second outer sections. The first and second outer sections of the outer portion can connect together so that the outer portion surrounds at least a portion of the inner portion, and the first and second outer sections of the outer portion can also separate from each other. This separation can be a complete separation, or it can be a partial separation. When the outer portion surrounds the at least the portion of the inner portion, the outer portion and the inner portion form a bearing race, which allows the outer portion to rotate relative to the inner portion during operation of the solar reflector to provide the rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe.

[0006] In practice (such as during installation of the solar collector system), the first and second inner sections of the inner portion can be separated from each other so that they can be positioned around (e.g., applied laterally to) the portion of the thermal pipe, and then the first and second inner sections of the inner portion can be connected back together again. Furthermore, the first and second outer sections of the outer portion can be separated from each other so that they can be positioned around (e.g., applied laterally to) the portion of the inner portion (and also the thermal pipe), and then the first and second outer sections of the outer portion can be connected back together again. As a result of this connection, the outer portion and the inner portion now form the bearing race, which allows the outer portion to rotate relative to the inner portion during operation of the solar reflector to provide the rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe. In some embodiments, the inner portion can connect with the outer portion via the raceway (and bearings or a bushing) to provide a rolling or sliding interface to help facilitate the rotary motion of the moving outer portion relative to the stationary inner portion. In some examples, one or more section connectors may be used to keep the first and second inner sections of the inner portion connected together during operation and / or to keep the first and second outer sections of the outer portion connected together during operation. Furthermore, in some examples, theouter portion includes gear teeth (e.g., gear teeth integrated directly into the outer portion). As one example of this, each of the first and second outer sections of the outer portion includes gear teeth (e.g., gear teeth integrated directly into the respective outer section of the outer portion).

[0007] Certain examples, and / or aspects thereof, in this disclosure provide one or more advantages over existing solar reflector systems. For example, in contrast to some existing solar reflector systems, the solar reflector system embodiments disclosed herein allow the reflector assembly to move about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe, without the thermal pipe (and its associated structures) being required to also move. Moving the reflector assembly independently of the thermal pipe reduces the amount of weight that needs to be moved, in some examples, since the reflector assembly can be moved without also moving the thermal pipe and material contained within. Furthermore, in some examples, the reflector assembly is a relatively lightweight assembly (that is also uncoupled from the thermal pipe) - which enables actuation via a central axis that is aligned with the thermal pipe and / or which further increases and / or improves the control of the rotation of the reflector assembly.

[0008] Additionally, in some examples, the actuation system of the solar reflector system includes a ground-mountable drive mechanism. This ground-mountable drive mechanism enables the reflector assembly to be controlled without the complexity and additional components needed by some existing solar reflector systems to affix elements to the overall housing structure for purposes of support and / or for actuation, in some examples. By being ground-mountable, the drive mechanism can be ground mounted, as is discussed below).

[0009] Additionally, in some examples, load bearing components (e.g., the thermal pipe, the reflector assembly, the actuation system, and the drive mechanism) are ground mounted, meaning that they are affixed to the floor (e.g., directly, or at least indirectly). As one example of this, all or a portion of the load bearing components (e.g., the thermal pipe, the reflector assembly, the actuation system, and the drive mechanism) are mounted (or otherwise affixed) to one or more supports, connectors, stands, bases, or other elements (which are directly (or indirectly) affixed to the floor 15). This allows the load bearing component (e.g., a drive mechanism) to be affixed to the floor, even if it is not directly affixed to the floor. In these examples, the thermal pipe and reflector assembly are not supported (or actuated) via elements that are affixed to the overhead housing of the building in which the system is deployed (e.g., the structural members of the building structure). In such examples, the ground mounting of the load bearing components (i) reduces the structuralstrength requirement of the building structure (e.g., the building structure does not need to support the components), (ii) allows the building structure to be built using less overall material, and / or (iii) reduces the size of the structural members of the building structure as compared to some existing solar reflector systems. In other examples, one or more (or all) of the load bearing components (e.g., the thermal pipe, the reflector assembly, the actuation system, and the drive mechanism) are not ground mounted.

[0010] Since the building structure for housing solar reflector system embodiments with ground-mountable components can be built with less overall material as compared to some existing solar reflector systems, the solar reflector system embodiments with ground- mountable components provide several additional advantages over some existing solar reflector systems. For example, the structural components to construct the building that houses the disclosed solar reflector system embodiments can be shipped at a lower cost as compared to shipping the materials required to construct a building to house existing solar reflector systems. Additionally, since the structure for housing the disclosed solar reflector system embodiments with ground-mounted components can be built with smaller, lighter weight components as compared to existing systems, the structure for housing the disclosed solar reflector system embodiments can, in some configurations, allow more light to reach the solar reflector assembly as compared to existing embodiments because the smaller structural components block less sunlight than the larger structural components used to construct buildings for housing existing solar reflector systems. By reducing the amount of sunlight that would otherwise be blocked from reaching the reflector assembly (or otherwise reducing the amount of shading of the reflector assembly), the solar reflector assembly in the disclosed embodiments is able to collect and focus more solar energy onto the thermal pipe of the system as compared to existing solar reflector systems that use larger, more complex structural components for the building that houses the reflector assembly.

[0011] Additionally, in some examples, as a result of the ground mounting, the reflector assembly is less subject to vibration from the building structure (or the effect is at least dampened), which helps ensure better alignment of the reflector assembly over time as compared to existing systems when the building structure is subjected to wind and other environmental conditions. Further, the ground mounting feature reduces the components, the connections between components, and / or the overall complexity of the components used to operate the solar reflector system. In some examples, the reduction in total components and complexity of components reduces the overall cost of the system (e.g., to build and tooperate), helps reduce the time to deploy and / or install the solar reflector system (e.g., less requirement for specialized personnel and specialized equipment), the manufacturing and / or shipping costs are more efficient (e.g., fewer components to ship) and cost effective, and / or the design of the solar reflector system is more improved, clean, simple, compact, and aesthetically pleasing as compared to existing solar reflector systems.

[0012] In some examples, the bearing assembly embodiments described herein allow for an easier, quicker, and / or more efficient installation process of the bearing assembly in, for example, a single axis actuation system. For example, some existing bearing assemblies are installed by sliding the bearing assembly over an end of the thermal pipe (and then further sliding it into its final position), which may require the thermal pipe to be disassembled (as the sections of the thermal pipe may already be welded or otherwise connected together). Some thermal pipes consist of (or otherwise comprise) an inner carbon or stainless steel pipe concentrically located within an evacuated glass sleeve that is connected and sealed to the thermal pipe via an expandable bellows. This thermal pipe assembly interferes with the ability to mount and slide a bearing assembly into place between pipe sections. In contrast to this, bearing assemblies described herein include an inner portion (which is referred to as split inner portion) that is split into first and second inner sections, and an outer portion (which is referred to as split outer portion) that is split into first and second outer sections. These sections can, in some examples, each be separated (at least partially) from each other, allowing the split inner portion and the split outer portion to be applied laterally to the thermal pipe (e.g., a continuous, joined thermal pipe) in the position of the bearing assembly (without disassembling the thermal pipe and / or sliding the bearing assembly over an end of the thermal pipe). Then, in some examples, the inner sections of the inner portion and the outer sections of the outer portion can be connected back together, so as to allow for operation. In some examples, this may: (i) eliminate the need to slide a bearing assembly over the ends of the thermal pipe (or other receiver), (ii) reduce installation time and / or effort, especially for large-scale solar collector deployments, (iii) allow installation to be performed on sections of a structure that may not have accessible ends (which can provide greater flexibility in the design and assembly of the overall solar collector system, potentially allowing for modular construction and easier integration of components), (iv) facilitate easier replacement, retrofitting, and / or maintenance of bearing assemblies without, for example, requiring disassembly of large sections of the thermal pipe or receiver structure (which, for example, could lead to reduced maintenance downtime and costs over the lifespan of thesolar collector system), (v) provide overall cost reductions in large-scale deployments due to reduced labor time, (vi) lead to a lower bill of materials (especially with regard to when a single fastener can be used re-connect the sections of the inner portion and / or the outer portion), and / or (vii) provide optimization of structural robustness of interior bearing assemblies (which can lead to savings on materials).

[0013] In some examples, the bearing assembly embodiments described herein reduce mechanical complexity associated with the rotation of the reflector assembly. For example, some existing bearing assemblies require separate gear components or complex actuation systems to allow for the rotation of the reflector assembly - thereby increasing the complexity associated with the rotation of the reflector assembly. Unlike these existing bearing assemblies, in some examples, the outer portion of the bearing assembly (e.g., each outer section of the outer portion of the bearing assembly) includes a plurality of gear teeth that are configured to engage with a drive mechanism (e.g., a worm gear). In some examples, the engagement with a worm gear allows for managing high axial, radial, and moment loads while maintaining smooth motion. Additionally, in some examples, the drive mechanism can engage directly with the bearing assembly (via the worm gear engaging directly with the gear teeth of the outer portion). This, in some examples, allows the worm gear (or other drive mechanism) to directly drive the bearing assembly (and, thus, the reflector assembly) - which simplifies the operation of the solar collector system.

[0014] In some examples, the bearing assembly embodiments and / or drive mechanism embodiments described herein can better operate within the high temperatures that may be present in a solar collector system. In some examples, the bearing assembly includes a pre- impregnated / lubricated bushing that provides self-lubri cation at high temperatures where traditional lubrication (e.g., oil) might bum off. In some examples, a motor of the drive mechanism includes an outer housing / shield / shroud (or an additional one) for deflecting light away from the motor and providing an additional insulating layer between the motor and the thermal pipe. In some examples, the motor of the drive mechanism can be mounted (or otherwise affixed) to a support at a distance from the thermal pipe, and outside of the region between surface of the reflector and the surface of the thermal pipe such that the motor is not exposed to sunlight reflected from the reflector.

[0015] Certain examples in the disclosure may include none, some, or all of the above described advantages. Further, additional advantages may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included herein.

[0016] Additionally, aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented individually or in combination with aspects of embodiments disclosed and described in any one or more of U.S. Apps. 18 / 543,227; 18 / 685,231; 63 / 667,882; 63 / 701,387; and / or 63 / 756,840.

[0017] U.S. App. 18 / 543,227 titled “Enclosed Solar Thermal Energy Generation System and Methods of Operation” filed Dec. 18, 2023, and issued as U.S. Pat. 12 / 111,079 on Oct. 8, 2024, discloses, inter alia, enclosed solar parabolic trough reflector systems for thermal heat generation that can be used in various applications. In some embodiments, the systems include a modular dual arch building design with a transparent building envelope and a reflector assembly connected within the building through a bearing assembly. The entire contents of U.S. App. 18 / 543,227 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] U.S. App. 18 / 685,231 titled “Kit for Reflector Structure” filed Feb. 21, 2024, and currently pending, discloses, inter alia, a kit comprising parts capable of being assembled into a reflector structure. In some embodiment, the kit includes (i) a deployable frame with a set of node connectors and a set of rods, (ii) a parabolic member comprising a track, a first parabolic-member end, and a second parabolic-member end, and (iii) a reflective membrane comprising an edge bead configured to interface with the track of the parabolic member such that, when the reflector structure is assembled, the reflective membrane is stretched substantially along the track of the parabolic member. The entire contents of U.S. App. 18 / 685,231 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] U.S. Prov. App. 63 / 667,882 titled “Actuation System for Solar Collector System,” filed Jul. 5, 2024, and currently pending, discloses, inter alia, a solar reflector system that includes a thermal pipe, a cylindrical bearing assembly, a reflector assembly, and an actuation system. The thermal pipe is arranged along a longitudinal axis extending through a building. The cylindrical bearing assembly surrounds at least a portion of the thermal pipe and provides a rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe. The reflector assembly is connected to the cylindrical bearing assembly via one or more rigid members extending radially from the cylindrical bearing assembly. The reflector assembly includes a parabolic reflector that directs sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe. The actuation system, which includes a ground-mountable drive mechanism, rotates the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe such that the parabolic reflector focuses sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe while the thermal pipe remains stationary. The entire contents of U.S. Prov. App. 63 / 667,882 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] U.S. Prov. App. 63 / 701,387 titled “Utility Module for Solar Collector System,” filed Sep. 30, 2024, and currently pending, discloses, inter alia, utility modules for use with solar collector systems. In operation, the solar collector generates thermal energy that is used by a heat consuming application, such as electricity generation, heating applications, water desalination, enhanced oil recovery, food processing, chemical production, and mineral processing, adsorption chillers, or any other type of application that consumes heat. The utility module controls the operation of the solar collector, receives thermal energy from the solar collector, and distributes thermal energy to the heat consuming application. Some utility module embodiments include an electrical room and a mechanical room adjacent to the electrical room. In some embodiments, the mechanical room includes a modular Heat Exchange and Distribution (HED) subsystem, a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) subsystem, and Testing subsystem. The entire contents of U.S. Prov. App. 63 / 701,387 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0021] U.S. Prov. App. 63 / 756,840 titled “Control Processes For Solar Collector Systems,” filed Feb. 21, 2025, and currently pending, discloses, inter alia, control systems for operating solar collector systems that generate thermal energy for heat consuming applications. The control systems coordinate thermal energy transfer between a solar collector array, a buffer tank, and a thermal storage subsystem. When the solar collector array is receiving solar energy, the control systems operate a solar collector loop to transfer thermal energy to the buffer tank and application loop to transfer thermal energy from the buffer tank to the heat consuming application. The control systems also operate a thermal energy storage loop to transfer thermal energy to / from the buffer tank and a thermal storage subsystem. The control systems manage the thermal storage subsystem as an integrated resource that operates with the buffer tank to provide consistent thermal energy delivery to the heat consuming application, including during periods of reduced solar availability. The entire contents of U.S. Prov. App. 63 / 756,840 are incorporated herein by reference.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0022] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate aspects of an example of a solar reflector system according to some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. ID illustrates aspects of an example control diagram for an example solar reflector system according to some embodiments.

[0025] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate an example ground-mountable drive mechanism suitable for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 1A-1D, where the drive mechanism of the solar reflector system includes one or more electric motors according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an example ground-mountable drive mechanism suitable for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 1A-1D, where the drive mechanism of the solar reflector system includes a hydraulic actuation system comprising one or more hydraulic motors according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate an example ground-mountable drive mechanism suitable for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 1A-1D, where the drive mechanism of the solar reflector system includes a rack and pinion configuration according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 5 A illustrates an example ground-mountable drive mechanism suitable for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 1A-1D, where the drive mechanism of the solar reflector system includes a worm gear configuration according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 5B illustrates an example of the worm gear configuration of FIG. 5 A, and an example bearing assembly suitable for use with the worm gear configuration according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 5C is a sectional view of the example worm gear configuration and bearing assembly of FIG. 5B according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 5D illustrates an example of the worm gear configuration of FIG. 5 A, with a top mounted worm gear according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 5E illustrates an example of the worm gear configuration of FIG. 5 A, with a side mounted worm gear according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another example of the solar reflector system of FIGS.1 A-1D, where the solar reflector system includes a backup actuation system according to some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an example bearing assembly for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 5A-5E according to some embodiments.

[0035] FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a portion of a bearing assembly for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 5A-5E according to some embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates example section connectors for use with the bearing assembly examples of FIGS. 7-8B according to some embodiments.

[0037] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate example section connectors for use with the bearing assembly examples of FIGS. 7-8B according to some embodiments.

[0038] FIGS. 11 A-l IB illustrate example section connectors for use with the bearing assembly examples of FIGS. 7-8B according to some embodiments.

[0039] FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate example section connectors for use with the bearing assembly examples of FIGS. 7-8B according to some embodiments.

[0040] FIGS. 13A-13B illustrates example section connectors for use with the bearing assembly examples of FIGS. 7-8B according to some embodiments.

[0041] FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate example section connectors for use with the bearing assembly examples of FIGS. 7-8B according to some embodiments.

[0042] FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate example section connectors for use with the bearing assembly examples of FIGS. 7-8B according to some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the use of multiple reflector assemblies with two drive mechanisms according to some embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 17 is an example method for installing a solar reflector system according to some embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Examples of the present disclosure are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 A- 17 of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.

[0046] Existing parabolic reflection systems utilize a parabolic reflector to heat fluids flowing through a thermal pipe. While existing parabolic reflection systems are suitable for some scenarios, some existing parabolic reflection systems could be improved upon to provide advantages over existing parabolic reflector systems in some instances.

[0047] For example, PCT / CA2023 / 050159, titled “Enclosed solar thermal energy generation system and methods of operation,” fded on Feb. 7, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a parabolic reflection system where the thermal pipe is rotated as the reflector is rotated via a worm gear, slew drive, or similar on aground-mounted support. An advantage of this approach is that it enables a simplified single axis of movement. This approach is desirable in some instances because moving the thermal pipe with the reflector keeps the focal point / length rigidly maintained between the reflector and the thermal pipe with minimized change over time (i.e., it helps keep the thermal pipe where it needs to be relative to the reflector). However, in PCT / CA2023 / 050159, the single axis of movement is at the bottom middle (e.g., base) of the reflector, as is seen in Figure 6F of PCT / CA2023 / 050159. This arrangement causes the thermal pipe to be moved along a parabola as the reflector surface is rotated about the single axis because of the rigid support 25c connecting the thermal pipe with the reflector assembly.

[0048] Because both the thermal pipe and the reflector surface are being moved, the amount of weight that needs to be moved is relatively large, especially when the thermal pipe is filled with fluid. Moving the thermal pipe and reflector together in this way requires a relatively complex and powerful drive system. Further, as the drive system moves the reflector assembly close to either end of the reflector assembly to keep the sunlight focused on the thermal pipe, the reflector assembly can, in some instances, experience slight deformations caused by the imbalance in weight of the entire assembly on either side of the drive mechanism. These deformations can, in some scenarios, negatively affect the focal performance of the reflector and result in the reflector focusing less solar energy onto the thermal pipe than it otherwise would absent the weight-induced deformation. Also, these deformations might, in some scenarios, stress and / or damage the system over time.

[0049] As another example, PCT / CA2023 / 050159 also discloses a parabolic reflection system where the thermal pipe and reflector assembly are at least partially supported by rigid attachments to the overall structure (e.g., the outer housing that encloses the reflector). This approach takes advantage of the existing robustness / support provided by the outer housing, and reduces the amount of support that may be required from a ground mount. It also facilitates implementation of a ropes-and-pulley actuation system, whereby the reflector is moved around a static thermal pipe, as is seen in Figures 5A-5E of PCT / CA2023 / 050159. That is, this implementation requires mounting the reflector assembly to the housing and the ropes-and-pulley actuation system for actuating movement of the reflector assembly. As such, this parabolic reflection system is neither ground mounted, nor is it a single axis drive system (i.e., it does not include a motor / drive inline with the axis about which the reflector is rotated).

[0050] This approach may be desirable because it is capable of relatively predictably and relatively efficiently moving a large (and / or heavy) reflector. For example, gravity can play a role in moving the reflector in at least some directions (from high to low). As a result, in general, the ropes-and-pulley actuation system is “pulling” rather than “pushing” on the reflector assembly during at least some portions of movement of the reflector assembly. Another benefit of this approach may be that it does not require ground mount reinforcement. This might be particularly beneficial in some environments (such as deserts) where it might not be feasible to rigidly mount (e.g., screw) the system to the ground. Another benefit is this approach provides “clearance” underneath the reflector assembly, providing space that can be used, for example, for maintenance and / or other purposes such as flooring adaptations / extensi ons .

[0051] However, the ropes-and-pulley actuation system of PCT / CA2023 / 050159 is mechanically complex, so as to ensure the reflector moves along the appropriate path needed to maintain focal length. Additionally, the control system for the ropes-and-pulley actuation system is susceptible to overheating (e.g., because the actuation system is high in the building and directly exposed to the sun), and in some applications will require heat shielding and / or an active / passive cooling system — leading to more energy needs and cost to operate. Also, since the ropes-and-pulley system is complicated, if one component of the pulley / cable system fails, it is possible that the full system will fail. Furthermore, vibrations of the outer housing (e.g., due to wind / weather) may translate to the cables / pulleys, which can affect performance of the system, e.g., by negatively affecting the focal performance of the reflector and resulting in the reflector focusing less solar energy onto the thermal pipe than it otherwise would absent the building vibrations / movements. Also, this approach generally requires that the reflector be very “stiff’ (so as to be capable of being “pulled”), and therefore the reflector tends to be heavy. As a result, the reflector can be more difficult to install / setup (e.g., composite panels must be glued / constructed, the glue takes time to set, the installation requires additional space, etc.) as compared to some of the reflector assembly embodiments disclosed herein.

[0052] As another example, U.S. Patent No. 8,915,244 discloses a parabolic reflection system where the thermal pipe and reflector are at least partially supported by connections to the housing, the reflector is actuated via ropes / pulleys, and the thermal pipe is stationary. This system includes a “rotating suspension mechanism,” which holds the reflector at a fixed distance from the thermal pipe, so as to provide a constant focal length. A winch is affixed tothe top of the structure to provide actuation of the ropes / pulleys actuation system. While this system has some of the same advantages as the ropes-and-pulley actuation system of PCT / CA2023 / 050159, it also has some of the same disadvantages in some scenarios, namely that it is mechanically complex, is susceptible to overheating (thereby leading to more energy and cost to cool the system), it can be finicky, it is susceptible to vibrations in the outer housing, and the reflector is heavy (and, therefore, is inefficient to install / setup and operate), among other disadvantages.

[0053] As another example, EP 2147259B1 discloses an inflatable solar collector that includes an inflatable cylindrical concentrator made of three plastic films - a base film, a transparent film, and a mirror film. The mirror film divides the concentrator into two airtight chambers running lengthwise through the tube. Small pressure differences between the top and bottom chambers arch the mirror film downward. Thus, a mirror channel is created that concentrates the sun rays onto a thermal receiver in the upper chamber. The inflatable nature of this approach, however, may cause it to be less effective and less durable, among other disadvantages.

[0054] As another example, PCT / CA2023 / 050159 further describes a bearing assembly that is designed to support the reflector assembly and, in embodiments, the thermal pipe, while facilitating the rotation necessary for solar tracking. As is seen in Figure 2 and Figure 2b of PCT / CA2023 / 050159, the bearing assembly supports the thermal pipe in a fixed position while the reflector rotates. This bearing assembly includes a stationary portion and a pivoting portion. The stationary portion includes two support plates, and each outer support plate can be formed of two halves that connect to a stay connector. The pivoting portion includes a bearing race, which includes an inner non-rotating portion and a rotating outer portion. Both the inner and outer portions can be composed of two split apart half sections, which facilitates installation around the thermal pipe after the pipe has been positioned within the stationary support plates. However, this bearing assembly in Figure 2 and Figure 2b of PCT / CA2023 / 050159 is actuated using a ropes-and-pulley actuation system, as is discussed above. As such, this bearing assembly is neither ground mounted, nor is it a single axis bearing system (i.e., it does not include a motor / drive inline with the axis about which the reflector is rotated).

[0055] As a further example, PCT / CA2023 / 050159 also described a bearing assembly (illustrated in Figures 6A-6G and 9A-9C of PCT / CA2023 / 050159) that is located at the connection point of a support post and a rigid support that connects to both the thermal pipeand the reflector assembly. This bearing assembly, however, does not operate with (i) a single axis drive system, or (ii) static thermal pipe / receiver, let alone both.

[0056] Furthermore, none of the bearing assemblies disclosed in PCT / CA2023 / 050159 include an outer portion with gear teeth (e.g., gear teeth integrated in the outer portion), let alone the combination of (i) an inner portion that is split into first and second inner sections, (ii) and an outer portion that is split into first and second outer sections, and (iii) where each of the first and second outer sections of the outer portion include a plurality of gear teeth (e.g., a plurality of gear teeth integrated in each section of the outer portion).

[0057] The solar reflector system embodiments (and / or actuation system embodiments, and / or bearing assembly embodiments) disclosed and described herein overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above-described deficiencies of existing systems.

[0058] EXAMPLE SOLAR REFLECTOR SYSTEM

[0059] In some embodiments, and as illustrated in Figure 1C, a solar reflector system 10 includes a thermal pipe 25, a cylindrical bearing assembly 20 that surrounds at least a portion of the thermal pipe 25 and that provides a rotational interface around a longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, a reflector assembly 14 that includes a parabolic reflector 14a that directs sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe 25, and an actuation system 30.

[0060] In such an example, the thermal pipe 25 remains stationary (or at least substantially stationary relative to the reflector assembly 14) during operation of the solar reflector system 10. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the actuation system 30 rotates the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25 such that the parabolic reflector 14a directs sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe 25 while the thermal pipe 25 remains stationary or at least substantially stationary relative to both (i) the reflector assembly 14 and (ii) the outer housing. Additionally, in the example embodiment depicted in Figure 1C (and other figures), the actuation system 30 includes a ground- mountable drive mechanism, such as the ground-mountable drive mechanism 32 shown in Figure 2 A, for example.

[0061] In some embodiments, the solar reflector system 10 allows the reflector assembly 14 to move about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, without moving the thermal pipe 25 (and its associated structures) as in some of the above-described existing systems. This reduces the amount of weight that needs to be moved, in some examples, as compared to existing systems, by not requiring that the thermal pipe 25 itself move during operation. Furthermore, in some examples, the reflector assembly 14 is a relativelylightweight assembly (that is uncoupled from the thermal pipe 25) - which enables actuation via a central axis 12c that is aligned with the thermal pipe 25 and / or which further increases / improves the control of the rotation of the reflector assembly 14. For example, in some configurations, the reflector assembly 14 is movable / rotatable about the thermal pipe 25 while the thermal pipe 25 remains stationary.

[0062] Additionally, in some examples, the actuation system 30 of the solar reflector system 10 includes a ground-mountable drive mechanism 32. This removes the complexity and additional components needed by some existing systems to affix elements to the overall housing structure for purposes of support and / or for actuation, in some examples.Furthermore, in some examples, the solar reflector system 10 includes both a thermal pipe 25 that does not move (i.e., a static thermal pipe) and a ground-mountable drive mechanism 32 that includes a single axis drive system (e.g., a centrally driven actuation axis) that is oriented around a static thermal pipe 25.

[0063] In some examples, all or a portion of the load bearing components (e.g., the thermal pipe 25, the reflector assembly 14, the actuation system 30, and the drive mechanism 32) are ground mounted, meaning that they are affixed to the floor or ground (at least indirectly). As one example of this, all or a portion of the load bearing components (e.g., the thermal pipe 25, the reflector assembly 14, the actuation system 30, and the drive mechanism 32) are mounted (or otherwise affixed) to one or more supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) (which are directly (or indirectly) affixed to the floor 15). In these examples, the thermal pipe 25 and reflector assembly 14 are not supported (or actuated) via elements that are affixed to the overhead housing (e.g., the structural members of the building structure 12).

[0064] This ground mounting provides various advantages, in some examples. For instance, the ground mounting of the load bearing components reduces the structural strength requirement of the building structure 12 (e.g., the building structure 12 does not need to support the components), allows the building structure 12 to be built using less overall material, and / or reduces the size of the structural members of the building structure 12 - which reduces the amount of sunlight that is blocked from reaching the reflector assembly 14 (or otherwise reduces the amount of shading of the reflector assembly 14). As a further example, as a result of the ground mounting, the reflector assembly 14 is no longer subject to vibration (or at least far less likely to experience vibration) from the building structure 12 (or the effect is at least dampened), which helps ensure better alignment of the reflector assembly 14 over time as compared to existing systems when the building structure 12 is subjected towind and other environmental conditions. As another example, the ground mounting reduces the quantity and complexity of components, the connections between components, and / or the overall complexity of the solar reflector system 10, especially in comparison to traditional systems that utilize pulley / cable systems. In some examples, the reduction in components (i) reduces the cost of the system (e.g., to ship, build, and operate), (ii) helps reduce the time to deploy and / or install the solar reflector system 10 (e.g., less requirement for specialized personnel and specialized equipment), (iii) results in manufacturing and / or shipping costs that are more efficient (e.g., less components to ship) and cost effective, and / or (iv) result in a design of the solar reflector system 10 that is more improved, clean, simple, compact, and aesthetically pleasing as compared to existing systems.

[0065] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate aspects of examples of a solar reflector system according to some embodiments. In the illustrated examples, the solar reflector system 10 utilizes a reflector 14a (e.g., a parabolic reflector) that directs sunlight onto an outer surface of a thermal pipe 25. In doing so, the reflector 14a focuses the sunlight to heat thermal fluids (e.g., water, silicone oil, and synthetic thermal fluids) inside of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples. This allows the fluid’s temperature to be heated to a temperature that can exceed 200°C, such as a temperature of up to 500°C or greater, in some examples.

[0066] The heated thermal fluids can be used for numerous applications ranging from being used anywhere from low-grade heating to medium and high-grade heating and steam generation. Example industrial applications of these heated thermal fluids include HVAC applications to buildings / structures as well as energy sources for industrial processes such as thermoelectric energy generation or steam generation, among other examples.

[0067] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 A-1C, the solar reflector system 10 includes a building structure 12 that encloses (fully or partially) a reflector assembly 14 (seen in FIG. 1C). The building structure 12 is (or includes) any structure that encloses (fully or partially) a reflector assembly 14. In an example, the building structure 12 is formed, at least in part, from structural member(s) (e.g., 12a) and a membrane 13 that covers (fully or partially) the structural member(s), in some examples. In such examples, this forms an interior space of the building structure 12 that includes (all or a portion) of the reflector assembly 14.

[0068] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the building structure 12 is an arched building structure that includes structural member(s) in the form of arches 12a. However, the structural members could take any other form suitable for supporting a building sufficient to house the components of the solar reflector system. In the illustrated example, pairs of arches12a are connected together to form dual arch assemblies 12b that are aligned and spaced along a central axis (e.g., an axis parallel to longitudinal axis 12c discussed below). Each arch 12a, when assembled, forms a dual arch assembly 12b that provides a shape and structure that protects the reflector assembly 14 from weather elements, in some examples. As shown, aligned pairs of arches 12a form a barrel vault or gothic arch structure (or other arch pair design) and, in some examples, a pointed barrel vault or gothic arch characterized by arches having a substantially vertical exterior surface adjacent a lower end transitioning to an approximately 45° exterior surface adjacent an upper end. However, building structure 12, the arches 12a, and / or the structure members could take any other form suitable for housing the components of the solar reflector system.

[0069] In some examples, the lower slope angle between a horizontal axis and the lower outer end surface is 90 degrees or greater, and, in some examples, between about 90 degrees and 110 degrees or between about 90 degrees and 100 degrees. In some examples, the upper slope angle between the outer upper end surface and a horizontal axis is greater than 40 degrees, and, in some examples, between about 40-60 degrees, and, in other examples, about 45 degrees. In these examples, the dual arch shape provides a high-slope upper outer envelope surface that progressively increases to a substantially vertical surface towards the lower end. This building structure 12 substantially prevents / minimizes the accumulation of snow / water on the building structure 12 with angles that will generally prevent or minimize environmental solids, such as dust, sand and / or snow accumulating on the building structure 12. For example, in the configuration of housings shown in Figs 1A and IB, the housings are deployed with spacing between each housing. The shape of the housings and the spacing between the housings enables solids such as dust, sand, and / or snow to fall / slide off of the housings and into the spaces between the housings for easy removal. The spacing between the housings also allows easy access to the respective housings for servicing or other operations and maintenance activities.

[0070] In some examples, the building structure 12 includes one or more peripheral, external drainage channels to direct collected water from rain and snow. This water can then be directed to an integrated reservoir or drainage system. The drainage channels are formed into the arches 12a themselves, or are formed by means of texturing of the structure material, or the drainage channels can be separate channels mounted to one or both of the arches 12a or the building structure 12, in some examples.

[0071] In the illustrated example, each arch pair 12b is inter-connected by a top gusset and may be connected to a foundation structure 15 via bottom gussets. Each arch pair 12b has any size, such as, for example, a base width from about 3m to 9m and total height of about 3m to 9m, maintaining an approximate 1 : 1 ratio. Any number of arch pairs 12b can be assembled along an axis (e.g., 12c) to create a solar reflector system 10 of any length and system capacity.

[0072] In some examples, adjacent arch pairs 12b are interconnected via a ridge member at the apex of each arch pair 12b. Spacing between arch pairs 12b is variable and will consider the span of the material of the membrane 13 described below to enable proper snow / wind loading while also seeking to minimize shadowing effects from the arch pairs over the reflector assembly 14 (typically 3-9m centers or 4.5-6m).

[0073] Although the structural member(s) of the building structure 12 are illustrated as arches 12a, in some examples, the structural member(s) have any other suitable form or shape. The structural member (such as the arch 12a) is made of any suitable material, including pre-formed metal structural member(s), laminated wooden structural member(s), plastics, any other suitable material, or any combination of the preceding. Additionally, the building structure 12 includes any number of structural members.

[0074] As is discussed above, the building structure 12 is formed, at least in part, from structural member(s) and a membrane 13 that covers (fully or partially) the structural member(s), in some examples. The membrane 13 refers to an outer surface of the building structure 12 (i.e., the building envelope), in some examples. In the illustrated example, the membrane 13 is transparent or substantially transparent to sunlight.

[0075] The membrane 13 is made of any suitable material that allows sunlight to pass into the building structure 12, and that further provides sufficient structural properties for sealing the building structure 12 to water and to provide sufficient wind and snow loading. For example, the membrane 13 is made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), other suitable polymers, acrylic, PVC, polycarbonate, or any combination of the preceding. In some examples, the material of the membrane 13 is selected to maximize the amount of sunlight (and / or solar radiation) that passes into the building structure 12, while also providing sufficient structural properties for sealing the building structure 12 to water and to provide sufficient wind and snow loading. In some examples, the surface properties of the membrane 13 are provided with low friction properties to further assist in snow shedding.

[0076] Tensioned membranes such as ETFE are advantaged over various transparent materials by providing a balance between optical, thermal, and physical properties, in some examples. ETFE is more transparent to solar radiation while remaining lightweight with excellent abrasion resistance, thermal and UV stability, and good tear / puncture resistance compared to other materials. A comparison to other materials shows that ETFE can have a transmissivity of up to 94% compared to polycarbonate which has a transmissivity up to 90% and polyethylene which has a transmissivity up to 83%.

[0077] The membrane 13 is attached to the structural member(s) in any suitable manner. As one example, Keder-type extrusion tracks are mounted on or connected to the structural member(s). In some examples, these Keder-type extrusion tracks receive portions of the membrane 13 and hold them. As an example, the membrane includes an edge bead (not shown) that is held within an appropriate recess in the track to provide support and tension to the membrane between structural member(s) of the building structure 12. In other examples, the membrane is attached to the exterior of the structural building 12 via slotted tracks that are mounted on, connected to, or otherwise included in or on the structural member(s). Examples of Keder-style tracks used in this manner are shown and described in PCT / CA2023 / 050159 titled “Enclosed Solar Thermal Energy Generation System and Methods of Operation,” fded on Feb. 7, 2023, and published as WO 2023 / 150872 on Aug. 17, 2023. The entire contents of PCT / CA2023 / 050159 are incorporated by reference.

[0078] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the building structure 12 also includes a floor 15 (which may also be referred to as a support base). In some examples, the floor 15 includes (or is built on top of) a foundation, either of which is (or both of which are) or may be constructed as required by local building codes. The floor 15 and / or the foundation includes fully excavated and supported concrete structures, screw piles, floating on grade foundations, any other structure that is appropriate for a particular location and size of building structure 12, or any combination of the foregoing, in some examples. If the installation location of the solar reflector system 10 allows pile or screw pile installation, then the building structure 12 is or can be anchored through the piles, in some examples. Otherwise, the building structure 12 rests on grade, in some examples. In some examples, the floor 15 includes a base structural frame (e.g., H-beam structural members), and a sealing membrane and / or floor panels fitted between and supported by the base structural frame.

[0079] In some examples, the floor 15 (and / or the foundation) includes photovoltaic (PV) panels that can be energized from solar power such that the solar reflector system 10 forms ahybrid PV and thermal system. In other examples, the floor 15 (and / or the foundation) includes one or more panels that serves as a modular thermal energy storage system, in which thermal fluids are directed to run in floor panels of the floor 15 (and / or the foundation) containing a thermal mass or phase change material (PCM) capable of charging or discharging heat energy from / to the thermal fluid. In one example, for rapid system start-up or stabilized energy delivery, thermal fluids are partially pre-heated by directing passage through the thermal energy storage system, having stored heat produced the previous day through a reverse process, prior to introduction to the main heating system. In some examples, the floor 15 (and / or the foundation) includes both (i) PV panels that can be energized from solar power as described above; and (ii) one or more panels that serve as a modular thermal energy storage system as described above. In one example, the PV panels are placed on top of the modular thermal energy storage system.

[0080] Furthermore, although the solar reflector system 10 is described above as including a building structure 12, in some examples, the solar reflector system 10 does not include a building structure 12 at all. For instance, in some scenarios, the solar reflector system 10 may be sold separately from the building structure 12 (or without building structure 12) and / or deployed in an enclosure different than building structure 12.

[0081] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 A-1C, the solar reflector system 10 further includes the thermal pipe 25 (shown in FIG. 1C). As is discussed above, the reflector 14a of the solar reflector system 10 directs sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe 25 so as to heat thermal fluids (e.g., water, mixture of water and propylene glycol, silicone oils, and synthetic thermal fluids such as Therminol ®, Paratherm™, Dowtherm™ etc.) inside of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples. In some examples, the thermal pipe 25 may contain a phase change material that changes from liquid form to gaseous form when heated via sunlight directed by the reflector 14a onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe 25. In some examples, the phase change material may stay in liquid form across the temperature range of the normal operation of the system. In operation, directing sunlight from the reflector 14a onto the surface of the thermal pipe 25 causes the fluid and / or gas within the thermal pipe 25 to be heated to a temperature that can exceed 200°C, such as a temperature of up to 500°C, in some examples.

[0082] The thermal pipe 25 is (or includes) a conduit through which one or more thermal fluids may flow, in some examples. The thermal pipe 25 is made of any suitable material that may be used for solar thermal heating (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.). Furthermore,in some examples, the thermal pipe 25 is coated in an absorptive coating and / or enclosed in an evacuated glass cylinder so as to increase the heat transfer efficiency of the thermal pipe 25.

[0083] The thermal pipe 25 has any suitable length. For example, the thermal pipe 25 has, in some examples, a length of approximately 4 meters (e.g., the industry standard) or approximately 5 meters. In some examples, the thermal pipe 25 is made up of two or more pipe sections with abutting pipe sections being connected together (e.g., via welding) so as to seal the thermal pipe 25. As an example of this, three 5 meter pipes are welded together in series for a total of 15 meters, or four 4 meter pipes are welded together in series for a total of 16 meters. In some examples, the pipe sections include one or more beveled ends. In some examples, the beveled end(s) of the thermal pipe sections allow a weld bead to be placed within a recess that is defined by the beveled edges of the beveled ends (when welded together), so as to facilitate the welding of the thermal pipe sections together to form the thermal pipe 25.

[0084] In some examples, the thermal pipe 25 is configured to support between about 4 kilowatts to about 6 kilowatts of heating, including, for example, about 5 kilowatts of heating. In some examples, the thermal pipe 25 is configured to support between about 40 kilowatts to about 60 kilowatts of heating, including, for example, about 50 kilowatts of heating. In some examples, for a larger kW output of heating, the building structure 12 (or other space) is increased in size / robustness / scale (but still keeping the same general design) to accommodate the larger thermal pipe 25.

[0085] The thermal pipe 25 is arranged in any suitable position that allows the reflector 14a to direct sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe 25 so as to heat thermal fluids (e.g., water) inside of the thermal pipe 25. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the thermal pipe 25 is positioned so as to form a longitudinal axis 12c that extends (partially or fully) through the interior space of the building structure 12.

[0086] In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D, the thermal pipe 25 is a static pipe that remains stationary during operation of the solar reflector system 10 (or at least stationary relative to the reflector assembly). In some examples, the thermal pipe 25 is connected to the floor 15 (and / or foundation), which helps prevent the thermal pipe 25 from moving, or at least holds the thermal pipe 25 in a substantially fixed position relative to the ground. As one example of this, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the thermal pipe 25 is connected to a support post 15c that is fixed to the floor 15 (and / or foundation) of the building structure 12.In some examples, the support post 15c is fixed to floor panels which are supported by the base frame. In some examples, the support post 15c is mounted to (or otherwise affixed) to the base frame.

[0087] In some examples, there are various advantages provided by a static thermal pipe 25 that remains stationary during operation of the solar reflector system 10. For example, because the thermal pipe 25 is static, the end(s) of the thermal pipe 25 do not utilize (and / or need) a swivel joint (or other moveable components) to facilitate rotation, in contrast to some existing system designs. As such, in some examples, the absence of the swivel joints (or similar components to facilitate movement) reduces the risk of leaks, reduces maintenance and liability, reduces complexity, improves the robustness of the solar reflector system 10 (e.g., because the thermal pipe 25 no longer swivels), and / or improves performance over time, among other benefits. This is in contrast to traditional systems, which typically need at least 2-3 swivel joints at each end of collector row(s) in order to handle the moving thermal pipe, and which are susceptible to leaks and require additional maintenance and / or are more prone to failures due to their complexity. Furthermore, by not utilizing swivel joints for the thermal pipe 25, the solar reflector system 10 can be used with a variety of applications that are less feasible (or not possible in some instances) with designs that incorporate swivel joints (e.g., direct steam generation, the solar reflector system can integrate with boiler feed water on site), in some examples. Also, in some examples, the solar reflector system 10 can utilize various heat transfer fluids that were less feasible (or impossible in some instances) to use in designs that incorporate swivel joints because of the expansive characteristics of those fluids. For instance, the heat-induced expansion of some heat transfer fluids can cause high stress on swivel joints, thereby causing the swivel joints to fail and / or leak.

[0088] In some static thermal pipe examples, the thermal pipe 25 is kept static while the reflector assembly 14 (discussed below) rotates about the thermal pipe 25. In particular, the rotation of the reflector assembly 14 is entirely decoupled from the thermal pipe 25 and the thermal pipe 25 does not move while the reflector assembly 14 is moved about the thermal pipe 25. This arrangement reduces the amount of weight that needs to be moved as compared to existing designs where the reflector assembly 14 and the thermal pipe 25 move together. Furthermore, this reduction in weight causes, in some examples, the actuation system 30 (discussed below) to use less power / energy over its lifetime to accomplish actuation as compared to existing designs, and / or allows the actuation system 30 to move more or larger reflector assemblies 14 using the same amount of energy.

[0089] In operation, one or more thermal fluid(s) flow through the thermal pipe 25, allowing the thermal fluid(s) to be heated by sunlight directed (or otherwise focused) onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe 25. The thermal fluid may be any suitable heat transfer fluid, such as, for example, water, water that includes one or more additives (e.g., freezing point depressors to prevent freezing, chemical treatment), a silicone-based fluid, a synthetic thermal fluid, any other heat transfer fluid, or any combination of the foregoing. The flow of thermal fluid through the thermal pipe 25 is controlled by control system 40 (shown in FIG. ID), in some examples. In such examples, the control system 40 may cause one or more pumps (shown in FIG. ID) to increase or decrease the flow of the thermal fluid based on, for example, measured temperatures along the length of the thermal pipe 25. In some examples, the control system 40 may take into account local weather. Furthermore, continuous, or at least semi-continuous, thermal fluid circulation may be utilized for freeze-protection together with thermal storage.

[0090] Following the heating of the thermal fluid(s), in some examples, the heated thermal fluid(s) can be used for numerous applications ranging from being used anywhere from low-grade heating to medium and high-grade heating and steam generation. Example industrial applications of these heated thermal fluids include HVAC applications for heating and cooling buildings / structures. In some examples, the heated thermal fluids can be used for electricity generation via thermoelectric energy generation, steam generation, or an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) energy generation. In another example, the heated thermal fluid is used directly for commercial and industrial applications that require heated fluids or steam in their processes. These commercial and industry applications can include, but are not limited to petrochemical, enhanced oil recovery, textile, mining, food and beverage, pulp and paper, hydrogen, carbon capture, cooling (including, e.g., adsorption and absorption cooling), data centers (including, e.g., facilities that enable data storage, data processing, and / or computing services), organic rankine cycle, geothermal, geothermal storage, space heating and cooling, bio-fuels, and water treatment (including, e.g., multi effect distillation and reverse osmosis water treatment). In another example, the solar reflector system 10 integrates with existing industrial processes through direct steam generation (DSG) and the use of boiler feedwater or process water as the thermal fluid. This allows for minimal integration infrastructure or process disruption to the many industrial applications that use steam directly as a heating medium through the elimination of heat exchangers or other equipment with thermal losses and a transition between different thermal fluids and heating loops, in some examples.

[0091] In some examples, the thermal pipe 25 is utilized as a photocatalytic reactor or as a transparent tube through which material is passed to undergo photochemistry or be heated directly. Example applications of the thermal pipe 25 as a photocatalytic reactor include biodiesel production, chemical production or synthesis, and / or wastewater breakdown, treatment, and disinfection. Additionally, the design of the thermal pipe 25 and / or the solar reflector system 10, including the control of fluid flow through the thermal pipe 25, can be controlled / varied depending on application, in some examples.

[0092] Instead of fluids, in some examples, the thermal pipe 25 may be utilized to heat one or more solid materials passing through the thermal pipe 25. In some examples, an auger system may move the solid materials through the thermal pipe 25. As one example of this, the auger system may include a screw-like conveyor that continuously moves solid materials along the length of the thermal pipe 25. In some examples, the thermal pipe 25 may be constructed of steel, a transparent material, or any other suitable material that allows for direct heating of solid materials as they are transported through the thermal pipe 25

[0093] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the solar reflector system 10 further includes the reflector assembly 14, which may also be referred to as a parabolic solar collector assembly (PSCA) or a solar receiver and collector assembly. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the reflector assembly 14 includes a reflector 14a that directs sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe 25 so as to heat thermal fluids (e.g., water) inside of the thermal pipe 25, and further includes a frame 14b that supports (partially or fully) the reflector 14a.

[0094] In an example, the reflector 14a is (or includes) a flexible membrane that is covered (partially or fully) by a reflective film (e.g., a metalized reflective film), in some examples. In other examples, the reflector 14a is (or includes) a combination of a reflective film (e.g. metalized reflective film), a honeycomb support (e.g. expanded aluminum honeycomb cell), and a backing (e.g. a thin aluminum panel). In some embodiments, the metalized reflective film comprises aluminum or silver. In some embodiments, rather than a flexible membrane covered by a reflective film, the reflector comprises a mirror formed from glass, plexiglass, plastic or other suitable material for forming a mirror.

[0095] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the reflector 14a includes a first side 14c that faces inward toward the thermal pipe 25, and a second side 14d that faces outward away from the thermal pipe 25. The first side 14c includes the reflective film (e.g., a metalized reflective film), in some examples, thereby allowing the reflective film of the reflector 14a toreceive the sunlight from outside of the building structure 12, and direct the received sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe 25 so as to heat thermal fluids (e.g., water) inside of the thermal pipe 25.

[0096] The frame 14b is (or includes) any structure that supports (partially or fully) the reflector 14a. When supporting the reflector 14a, the frame 14b may define (partially or fully) the shape of the reflector 14a, in some examples. In such examples, the reflector 14a has any shape that allows it to direct sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe 25. Example shapes include a parabolic shape, an arc shape, any other shape that allows the reflector 14a to direct sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe 25, or any combination of the preceding. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the reflector 14a has a parabolic shape, and is therefore referred to as a parabolic reflector.

[0097] The frame 14b includes support members and cross members which define the shape of the frame 14b (and thus the reflector 14a), in some examples. For example, the frame 14b includes parabolic support members, and cross-members that interconnect each parabolic support member, thereby defining the parabolic shape of the frame 14b (and the reflector 14a).

[0098] The frame 14b (and its structural members) are made of strong lightweight materials, in some examples. Example materials of the frame 14b (and its structural members) include lightweight steel, lightweight aluminum, lightweight plastic, any other strong lightweight materials, or any combination of the preceding. Collectively, the reflector 14a and frame 14b are designed to provide sufficient rigidity whilst minimizing weight, in some examples.

[0099] The reflector 14a is attached to the frame 14b in any suitable manner. As one example, the frame 14b includes tracks formed or mounted on one or more of the structural members that make up the frame 14b. In such an example, the reflector 14a includes an edge bead formed along the edges of the reflector 14a, whereby the edge bead can be positioned in the tracks of the frame 14b. In some examples, the reflector assembly 14 includes a tensioning system that can be used to tension the reflector 14a to remove creases and maximize reflectiveness of the reflector 14a. In such examples, the tensioning system includes one or more tensioning members on the structural members of the frame 14b. These tensioning members can be adjusted, so as to shorten or lengthen structural members to thereby tension the reflector 14a.

[0100] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the reflector assembly 14 is movingly connected to the thermal pipe 25 by the bearing assembly 20 (discussed below). As such, although the thermal pipe 25 remains stationary during operation of the solar reflector system 10, the reflector assembly 14 is able to move relative to the thermal pipe 25 during operation of the solar reflector system 10. In some examples, this allows the reflector assembly 14 (and / or the reflector 14a) to be oriented relative to incoming sunlight to position the reflector assembly 14 such that incoming sunlight can be directed (or otherwise focused) on the thermal pipe 25, from about sunrise to about sunset.

[0101] Additionally, in some examples, this movable connection allows the reflector assembly 14 (and / or the reflector 14a) to rotate around the static thermal pipe 25. As such, the reflector 14a can direct (or otherwise focus) sunlight onto different portions of the outer surface of the thermal pipe 25 as the reflector assembly 14 (and / or the reflector 14a) rotates about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25. The portion of the thermal pipe 25 that sunlight is focused on at any given time can be referred to as a “firing surface.” In the illustrated example, this firing surface changes over time, as a result of the thermal pipe 25 remaining stationary while the reflector assembly 14 (and / or the reflector 14a) rotates about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25.

[0102] In some examples, this moving (or changing) firing surface reduces degradation of the surface of the thermal pipe 25 and improves the surface life of the thermal pipe 25 because the sunlight is not directed on the same spot of the surface of the thermal pipe 25 at all times. Instead, the spot on the thermal pipe 25 being “fired” changes as the reflector assembly 14 moves, thereby reducing the risk of degradation to the thermal pipe 25. Also, the moving (or otherwise varied) firing surface expands the application / functions of the solar reflector system 10, in some examples. For example, a wider range of heat transfer fluids are usable in the solar reflector system 10 as compared to existing designs at least in part because the thermal pipe 25 need not be connected to swivel joints to facilitate rotation of the thermal pipe 25 (as described previously). As another example, when the moving (or otherwise varied) firing surface is combined with design considerations of the thermal pipe 25, the solar reflector system 10 can be used to perform thermal decomposition for hydrogen production within the thermal pipe 25, and / or other thermochemical reactions that may or may not be catalyst based.

[0103] In some examples, the rotation (or other movement) of the reflector assembly 14 is controlled by control system 40, as is discussed below. Furthermore, the actuation system30 rotates (or otherwise moves) the reflector assembly 14 in some examples, as is also discussed below.

[0104] Different from some existing systems, the reflector assembly 14 in some examples is not connected to structural members of the building structure 12. As an example of this, the reflector assembly 14 is not connected to any of the structural member(s) of the building structure (e.g., arches 12a) discussed above. Instead, the reflector assembly 14 is connected (via the bearing assembly 20) to the support post 15c that is fixed to the floor 15 (and / or foundation), in the example illustrated in FIG. 1C.

[0105] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the solar reflector system 10 further includes the bearing assembly 20. In the illustrated example, the bearing assembly 20 provides a rotational interface around the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, thereby movingly connecting the reflector assembly 14 to the thermal pipe 25. As such, although the thermal pipe 25 remains stationary during operation of the solar reflector system 10, the reflector assembly 14 is able to move relative to the thermal pipe 25 during operation of the solar reflector system 10. In some examples, the bearing assembly 20 defines a single axis of rotation for the reflector assembly 14 relative to the thermal pipe 25.

[0106] The bearing assembly 20 is (or includes) any structure that movingly connects the reflector assembly 14 to the thermal pipe 25. In some examples, the bearing assembly 20 is (or includes) a split ring bearing interface, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 2B. For example, as is illustrated in FIG. 2B, the bearing assembly 20 includes an inner stationary portion 20a that is connected to the thermal pipe 25, and further includes an outer pivoting portion 20b that is connected to the reflector assembly 14. The bearing assembly 20 further includes a bearing race (on the stationary portion 20a and / or the pivoting portion 20b) that allows the pivoting portion 20b (and the reflector assembly 14) to pivot (or otherwise rotate or move) in relation to the stationary portion 20b (and the thermal pipe 25), in some examples. The bearing race includes high temperature materials such as graphite impregnated bronze that provide proper lubrication of the running surfaces at maximum operating temperature, in some examples. In some examples, the bearing assembly is similar to or the same as the bearing assemblies shown and described with reference to Figures 2, 2A, and 2B in PCT / CA2023 / 050159 titled “Enclosed Solar Thermal Energy Generation System and Methods of Operation,” filed on Feb. 7, 2023, and published as WO 2023 / 150872 on Aug. 17, 2023. The entire contents of PCT / CA2023 / 050159 are incorporated by reference

[0107] The bearing assembly 20 can have any suitable shape. For example, as is illustrated, the bearing assembly 20 is cylindrical. The bearing assembly 20 fully surrounds the circumference of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples. In other examples, the bearing assembly 20 only partially surrounds the circumference of the thermal pipe 25. The bearing assembly 20 further has any suitable length. In some examples, the bearing assembly 20 extends longitudinally along the thermal pipe 25 so as to cover almost the entire length of the thermal pipe 25, except for the ends of thermal pipe 25. In other examples, the bearing assembly 20 only covers a small portion of the length of the thermal pipe 25. Additional examples of a bearing assembly 20 (and its components) are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 7-15B.

[0108] In some examples, one or more rigid members 20c extend radially from the bearing assembly 20, as is shown in FIG. 2B. The rigid member 20c is (or includes) any rigid structure that connects the bearing assembly 20 to the reflector assembly 14. As an example, the rigid member 20c is a rigid stay. The rigid member 20c is made of strong lightweight materials, in some examples. Example materials of the rigid member 20c include lightweight steel, lightweight aluminum, lightweight plastic, any other strong lightweight materials, or any combination of the preceding.

[0109] The rigid member(s) 20c have a length based at least in part on their angle relative to the thermal pipe 25 and their attachment to the frame 14b that is configured to support and position reflector 14a at the correct focal distance from the thermal pipe 25. In some examples, the rigid member(s) 20c have a length that is based on the focal length of the reflector 14a of the reflector assembly 14. For example, the rigid member(s) 20c have a length that is equal (or about equal) to a length sufficient for the surface of the thermal pipe 25 to remain at the focal length of the reflector 14a of the reflector assembly 14 during operation. In such examples, the rigid member(s) 20c keep the reflector 14a of the reflector assembly 14 at a distance away from the surface of thermal pipe 25. This distance between the reflector 14a and the surface of the thermal pipe 25 is equal to (or about equal to) the focal length of the reflector 14a, in some examples. As a result, in some examples, the rigid members(s) 20c may cause the surface of the thermal pipe 25 to remain at the focal length of the reflector 14a as the actuation system 30 rotates the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25. The rigid member(s) 20c can be attached to the frame 14b in such a way as to allow adjustment and calibration of the reflector 14a and reflector assembly 14 to a more precise focal length or back into an accurate focal length toaccommodate drift from material fatigue or shifting over lifetime of the installation, in some examples.

[0110] The rigid member 20c has any shape and / or cross-sectional size that allows the rigid member 20c to connect the bearing assembly 20 to the reflector assembly 14. Additionally, the rigid member 20c may be connected to the bearing assembly 20 and / or the reflector assembly 14 in any manner. As an example, the rigid member 20c may be formed integral with (e.g., may be a part of) the bearing assembly 20, may be formed integral with (e.g., may be a part of) the reflector assembly 14, and / or may be connected to bearing assembly 20 and / or the reflector assembly 14 via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.), an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 5D. Additionally, the solar reflector system 10 includes any number of rigid members 20c that connect the bearing assembly 20 to the reflector assembly 14.

[0111] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the solar reflector system 10 further includes the actuation system 30. The actuation system 30 is (or includes) any system, mechanism, and / or device that rotates the reflector assembly 14 (or that causes the reflector assembly to rotate). In some examples, the actuation system 30 rotates the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, so as to cause the reflector 14a to direct sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe 25 while the thermal pipe 25 remains stationary.

[0112] In some examples, the actuation system 30 is (or includes) a ground-mountable drive mechanism 32 (an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 2A). By being ground- mountable, the drive mechanism 32 is designed to be affixed (or otherwise coupled) to the floor 15 and / or the foundation (e.g., directly coupled, coupled via support post(s) 15c), in some examples, as opposed to being supported by the structural members (e.g., 12a) of the building structure 12. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1C, the drive mechanism 32 of the actuation system 30 is affixed to the floor 15 and / or the foundation. For example, the drive mechanism 32 is affixed to the floor 15 and / or the foundation by one or more support posts 15c. Examples of the actuation system 30 and the drive mechanism 32 are discussed below. Furthermore, in some examples, the drive mechanism 32 is not ground mounted.

[0113] In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1C-1D, the solar reflector system 10 further includes the control system 40. The control system 40 is (or includes) a controller, processor, any other computing system (or component of a computing system) that controls theoperation of one or more components of the solar reflector system 10, or any combination of the preceding.

[0114] The control system 40 controls the operation of any one or more components of the solar reflector system 10. Examples of the components controlled by the control system 40 include the actuation system 30 (e.g., to control the rotation of the reflector assembly 14), one or more pumps (e.g., to control the flow of the thermal fluid in the thermal pipe 25), any other component(s) of the solar reflector system 10, or any combination of the preceding.

[0115] In some examples, the control system 40 utilizes various inputs (e.g., data) to control the operation of component(s) of the solar reflector system 10. For example, as is illustrated in FIG. ID, the control system 40 receives data from various sensors, such as, for example, one or more inclinometers on the reflector assembly 14, temperature sensors on or in the thermal pipe 25 system, pressure and / or flow sensors on or in the thermal pipe 25 system, any other sensor(s), or any combination of the preceding.

[0116] In some examples, the control system 40 utilizes sun position data (or other solar azimuth input) to control the actuation system 30, so as to control the rotation of the reflector assembly 14. In operation, the control system 40 may obtain sun position data and / or any other data useful for controlling the actuation system 30 from any one or more suitable information sources, that can include, but are not limited to (i) one or more positional sensors such as inclinometers, (ii) one or more photo sensors, (iii) solar tables, (iv) local weather information (e.g., from one or more local sensors), and / or (v) data from one or more network sources (e.g., from Internet sources, from an intranet server, or other suitable network source).

[0117] For example, the control system 40 utilizes known sun position data (or other solar azimuth input) for each day of the year (including hour and minute data) for the geographic location, and adjusts the angle of inclination of the reflector assembly 14 (using the actuation system 30) based on the sun’s position. That is, in some examples, the control system 40 will rotate the reflector assembly 14 (e.g., rotate a side of the reflector assembly 14 higher or lower) based on the known sun’s position at a particular minute and hour of each day. In some examples, the control system 40 controls the rotation of the reflector assembly 14 within an axial range (e.g., 180 degrees) that is sufficient for the reflector assembly 14 to focus sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe 25 from sunrise (or about sunrise) to sunset (or about sunset).

[0118] The one or more inclinometers on the reflector assembly 14 provide confirmation that the reflector assembly 14 is at the correct angle, in some examples. The inclinometer(s) also provide system fault checking data to ensure that a longer reflector assembly 14 is correctly aligned along its entire length and not experiencing torsion, in some examples. Additionally, in some examples, one or more temperature sensors in or on the thermal pipe 25 also provide confirmation that the reflector assembly 14 is at the correct angle. As an example of this, if the control system 40 determines that the reflector assembly 14 should be “on sun” (based on the known azimuth input), but the temperature sensors are not showing an increase in temperature, the control system 40 can determine that the reflector assembly 14 is not at the correct angle. Additionally, in some examples, an encoder can be added to each drive motor (e.g., electric motor 34) to map the number of revolutions of the motor associated with the angular position of the reflector assembly 14 to provide feedback to the control system 40.

[0119] The solar reflector system 10 might, in some implementations, be deployed along an east- west or north-south axis to enable the reflector assemblies 14 to track the sun perpendicular to deployment orientation. Deployment orientation may be favored to either extend the system thermal generation over more months into the shoulder seasons or provide a higher peak thermal generation output during the summer. Generally, if the solar reflector system 10 is east-west aligned, at sunrise and sunset, with the sun low to the horizon, the reflector assembly 14 will be lifted from a lower neutral position to enable the reflector assembly 14 to be focused on the thermal pipe 25. As the sun rises in the sky, the control system 40 can adjust by causing the actuation system 30 to lower the relevant side of the reflector assembly 14 towards the neutral position (where an example of the neutral position is illustrated in FIG. 2A); and as the sun lowers in the sky, the control system 40 can adjust by causing the actuation system 30 to lift the relevant side of the reflector assembly 14 upward as sunset approaches. This results in the reflector assembly 14 being rotated through its entire axial range (e.g., 180 degrees), in some examples.

[0120] In some examples, the control system 40 controls more than one actuation system 30 (so as to control the rotation of more than one reflector assembly 14). The control system 30 controls each actuation system 30 (and / or each motor or other component of the actuation system 30) individually, in some examples. As such, in some examples, each reflector assembly 14 can be independently adjusted. Furthermore, if one actuation system 30 (or a motor or other component of the actuation system 30) fails or is put in standby, the failure orstandby command is limited to the single actuation system 30 (and reflector assembly 14), while the others can still be operated, in some examples.

[0121] In some embodiments, the control system 40 determines possible malfunctions in the actuation system 30. For example, the control system 40 utilizes inclinometers to determine if a twist action is starting in the actuation system 30 (or in one of the motors in the actuation system 30). Such a twist action may be the result of a binding in an intervening bearing, which could give rise to mismatched angles, and therefore, give rise to torsion in the motor. In such an example, the control system 40 shuts the malfunctioning actuation system 30 (or the malfunctioning motor) down (e.g., prior to the twist going past approximately 1-2 degrees).

[0122] Twisting can also occur in some embodiments where a single actuation system 30 is arranged to drive adjacent reflector assemblies that are positioned in series along the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, which is described further below. Configurations where a single actuation system 30 is located between two adjacent reflector assemblies and configured to control the operation of the two adjacent reflector assemblies together in concert may, in some instances, exhibit twisting or misalignment of the adjacent reflector assemblies.

[0123] For example, in such an arrangement, both of the two adjacent reflector assemblies should move together under the control of the single actuation system 30. But if the control system 40 determines (via one or more sensors) that the two adjacent reflector assemblies are out of alignment (i.e., “twisted”) by more than some operationally-reasonable threshold, then the control system 40 may, among other actions, (i) generate (or cause to be generated) an alert to an operator of the solar reflector system 10 (ii) halt (or cause to be halted) the operation of the actuation system 30, and / or (iii) operate (or cause to be operated) the actuation system 30 to bring the two adjacent reflector assemblies to a position where the alignment of the adjacent reflector assemblies is within the operationally-reasonable threshold. In operation, monitoring the alignment of adjacent reflector assemblies and taking one or more (or all) of the foregoing actions helps to reduce potential damage to any of the actuation system 30 or the adjacent reflector assemblies that may be caused by misalignment, which may have been caused by a fault in one or more components of the actuation system 30 or the reflector assemblies.

[0124] In some examples, the control system 40 controls the flow of thermal fluid through the thermal pipe 25. In such examples, the control system 40 may cause one or morepumps to increase or decrease the flow of the thermal fluid based on, for example, measured temperatures along the length of the thermal pipe 25. In some examples, the control system 40 may take into account local weather, whether a current, past, or forecasted local weather.

[0125] In various examples, the herein described control system 40 is implemented in software, firmware, or executable instructions stored in a data storage medium such as or including tangible, non-transitory computer / machine-readable medium. The term “machine- readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions, in some examples. The terms “computer-readable medium,” “computer- readable media,” and / or “machine-readable medium” includes any media or medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the computer and / or machine and that causes the computer and / or machine to perform any one or more of the operations of control system 40. Some examples are implemented using a machine- readable medium or article which stores an instruction or a set of instructions that, if executed by one or more processors, cause the machine to perform a method and / or operations in accordance with the examples. Such a machine includes, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware and / or software.

[0126] The control system 40 includes, in some examples, operatively associated tangible, non-transitory computer-readable memory media such as memory for storing software applications and instructions used in obtaining, processing, storing or communicating data. Such memory can be internal, external, remote or local with respect to its operatively associated computer or computer system. Memory also includes, in some examples, any manner of storing software or other instructions including, for example and without limitation, a hard disk, an optical disk, floppy disk, DVD, compact disc, memory stick, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (extended erasable PROM), or other like computer-readable media. The machine-readable medium or article includes, for example, any suitable type of memory unit, memory device, memory article, memory medium, storage device, storage article, storage medium and / or storage unit, for example, memory, removable or non-removable media, erasable or non-erasable media, writable or re-writable media, digital or analog media, hard disk, floppy disk, Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable(CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable (CD-RW), optical disk, magnetic media, various types of Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), a tape, a cassette, or the like.

[0127] The functions of the control system 40 are, in some examples, implemented in many different examples of instructions (e.g., software or firmware) and hardware. The instructions include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like, in some examples. The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement some of the illustrated examples do not limit the present disclosure. The instructions are implemented, for example, using any suitable programing language, examples of which include high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled or interpreted programming languages, such as, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, BASIC, SQL, Perl, Matlab, Pascal, Visual BASIC, Go, Python, Java Script, Typescript, Objective C, Swift, assembly language, machine code, and so forth. The examples are not limited in this context. Also, in some examples, a single component of the control system 40 may be replaced by multiple components, and multiple components may be replaced by a single component, to provide an element or structure or to perform a given function or functions.

[0128] While examples of the solar collector system 10 have been described above, the solar collector system 10 may include any type of solar energy collector now known or later developed that is suitable for using solar energy to heat a fluid (e.g., liquid or gas). For example, the solar collector system 102 may be the same as or similar to any of the solar collector systems disclosed and described in U.S. Apps. 18 / 543,227; 18 / 685,231; 63 / 667,882; 63 / 701,387; and / or 63 / 756,840.

[0129] EXAMPLE DRIVE MECHANISMS

[0130] FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate example ground-mountable drive mechanisms suitable for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 1A-1D, where the drive mechanism of the solar reflector system includes one or more electric motors according to some embodiments.

[0131] In some embodiments, the electric motor 34 rotates the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B, the electric motor(s) 34 rotates the reflector assembly 14 using one or more drive shafts 35 and one or more suitable drive mechanisms 32. In some embodiments, the one or more drive mechanisms 32 comprises one or more slew drives 36. However, in other embodiments, the one or more drive mechanisms 32 may include any other type of drivemechanism now known or later developed that is suitable for use in rotating the reflector assembly 14. For example, when controlled by the control system 40 (discussed above), the electric motor 34 converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is applied to the drive shaft 35 (which connects the electric motor 34 to the slew drive 36), and the drive shaft 35 applies the mechanical energy to the slew drive 36 (e.g., which is positioned within the bearing assembly 20), for example. In response to the received mechanical energy, the slew drive 36 transmits a torque that rotates the bearing assembly 20 and thus the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples.

[0132] Additionally, in some examples, one or more battery packs are utilized with the electric motor 34, to provide (some or all) power used by the electric motor 34. In other examples, (some or all) power used by the electric motor 34 are provided by utility lines (e.g., electrical lines), solar power (e.g., from solar panels that are, for example, integrated into tiles on the floor 15), generators, any other power source, or any combination of the preceding. In further examples, heat waste from the solar collector system 10 (e.g., where heat waste refers to portions of the heat of the heated thermal fluid(s) that are not being used for other applications) can be converted to electricity (e.g., via Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) energy generation, or any other suitable electricity generation method), and this generated electricity can provide (some or all) power used by the electric motor 34. In operation, the electric motor 34 and slew drive 36 are configured to sweep the reflector assembly 14 via a full range of 180 degrees (or approximately 180 degrees) around the thermal pipe 25, thereby enabling the reflector assembly 14 to track the sun from sunrise (or about sunrise) to sunset (or about sunset) and reflect light onto the surface of the thermal pipe 25 during daylight hours.Accordingly, the “firing surface” upon the thermal pipe will change as the reflector assembly 14 is moved.

[0133] In some examples, to help protect the electric motor 34 from overheating and / or failure, the electric motor 34 is positioned in a location that is sufficiently away from (for example, vertically below) the thermal pipe 25, or in another location that is not inline or close to the thermal pipe 25. This prevents the electric motor 34 from being exposed to an undesirable amount of the sunlight that is directed onto the surface of the thermal pipe 25 by the reflector 14a, in some examples, and also avoids exposing the electric motor 34 to excessive heat radiated from the surface of the thermal pipe 25. For example, as is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B, the electric motor 34 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the support 15c ata distance from the thermal pipe 25, and outside of the region between the surface of the reflector 14a and the surface of the thermal pipe 25 such that electric motor 34 is not exposed to sunlight reflected from the reflector 14a. This distance, in some examples, is greater than the length of the rigid member(s) 20c. As such, the electric motor 34 is both (i) outside of the area where sunlight is directed (or otherwise focused) onto the thermal pipe 25, and (ii) sufficiently far from thermal pipe 25 to avoid exposure to excessive heat radiated from the thermal pipe 25 during operation.

[0134] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate example ground-mountable drive mechanisms suitable for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 1A-1D, where the drive mechanism of the solar reflector system includes a hydraulic actuation system comprising one or more hydraulic motors according to some embodiments.

[0135] In some embodiments, via the hydraulic motor 37, the hydraulic actuation system effectuates rotation of the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the hydraulic motor(s) 37 operate to cause rotation of the reflector assembly 14 using a combination of one or more actuators, one or more piston rods 38 and one or more chain drives 39. For example, when controlled by the control system 40 (discussed above), the hydraulic motor 37 converts fluid power to mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is applied to the piston rod 38 (which connect the hydraulic motor 37 to the chain drive 38), and the piston rod 38 applies the mechanical energy to the chain drive 39 (e.g., which is positioned within the bearing assembly 20, and which connects the hydraulic motor 37 to the bearing assembly 20), for example. In response to the received mechanical energy, the chain drive 38 rotates the bearing assembly 20 and thus the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples.

[0136] Additionally, in some examples, the hydraulic actuation system additionally includes one or more local hydraulic power packs 41 that are utilized with the hydraulic motor 37, to provide (some or all) power used by the hydraulic motor 37. In other examples, (some or all) power used by the hydraulic motor 37 are provided by utility lines (e.g., electrical lines), solar power (e.g., from solar panels that are, for example, integrated into tiles on the floor 15), generators, any other power source, or any combination of the preceding. In further examples, heat waste from the solar collector system 10 (e.g., where heat waste refers to portions of the heat of the heated thermal fluid(s) that are not being used for other applications) can be converted to electricity (e.g., via Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) energygeneration, or any other suitable electricity generation method), and this generated electricity can provide (some or all) power used by the hydraulic motor 37.

[0137] The hydraulic motor 37 is (or includes) any type of hydraulic motor, in some examples. For example, the hydraulic motor 37 is a hydraulic actuator. In other examples, the hydraulic motor 37 is an electro hydraulic actuator. In some examples, the hydraulic motor 37 includes a fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid) that operates in a wide range of temperatures, such as, for example, approximately -40 degrees Celsius in the winter to approximately 50-60 degrees Celsius in the summer. Furthermore, in some examples, the specifications of the hydraulic fluid may be varied for different temperature ranges and applications.Additionally, in some examples, to alleviate temperature issues of the hydraulic fluid, a cooling system (e.g., HVAC) may be utilized for the hydraulic fluid.

[0138] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the hydraulic motor 37 is a hydraulic actuator that includes a stroke length that is used to rotate the reflector assembly 14. For example, the full stroke length of the hydraulic actuator is 6 inches. In such an example, 3 inches of the stroke length causes approximately 90 degrees of rotation of the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25. In this example, when the hydraulic actuator is at a neutral position at the midpoint of the stroke length, the reflector assembly 14 is flat at 0 degrees (e.g., at the middle of an approximately 180 degree axial range, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 3B). Furthermore, in this example, when the hydraulic actuator is at a minimum position of the stroke length (e.g., at 0 inches), the reflector assembly 14 is at the first end of its rotation (e.g., at - 90 degrees). Additionally, in this example, when the hydraulic actuator is at a maximum position of the stroke length (e.g., at 6 inches), the reflector assembly 14 is at the second end of its rotation (e.g., at + 90 degrees). This creates, in some examples, a rotation from + 90 degrees (or approximately +90 degrees) to -90 degrees (or approximately -90 degrees) on either side, providing a full range of 180 degrees (or approximately 180 degrees) that can track the sun from sunrise (or about sunrise) to sunset (or about sunset).

[0139] When the hydraulic motor 37 is in use, in some examples, the speed of rotation of the reflector assembly 14 is accelerated (or otherwise ramped up) through the rotation, and then the speed of rotation of the reflector assembly 14 is decelerated (or otherwise ramped down) as the reflector assembly 14 approaches the desired position. In some examples, the hydraulic motor 37 involves a more “continuous” adjustment approach (with incremental / periodic adjustment being the alternative, such as every 5 minutes).

[0140] In some examples, to help protect the hydraulic motor 37 of the hydraulic actuation system from overheating and / or failure, the hydraulic motor 37 is positioned in a location that is vertically below the thermal pipe 25, or in another location that is not inline or close to the thermal pipe 25. This prevents the hydraulic motor 37 from being exposed to the sunlight that is directed onto the surface of the thermal pipe 25 by the reflector 14a, in some examples, and also avoids exposing the hydraulic motor 37 to excessive heat radiated from the surface of the thermal pipe 25. For example, as is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the hydraulic motor 37 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the support 15c at a distance from the thermal pipe 25, and outside of the region between surface of the reflector 14a and the surface of the thermal pipe 25 such that the hydraulic motor 37 is not exposed to sunlight reflected from the reflector 14a. This distance, in some examples, is greater than the length of the rigid member(s) 20c. As such, in these examples, the hydraulic motor 37 is both (i) outside of the area where sunlight is directed (or otherwise focused) onto the thermal pipe 25, and (ii) sufficiently far from thermal pipe 25 to avoid exposure to excessive heat radiated from the thermal pipe 25 during operation. Furthermore, in these examples, the fluid of the hydraulic motor 37 is also outside of the area where sunlight is directed (or otherwise focused) onto the thermal pipe 25 (e.g., out of the “line of sight” of the focused sunlight) and sufficiently far from the surface of the thermal pipe 25 so as to avoid exposure to excessive heat radiated from the thermal pipe 25.

[0141] In some examples, use of the hydraulic actuation system with the hydraulic motor 37 provides various advantages. For example, the hydraulic motor 37 provides increased torque as compared to a comparably-sized electric motor. In such an example, the increased torque is beneficial for when the rotation actuation of the reflector assembly 14 is integrated into the bearing assembly 20 (e.g., thereby reducing the moment arm of the applied force increasing stability but decreasing mechanical advantage which requires more force ), as is seen in the FIGS. 3A-3B, as such an integration can increase the force / torque needed to rotate the reflector assembly 14. As another example, the hydraulic motor 37 does not utilize (or otherwise require) large / additional gearing, as may be needed by other types of motors and / or drive mechanisms. As a further example, the hydraulic motor 37 in some examples can reduce electric energy demand for drive components as compared to actuation systems using electric motors.

[0142] FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate example ground-mountable drive mechanisms suitable for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 1A-1D, where the drive mechanism 32of the solar reflector system includes a rack and pinion configuration 50 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the example ground-mountable drive mechanisms depicted in FIGS. 4A-E are the same or substantially the same as the ground-mountable drive mechanisms depicted in FIGS. 2A-B and FIGS. 3A-B except that the embodiments in FIGS. 4A-B employ a rack and pinion arrangement rather than the drive-shaft or piston driven arrangements shown in FIGS. 2A-B and FIGS. 3A-3B. As such, the features and functions (and variations thereof) described with respect to other aspects of the embodiments shown and described with reference to FIGS. 2A-B and FIGS. 3A-3B are equally applicable to the embodiments shown and described with reference to FIGS. 4A-B.

[0143] In some embodiments, the rack and pinion configuration 50 rotates the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4E, the rack and pinion configuration 50 rotates the reflector assembly 14 using one or more motors 52 (e.g., an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or any other suitable motor), one or more pinions 54 connected to the motor(s) 52, and one or more racks 56. For example, when controlled by the control system 40 (discussed above), the motor 52 rotates the pinion 54 (where the pinion 54 is connected to the motor 52), which drives the rack 56 (where the rack 56 is connected to the reflector assembly 14, such as connected to the frame 14b). In response to being driven, the rack 56 rotates the reflector assembly 14 (and thus the bearing assembly 20) about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples. Additionally, in some examples, one or more battery packs are utilized with the motor 52, to provide (some or all) power used by the motor 52. In other examples, (some or all) power used by the motor 52 are provided by utility lines (e.g., electrical lines), solar power (e.g., from solar panels that are, for example, integrated into tiles on the floor 15), generators, any other power source, or any combination of the preceding. In further examples, heat waste from the solar collector system 10 (e.g., where heat waste refers to portions of the heat of the heated thermal fluid(s) that are not being used for other applications) can be converted to electricity (e.g., via Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) energy generation, or any other suitable electricity generation method), and this generated electricity can provide (some or all) power used by the motor 52.

[0144] In some examples, and as described above, to help protect the motor 52 from overheating and / or failure, the motor 52 is positioned in a location that is vertically below the thermal pipe 25, or in another location that is not inline or close to the thermal pipe 25. This prevents the motor 52 from being exposed to the sunlight that is directed onto the surface ofthe thermal pipe 25 by the reflector 14a, in some examples, and also avoids exposing the motor 52 to excessive heat radiated from the surface of the thermal pipe 25. For example, as is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4E, the motor 52 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the support 15c at a distance from the thermal pipe 25. This distance, in some examples, is greater than the length of the rigid member(s) 20c. As such, in these examples, the motor 52 is both (i) outside of the area where sunlight is directed (or otherwise focused) onto the thermal pipe 25 and (ii) sufficiently far from thermal pipe 25 to avoid exposure to excessive heat radiated from the thermal pipe 25 during operation.

[0145] As is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4E, the rack 56 is mounted to (or otherwise affixed) to the reflector assembly 14 (e.g., to the frame 14b of the reflector assembly 14). In some examples, this allows the rack 56 to provide additional support of the weight of the reflector assembly 14 (e.g., in addition to the support provided by the bearing assembly 20 and rigid members 20c). Additionally, in some examples, this allows the rack 56 to rotate the reflector assembly 14 (e.g., by translating rotation from the motor 52 and pinion 54 to the reflector assembly 14).

[0146] In some examples, use of the rack and pinion configuration 50 provides various advantages. For example, the rack 56 provides additional support and / or rigidity to the reflector assembly 14 as compared to alternative approaches. As another example, the rack 56 in some instances can help reinforce and / or maintain the focal point / length between the reflector 14a and the surface of the thermal pipe 25 with no change over time (e.g., in addition to the support and maintenance provided by the bearing assembly 20 and rigid members 20c). However, the rack and pinion configuration 50 tends to increase the number of components of the solar reflector system 10, which can in some instances increase one or more of the weight, cost, and / or complexity of the solar reflector system 10 as compared to other alternatives disclosed herein. Nevertheless, in some deployment environments, the benefit of added rigidity and stability and the greater precision of operation provided by the rack and pinion configuration 50 as compared to alternative embodiments may outweigh the benefit of increased weight, cost, and / or complexity, depending on the operational requirements of the deployment.

[0147] FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate example ground-mountable drive mechanisms suitable for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 1A-1D, where the drive mechanism 32 of the solar reflector system includes a worm gear configuration 60.

[0148] In some examples, the worm gear configuration 60 rotates the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E, the worm gear configuration 60 rotates the reflector assembly 14 of the solar reflector system 10 using one or more motors 62 (e.g., an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or any other suitable motor), one or more worm gears 64 connected to and driven by the one or more motors 62, and a bearing assembly 20 that includes gear teeth 66 that engage with the worm gear(s) 64. For example, when controlled by the control system 40 (discussed above), the electric motor 62 converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is applied to the worm gear 64, causing the worm gear 64 to rotate. The rotating worm gear 64 engages with the gear teeth 66 of the bearing assembly 20, which rotates an outer portion 20b of the bearing assembly 20 and thus the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples.

[0149] In some examples, one or more battery packs are utilized with the motor 62, to provide (some or all) power used by the motor 62. In other examples, (some or all) power used by the motor 62 are provided by utility lines (e.g., electrical lines), solar power (e.g., from solar panels that are, for example, integrated into tiles on the floor 15), generators, any other power source, or any combination of the preceding. In further examples, heat waste from the solar collector system 10 (e.g., where heat waste refers to portions of the heat of the heated thermal fluid(s) that are not being used for other applications) can be converted to electricity (e.g., via Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) energy generation, or any other suitable electricity generation method), and this generated electricity can provide (some or all) power used by the motor 62.

[0150] In operation, the worm gear configuration 60 is configured to sweep the reflector assembly 14 via a full range of 180 degrees (or approximately 180 degrees) around the thermal pipe 25, thereby enabling the reflector assembly 14 to track the sun from sunrise (or about sunrise) to sunset (or about sunset) and reflect light onto the surface of the thermal pipe 25 during daylight hours. Accordingly, the “firing surface” upon the thermal pipe will change as the reflector assembly 14 is moved.

[0151] In the example illustrated in FIG. 5 A, the solar reflector system 10 includes multiple supports 15d, 15e, as opposed to the single support 15c discussed above. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5 A, the multiple supports 15d, 15e include a ground-mounted stand that supports the cylindrical bearing assembly 20, and that includes, in some examples, a cross brace 15f connected (e.g., via welding) between the supports 15d and 15e, and a topframe 15g that extends (or that is otherwise positioned) vertically above and over (as is illustrated) the bearing assembly 20. However, in other examples, the solar reflector system 10 includes any other number of supports and / or configuration of support(s). Additionally, in some examples, the multiple supports (e.g., the illustrated stand) can be used with any other examples discussed herein (as opposed to the single support 15c discussed above). In some examples, the multiple supports (e.g., the illustrated stand) is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the floor 15 (e.g., mounted to the base frame of the floor 15). In other examples, the multiple supports (e.g., the illustrated stand) is positioned on rollers and / or a channel / rail in or on the floor 15. In some examples, this allows the stand(s) to move a certain distance (e.g., by riding along the channel / rail) to accommodate thermal expansion / contraction of the thermal pipe 25 including sections between modules with mechanical expansion compensators or a U shaped loop of pipe as athermal expansion / contraction joint.

[0152] In some examples, the worm gear configuration 60 includes one or more worm gears 64, examples of which are illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E. A worm gear 64, in some examples, refers to a gear that includes a spiral thread that engages with and drives a toothed wheel (such as a bearing assembly 20 with gear teeth 66). In some examples, the worm gear 64 is connected to and driven by one or more motors 62 (e.g., an electric motor), which causes the worm gear 64 to rotate, so as to drive the bearing assembly 20 with gear teeth 66. In some examples, the worm gear 64 is included in (or is otherwise part of) a worm drive, which in some examples allows for a high reduction ratio and shock-load capacity. In some examples, the worm gear 64 is included in (or is otherwise part of) a slew drive, which in some examples builds upon the principles of worm drives but integrates additional features. In some examples, the slew drive combines (or otherwise includes) a worm gear mechanism with a bearing. In some examples, the slew drive allows for enhanced load bearing, enhanced rotational capabilities, and / or management of high axial, radial, and moment loads while maintaining smooth motion.

[0153] In some examples, the worm gear 64 is positioned (entirely or partially) within a housing 68 (an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 5B-5E). In such examples, the worm gear 64 is mounted (or otherwise affixed or is otherwise held) entirely or partially within the housing 68. In some examples, the worm gear 64 is not positioned within a housing (or a casing) at all (e.g., the housing may have been removed or otherwise not included). In some examples, this may reduce the weight of the solar reflector system 10. Additionally, in someexamples, the worm gear 64 can be used without a housing (or casing) due to the protective enclosure (e.g., building structure 12) surrounding the solar reflector system 10.

[0154] In some examples, the worm gear 64 is positioned in any location that allows the worm gear 64 to engage with and drive the bearing assembly 20 with gear teeth 66. As examples of this, the worm gear 64 is (i) positioned vertically above (e.g., on top of) the bearing assembly 20 (e.g., in a horizontal orientation, as shown in FIG. 5C); (ii) positioned vertically below the bearing assembly 20 (e.g., in a horizontal orientation); (iii) positioned on a left-side of the bearing assembly 20 (e.g., in a vertical orientation, as shown in FIG. 5E); (iv) positioned on a right-side of the bearing assembly 20 (e.g., in a vertical orientation); (v) positioned in any other suitable location relative to the bearing assembly 20 (and with any suitable orientation); or (vi) any combination of the preceding. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the worm gear 64 is positioned vertically above (e.g., on top of) the bearing assembly 20 (which may be referred to as “top mounted”), and the worm gear 64 is oriented horizontally. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5E, the worm gear 64 is positioned on a side (e.g., on the left side) of the bearing assembly 20 (which may be referred to as “side mounted”), and the worm gear 64 is oriented vertically.

[0155] In some examples, the worm gear 64 is ground mounted, meaning that the worm gear 64 is affixed to the floor (e.g., at least indirectly). As one example of this, to affix the worm gear 64 to the floor, the worm gear 64 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to one or more supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) (which are directly (or indirectly) affixed to the floor 15). The worm gear 64 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to one or more supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) in any manner. As an example, the worm gear 64 is positioned (entirely or partially) within a housing 68 that is mounted (or otherwise affixed) (e.g., rigidly mounted) to one or more supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) (e.g., mounted to the top frame 15g, as is shown in FIG. 5A) via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.). As another example, the worm gear 64 does not include a housing, and the worm gear 64 (itself) is mounted (or otherwise affixed) (e.g., rigidly mounted) to one or more supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.).

[0156] As is mentioned above, in the example illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the worm gear 64 is positioned vertically above (e.g., on top of) the bearing assembly 20 (which may be referred to as “top mounted”). In some examples, for this top mounted configuration, the worm gear 64 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the top frame 15g (e.g., in the center of the top frame 15g, in the center / top of the top frame 15g). In some examples, this causes theworm gear 64 to be positioned vertically below the top frame 15g and vertically above the bearing assembly 20. In some examples, the top mounted configuration provides stronger support for the worm gear 64 and / or allows for full / easy clearance for 180 degree rotation of the reflector assembly 14. In some examples, when the worm gear 64 is top mounted, the worm gear 64 is still ground mounted (e.g., mounted or otherwise affixed to the floor 15, such as, for example, via one or more supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e)).

[0157] In some examples, when the worm gear 64 is top mounted, the motor 62 is in-line with the worm gear 64. An example of a top mounted worm gear 64 with a motor 62 in-line with the worm gear 64 is seen in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5D). In some examples, this in-line positioning makes for relatively efficient transmission of power to the worm gear 64. In some examples, the motor 62 is also (or is alternatively) positioned adjacent (or otherwise proximate, or otherwise near) the worm gear 64. In some examples, the in-line positioning and / or adjacent positioning allows the motor 62 to drive the worm gear 64 without the use of a long drive shaft (or without the use of any drive shaft), which can prevent (or reduce) complications associated with stressing / bending a long drive shaft (or other drive shaft) as a result of high torque / forces in the drive system.

[0158] In some examples, when the motor 62 is in-line with the worm gear 64, the motor 62 may be more prone to overheating, given that it is closer to the thermal pipe 25 and / or close to / in line with the focal point of the reflector 14a. In some examples, to help prevent (or reduce) such overheating, (i) an exterior surface of the housing 68 of the motor 62 is coated in a heat-mitigating coating (e.g., a white and / or a reflective / mirrored coating), (ii) the motor 62 is positioned in a location that is in-line with the worm gear 64 but also in a location that is outside (or otherwise not within) the focal point of the reflector 14a (i.e., it is off- center), (iii) the motor 62 includes an additional outer housing / shield / shroud for deflecting light away from the motor 62, where, in some examples, the additional outer housing / shield / shroud is an additional insulating layer between the motor 62 and the thermal pipe 25, and / or (iv) the materials of the housing 68 of the motor 62 (and / or the worm gear 64) have specifications to accommodate thermal expansion / contraction.

[0159] As is mentioned above, in some examples, the worm gear 64 is positioned on a left-side of the bearing assembly 20, or is positioned on a right-side of the bearing assembly 20, either of which may be referred to as “side mounted”. FIG. 5E illustrates one example of a side mounted worm gear 64. In some examples, for a side mounted configuration, the worm gear 64 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to one of the two supports 15d and 15e. Insome examples, when the worm gear 64 is side mounted, the worm gear 64 is still ground mounted (e.g., mounted or otherwise affixed to the floor 15, such as, for example, via one or more supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e)).

[0160] In some examples, when the worm gear 64 is side mounted, the motor 62 is off- center (e.g., off-center from the worm gear 64, off-center from the focal point of the reflector 14a). In other examples, when the worm gear 64 is side mounted, the motor 62 is in-line with the worm gear 64 and / or positioned adjacent (or otherwise proximate, or otherwise near) the worm gear 62, which may be beneficial (as is discussed above). An example of a side mounted worm gear 64 with the motor 62 in-line with the worm gear 64 is seen in FIG. 5E). In some examples, the in-line motor 62 may be subject to overheating, and, in some examples, any of the configurations discussed above for reducing such overheating may be applied here.

[0161] As is mentioned above, in some examples, the worm gear 64 is positioned vertically below the bearing assembly 20, which may be referred to as “below mounted”. In some examples, for a below mounted configuration, the worm gear 64 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to one of the two supports 15d and 15e, or both of the supports 15d and 15e. In some examples, when the worm gear 64 is below mounted, the worm gear 64 is still ground mounted (e.g., mounted or otherwise affixed to the floor 15, such as, for example, via one or more supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e).

[0162] In some examples, when the worm gear 64 is side mounted, top mounted, or below mounted (or in any other configuration), the motor 62 is positioned in a location that is sufficiently away from (for example, vertically below) the thermal pipe 25, or in another location that is not inline or close to the thermal pipe 25, so as to help protect the motor 62 from overheating and / or failure. This prevents the motor 62 from being exposed to an undesirable amount of the sunlight that is directed onto the surface of the thermal pipe 25 by the reflector 14a, in some examples, and also avoids exposing the motor 62 to excessive heat radiated from the surface of the thermal pipe 25. For example, similar to that shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the motor 62 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the support(s) 15c, 15d, 15e at a distance from the thermal pipe 25, and outside of the region between surface of the reflector 14a and the surface of the thermal pipe 25 such that motor 62 is not exposed to sunlight reflected from the reflector 14a. This distance, in some examples, is greater than the length of the rigid member(s) 20c. As such, the motor 62 is both (i) outside of the area where sunlight is directed (or otherwise focused) onto the thermal pipe 25, and (ii) sufficiently farfrom thermal pipe 25 to avoid exposure to excessive heat radiated from the thermal pipe 25 during operation. In some examples, in order to mount (or otherwise affix) the motor 62 to the support(s) (e.g., 15 c, 15d, 15e) at a distance from the thermal pipe 25, the motor 62 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the support(s) (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) at a location that causes the motor 62 to be positioned vertically below the bearing assembly 20, such as near the floor 15. Such a positioning of the motor 64 may be referred to as low mounted.

[0163] While FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate a single worm gear 64 that is used to drive the bearing assembly 20, in some examples, more than one worm gear 64 is used to drive the bearing assembly 20 (i.e., they all drive the same bearing assembly 20 in such examples). In some examples, two worm gears 64 are used to drive the bearing assembly 20. In some examples, the two worm gears 64 are positioned on opposite sides of the bearing assembly 20. For example, the first worm gear 64 is side mounted on the left-side of the bearing assembly 20, and the second worm gear 64 is side mounted on the right-side of the bearing assembly 20. As another example, the first worm gear 64 is top mounted (i.e., positioned above the bearing assembly 20), and the second worm gear 64 is below mounted (i.e., positioned below the bearing assembly 20). In some examples, each of the worm gears 64 is powered by its own respective motor 62. In such examples, the multiple motors 62 are synchronized, so that they power each of the worm gears 64 at the same amount of power, the same turning direction, and / or for the same amount of time.

[0164] As is mentioned above, the worm gear(s) 64 are used to drive the bearing assembly 20. Examples of the bearing assembly 20 are illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E. In some examples, as is discussed above, the bearing assembly 20 provides a rotational interface around the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, thereby movingly connecting the reflector assembly 14 to the thermal pipe 25. As such, although the thermal pipe 25 remains stationary during operation of the solar reflector system 10, the reflector assembly 14 is able to move relative to the thermal pipe 25 during operation of the solar reflector system 10. In some examples, the bearing assembly 20 defines a single axis of rotation for the reflector assembly 14 relative to the thermal pipe 25. The bearing assembly 20 can have any suitable shape. For example, as is illustrated, the bearing assembly 20 is cylindrical.

[0165] The bearing assembly 20 fully surrounds the circumference of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples. In other examples, the bearing assembly 20 only partially surrounds the circumference of the thermal pipe 25. The bearing assembly 20 further has any suitable length.

[0166] In some examples, the bearing assembly 20 includes (i) a stationary inner portion 20a that is connected to the thermal pipe 25, (ii) a rotatable outer portion 20b that is connected to the reflector assembly 14, and (iii) a bearing race 70. In an example of operation, the bearing race 70 allows the outer portion 20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25). In some examples, the stationary inner portion 20a can connect with the rotatable outer portion 20b via the raceway (and bearings or a bushing) positioned in the bearing race 70 to provide a rolling or sliding interface to help facilitate the rotary motion of the rotatable outer portion 20b relative to the stationary inner portion 20a.

[0167] In some examples, the inner portion 20a is connected to the thermal pipe 25. The inner portion 20a may be connected to the thermal pipe 25 in any suitable manner. As an example, the inner portion 20a is positioned so that an inner side of the inner portion 20a is in contact with the outer side of the thermal pipe 25, and the inner portion 20a is held stationary in this position. The inner portion 20a fully surrounds the circumference of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples. In other examples, the inner portion 20a only partially surrounds the circumference of the thermal pipe 25. The inner portion 20a further has any suitable length.

[0168] As is discussed above, the inner portion 20a is stationary, in some examples. That is, in some examples, the inner portion 20a remains stationary during operation (e.g., during operation of the solar reflector system 10). The inner portion 20a may be configured in any manner to cause it to remain stationary during operation. As one example of this, the inner portion 20a is rigidly connected (or mounted or affixed) to a mounting bracket (via bolts, screws, etc.), and the mounting bracket is rigidly connected (or mounted or affixed) to the top frame 15g (and / or one or more of the supports 15c, 15d, 15e) via, for example, bolts, screws, etc.). As another example, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5D, the inner portion 20a is rigidly connected (or mounted or affixed) to the housing 68 of the motor 62, and the housing 68 is rigidly connected (or mounted or affixed) to the top frame 15g (and / or one or more of the supports 15d, 15e) via, for example, bolts, screws, etc. In some examples, the inner portion 20a may be rigidly connected (or mounted or affixed) to the housing 68 in any suitable manner. For example, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5D, the housing 68 includes an integrated portion that is rigidly connected (e.g., via bolts, screws, etc.) to the inner portion 20a. As another example, both the housing 68 and the inner portion 20a are formed integral with each other (e.g., they may be machined such that they are comprised of the same element). As a further example, a mounting bracket (e.g., a connection plate) is connected(e.g., via bolts, screws, etc.) to both the housing 68 and the inner portion 20a. In some examples, these rigid connections discussed above cause the inner portion 20a to remain stationary during operation, and, in some examples, also cause the inner portion 20a to be ground mounted (e.g., suspended from a ground-mounted fixture).

[0169] In some examples, the inner portion 20a is a single piece. In other examples, the inner portion 20a is split into two or more pieces that can be separated from each other (at least partially), and that can be connected back together to form the entire inner portion 20a. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E, the inner portion 20a is a split inner portion that includes (e.g., is split into) two pieces: a first inner section 21a and a second inner section 21b. In some examples, the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can be separated from each other (at least partially), so as to allow, in some examples, each section 21a and 21b to be more easily inserted onto the thermal pipe 25. Additionally, in some examples, the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can be connected back together to form the entire inner portion 20a, so as to allow, in some examples, the inner portion 20a to be connected (and remain connected) on the thermal pipe 25.

[0170] In some examples, the ability to at least partially separate increases the efficiency and / or ease of the installation and / or use of bearing assembly 20. As an example of this, the inner portion 20a can be opened up (e.g., separated or partially separated), so as to allow the inner portion 20a to be laterally applied to the thermal pipe 25 (e.g., a continuous, joined thermal pipe), without, for example, disassembling the thermal pipe 25 and / or sliding the bearing assembly over an end of the thermal pipe. In some examples, this allows the bearing assembly 20 to be used with thermal pipe sections that include one or more beveled ends. In some examples, the beveled end(s) of the thermal pipe sections allow a weld bead to be placed within a recess that is defined by the beveled edges of the beveled ends (when welded together), so as to facilitate the welding of the thermal pipe sections together to form the thermal pipe 25. In some examples, the thermal pipe 25 would be difficult and time consuming to disassemble (e.g., due to the weld bead). Also, some thermal pipes consist of (or otherwise comprise) an inner carbon or stainless steel pipe concentrically located within an evacuated glass sleeve that is connected and sealed to the thermal pipe via an expandable bellows. This thermal pipe assembly interferes with the ability to mount and slide a bearing assembly into place between pipe sections. In such examples, the ability of the bearing assembly 20 to be split and applied to the thermal pipe 25 laterally (e.g., from above, from below, and / or from the side(s) — as opposed to being slid over an end of a thermal pipesection) prevents the need for such a difficult and time consuming disassembly of the thermal pipe 25.

[0171] Further examples of the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 7-8B. Additionally, while the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b are described above as being able to be connected back together to form the entire inner portion 20a (after being at least partially separated), in some examples, one or more additional section connectors are utilized to more securely connect (e.g., fasten, lock) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b together (e.g., for operation). Examples of these section connectors are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 9-15B.

[0172] Unlike the inner portion 20a (which remains stationary during operation), the outer portion 20b can rotate in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), in some examples. This allows the reflector assembly 14 (which is connected to the outer portion 20b) to rotate within an axial range (e.g., 180 degrees) that is sufficient for the reflector assembly 14 to focus sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe 25 from sunrise (or about sunrise) to sunset (or about sunset).

[0173] In some examples, as is illustrated in FIG. 5C, the outer portion 20b fully surrounds the circumference of the inner portion 20a. In other examples, the outer portion 20b only partially surrounds the circumference of the inner portion 20a. Furthermore, in some examples, as is illustrated in FIG. 5C, the outer portion 20b includes a plurality of gear teeth 66 that engage with the worm gear(s) 64. As is illustrated in FIG. 5C, the gear teeth 66 are positioned along the entire (i.e., 360 degrees of the) outer circumference of the outer portion 20b, in some examples. In other examples, the gear teeth 66 are positioned along only a portion of the outer circumference of the outer portion 20b, such as, for example, positioned along only an arc (e.g., 180 degrees, 270 degrees) of the outer circumference of the outer portion 20b

[0174] As is mentioned above, in some examples, the outer portion 20b is connected to the reflector assembly 14. The outer portion 20b is connected to the reflector assembly 14 in any manner. For example, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5D and 5E, one or more rigid members 20c are connected to the outer portion 20b via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.), and the one or more rigid members 20c are formed integral with at least a portion of the reflector assembly 14 (or are connected to the reflector assembly 14 via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.)). In some examples, this causes the reflector assembly 14 to belaterally offset from the bearing assembly 20 and the supports 15d, 15e (which allows the reflector assembly 14 to rotate freely without being blocked by the supports 15d, 15e). As such, in some examples, the reflector assembly 14 is rigidly attached to the outer portion 20b such that it can move, for example, 180 degrees (e.g., 90 degrees in either direction) without obstruction by supports 15d, 15e.

[0175] In some examples, the outer portion 20b is a single piece. In other examples, the outer portion 20b is split into two or more pieces that can be separated from each other (at least partially), and that can be connected back together to form the entire outer portion 20b. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E, the outer portion 20b is a split outer portion that includes (e.g., is split into) two pieces: a first outer section 22a and a second outer section 22b. In some examples, the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b can be separated from each other (at least partially), so as to allow, in some examples, each section 22a and 22b to be more easily inserted onto the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25). Additionally, in some examples, the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b can be connected back together to form the entire outer portion 20b, so as to allow, in some examples, the outer portion 20b to be connected (and remain connected) on the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25). In some examples, when the outer portion 20b includes (e.g., is split into) two or more pieces, each of the pieces (each of the outer sections 22a and 22b) includes a portion of the gear teeth 66. In other examples, when the outer portion 20b includes (e.g., is split into) two or more pieces, one or more of the pieces (one or more of the outer sections 22a and 22b) does not include gear teeth 66 and the remaining piece(s) (the remaining outer section(s)) include gear teeth 66.

[0176] In some examples, the ability to at least partially separate the outer portion 20b increases the efficiency and / or ease of the installation and / or use of bearing assembly 20. As an example of this, the outer portion 20b can be opened up (e.g., separated or partially separated), so as to allow the outer portion 20b to be laterally applied to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), without, for example, disassembling the thermal pipe 25 and / or sliding the bearing assembly over an end of the thermal pipe. In some examples, this allows the bearing assembly 20 to be used with thermal pipe sections that include one or more beveled ends. In some examples, the beveled end(s) of the thermal pipe sections allow a weld bead to be placed within a recess that is defined by the beveled edges of the beveled ends (when welded together), so as to facilitate the welding of the thermal pipe sections together to form the thermal pipe 25. In some examples, the thermal pipe 25 would bedifficult and time consuming to disassemble (e.g., due to the weld bead). Also, some thermal pipes consist of (or otherwise comprise) an inner carbon or stainless steel pipe concentrically located within an evacuated glass sleeve that is connected and sealed to the thermal pipe via an expandable bellows. This thermal pipe assembly interferes with the ability to mount and slide a bearing assembly into place between pipe sections. In such examples, the ability of the bearing assembly 20 to be split and applied to the thermal pipe 25 laterally (e.g., from above, from below, and / or from the side(s) — as opposed to being slid over an end of a thermal pipe section) prevents the need for such a difficult and time consuming disassembly of the thermal pipe 25.

[0177] Further examples of the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 7-8B. Additionally, while the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b are described above as being able to be connected back together to form the entire outer portion 20b (after being at least partially separated), in some examples, one or more additional section connectors are utilized to more securely connect (e.g., fasten, lock) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b together (e.g., for operation). Examples of these section connectors are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 9-15B.

[0178] As is mentioned above, in some examples, the bearing assembly 20 includes a bearing race 70 that allows the outer portion 20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25). In some examples, the bearing race 70 is formed in the inner portion 20a. In other examples, the bearing race 70 is formed in the outer portion 20b. In further examples, the bearing race 70 is formed in (and by) both the inner portion 20a and the outer portion 20b (e.g., when they are connected together). As an example of this, in some examples, each of (i) the first inner section 21a, (ii) the second inner section 21b, (iii) the first outer section 22a, and (iv) the second outer section 22b form a portion of the bearing race 70. In such examples, the bearing race 70 is split between these sections 21a, 21b, 22a, and 22b, and the bearing race 70 is fully formed when all of these sections 21a, 21b, 22a, and 22b are respectively connected together. Therefore, in such examples, when the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b are connected together to form the inner portion 20a, and further when the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b are connected together to form the outer portion 20b and also to surround at least a portion of the inner portion 20a, the full bearing race 70 is formed.Furthermore, in some examples, the bearing race 70 (when formed) allows the outer portion20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25). In some examples, this allows the bearing assembly 20 to provide a rotational interface around a longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, and further allows the reflector assembly 14 to be rotated through its entire axial range (e.g., 180 degrees).

[0179] In some examples, the bearing race 70 includes (or utilizes) one or more bearings 72. A bearing 72 is (or includes) any suitable device or structure that reduces friction for a moving part (e.g., reduces friction between a moving part and a non-moving part).

[0180] In some examples, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E, the bearing 72 is a ball bearing. In such examples, when a plurality of ball bearings 72 are included within the bearing race 70 (e.g., positioned in a raceway of the bearing race 70), the bearing race 70 and the plurality of ball bearings 72 allow the outer portion 20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), in some examples.

[0181] In other examples, the bearing 72 is a roller bearing, such as a rolling cylinder (or other roller). In such examples, when a plurality of roller bearings 72 are included within (or are a part of) the bearing race 70, the bearing race 70 and the plurality of roller bearings 72 allow the outer portion 20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), in some examples. In some examples, roller bearings 72 can better handle higher temperatures and can also ease installation (e.g., in comparison to ball bearings).

[0182] In further examples, the bearing 72 is a bushing. As one example of this, the bearing 72 is a pre-impregnated / lubricated bushing (which may be referred to as an oilless bushing), such as graphite-impregnated brass bushing. Such a pre-impregnated / lubricated bushing utilizes a metal (e.g., brass) surface, with lubricating plugs (e.g., graphite) machined into it, in some examples. As the metal surface slides, the lubricating plugs wear and spread, providing self-lubrication at high temperatures where traditional lubrication (e.g., oil) might bum off, in some examples. In some examples, the bushing 72 (such as a pre- impregnated / lubricated bushing) can handle higher temperatures and can also ease installation (e.g., in comparison to handling numerous ball bearings).

[0183] Although the bearing race 70 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E as including (or utilizing) one or more bearings 72, in other examples, the bearing race 70 does not include (or utilize) any bearings. In such examples, the bearing race 70 is any other suitable structure or device that allows the outer portion 20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), in some examples.

[0184] In some examples, the bearing assembly 20 includes (or is utilized with) one or more insulating materials, so as to assist in thermally insulating the bearing assembly 20 (and other portions of the solar collector system 10, such as the drive mechanism 32, reflector assembly 14, etc.) from the heat of the thermal pipe 25. The insulating material(s) may be any suitable insulating material, such as calcium silicate, a plastic-based insulator, or any other suitable insulating material. In order to thermally insulate the bearing assembly 20 (and other portions of the solar collector system 10) from the heat of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples, an insulating structure (which is made of, or otherwise includes, one or more of the insulating materials )) is positioned in-between the thermal pipe 25 and the bearing assembly 20, to act as an insulator. The insulating structure is positioned in any manner in-between the thermal pipe 25 and the bearing assembly 20. As one example of this, one or more insulating structures (e.g., a bushing that is made of, or otherwise includes, one or more of the insulating material(s)) are positioned (e.g., wrapped) around the thermal pipe 25, and the bearing assembly 20 is applied to the thermal pipe 25 (via the examples discussed herein) over the insulating structure(s). In such an example, an internal surface of the bearing assembly 20 (e.g., an internal surface of the inner sections 21a and 21b of the inner portion 20a) can include groove(s) that can fit the insulating structure(s). As another example, one or more insulating structures (e.g., two insulative inserts that are each made of, or otherwise includes, one or more of the insulating materials )) can be inserted into one or more cutaways included on an internal surface of the bearing assembly 20 (e.g., an internal surface of the inner sections 21a and 21b of the inner portion 20a). In such an example, when the bearing assembly 20 is applied to the thermal pipe 25 (via the examples discussed herein), the insulative insert(s) are positioned around the thermal pipe 25 in a location in-between the thermal pipe 25 and the internal surface of the bearing assembly 25. As a further example, one or more insulating structures (e.g., an insulating tape that is made of, or otherwise includes, one or more of the insulating material(s)) are wrapped around the thermal pipe 25 (or positioned on an internal surface of the bearing assembly 20), and the bearing assembly 20 is applied to the thermal pipe 25 (via the examples discussed herein) over the insulating structure(s).

[0185] EXAMPLE BACKUP ACTUATION SYSTEM

[0186] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another example of the solar reflector system of FIGS. 1A- 1D, where the solar reflector system 10 includes a backup actuation system 80 according to some examples.

[0187] In some examples, the backup actuation system 80 rotates the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25. Furthermore, in some examples, the backup actuation system 80 rotates the reflector assembly 14 about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25 when the primary actuation system (e.g., actuation system 30) is not working (e.g., it failed, it is on standby, it no longer has power) and / or is turned off, and / or the operator requires mechanical assistance to move the reflector 14 while the system is under maintenance. This reduces downtime of the solar reflector system 10 during a temporary failure condition, in some examples.

[0188] The backup actuation system 80 is (or includes) any system, mechanism, and / or device that rotates the reflector assembly 14 (or that causes the reflector assembly 14 to rotate). In some examples, the backup actuation system 80 is the same type of actuation system as the primary actuation system 30. Examples of such a backup actuation system 80 are (or include) one or more electric motors (e.g., as is discussed above with regard to FIGS. 2A-2B), one or more hydraulic motors (e.g., as is discussed above with regard to FIGS. 3A- 3B), a rack and pinion configuration (e.g., as is discussed above with regard to FIGS. 4A-4E), a worm gear configuration (as is discussed above with regard to FIGS. 5A-5E), or any combination of the preceding. In such examples, the backup actuation system 80 is installed in a different location than the primary actuation system 30 (e.g., on the other side of the length of the reflector assembly 14). In other examples, the backup actuation system 80 is a different type of actuation system than the primary actuation system 30, such as an automated or mechanical winch system.

[0189] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B, the backup actuation system 80 is (or includes) a winch system 82. The winch system 82 includes one or more winches 84 and one or more cables 86, in some examples. In the illustrated example, the winch 84 is connected to one or more cables 86, which are connected to the reflector assembly 14 (e.g., connected to the frame 14b of the reflector assembly 14). When the winch 84 is activated, the winch pulls on the cable(s) 86, which then pulls on the reflector assembly 14, causing the reflector assembly 14 to rotate about the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples.

[0190] The winch 84 is any type of winch that can be utilized to rotate the reflector assembly 14. In some examples, the winch is a manually-actuated winch. Such a manually- actuated winch includes a full manually -actuated winch (e.g., a hand-operated winch where a user turns a handle to activate the winch), or a partial manually -actuated winch (e.g., where auser pushes a buton or joystick, and this causes motor(s) or another power assistance system to activate the winch), in some examples. In other examples, the winch is an automatic winch that is controlled by a control system, such as control system 40.

[0191] The winch system 82 includes any number of winches 84 and / or cables 86. For example, the winch system 82 includes a first winch 84 and cables 86 on a first side of the reflector assembly 14 (e.g., affixed to the floor 15 on the left side of the reflector assembly 14), and the winch system 82 includes a second winch 84 and cables 86 on a second side of the reflector assembly 14 (e.g., affixed to the floor 15 on the right side of the reflector assembly 14). In one example of operation, the first winch 84 “pulls across” the reflector assembly 14, so as to rotate the reflector assembly 14 towards the first winch 84 (e.g., to rotate the reflector assembly 14 to face the left side), while the second winch 84 “pulls across” the reflector assembly 14, so as to rotate the reflector assembly 14 towards the second winch 84 (e.g., to rotate the reflector assembly 14 to face the right side). In some instances, only one winch 84 is used on a single side at a given time (depending on which direction the reflector assembly 14 needs to be moved), in some examples. However, in some scenarios, dual winches (84, 84) and cable assemblies (86, 86) can be used in concert to provide greater control over the movement of the reflector assembly 14. For example, the first winch 84 can pull first cable(s) 86 in a controlled manner to cause the reflector assembly 14 to rotate toward the first winch 84 while the second winch 84 releases second cable(s) 86 in a controlled manner to allow the reflector assembly 14 to rotate toward the first winch 84 (and away from the second winch 84).

[0192] The winch 84 is affixed to the floor 15 (and / or the foundation), in the example illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B. In some examples, all of the winches 84 are permanently affixed to the floor 15 (and / or the foundation). In other examples, the winches 84 are removable. For example, the floor 15 (and / or the foundation) includes physical attachment points that allow a winch 84 to be temporarily affixed to the floor 15 (and / or the foundation) when needed or desired. In some examples, this reduces the cost and / or weight of the solar reflector system 10, as a dedicated set of winches 84 is not required for each solar reflector system 10. Instead, a single set of winches 84 can be used for each of the solar reflector systems 10, with the winches 84 being temporarily installed at a particular solar reflector system 10 when needed or desired (e.g., if the primary actuation system 30 of the solar reflector system 10 fails), in some examples. In some examples, the winch 84 is robotically and / or automatically deployed and activated via a robotic track system. In some examples,winch(es) 84 are installed on only a single side at a given time (depending on which direction the reflector assembly 14 needs to be moved).

[0193] EXAMPLE BEARING ASSEMBLY

[0194] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an example bearing assembly 20 for use with the solar reflector system 10 examples of FIGS. 5A-5E

[0195] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the bearing assembly 20 includes (i) a stationary inner portion 20a (which can be connected to the thermal pipe 25 or other receiver), (ii) a rotatable outer portion 20b (which can be connected to the reflector assembly 14), and (iii) a bearing race 70. In an example of operation, the bearing race 70 allows the outer portion 20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), in some examples.

[0196] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the inner portion 20a is split into two pieces (i.e., a first inner section 21a and a second inner section 21b) that can be separated from each other, and that can be connected back together to form the entire inner portion 20a. In some examples, as is illustrated in FIG. 7, the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can be completely separated from each other, so that no portion of the first inner section 21a touches any portion of the second inner section 21b. In some examples, this may allow the inner portion 20a (and the remainder of the bearing assembly 20) to be more easily inserted onto the thermal pipe 25 (or other receiver). For example, the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can be completely separated from each other, and then the separated inner sections 21a and 21b can be laterally applied on the thermal pipe 25 (or other receiver) (e.g., from above, from below, and / or from the side(s) — as opposed to being slid over an end of a thermal pipe section). Additionally, in some examples, the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can be connected back together to form the entire inner portion 20a , so as to allow, in some examples, the inner portion 20a to be connected (and remain connected) on the thermal pipe 25 (or other receiver).

[0197] Additionally, while the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b are described above as being able to be connected back together to form the entire inner portion 20a (after being completely separated), in some examples, one or more additional section connectors are utilized to more securely connect (e.g., lock, fasten) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b together (e.g., for operation). Examples of these section connectors are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 9-15B.

[0198] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the outer portion 20b is also split into two pieces (i.e., a first outer section 22a and a second outer section 22b) that can be separated from each other, and that can be connected back together to form the entire outer portion 20b. In some examples, as is illustrated in FIG. 7, the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b can be completely separated from each other, so that no portion of the first outer section 22a touches any portion of the second outer section 22b. In some examples, this may allow the outer portion 20b to be more easily inserted onto the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25 or other receiver). For example, the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b can be completely separated from each other, and then the separated outer sections 22a and 22b can be laterally positioned on the inner portion 20a (and also the thermal pipe 25 or other receiver) (e.g., from above, from below, and / or from the side(s) - as opposed to being slid over an end of a thermal pipe section). Additionally, in some examples, the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b can be connected back together to form the entire outer portion 20b, so as to allow, in some examples, the outer portion 20b to be connected (and remain connected) on the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25 or other receiver).

[0199] Additionally, while the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b are described above as being able to be connected back together to form the entire outer portion 20b (after being completely separated), in some examples, one or more additional section connectors are utilized to more securely connect (e.g., lock, fasten) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b together (e.g., for operation). Examples of these section connectors are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 9-15B.

[0200] As is discussed above, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b, can be completely separated from each other. In some examples, this may provide for robustness in connection and / or may prevent disturbance in the bearing race 70. In other examples, one or both of (i) first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b, can be partially separated from each other. As one example, (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can be completely separated from each other, while (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b can be partially separated from each other. As another example, (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can be partially separated from each other, while (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outersection 22b can be completely separated from each other. As a further example, both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b, can be partially separated from each other. An example of a partial separation is discussed below with regard to FIGS. 8A-8B. However, the partial separation may occur in any other manner, in some examples, and the sections 21a and 21b (and / or 22a and 22b) may be configured in any manner so that they can be partially separated from each other, in some examples.

[0201] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b includes a plurality of gear teeth 66 that engage with the worm gear(s) 64. As such, in some examples, when the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b are connected, the gear teeth 66 are positioned along the entire (i.e., 360 degrees of the) outer circumference of the outer portion 20b. In other examples, when the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b are connected, the gear teeth 66 are positioned along a portion of the outer circumference of the outer portion 20b, such as, for example, positioned along an arc (e.g., 180 degrees, 270 degrees) of the outer circumference of the outer portion 20b.

[0202] In some examples, the gear teeth 66 are positioned on each outer section 22a and 22b in a manner that prevents any interruption (or gaps) in the gear teeth 66 when the two outer sections 22a and 22b are connected to form the outer portion 20b. This can, in some examples, allow for uniform meshing with the worm gear(s) 64, so as to (i) prevent compromising the functionality of the worm gear 64 (or other drive mechanism), (ii) prevent premature wear or failure, and / or (iii) ensure efficient and reliable rotation of the reflector 14a.

[0203] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the bearing assembly 20 further includes the bearing race 70, which allows the outer portion 20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25). In some examples, this allows the bearing assembly 20 to provide a rotational interface around a longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, and further allows the reflector assembly 14 to be rotated through its entire axial range (e.g., 180 degrees).

[0204] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the bearing race 70 is formed in (and by) both the inner portion 20a and the outer portion 20b. As an example, each of (i) the first inner section 21a, (ii) the second inner section 21b, (iii) the first outer section 22a, and (iv) the second outer section 22b form a portion of the bearing race 70. In such examples, the bearingrace 70 is split between these sections 21a, 21b, 22a, and 22b, and the bearing race 70 is fully formed when all of these sections 21a, 21b, 22a, and 22b are respectively connected.Therefore, in such examples, when the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b are connected together to form the inner portion 20a, and further when the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b are connected together to form the outer portion 20b and also to surround at least a portion of the inner portion 20a, the full bearing race 70 is formed.

[0205] As is discussed above, and as is illustrated in FIG. 7, in some examples, the bearing race 70 includes (or utilizes) one or more bearings 72. Examples of bearing(s) 72 are discussed above with regard to FIGS. 5A-5E. In some examples, the bearing race 70 and the bearing(s) 72 allow the outer portion 20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25). In other examples, the bearing race 70 does not include (or utilize) any bearings. In such examples, the bearing race 70 is any other structure or device that allows the outer portion 20b to rotate (or otherwise move or pivot) in relation to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25).

[0206] FIG. 8A-8B illustrates an example of a portion of a bearing assembly 20 for use with the solar reflector system examples of FIGS. 5A-5E. In particular, FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of a first inner section 21a and a second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a that can be partially separated from each other. In some examples, the partial separation causes a first portion (e.g., a first end) of the first inner section 21a to remain connected to a first portion (e.g., a first end) of the second inner section 21b, while a second portion (e.g., a second end) of the first inner section 21a no longer touches a second portion (e.g., a second end) of the second inner section 21b.

[0207] In the example illustrated in FIG. 8A-8B, the inner portion 20a includes a joint 92. The joint 92 is (or includes) any device or structure that provides a rotational connection, in some examples. This rotational connection allows, for example, the first inner section 21a to rotate relative to the second inner section 21b (or vice versa). As an example of this, the joint 92 is a pivot joint.

[0208] In some examples, the pivot joint 92 includes a shaft (or pin) 94 that is positioned within a housing 96. In some examples, the shaft 94 is formed in (or on) one of the sections 21a or 21b, and the housing 96 is formed in the other of the sections 21a or 21b. As an example of this, the shaft 94 includes two protrusions that extend out of both sides of the first inner section 21a, and the housing 96 includes two holes that extend through both sides of thesecond inner section 21b. In such an example, each protrusion is inserted into a respective hole, to form the pivot joint 92.

[0209] In other examples, the shaft 94 is a separate component from the sections 21a and 21b, and the sections 21a and 21b both form a part of the housing 96 (e.g., via hole(s)). As an example of this, the shaft 94 is inserted through the hole(s) in both the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, forming the pivot joint 92. In some examples of this, a separate fastener is used to keep the shaft 94 inserted in the hole(s).

[0210] In an example of operation, the joint 92 allows the first inner section 21a to rotate relative to the second inner section 21b (or vice versa). For example, the joint 92 allows the first inner section 21a to rotate relative to the second inner section 21b (or vice versa), so as to open and shut. In some examples, the joint 92 causes a first portion 97a of the first inner section 21a to remain connected to a first portion 98a of the second inner section 21b, while allowing a second portion 97b of the first inner section 21a to rotationally separate from a second portion 98b of the second inner section 21b (or allowing the second portion 98b to rotationally separate from the second portion 97b, or both) to an open position (an example of which is shown in FIG. 9B). In some examples, this may be referred to as “butterflying” or “butterfly”. Also, in such examples, the joint 92 further allows the second portion 97b of the first inner section 21a to rotate in the opposite direction back towards the second portion 98b of the second inner section 21b (or allows the second portion 98b to rotate in the opposite direction back towards the second portion 97b, or both) to a closed position (an example of which is shown in FIG. 8A).

[0211] In some examples, this ability to partially separate (e.g., butterfly) increases the efficiency and / or ease of the installation and / or use of the bearing assembly 20. As an example of this, the inner portion 20a can be butterflied open, so as to allow the inner portion 20a to be laterally applied to (or otherwise positioned on) the thermal pipe 25 (e.g., a continuous, joined thermal pipe), without, for example, disassembling the thermal pipe and / or sliding the bearing assembly over an end of the thermal pipe. Additionally, because the first inner section 21a remains connected (e.g., rotationally connected) to the second inner section 21b, an installer does not have to keep track of two separate parts, and may only need to connect the sections 21a and 21b on one side (e.g., at second portions 97b and 98b).

[0212] Additionally, while the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b are described above as being able to be connected back together to form the entire inner portion 20a (after being partially separated), in some examples, one or more additional sectionconnectors are utilized to more securely connect (e.g. lock, fasten) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b together (e.g., for operation). Examples of these section connectors are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 9-15B.

[0213] Furthermore, while FIGS. 8A-8B are illustrated and described with regard to the inner portion 20a, in some examples, the functions and capabilities of FIGS. 8A-8B can be included on (or otherwise used with) the outer portion 20b. For example, the outer portion 20b can also include a joint that allows the first outer section 22a to rotate relative to the second outer section 22b (or vice versa). This may, in some examples, allow the outer sections 22a and 22b to partially separate (e.g., butterfly) to an open position and / or reconnect (e.g., butterfly) back to a closed position. In some examples, this ability to partially separate (e.g., butterfly) increases the efficiency and / or ease of the installation and / or use of the bearing assembly 20. As an example of this, the outer portion 20b can be butterflied open, so as to allow the outer portion 20b to be laterally applied to the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), without, for example, disassembling the thermal pipe and / or sliding the bearing assembly over an end of the thermal pipe. Additionally, because the first outer section 22a remains connected (e.g., rotationally connected) to the second outer section 22b, an installer does not have to keep track of two separate parts, and may only need to connect the sections 22a and 22b on one side.

[0214] Additionally, while the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b are described above as being able to be connected back together to form the entire outer portion 20b (after being partially separated), in some examples, one or more additional section connectors are utilized to more securely connect (e.g., lock, fasten) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b together (e.g., for operation). Examples of these section connectors are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 9-15B.

[0215] Additionally, while both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b, can be partially separated from each other, in some examples, one or both of (i) first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b, can be completely separated from each other. As one example, (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can be partially separated from each other, while (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b can be completely separated from each other. In some examples, this may (i) prevent the carving and / or interruption of gear teeth 66, (ii) avoid complicating the design of the outer portion 20b (with respect to the gearteeth 66 and / or worm gear 64), and / or (iii) enable further structural integrity. As another example, (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can be completely separated from each other, while (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b can be partially separated from each other. As a further example, both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b, can be completely separated from each other.

[0216] As is discussed above, in some examples, both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b can be connected back together to form the entire inner portion 20a and the entire outer portion 20b (after each is at least partially separated). Also, as is discussed above, in some examples, one or more additional section connectors are utilized to more securely connect (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together (e.g., for operation), and / or (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together (e.g., for operation). Examples of these section connectors are discussed below with regard to FIGS. 9-15B.

[0217] In some examples, each of the section connectors described below securely connect (e.g., fasten and / or lock) together one or both of (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b. In some examples, each of the section connectors described below are (i) robust and / or user-friendly, and / or (ii) are usable without specialized tools or extensive technical expertise in the installation environment. In some examples, each of the section connectors described below can be utilized from the periphery of the bearing assembly 20 after it is placed around the thermal pipe 25 (or other receiver), which, in some examples, is performed in areas with limited available space and / or where the thermal pipe 25 (or other receiver) is already welded together. In some examples, each of the section connectors described below provide a secure and stable bearing structure under operational loads.

[0218] EXAMPLE BEARING ASSEMBLY SECTION CONNECTORS

[0219] FIG. 9 illustrates example section connectors for use with the bearing assembly 20 examples of FIGS. 7-8B.

[0220] In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the section connectors are fasteners 100. The fastener 100 is any hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objectstogether. Examples of a fastener 100 include a bolt, a screw, a rivet, any other hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together, or any combination of the preceding. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the fasteners 100 are screws.

[0221] In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, fastener(s) 100 are used to connect both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together (e.g., for operation), and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together (e.g., for operation). In other examples, fastener(s) 100 are used to connect only one of (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, or (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In such examples, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a (or the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b) together.

[0222] When the fastener(s) 100 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, the fastener(s) 100 provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (until the fastener(s) 100 are removed), in some examples. Any number of fastener(s) 100 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, in some examples. For example, as is illustrated in FIG. 9, four fasteners 100 (e.g., four screws) are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together. In other examples, more or fewer fastener(s) 100 may be used. To insert the fastener(s) 100, one or more holes 102 are positioned (or otherwise included) in the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, in some examples. The hole(s) 102 are positioned in any location that allows the fastener(s) 100 to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, in some examples. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, each hole 102 is positioned in a location that is adjacent to the bearing race 70. This prevents the hole(s) 102 and fastener(s) 100 from interfering with the bearing race 70, in some examples. In some examples, as is illustrated in FIG. 9, each set of two holes 102 are positioned on opposite sides of the bearing race 70.

[0223] When the fastener(s) 100 are used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together, the fastener(s) 100 provide a secure connection that prevents the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b ofthe outer portion 20b from separating (until the fastener(s) 100 are removed), in some examples. Any number of fastener(s) 100 are used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b, in some examples. For example, as is illustrated in FIG. 9, four fasteners 100 (e.g., four screws) are used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In other examples, more or fewer fastener(s) 100 may be used. To insert the fastener(s) 100, one or more holes 102 are positioned (or otherwise included) in the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b, in some examples. The hole(s) 102 are positioned in any location that allows the fastener(s) 100 to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together, in some examples. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, each hole 102 is positioned in a location that is adjacent to the bearing race 70, and is further positioned in a location that is adjacent to the gear teeth 66. In some examples, as is illustrated in FIG. 9, each set of two holes 102 are positioned on opposite sides of the bearing race 70 and also the gear teeth 66.

[0224] In some examples, in addition to the fastener(s) 100, one or more inserts 104 are also used to connect one or both of the (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b. In some examples, the insert(s) 104 are used to hold the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b (and / or the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b)) together until the fastener(s) 100 can be used to provide a more secure connection.

[0225] While the fastener(s) 100 are described above as being used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that completely separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIG. 7), in some examples, the fastener(s) 100 are used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that partially separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8B).

[0226] FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate another example of section connectors for use with the example bearing assemblies 20 of FIGS. 7-8B.

[0227] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B, the section connectors are inserts 106 and bores 108. The insert 106 is any structure that protrudes (or otherwise extends outward) from an end of a section (21a, 21b, 22a, 22b), and that can be inserted into a bore 108 included in an end of another section (21a, 21b, 22a, 22b). A bore 108 is any hole in theend of a section (21a, 21b, 22a, 22b) that can receive an insert 106 protruding from an end of another section (21a, 21b, 22a, 22b).

[0228] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B, insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 are used to connect both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together (e.g., for operation), and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together (e.g., for operation). In other examples, insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 are used to connect only one of (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, or (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In such examples, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a (or the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b) together.

[0229] When the insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, the insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating, in some examples. Any number of insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, in some examples. As an example, two insert(s) 106 and two bore(s) 108 (with one of each in the first portions 97a and 98a of the sections 21a and 21b, respectively, and the other in the second portions 97b and 98b of the sections 21a and 21b, respectively) are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together. As a further example, four insert(s) 106 and four bore(s) 108 (with two of each (side-by-side, for example) in the first portions 97a and 98a of the sections 21a and 21b, and the other two of each (side-by- side, for example) in the second portions 97b and 98b of the sections 21a and 21b) are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together. In other examples, more or fewer insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 may be used.

[0230] When the insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 are used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together, the insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 provide a secure connection that prevents the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b from separating, in some examples. The insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 for the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b (e.g., their number, their shape, their function, etc.) are the same as(or at least similar to) the insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 discussed above with regard to the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a.

[0231] In some examples, one or more fasteners 112 are used with insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 to provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b (and / or the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b) from separating (until the fastener(s) 112 are removed). The fastener 112 is any hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together. Examples of a fastener 112 include a bolt, a screw, a rivet, any other hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together, or any combination of the preceding. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B, the fasteners 112 are screws. In some examples, each insert 106 includes a hole 114 into which the fastener 112 can be inserted (once the insert 106 is positioned within the respective bore 108), so as to lock the insert 106 in the bore 108. This prevents the insert 106 from being removed from the bore 108 until the fastener 112 is removed, in some examples.

[0232] In order for the fastener 112 to be inserted into the insert 106, in some examples, an access hole 116 is positioned (or otherwise included) in a respective section (21a, 21b, 22a, 22b), where the access hole 116 extends through the respective section (21a, 21b, 22a, 22b) and into the respective bore 108. In some examples, the access hole(s) 116 are positioned on an internal circumference of the first inner section 21a and / or the second inner section 21b, as is illustrated in FIG. 10A. In some examples, the access hole(s) 116 are positioned on an external circumference of the first outer section 22a and / or the second outer section 22b, as is illustrated in FIG. 10A. Additionally, in some examples, the access hole(s) 116 are positioned in a location that is adjacent to gear teeth 66 included on the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b. This positioning prevents the access hole(s) 116 and fastener(s) 112 from interfering with the gear teeth 66, in some examples.

[0233] While the insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 are described above as being used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that completely separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIG. 7), in some examples, the insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 are used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that partially separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8B).

[0234] FIGS. 11 A-l IB illustrate another example of section connectors for use with the example bearing assemblies 20 of FIGS. 7-8B.

[0235] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 11 A-l IB, the section connectors are keyed hole(s) 118 and key (s) 120. The keyed hole 118 is a hole that is shaped to correspond with the shape of a respective key 120, in some examples. The key 120 is a structure or object that is shaped to be inserted into and fit within the respective keyed hole 120 in a manner that prevents the respective sections (21a and 21b and / or 22a and 22b) from separating from each other, in some examples.

[0236] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 11 A-l IB, the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 are used to connect only the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together (e.g., for operation). In such an example, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together (e.g., for operation). In other examples, the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 are used to connect both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In other examples, the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 are used to connect only the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In such examples, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together.

[0237] When the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., until the key(s) 120 are removed from the respective keyed hole(s) 118), in some examples. To do this, in some examples, a first portion 122a of a respective keyed hole 118 is positioned (or otherwise included) in the first inner section 21a, and a second portion 122b of the respective keyed hole 118 is included in the second inner section 21b (which causes the keyed hole 118 to extend over a portion of each of the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b), as is illustrated in FIGS. 11 A-l IB.

[0238] Additionally, in some examples, the keyed hole(s) 118 and the key(s) 120 each have a shape that can prevent the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., until the key 120 is removed from the respective keyed hole 118). For example, the key(s) 120 have a shape with a top portion length 124a, a middle portion length 124b, and a bottom portion length 124c, where each of the top portionlength 124a and the bottom portion length 124c is greater than the middle portion length 124b. Examples of such a shape include the shape of the letter “I”, an hourglass shape (e.g., which includes two opposing triangles that touch each other, two opposing trapezoids that touch each other, etc.), and a barbell shape (e.g., which includes two opposing polygons attached by a line or a narrower rectangle).

[0239] Furthermore, in some examples, the keyed hole(s) 118 have a corresponding shape (e.g., with portions 122a and 122b that each have a shape that corresponds to respective portions of the key(s) 120), which allows the key(s) 120 to fit within the keyed hole(s) 118 and prevent the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating. As an example of this, the keyed hole(s) 118 have a shape that is the same as but slightly larger than that of the respective key(s) 120 (or a portion of the respective key(s) 120). In some examples, this corresponding shape of the keyed hole(s) 118 includes atop portion length 125a, a middle portion length 125b, and a bottom portion length 125c, where each of the top portion length 125a and the bottom portion length 125c is greater than the middle portion length 125b. Examples of such a corresponding shape (e.g., the same shape, but slightly larger) include a shape of the letter “I”, an hourglass shape (e.g., which includes two opposing triangles that touch each other, two opposing trapezoids that touch each other, etc.), and a barbell shape (e.g., which includes two opposing polygons attached by a line or a narrower rectangle).

[0240] Any number of keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, in some examples. As an example, only a single keyed hole 118 and a single key 120 is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, as is illustrated in FIGS. 11 A-l IB. Furthermore, in some examples, the number of keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 that are used is based on the type of separation of the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b. In the illustrated example, the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can partially separate from each other (e.g., examples of which are discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8B). As such, in the illustrated example, a single keyed hole 118 and a single key 120 are used to connect the second portion 97b of the first inner section 21a to the second portion 98b of the second inner section 21b. In other examples, when the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b can completely separate from each other, two keyed hole(s) 118 and two key(s) 120 areused, with one keyed hole 118 and one key 120 being used to connect each side. In other examples, more keyed holes 118 and keys 120 may be used.

[0241] In some examples, each portion (122a, 122b) of the keyed hole(s) 118 is positioned (or otherwise) included in any location on the first inner section 21a or the second inner section 21b that allows the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 11 A-l IB, each portion (122a, 122b) of the keyed hole 118 is included in a location on the first inner section 21a or the second inner section 21b that is adjacent to the bearing race 70. This prevents the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 from interfering with the bearing race 70, in some examples.

[0242] When the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 are used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together, the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 provide a secure connection that prevents the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b from separating, in some examples. The keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 for the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b (e.g., their number, their shape, their function, etc.) are the same (or at least similar) to the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 discussed above with regard to the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a. Furthermore, in some examples, each portion of the keyed hole(s) 118 is included in any location on the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b that allows the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. As an example of this, each portion of the keyed hole(s) 118 is included in a location on the first outer section 22a or the second outer section 22b that is adjacent to the bearing race 70, and that is also adjacent to the gear teeth 66. This prevents the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 from interfering with the bearing race 70 and the gear teeth 66, in some examples.

[0243] While the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 are described above as being used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that partially separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8B), in some examples, the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 are used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that completely separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIG. 7).

[0244] FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate another example of section connectors for use with the example bearing assemblies 20 of FIGS. 7-8B.

[0245] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B, the section connectors are plate(s) 128 and fastener(s) 132. The plate 128 is any rigid structure that can be used to provide a rigid connection. Examples of a plate 128 include a plate, a bracket, a bar, a housing, any other rigid structure that can be used to provide a rigid connection, or any combination of the preceding. The fastener 132 is any hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together. Examples of a fastener 132 include a bolt, a screw, a rivet, any other hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together, or any combination of the preceding. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B, the plates 128 are plates, and the fasteners 132 are bolts.

[0246] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B, the plate(s) 128 and fastener(s) 132 are used to connect only the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together (e.g., for operation). In such an example, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together (e.g., for operation).

[0247] When the plate(s) 128 and fastener(s) 132 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, the plate(s) 128 and fastener(s) 132 provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., rotationally separating), in some examples. To do this, in some examples, the plate(s) 128 are mounted (or otherwise affixed or otherwise rigidly connected) to the first inner section 21a and / or the second inner section 21b via fastener(s) 132, which prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., rotationally separating).

[0248] Additionally, in some examples, the plate(s) 128 are further mounted (or otherwise affixed or otherwise rigidly connected) to an other structure via fastener(s) 132. Examples of this other structure include, for example, the housing 68 of the motor 62, one or more of the support post(s) 15c, the floor 15, any other rigid structure, or any combination of the preceding. In some examples, this further mounting (i) prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., rotationally separating), and (ii) also keeps the inner portion 20a stationary (e.g., during operation).

[0249] In other examples, the plate(s) 128 are formed integral with (e.g., are a part of) an other structure. Examples of this other structure include, for example, the housing 68 of the motor 62, one or more of the support post(s) 15c, any other rigid structure, or any combination of the preceding. In some examples, this integration of the plate(s) 128 with the other structure (i) prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., rotationally separating), and (ii) also keeps the inner portion 20a stationary (e.g., during operation).

[0250] Any number of plate(s) 128 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, in some examples. As an example, a single plate 128 is mounted (or otherwise affixed or otherwise rigidly connected) to both the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a, so as to keep them together. As another example, a first set of one or more plates 128 are mounted (or otherwise affixed or otherwise rigidly connected) to the first inner section 21a, and a second set of one or more plates 128 are mounted (or otherwise affixed or otherwise rigidly connected) to the second inner section 21b (an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B), so as to keep them together. Furthermore, in some examples, the number of plate(s) 128 that are used is based on the type of separation of the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, as a complete separation (as is illustrated in FIG. 7) may use more plate(s) 128 than the partial separation (as is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B and 12A- 12B). In other examples, more plate(s) 128 may be used.

[0251] Any number of fastener(s) 132 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, in some examples. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B, two fastener(s) 132 are used to mount each plate 128 to a respective section (21a or 21b). In other examples, more or fewer fasteners 132 may be used. In some examples, the sections (21a and 21b) include hole(s) 134 into which the fastener(s) 132 are inserted.

[0252] In some examples, the plate(s) 128, fastener(s) 132, and hole(s) 134 are included in any location on the first inner section 21a and / or the second inner section 21b that allows the plate(s) 128 and fastener(s) 132 to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12B, each plate 128, fastener 132, and hole 134 is included in a location on the first inner section 21a and / or the second inner section 21b that is adjacent to the bearing race 70. This preventsthe plate(s) 128, fastener(s) 132, and hole(s) 134 from interfering with the bearing race 70, in some examples.

[0253] While the plate(s) 128 and fastener(s) 132 are described above as being used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b that partially separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8B), in some examples, the plate(s) 128 and fastener(s) 132 are used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b that completely separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIG. 7).

[0254] FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate another example of section connectors for use with the example bearing assemblies 20 of FIGS. 7-8B.

[0255] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, the section connectors are bars 136 and flat surfaces 138. The bar 136 is any rigid structure that can be used to provide a rigid connection, where that rigid structure includes at least one flat side that can be positioned against a flat surface 138. Examples of a bar 136 include a bar with at least one flat side, a bracket with at least one flat side, a plate with at least one flat side, any other rigid structure that can be used to provide a rigid connection (where that rigid structure includes at least one flat side that can be positioned against a flat surface 138), or any combination of the preceding.

[0256] A flat surface 138 is an area that extends (or otherwise spans) over two sections (sections 21a and 21b, or sections 22a and 22b) of the bearing assembly 20, and that is flat (so that a flat side of the bar 136 may be positioned against it (e.g., in a flush manner)). Examples of the flat surface 138 include a single flat surface that extends over two sections (sections 21a and 21b, or sections 22a and 22b), or a single flat edge that extends over two sections (sections 21a and 21b, or sections 22a and 22b). In some examples, in order for the flat surface 138 to extend over two sections (e.g., sections 21a and 21b), a first portion 140a of the flat surface 138 is included on (or in) one of the sections (e.g., section 21a), and a second portion 140b of the flat surface 138 is included on (or in) the other section (e.g., section 21b). An example of this is illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B. In some examples, the flat surface 138 is formed on each of the two sections (e.g., via machining, via a mold for the section and that includes the respective portion (140a or 140b) of the flat surface 138).

[0257] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 are used to connect only the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together (e.g., for operation). In such an example, a different type ofsection connector is used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together (e.g., for operation). In other examples, the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 are used to connect both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In other examples, the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 are used to connect only the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In such examples, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together.

[0258] When the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating, in some examples. To do this, in some examples, a flat side of the bar 136 is positioned against a respective flat surface 138 that spans (or otherwise extends) across the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b. In such examples, the bar 136 also spans (or otherwise extends) across the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b.

[0259] Any number of bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, in some examples. As an example, only a single bar 136 and a single flat surface 138 (that spans over both sections 21a and 21b) is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, as is illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B. In other examples, more bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 may be used. Furthermore, in some examples, the number of bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 that are used is based on the type of separation of the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, as a complete separation (as is illustrated in FIG. 7) may use more bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 (e.g., one on each side) than the partial separation (as is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B and 13A-13B).

[0260] As is illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, in some examples, fastener(s) 142 are used to secure (or otherwise connect) a bar 136 against a respective flat surface 138, so as to provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (until the fastener(s) 142 are removed). The fastener 142 is any hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together, in some examples. Examples of a fastener 142 include a bolt, a screw, a rivet, any otherhardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together, or any combination of the preceding. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, the fasteners 142 are bolts.

[0261] Any number of fastener(s) 142 are used to secure a bar 136 against a respective flat surface 138, so as to provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (until the fastener(s) 142 are removed), in some examples. In the illustrated example, two fasteners 142 are used to secure a bar 136 against a respective flat surface 138, with a first fastener 142 being inserted through the bar 136 (via a hole in the bar 136) and into a portion of the first inner section 21a (via a hole 144 in the first inner section 21a), and further with a second fastener 142 being inserted through the bar 136 (via another hole in the bar 136) and into a portion of the second inner section 21b (via a hole 144 in the second inner section 21b). In other examples, more fasteners 142 may be used.

[0262] In some examples, each bar 136, each flat surface 138, each fastener 142, and each hole 144 is included in any location on the first inner section 21a or the second inner section 21b that allows the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B, each bar 136, each flat surface 138, each fastener 142, and each hole 144 is included in a location on the first inner section 21a and / or the second inner section 21b that is adjacent to the bearing race 70. This prevents the bar(s) 136, flat surface(s) 138, fastener(s) 142, and hole(s) 144 from interfering with the bearing race 70, in some examples.

[0263] When the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 are used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together, the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 provide a secure connection that prevents the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b from separating, in some examples. The bar(s) 136, flat surface(s) 138, fastener(s) 142, and hole(s) 144 for the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b (e.g., their number, their shape, their function, etc.) are the same as (or at least similar to) the bar(s) 136, flat surface(s) 138, fastener(s) 142, and hole(s) 144 discussed above with regard to the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a. Furthermore, in some examples, each bar 136, each flat surface 138, each fastener 142, and each hole 144 is included in any location on the first outer section 22a and / or the second outer section 22b of the outer portion20b that allows the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. As an example of this, each bar 136, each flat surface 138, each fastener 142, and each hole 144 is included in a location on the first outer section 22a and / or the second outer section 22b that is adjacent to the bearing race 70, and that is also adjacent to the gear teeth 66. This prevents the bar(s) 136, flat surface(s) 138, fastener(s) 142, and hole(s) 144 from interfering with the bearing race 70 and the gear teeth 66, in some examples.

[0264] While the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 are described above as being used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that partially separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8B), in some examples, the bar(s) 136 and flat surface(s) 138 are used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that completely separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIG. 7).

[0265] FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate another example of section connectors for use with the example bearing assemblies 20 of FIGS. 7-8B.

[0266] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C, the section connectors are keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148. The keyed channel 146 is a channel (or a hole) that is shaped to correspond with the shape (or a portion of the shape) of a respective key bar 148, in some examples. In some examples, the keyed channel 146 extends within two sections (sections 21a and 21b, or sections 22a and 22b) of the bearing assembly 20. In some examples, in order for the keyed channel 146 to extend within two sections (e.g., sections 21a and 21b), a first portion 150a of the keyed channel 146 is positioned (or otherwise included) within one of the sections (e.g., section 21a), and a second portion 150b of the keyed channel 146 is positioned (or otherwise included) within the other section (e.g., section 21b). An example of this is illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C. In some examples, the keyed channel 146 is formed within each of the two sections (e.g., via machining, via a mold for the section and that includes the respective portion (150a or 150b) of the keyed channel 146).

[0267] The key bar 148 is a rigid structure that is shaped (or has a portion that is shaped) to fit within the respective keyed channel 146, in some examples. Examples of the key bar 148 include a bar that is shaped to fit within a respective keyed channel 146, a bracket that is shaped to fit within a respective keyed channel 146, a plate that is shaped to fit within arespective keyed channel 146, any other rigid structure that is shaped to fit within the respective keyed channel 146, or any combination of the preceding.

[0268] As is discussed above, the keyed channel 146 is shaped (or has a portion that is shaped) to correspond with the shape (or a portion of the shape) of a respective key bar 148, in some examples. In some examples, this allows the key bar 148 to be held within a respective keyed channel 146 by at least a portion of the shape of the respective keyed channel 146, an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 14C. As one example of this, the key bar 148 is (or includes) a trapezoid shape, and the keyed channel 146 is (or includes) a slightly larger corresponding trapezoid shape, as is illustrated in FIG. 14C. In such an example, the key bar 148 is slid (or otherwise positioned) within the keyed channel 146, and a portion of the corresponding trapezoid shape (e.g., the edges) of the keyed channel 146 holds the key bar 148 within the keyed channel 146 (e.g., so as to prevent it from being removed laterally). In other examples, the key bar 148 is (or includes) a circular shape, and the keyed channel 146 is (or includes) a slightly larger corresponding circular shape. In further examples, the key bar 148 is (or includes) an oval shape, and the keyed channel 146 is (or includes) a slightly larger corresponding oval shape. In other examples, the key bar 148 is (or includes) a triangular shape, and the keyed channel 146 is (or includes) a slightly larger corresponding triangular shape. In further examples, the key bar 148 is (or includes) any other polygonal shape, and the keyed channel 146 is (or includes) a slightly larger corresponding polygonal shape. In such examples, the key bar 148 is slid (or otherwise positioned) within the keyed channel 146, and a portion of the corresponding shape (e.g., the edges) of the keyed channel 146 holds the key bar 148 within the keyed channel 146 (e.g., so as to prevent it from being removed laterally).

[0269] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C, the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 are used to connect only the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together (e.g., for operation). In such an example, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together (e.g., for operation). In other examples, the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 are used to connect both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In other examples, the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 are used to connect only the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In suchexamples, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together.

[0270] When the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., until the key bar(s) 148 are removed), in some examples. To do this, in some examples, when the key bar 148 is slid (or otherwise positioned) within a respective keyed channel 146, the key bar 148 extends across both the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b (at least partially). Furthermore, as is discussed above, when the key bar 148 is slid (or otherwise positioned) within a respective keyed channel 146, a portion of the respective keyed channel 146 (e.g., the edges of the keyed channel 146, as is seen in FIG. 14C), hold the key bar 148 within the respective keyed channel 146, in some examples).

[0271] Any number of the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, in some examples. As an example, only a single keyed channel 146 and a single key bar 148 (that extends over both sections 21a and 21b) is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, as is illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C. In other examples, more keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 may be used. Furthermore, in some examples, the number of keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 that are used is based on the type of separation of the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, as a complete separation (as is illustrated in FIG. 7) may use more keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 (e.g., one on each side) than the partial separation (as is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B and 14A-14C).

[0272] As is illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C, in some examples, fastener(s) 152 are used to further secure (or otherwise connect) a key bar 148 within a respective keyed channel 146, so as to provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., until the fastener(s) 152 are removed). The fastener 152 is any hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together, in some examples. Examples of a fastener 152 include a bolt, a screw, a rivet, any other hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together, or any combination of the preceding. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C, the fastener 152 is a bolt.

[0273] Any number of fastener(s) 152 are used to further secure (or otherwise connect) a key bar 148 within a respective keyed channel 146, so as to provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., until the fastener(s) 152 are removed), in some examples. In the illustrated example, a single fastener 152 is used to further secure (or otherwise connect) a key bar 148 within a respective keyed channel 146, with the fastener 152 being inserted through the key bar 148 (via a hole in the key bar 148) and into a portion of either (i) the first inner section 21a (via a hole 154 in the first inner section 21a) or (ii) the second inner section 21b (via a hole 154 in the second inner section 21b). In other examples, more fasteners 152 may be used.

[0274] In some examples, each keyed channel 146, each key bar 148, each fastener 152, and each hole 154 is positioned (or otherwise included) in any location on the first inner section 21a and / or the second inner section 21b that allows the keyed channel(s) 146 and the key bar(s) 148 to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C, each keyed channel 146, each key bar 148, each fastener 152, and each hole 154 is positioned (or otherwise included) in a location on the first inner section 21a and / or the second inner section 21b that is adjacent to the bearing race 70. This prevents the keyed channel(s) 146, key bar(s) 148, fastener(s) 152, and hole(s) 154 from interfering with the bearing race 70, in some examples.

[0275] When the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 are used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together, the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 provide a secure connection that prevents the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b from separating, in some examples. The keyed channel(s) 146, key bar(s) 148, fastener(s) 152, and hole(s) 154 for the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b (e.g., their number, their shape, their function, etc.) are the same as (or at least similar to) the keyed channel(s) 146, key bar(s) 148, fastener(s) 152, and hole(s) 154 discussed above with regard to the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a. Furthermore, in some examples, each keyed channel 146, each key bar 148, each fastener 152, and each hole 154 is positioned (or otherwise included) in any location on the first outer section 22a and / or the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b that allows the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. As an example of this, each keyed channel146, each key bar 148, each fastener 152, and each hole 154 is positioned (or otherwise included) in a location on the first outer section 22a and / or the second outer section 22b that is adjacent to the bearing race 70, and that is also adjacent to the gear teeth 66. This prevents the keyed channel(s) 146, key bar(s) 148, fastener(s) 152, and hole(s) 154 from interfering with the bearing race 70 and the gear teeth 66, in some examples.

[0276] While the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 are described above as being used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that partially separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8B), in some examples, the keyed channel(s) 146 and key bar(s) 148 are used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that completely separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIG. 7).

[0277] FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate another example of section connectors for use with the example bearing assemblies 20 of FIGS. 7-8B.

[0278] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B, the section connectors are bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162. The bore 160 is any hole that can receive a fastener 162, in some examples. In some examples, the bore 160 extends (e.g., spans) within two sections (sections 21a and 21b, or sections 22a and 22b) of the bearing assembly 20. In some examples, in order for the bore 160 to extend within two sections (e.g., sections 21a and 21b), a first portion 164a of the bore 160 is positioned (or otherwise included) within one of the sections (e.g., section 21a), and a second portion 164b of the bore 160 is positioned (or otherwise included) within the other section (e.g., section 21b). An example of this is illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B. In some examples, the bore 160 is formed within each of the two sections (e.g., via machining, via a mold for the section and that includes the respective portion (164a or 164b) of the bore 160). In some examples, in order to machine the bore 160, an opening 166 is machined into a first section (e.g., section 21a) in a first direction, and then the first portion 164a of the bore 160 is machined into the first section (e.g., section 21a) in a second direction (e.g., perpendicular to the first direction), and this machining is continued into the second section (e.g., section 21b) to form the second portion 164b of the bore 160 within the second section (e.g., section 21b), an example of which is illustrated in FIG. 15B. In other examples, the bore(s) 160 (and the portions 164a and 164b) and the openings 166 can be formed (or otherwise included) in the two sections (e.g., sections 21a and 21b) in any other manner.

[0279] The fastener 162 is any hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together, in some examples. Examples of a fastener 162 include a bolt, a screw, a rivet, any other hardware device (or structure) that can be used to attach two objects together, or any combination of the preceding. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B the fastener 162 is a bolt.

[0280] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B, the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 are used to connect only the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together (e.g., for operation). In such an example, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together (e.g., for operation). In other examples, the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 are used to connect both (i) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, and (ii) the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In other examples, the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 are used to connect only the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. In such examples, a different type of section connector is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together.

[0281] When the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 provide a secure connection that prevents the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a from separating (e.g., rotationally separating), in some examples. To do this, in some examples, each fastener 162 is inserted into a first potion 164a of a respective bore 160 (e.g., via the respective opening 166), and then the fastener 162 is inserted further (e.g., via tightening) into the respective bore 160 until a portion of the fastener 162 is positioned in the second portion 164b of the respective bore 160. In some examples, this causes (e.g., via the tightening of the fastener 162) the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a to be pulled together (and held together).

[0282] Any number of the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 are used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, in some examples. As an example, only a single bore 160 and a single fastener 162 is used to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together, as is illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B. In some examples, this provides the advantage of onlyneeding a single fastener 162 to connect together the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, which, (i) allows for a quicker and / or easier way to provide a secure connection between the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, and (ii) reduces installation and re-installation costs, as only the single fastener 162 is used. In other examples, more bores 160 and fasteners 162 may be used. Furthermore, in some examples, the number of bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 that are used is based on the type of separation of the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b, as a complete separation (as is illustrated in FIG. 7) may use more bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 (e.g., one on each side) than the partial separation (as is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B and 15A-15B).

[0283] In some examples, each bore 160, each fastener 162, and each opening 166 is included in any location on the first inner section 21a and / or the second inner section 21b that allows the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 to connect the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a together. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15B, each bore 160, each fastener 162, and each opening 166 is included in a location on the first inner section 21a and / or the second inner section 21b that is adjacent to the bearing race 70. This prevents the bore(s) 160, fastener(s) 162, and opening(s) 166 from interfering with the bearing race 70, in some examples.

[0284] When the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 are used to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together, the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 provide a secure connection that prevents the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b from separating (e.g., rotationally separating) (until the fastener(s) 162 are removed), in some examples. The bore(s) 160, fastener(s) 162, and opening(s) 166 for the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b (e.g., their number, their shape, their function, etc.) are the same as (or at least similar to) the bore(s) 160, fastener(s) 162, and opening(s) 166 discussed above with regard to the first inner section 21a and the second inner section 21b of the inner portion 20a. Furthermore, in some examples, each bore 160, each fastener 162, and each opening 166 is included in any location on the first outer section 22a and / or the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b that allows the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 to connect the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b of the outer portion 20b together. As an example of this, each bore 160, each fastener 162, and each opening 166 is included in a location on the first outer section 22a and / or the second outer section 22b that is adjacent to the bearing race 70, and that is also adjacent to the gear teeth 66. This prevents the bore(s)160, fastener(s) 162, and opening(s) 166 from interfering with the bearing race 70 and the gear teeth 66, in some examples.

[0285] While the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 are described above as being used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that partially separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8B), in some examples, the bore(s) 160 and fastener(s) 162 are used as section connectors for sections 21a and 21b (and / or sections 22a and 22b) that completely separate from each other (examples of which are illustrated and discussed above with regard to FIG. 7).

[0286] While particular configurations of section connectors are described above and illustrated in FIGS. 9-15B, in some examples, one or more of the section connectors described above and illustrated in FIGS. 9-15B can be used with any of the other section connectors described above and illustrated in FIGS. 9-15B. For example, the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 11A-1 IB can be used with any of the other section connectors described above and illustrated in FIGS. 9-10B and 12A-15B. As one example of this, the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 11 A-l IB can be used with the insert(s) 106 and bore(s) 108 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B (e.g., where the keyed hole(s) 118 and key(s) 120 can be used instead of (or in addition to) the fastener(s) 112). In some examples, the inserts 106 and bores 108 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B can be used with any of the other section connectors described above and illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11A-15B.Furthermore, any other combination of the section connectors can be used together.

[0287] Furthermore, while the bearing assembl(ies) 20 of FIGS. 5A-5E and 7-8B and the section connector(s) of FIGS. 9-15B are described above and illustrated as being used with worm gear(s) 64 as the drive mechanism 32, in some examples, the bearing assembl(ies) 20 of FIGS. 5A-5E and 7-8B and the section connector(s) of FIGS. 9-15B can be used with any other type of drive mechanism 32 (and / or actuation system 30) or combination of drive mechanisms 32 (and / or actuation systems 30). For example, any of the bearing assemb(lies) 20 that include a split inner portion 20a (e.g., with two or more inner sections (e.g., 21a and 21b)) and / or a split outer portion 20b (e.g., with two or more outer sections (e.g., 22a and 22b) (examples of which are described above and illustrated in FIGS. 7-15B), can be used with any other type of drive mechanism 32 (and / or actuation system 30) or combination of drive mechanisms 32 (and / or actuation systems 30). In some examples, to be used with otherdrive mechanisms 32 (and / or actuation systems 30), the outer portion 20b (and the first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b) may not include any gear teeth 66.

[0288] Also, while the bearing assembl(ies) 20 of FIGS. 5A-5E and 7-8B and the section connector(s) of FIGS. 9-15B are described above and illustrated as being used with solar collector systems 10 (and / or solar applications), in some examples, the bearing assembl(ies) 20 of FIGS. 5A-5E and 7-8B and the section connector(s) of FIGS. 9-15B may be used with any other suitable system(s) and technology. Examples of other such suitable system(s) and technology include, for example, wind turbine systems, petrochemical facilities, mining operations, any other suitable systems and technology, or any combination of the preceding.

[0289] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the solar reflector system 10 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the solar reflector system 10 may include any number of building structures 12, reflector assemblies 14, bearing assemblies 20 (including any number of inner portions 20a, inner sections of the inner portions 20a, outer portions 20b, outer sections of the outer portions 20b, etc.), thermal pipes 25, actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32, control systems 40, backup actuation systems 60, and / or any number of components therein. Furthermore, one or more components of the solar reflector system 10 may be separated, combined, and / or eliminated.

[0290] In some examples, the solar reflector system 10 includes two or more reflector assemblies 14 that each direct sunlight onto the outer surface of the same thermal pipe 25. In such examples, for each reflector assembly 14, the solar reflector system 10 includes a bearing assembly 20 (such as one of the bearing assemblies 20 discussed above), rigid member(s) 20c, and an actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (e.g., as is discussed above, the actuation system 30 is or includes a drive mechanism 32, in some examples, such as one of the drive mechanisms 32 discussed above). These sets of components are installed next to each other (i.e., in series) along the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25, in some examples. In such examples, the control system 40 controls the rotation of each of the reflector assemblies 14, and compensates for potential differences in the rotation. As an example of this, and as mentioned earlier, the control system 40 can detect whether an axial position of a first reflector assembly 14 differs from that of a second reflector assembly 14. In some examples, the control system 40 can correct this difference. In other examples, this difference may be on purpose, such as, for example, due to the sun azimuth. In other examples, this difference can be used to modulate and moderate how much energy is input into the system and therefore regulate temperature of the system.

[0291] In some examples, not only does the solar reflector system 10 include two or more reflector assemblies 14 that each direct sunlight onto the outer surface of the same thermal pipe 25, but each of these reflector assemblies 14 are rotated by a single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32. In such examples, the components are installed next to each other (i.e., in series) along the longitudinal axis 12c of the thermal pipe 25. Additionally, in such examples, the control system 40 controls the rotation of each of the solar reflector systems 10, and compensates for potential differences in the rotation. Furthermore, the control system 40 can detect whether an axial position of a first reflector assembly 14 differs from that of a second reflector assembly 14, in some examples. If the difference is greater than a threshold amount (e.g., greater than 5 degrees), the control system 40 halts the operation of the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 and generates an alarm, in some examples. In some instances, the actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 is configured to control the adjacent reflector assemblies 14 independently. In such configurations, in response to detecting that the axial position of the first reflector assembly 14 differs from that of an adjacent second reflector assembly 14, the control system 40 in some instances causes the actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 to adjust the position of one or both of the first and second reflector assemblies 14 so to bring one or both of the first and second reflector assemblies 14 into the desired positioned and / or alignment.

[0292] In examples where a single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or a single motor of an actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32) rotates two or more reflector assemblies 14, the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or the single motor) can in some examples rotate up to six (or more) reflector assemblies 14, with up to three (or more) reflector assemblies 14 being positioned on each end of the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or the single motor). When reflector assembl(ies) 14 are positioned on each end of a single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or the single motor), in some examples, one or more of the reflector assemblies 14 are positioned upstream (e.g., on the thermal pipe 25) from the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or the single motor), and another one or more of the reflector assemblies 14 are positioned downstream (e.g., on the thermal pipe 25) from the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or the single motor). Using the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or the single motor) to rotate multiple reflector assemblies 14 decreases the cost of the solar reflector system 10. In some examples, the amount of power supplied to the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or the single motor) may be variable based on (i) whether reflectorassemblies 14 are positioned on both ends of the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or the single motor) that is rotating them, and (ii) the total number of reflector assemblies 14 being rotated by the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 (or the single motor) before another actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 is available.

[0293] In some examples, using a single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 to rotate one or more reflector assemblies 14 on each end of the single actuation system 30 / drive mechanism 32 is not optimal (e.g., more drive and power may be better for such a situation). To address this, in some examples, two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32 can be used. In some examples, the two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32 are positioned adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent) to each other. In some examples, both of the two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32 are mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the same support 15c or the same set of multiple supports 15d, 15e (e.g., which includes a stand with a cross brace 15f, and atop frame 15g). In other examples, each of the two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to a separate support 15c or a separate set of multiple supports 15d, 15e (e.g., which includes a stand a cross brace 15f, and a top frame 15g), and, in some examples, the separate supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) or the separate sets of multiple supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) are positioned adjacent to each other. In some examples, the first of the two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32 rotate the one or more reflector assemblies 14 that are positioned upstream (e.g., on the thermal pipe 25) from the two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32, and the second of the two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32 rotate the one or more reflector assemblies 14 that are positioned downstream (e.g., on the thermal pipe 25) from the two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32.

[0294] In some examples, the use of two (or more) actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32 (e.g., where they are positioned adjacent to each other, as is discussed above) includes a thermal pipe configuration where the thermal pipe 25 is separated. As one example of this, the thermal pipe 25 transitions from a series configuration (e.g., where the sections of the thermal pipe 25 and the reflector assemblies 14 are positioned in series to each other) to a parallel configuration (e.g., where one or more sections of the thermal pipe 25 and one or more reflector assemblies 14 are positioned parallel (e.g., side-by-side) to each other). In such an example, the thermal pipe 25 transitions from a single continuous line (with the single line including one or more reflector assemblies 14) to two or more parallel lines (with each parallel line including one or more reflector assemblies 14). In some examples, thisestablishes a reduced total length of the thermal pipe 25 such that a desirable maintenance run of the thermal pipe 25 and reflector assembl(ies) 14 is established. Additionally, in some examples, one (or more) of the parallel lines of thermal pipe 25 and reflector assemblies 14 can be shut down or otherwise taken offline (e.g., for maintenance or repair) without impacting the operation of the remainder of the parallel lines of thermal pipe 25 and reflector assemblies 14.

[0295] EXAMPLE SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE REFLECTOR AS SEMBLIES

[0296] In some examples, two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32 are used to rotate multiple (e.g., two or more) reflector assemblies 14, where each of the reflector assemblies 14 is positioned in-between the two actuation systems 30 / drive mechanisms 32. As an example of this, FIG. 16 illustrates an example of multiple reflector assemblies 14 in combination with two drive mechanisms 32.

[0297] As is illustrated in FIG. 16, the solar reflector system 10 includes four reflector assemblies 14 (where the first is labeled as 214a, the second is labeled as 214b, the third is labeled as 214c, and the fourth is labeled as 214d), in some examples.

[0298] As is also illustrated in FIG. 16, the solar reflector system 10 includes five bearing assemblies 20 (where the first is labeled as 220a, the second is labeled as 220b, the third is labeled as 220c, the fourth is labeled as 220d, and the fifth is labeled as 220e) that movingly connect the four reflector assemblies 14 to the thermal pipe 25, and further provide support for the thermal pipe 25 (e.g., via ground-mounted supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e)). In some examples, (i) the first bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220a) and the second bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220b) movingly connect the first reflector assembly 14 (labeled as 214a) to the thermal pipe 25 (e.g., on opposite ends of the first reflector assembly 14); (ii) the second bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220b) and the third bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220c) movingly connect the second reflector assembly 14 (labeled as 214b) to the thermal pipe 25 (e.g., on opposite ends of the second reflector assembly 14); (iii) the third bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220c) and the fourth bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220d) movingly connect the third reflector assembly 14 (labeled as 214c) to the thermal pipe 25 (e.g., on opposite ends of the third reflector assembly 14); and (iv) the fourth bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220d) and the fifth bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220e) movingly connect the fourth reflector assembly 14 (labeled as 214d) to the thermal pipe 25 (e.g., on opposite ends of the fourth reflector assembly 14). Each of these bearing assemblies 20 can be any of the bearing assemblies 20 discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 7-8B (and can use any of the sectionconnectors discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 9-15B). In some examples, each of these bearing assemblies 20 includes an inner portion 20a with two or more inner sections (e.g., 21a and 21b) and / or an outer portion 20b with two or more outer sections (e.g., 22a and 22b) (examples of which are described above and illustrated in FIGS. 7-15B). In some examples, each of these bearing assemblies 20 uses fastener(s) 100 (e.g., screws) as section connectors, as is described above and illustrated in FIG. 9. In some examples, each of these bearing assemblies 20 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to a respective support 15c or a respective set of multiple supports 15d, 15e (e.g., which includes a stand with a cross brace 15f, and a top frame 15g), as is illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0299] As is illustrated in FIG. 16, the solar reflector system 10 further includes two drive mechanisms 32, which are positioned on either end of the solar reflector system 10, so as to cause each of the four reflector assemblies 14 (e.g., 214a - 214d) to be positioned in-between the two drive mechanisms 32. These two drive mechanisms 32 are labelled as 232a and 232b. Each of the two drive mechanisms 32 can be any of the drive mechanisms 32 discussed above, in some examples. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, each of the two drive mechanisms 32 is (or includes) one or more worm gear(s) 64 (as is discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 7).

[0300] In some examples, the first drive mechanism 32 (labelled as 232a) is associated with the first reflector assembly 14 (labelled as 214a), which causes the first drive mechanism 32 to actively drive the first bearing assembly 20 (labelled as 220a) of the first reflector assembly 14, as is illustrated in FIG. 16. As such, in some examples, when the first drive mechanism 32 is (or includes) a worm gear 64, the worm gear 64 engages with the gear teeth 66 of the outer portion 20b (e.g., the gear teeth 66 of the connected first outer section 22a and the second outer section 22b) of the first bearing assembly 20 (labelled as 220a) of the first reflector assembly 14. In some examples, the first drive mechanism 32 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the respective support 15c or the respective set of multiple supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) of the first bearing assembly 20.

[0301] In some examples, the second drive mechanism 32 (labelled as 232b) is associated with the fourth reflector assembly 14 (labelled as 214d), which causes the second drive mechanism 32 to actively drive the fifth bearing assembly 20 (labelled as 220e) of the fourth reflector assembly 14, as is illustrated in FIG. 16. As such, in some examples, when the second drive mechanism 32 is (or includes) a worm gear 64, the worm gear 64 engages with the gear teeth 66 of the outer portion 20b (e.g., the gear teeth 66 of the connected first outersection 22a and the second outer section 22b) of the fifth bearing assembly 20 (labelled as 220e) of the fourth reflector assembly 14. In some examples, the second drive mechanism 32 is mounted (or otherwise affixed) to the respective support 15c or the respective set of multiple supports (e.g., 15c, 15d, 15e) of the fifth bearing assembly 20.

[0302] In some examples, the two drive mechanisms 32 (labelled as 232a and 232b respectively) do not actively drive the other bearing assemblies 20 (e.g., the second bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220b), the third bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220c), and the fourth bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220d)). As such, in some examples, each of the second bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220b), the third bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220c), and the fourth bearing assembly 20 (labeled as 220d) do not include gear teeth 66 on their respective outer portion 20.

[0303] Additionally, the solar reflector system 10 in some examples is designed to be economically deployable in harsh climates where conventional systems are not feasible. These harsh conditions include both high and low temperatures, heavy snow and rainfall, high humidity, strong winds, dust and sandstorms and high frequencies of hail, in some examples.

[0304] Furthermore, in some examples, the solar reflector system 10 has been created with consideration of the DFMSA (Design for Manufacturing, Shipping, and Assembly) engineering methodology and modular design to reduce time and cost in manufacturing, shipping, assembly, and maintenance. Each of the components including the foundation structures, arches, membranes, thermal pipes, reflector assembly, and bearing assembly can be manufactured with consistent dimensions as a single module enabling larger capacity systems to be assembled by interconnecting a number of modules. Overall, the design of the solar reflector system 10 is modular in nature, scalable, and / or robust to different sizes. The modular design further enables simplified maintenance as may be required by enabling particular components to be removed / replaced by identical or upgraded components, in some examples. Also, the modularity of the solar reflector system 10 allows for the solar reflector system 10 to be taken apart, collapsed, and easily shipped via intermodal freight transportation to other locations for set up.

[0305] EXAMPLE METHOD OF INSTALL

[0306] FIG. 17 is an example method 170 for installing a solar reflector system 10, such as installing one or more portions of any of the example solar reflector systems 10 discussed herein.

[0307] Method 170 begins at block 172, which includes laterally applying first and second inner sections 21a and 21b of an inner portion 20a of a bearing assembly 20 to at least a portion of a thermal pipe 25. In some examples, the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b, the inner portion 20a, the bearing assembly 20, and the thermal pipe 25 refer to any of the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b, the inner portion 20a, the bearing assembly 20, and the thermal pipe 25 discussed herein. In some examples, the lateral application refers to positioning the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b on the thermal pipe 25 from above the thermal pipe 25, from below the thermal pipe 25, and / or from the side(s) of the thermal pipe 25 - as opposed to sliding the bearing assembly over an end of a thermal pipe section. In some examples, prior to the lateral application of the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b to the at least the portion of the thermal pipe 25, the method 500 further includes separating, at least partially (e.g., partially or fully), the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b from each other (examples of which are described above with regard to FIGS. 7-8B).

[0308] At step 174, the method 170 includes following the lateral application of the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b to the at least the portion of the thermal pipe 25, connecting the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b together so that the inner portion 20a surrounds the at least the portion of the thermal pipe 25. Examples of connecting the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b together are described herein, such as, for example, described above with regard to FIGS. 7-8B. In some examples, connecting the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b together includes using one or more section connectors to securely connect (e.g., lock, fasten) the first and second inner sections 21a and 21b together. Examples of section connectors are described above with regard to FIGS. 9-15B.

[0309] At step 176, the method 500 includes laterally applying first and second outer sections 22a and 22b of an outer portion 20b of the bearing assembly 20 to at least a portion of the inner portion 20a of the bearing assembly 20. In some examples, the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b and the outer portion 20b refer to any of the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b and the outer portion 20b discussed herein. In some examples, the lateral application refers to positioning the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b on the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25) from above the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), from below the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), and / or from the side(s) of the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25) — as opposed to sliding the bearing assembly over an end of a thermal pipe section (e.g., where the thermal pipe section restrictsthis type of installation due to placement of an evacuated glass sleeve). In some examples, prior to the lateral application of the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b to the at least the portion of the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25), the method 500 further includes separating, at least partially (e.g., partially or fully), the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b from each other (examples of which are described above with regard to FIGS. 7-8B).

[0310] At step 178, the method 500 includes following the lateral application of the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b to the at least the portion of the inner portion 20a of the bearing assembly 20 (and the thermal pipe 25), connecting the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b together so that the outer portion 20b surrounds the at least the portion of the inner portion 20a (and the thermal pipe 25). Examples of connecting the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b together are described herein, such as, for example, described above with regard to FIGS. 7-8B. In some examples, connecting the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b together includes using one or more section connectors to securely connect (e.g., lock, fasten) the first and second outer sections 22a and 22b together. Examples of section connectors are described above with regard to FIGS. 9-15B.

[0311] At step 180, the method 500 includes connecting a reflector assembly 14 to the outer portion 20b of the bearing assembly 20. In some examples, the reflector assembly 14 refers to any of the reflector assemblies 14 discussed herein. In some examples, the reflector assembly 14 is connected in any manner, such as any of the manners discussed herein.

[0312] In some examples, the method 500 further includes connecting a drive mechanism 32 to the outer portion 20b of the bearing assembly 20. In some examples, the drive mechanism 32 refers to any of the drive mechanisms 32 discussed herein. In some examples, the drive mechanism 32 is (or includes) one or more worm gears 64, examples of which are discussed above with regard to FIGS. 5A-5E. In some examples, connecting the drive mechanism 32 to the outer portion 20b of the bearing assembly 20 includes mounting (or otherwise affixing) the drive mechanism 32 to a support 15c or a set of supports 15d, 15e (e.g., which includes a stand with a cross brace 15f, and a top frame 15g) in a location that allows the one or more worm gears 64 to engage with gear teeth 66 on the outer portion 20b of the bearing assembly 20.

[0313] This specification has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples and embodiments. However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations ofany of the disclosed examples or embodiments (or portions thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports additional examples or embodiments not expressly set forth in this specification. Such examples or embodiments may be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, or reorganizing any of the disclosed components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, operations, and the like, of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples or embodiments described in this specification.

[0314] OTHER EXAMPLES

[0315] The following section describes several examples. The examples (and features thereof) summarized in this section are for illustration purposes. The invention(s) disclosed and described herein are not limited to the examples summarized in this section or to any other example disclosed elsewhere herein. Any of the examples disclosed in this section, and any features of any of the examples, may be used together with each other in any combination, so long as the example (or feature(s) thereof) are not mutually exclusive. Further, any example (or feature(s) thereof) disclosed in any other section of this disclosure may be combined with any other example (or feature(s) thereof) disclosed in this section and / or any other section, in any combination, so long as the example (or feature(s) thereof) are not mutually exclusive.

[0316] Example 1 : A solar reflector system comprising: a thermal pipe arranged along a longitudinal axis extending through at least a portion of an interior space of a building, wherein the thermal pipe is configured to remain stationary during operation of the solar reflector system; a cylindrical bearing assembly surrounding at least a portion of the thermal pipe and providing a rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe; a reflector assembly connected to the cylindrical bearing assembly via one or more rigid members extending radially from the cylindrical bearing assembly, wherein the reflector assembly includes a parabolic reflector configured to direct sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe; and an actuation system comprising a ground-mountable drive mechanism, wherein the actuation system is configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe such that the parabolic reflector focuses sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe while the thermal pipe remains stationary.

[0317] Example 2: The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the one or more rigid members extending radially from the cylindrical bearing assembly to the reflector assembly are configured such that the thermal pipe remains at a focal length of the parabolicreflector as the actuation system rotates the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe.

[0318] Example 3: The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the parabolic reflector focuses sunlight onto different portions of the outer surface of the thermal pipe as the actuation system rotates the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe.

[0319] Example 4: The solar reflector system of Example 1, further comprising the building, wherein the building is formed at least in part from a plurality of structural members and a membrane covering at least a portion of the plurality of structural members forming the interior space of the building, and wherein the reflector assembly is not connected to the plurality of structural members of the building.

[0320] Example 5: The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the building further comprises a floor, and wherein the ground-mountable drive mechanism is coupled to the floor.

[0321] Example 6: The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the parabolic reflector comprises a first side facing inward toward the thermal pipe and a second side facing outward away from the thermal pipe, and wherein the parabolic reflector comprises flexible membrane at least partially covered by a reflective film on the first side facing inward toward the thermal pipe.

[0322] Example 7: The solar reflector system of Example 1, further comprising: a control system, wherein the control system is configured to operate the actuation system to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe within an axial range that is sufficient for the reflector assembly to focus sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe from about sunrise to about sunset.

[0323] Example 8: The solar reflector system of Example 7, wherein the control system is configured to operate the actuation system to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe within an axial range based on one or more of a solar azimuth input, a zenith input, a geographic coordinate input, a date input, and a time input.

[0324] Example 9: The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the ground- mountable drive mechanism comprises an electric motor configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe, and wherein the electric motor is positioned a distance from the thermal pipe that is greater than a length of the one or more rigid members extending radially from the cylindrical bearing assembly such that the electricmotor is outside of an area in which the parabolic reflector is configured to direct sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe.

[0325] Example 10: The solar reflector system of Example 9, wherein the electric motor is connected to a slew drive within the cylindrical bearing assembly via a drive shaft.

[0326] Example 11 : The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the ground- mountable drive mechanism comprises a hydraulic actuation system configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe, wherein the hydraulic actuation system comprises a hydraulic motor, and wherein the hydraulic motor is positioned a distance from the thermal pipe that is greater than a length of the one or more rigid members extending radially from the cylindrical bearing assembly such that the hydraulic motor is outside of an area in which the parabolic reflector is configured to direct sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe.

[0327] Example 12: The solar reflector system of Example 11, further comprising: a chain drive connecting the hydraulic motor to the cylindrical bearing assembly.

[0328] Example 13: The solar reflector system of Example 11, wherein the hydraulic motor comprises a hydraulic actuator with a stroke length, wherein the reflector assembly is configured to sweep through an approximately 180 degree axial range about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe, wherein a midpoint of the stroke length of the hydraulic actuator corresponds to a middle of the approximately 180 degree axial range, wherein a minimum position of the stroke length of the hydraulic actuator corresponds to a first end of the approximately 180 degree axial range, and wherein a maximum position of the stroke length corresponds to a second end of the approximately 180 degree axial range.

[0329] Example 14: The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the ground- mountable drive mechanism comprises a rack and pinion configuration arranged to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe.

[0330] Example 15: The solar reflector system of Example 14, wherein a pinion component of the rack and pinion configuration is connected to a motor of the ground- mountable drive mechanism, and wherein a rack component of the rack and pinion configuration is connected to the reflector assembly.

[0331] Example 16: The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the actuation system is a first actuation system, wherein the solar reflector system further comprises: a second actuation system configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinalaxis of the thermal pipe, wherein the second actuation system comprises at least one manually-actuated winch.

[0332] Example 17: The solar reflector system of Example 1, further comprising: at least one additional cylindrical bearing assembly surrounding at least one additional portion of the thermal pipe and providing at least one additional rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe; at least one additional reflector assembly connected to the at least one additional cylindrical bearing assembly via one or more rigid members extending radially from the at least one additional cylindrical bearing assembly, wherein the at least one additional reflector assembly includes a parabolic reflector configured to direct sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe; and wherein the actuation system is further configured to rotate the at least one additional reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe to positions that cause the parabolic reflector of the at least one additional reflector assembly to focus sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe while the thermal pipe remains stationary.

[0333] Example 18: The solar reflector system of Example 17, wherein the actuation system is further configured to (i) detect whether an axial position of the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe differs from an axial position of the at least one additional reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe by more than a threshold amount, and (ii) after detecting that the axial position of the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe differs from the axial position of the at least one additional reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe by more than the threshold amount, halt operation of the actuation system and generate a system alarm.

[0334] Example 19: The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the thermal pipe is configured to accommodate water.

[0335] Example 20: The solar reflector system of Example 1, wherein the thermal pipe is configured to accommodate a heat transfer fluid different than water.

[0336] Example 21 : A solar reflector system comprising: a thermal pipe arranged along a longitudinal axis extending through at least a portion of an interior space of a building, wherein the thermal pipe is configured to remain stationary during operation of the solar reflector system; a cylindrical bearing assembly surrounding at least a portion of the thermal pipe and providing a rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe; a reflector assembly connected to the cylindrical bearing assembly via one or more rigidmembers extending radially from the cylindrical bearing assembly, wherein the reflector assembly includes a parabolic reflector configured to direct sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe; and an actuation system comprising a drive mechanism, wherein the actuation system is configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe such that the parabolic reflector focuses sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe while the thermal pipe remains stationary.

[0337] Example 22: The solar reflector system of Example 21, wherein the cylindrical bearing assembly comprises: an inner portion configured to remain stationary during operation of the solar reflector system, the inner portion comprising first and second inner sections configured to connect together so that the inner portion surrounds the at least the portion of the thermal pipe, the first and second inner sections further configured to at least partially separate from each other; and an outer portion configured to surround at least a portion of the inner portion, the outer portion comprising first and second outer sections configured to connect together so that the outer portion surrounds the at least the portion of the inner portion, the first and second outer sections further configured to at least partially separate from each other; wherein, when the outer portion surrounds the at least the portion of the inner portion, the outer portion and the inner portion form a bearing race; wherein the bearing race is configured to allow the outer portion to rotate relative to the inner portion during operation of the solar reflector to provide the rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe.

[0338] Example 23 : The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the first and second inner sections of the inner portion are further configured to completely separate from each other, and wherein the first and second outer sections of the outer portion are further configured to completely separate from each other.

[0339] Example 24: The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein a first portion of the first inner section is rotationally connected to a first portion of the second inner section by a first pivot joint, wherein the first pivot joint is configured to allow a second portion of the first inner section to rotationally separate from a second portion of the second inner section while the first portion of the first inner section remains rotationally connected to the first portion of the second inner section.

[0340] Example 25 : The solar reflector system of Example 24, wherein the first and second outer sections of the outer portion are further configured to completely separate from each other.

[0341] Example 26: The solar reflector system of Example 24, wherein a first portion of the first outer section is rotationally connected to a first portion of the second outer section by a second pivot joint, wherein the second pivot joint is configured to allow a second portion of the first outer section to rotationally separate from a second portion of the second outer section while the first portion of the first outer section remains rotationally connected to the first portion of the second outer section.

[0342] Example 27 : The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the first inner section comprises a first portion of a keyed hole positioned adjacent to the bearing race, wherein the second inner section comprises a second portion of the keyed hole positioned adjacent to the bearing race, wherein, when a key is positioned in the first portion of the keyed hole and the second portion of the keyed hole, the second portion of the first inner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section.

[0343] Example 28: The solar reflector system of Example 27, wherein the key comprises a top portion length, a middle portion length, and a bottom portion length, wherein each of the top portion length and the bottom portion length are larger than the middle portion length.

[0344] Example 29: The solar reflector system of Example 22, further comprising: a housing for at least a portion of the drive mechanism; and one or more plates configured to be connected to the housing, the one or more plates further configured to be connected to at least one of the first and second inner sections of the inner portion by one or more fasteners, wherein, when the one or more plates are connected to the at least one of the first and second inner sections of the inner portion by the one or more fasteners, the one or more plates and the one or more fasteners are positioned adjacent to the bearing race.

[0345] Example 30: The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the first inner section comprises a first portion of a flat surface positioned adjacent to the bearing race, wherein the second inner section comprises a second portion of the flat surface positioned adjacent to the bearing race, wherein, when a bar is positioned on the flat surface and connected to the flat surface by a plurality of fasteners, the second portion of the first inner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section.

[0346] Example 31 : The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the first inner section comprises a first portion of a keyed channel, wherein the first portion of the keyed channel is positioned adjacent to the bearing race and further positioned within the first inner section, wherein the second inner section comprises a second portion of the keyedchannel, wherein the second portion of the keyed channel is positioned adjacent to the bearing race and further positioned within the second inner section, wherein at least a portion of the keyed channel comprises a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of a key bar, wherein, when the key bar is positioned within the keyed channel, the second portion of the first inner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section.

[0347] Example 32: The solar reflector system of Example 31, wherein, when the key bar is positioned within the keyed channel and further when the key bar is connected to the first inner section or the second inner section by a single fastener, the second portion of the first inner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section.

[0348] Example 33: The solar reflector system of Example 32, wherein the first inner section comprises a first portion of a bore, wherein the first portion of the bore is positioned adjacent to the bearing race and further positioned within the first inner section, wherein the second inner section comprises a second portion of the bore, wherein the second portion of the bore is positioned adjacent to the bearing race and further positioned within the second inner section, wherein, when a single fastener is positioned within the bore, the second portion of the first inner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section.

[0349] Example 34: The solar reflector system of Example 22, further comprising a first set of one or more fasteners and a second set of one or more fasteners; wherein, when the first set of one or more fasteners connect the first and second inner sections of the inner portion together, the first and second inner sections are prevented from separating from each other; and wherein, when the second set of one or more fasteners connect the first and second outer sections of the outer portion together, the first and second outer sections are prevented from separating from each other.

[0350] Example 35: The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the first inner section comprises either (i) a first bore, or (ii) a first insert, wherein the second inner section comprises the other of (i) the first bore, or (ii) the first insert, and wherein, when the first insert is positioned in the first bore and further when one or more first fasteners lock the first insert in the first bore, the first and second inner sections are prevented from separating from each other; and wherein the first outer section comprises either (i) a second bore, or (ii) a second insert, wherein the second outer section comprises the other of (i) the second bore,or (ii) the second insert, and wherein, when the second insert is positioned in the second bore and further when one or more second fasteners lock the second insert in the second bore, the first and second outer sections are prevented from separating from each other.

[0351] Example 36: The solar reflector system of Example 35, wherein the first inner section further comprises either (i) a third bore, or (ii) a third insert, wherein the second inner section further comprises the other of (i) the third bore, or (ii) the third insert, and wherein, when the first insert is positioned in the first bore and further when one or more first fasteners lock the first insert in the first bore and further when the third insert is positioned in the third bore and further when one or more third fasteners lock the third insert in the third bore, the first and second inner sections are prevented from separating from each other; and wherein the first outer section further comprises either (i) a fourth bore, or (ii) a fourth insert, wherein the second outer section further comprises the other of (i) the fourth bore, or (ii) the fourth insert, and wherein, when the second insert is positioned in the second bore and further when one or more second fasteners lock the second insert in the second bore and further when the fourth insert is positioned in the fourth bore and further when one or more fourth fasteners lock the fourth insert in the fourth bore, the first and second outer sections are prevented from separating from each other.

[0352] Example 37 : The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the first and second outer sections of the outer portion each comprise a plurality of gear teeth.

[0353] Example 38: The solar reflector system of Example 37, wherein the drive mechanism comprises an electric motor configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe, and wherein the electric motor is connected to a worm gear that is configured to engage with one or more gear teeth of the pluralities of gear teeth of the first and second outer sections of the outer portion.

[0354] Example 39: The solar reflector system of Example 38, wherein the worm gear is positioned on a left-side or a right-side of the cylindrical bearing assembly.

[0355] Example 40: The solar reflector system of Example 38, wherein the worm gear is positioned on top of the cylindrical bearing assembly, and wherein the electric motor is in-line with the gear worm.

[0356] Example 41 : The solar reflector system of Example 38, wherein the worm gear is positioned at least partially in a ground-mountable worm gear housing, and wherein the worm gear housing comprises a portion that is configured to be rigidly connected to the inner portion.

[0357] Example 42: The solar reflector system of Example 41, wherein the outer portion is configured to rotate relative to the rigidly connected inner portion and the worm gear housing.

[0358] Example 43: The solar reflector system of Example 41, wherein the worm gear housing comprises an outer surface having a heat-mitigating coating.

[0359] Example 44: The solar reflector system of Example 41, wherein the worm gear housing is positioned outside of a focal point of the parabolic reflector.

[0360] Example 45: The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a first electric motor configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe, wherein the first electric motor is connected to a first worm gear that is configured to engage with one or more gear teeth of the pluralities of gear teeth of the first and second outer sections of the outer portion; wherein the drive mechanism further comprises a second electric motor configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe, wherein the second electric motor is connected to a second worm gear that is configured to engage with one or more gear teeth of the pluralities of gear teeth of the first and second outer sections of the outer portion; and wherein either: (i) the first worm gear is positioned on top of the cylindrical bearing assembly, and the second worm gear is positioned below the cylindrical bearing assembly; or (ii) the first worm gear is positioned on a left-side of the cylindrical bearing assembly, and the second worm gear is positioned on a right-side of the cylindrical bearing assembly.

[0361] Example 46: The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein, when the inner portion surrounds the at least the portion of the thermal pipe, one or more insulating structures are positioned in-between the inner portion and the thermal pipe.

[0362] Example 47 : The solar reflector system of Example 46, wherein the one or more insulating structures comprise calcium silicate.

[0363] Example 48: The solar reflector system of Example 46, wherein the one or more insulating structures comprise one of (i) an insulating bushing; (ii) two insulative inserts; and (iii) insulating tape.

[0364] Example 49: The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the cylindrical bearing assembly comprises a plurality of ball bearings positionable in the bearing race.

[0365] Example 50: The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the cylindrical bearing assembly comprises a plurality of roller bearings.

[0366] Example 51 : The solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the cylindrical bearing assembly comprises a graphite impregnated bushing configured to provide lubrication of running surfaces.

[0367] Example 52: The solar reflector system of Example 22, further comprising a ground-mounted stand configured to support the cylindrical bearing assembly, wherein the stand comprises two supports, a cross brace welded between the two supports, and a top frame extending up and over the cylindrical bearing assembly.

[0368] Example 53: The solar reflector system of Example 21, wherein the drive mechanism is ground-mounted.

[0369] Example 54: A modular solar thermal energy generation system, comprising: a plurality of thermal pipe sections welded together to form a continuous thermal pipe; and the solar reflector system of Example 22, wherein the thermal pipe comprises the continuous thermal pipe, wherein the first inner section and the second inner section of the inner portion of the cylindrical bearing assembly are configured to be connected together after being applied laterally to the continuous thermal pipe, wherein the first outer section and the second outer section of the outer portion of the cylindrical bearing assembly are configured to be connected together after being applied laterally to the inner portion of the cylindrical bearing assembly.

[0370] Example 55: The modular solar thermal energy generation system ofExample 54, wherein the plurality of thermal pipe sections each comprise a beveled end, and wherein the beveled ends are configured to define a recess for a weld bead between adjacent thermal pipe sections when welded together.

[0371] Example 56: A cylindrical bearing assembly for a solar reflector system, wherein the cylindrical bearing assembly comprises: an inner portion configured to remain stationary during operation of the solar reflector system, the inner portion comprising first and second inner sections configured to at least partially separate from each other, wherein, when the first and second inner sections are at least partially separated from each other, the first and second inner sections are configured to be applied laterally to at least a portion of a thermal pipe of the solar reflector system, wherein, when the first and second inner sections are applied to the at least the portion of the thermal pipe, the first and second inner sections are configured to connect together so that the inner portion surrounds the at least the portion of the thermal pipe; an outer portion comprising first and second outer sections configured to at least partially separate from each other, wherein, when the first and second outer sectionsare at least partially separated from each other, the first and second outer sections are configured to be applied laterally to at least a portion of the inner portion, wherein, when the first and second outer sections are applied to the at least the portion of the inner portion, the first and second outer sections are configured to connect together so that the outer portion surrounds the at least the portion of the inner portion; wherein, when the outer portion surrounds the at least the portion of the inner portion, the outer portion and the inner portion form a bearing race; wherein the bearing race is configured to allow the outer portion to rotate relative to the inner portion during operation of the solar reflector to provide a rotational interface around a longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe.

[0372] Example 57 : A method of installing a bearing assembly on a thermal pipe comprising a plurality of welded-together pipe sections, the method comprising: laterally applying first and second inner sections of an inner portion of the bearing assembly to at least a portion of the thermal pipe; following the lateral application of the first and second inner sections to the at least the portion of the thermal pipe, connecting the first and second inner sections together so that the inner portion surrounds the at least the portion of the thermal pipe; laterally applying first and second outer sections of an outer portion of the bearing assembly to at least a portion of the inner portion of the bearing assembly; following the lateral application of the first and second outer sections to the at least the portion of the inner portion of the bearing assembly, connecting the first and second outer sections together so that the outer portion surrounds the at least the portion of the inner portion; and connecting a reflector assembly to the outer portion of the bearing assembly.

[0373] Example 58: The method of Example 57, further comprising connecting a drive mechanism to the outer portion of the bearing assembly.

[0374] Example 59: The method of Example 58, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a worm gear, and wherein the outer portion of the bearing assembly comprises a plurality of gear teeth.

[0375] Example 60: The method of Example 57, further comprising: prior to the lateral application of the first and second inner sections to the at least the portion of the thermal pipe, separating, at least partially, the first and second inner sections from each other; and prior to the lateral application of the first and second outer sections to the at least the portion of the inner portion of the bearing assembly, separating, at least partially, the first and second outer sections from each other.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A solar reflector system comprising: a thermal pipe arranged along a longitudinal axis extending through at least a portion of an interior space of a building, wherein the thermal pipe is configured to remain stationary during operation of the solar reflector system; a cylindrical bearing assembly surrounding at least a portion of the thermal pipe and providing a rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe; a reflector assembly connected to the cylindrical bearing assembly via one or more rigid members extending radially from the cylindrical bearing assembly, wherein the reflector assembly includes a parabolic reflector configured to direct sunlight onto an outer surface of the thermal pipe; and an actuation system comprising a drive mechanism, wherein the actuation system is configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe such that the parabolic reflector focuses sunlight onto the outer surface of the thermal pipe while the thermal pipe remains stationary.

2. The solar reflector system of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical bearing assembly comprises: an inner portion configured to remain stationary during operation of the solar reflector system, the inner portion comprising first and second inner sections configured to connect together so that the inner portion surrounds the at least the portion of the thermal pipe, the first and second inner sections further configured to at least partially separate from each other; and an outer portion configured to surround at least a portion of the inner portion, the outer portion comprising first and second outer sections configured to connect together so that the outer portion surrounds the at least the portion of the inner portion, the first and second outer sections further configured to at least partially separate from each other; wherein, when the outer portion surrounds the at least the portion of the inner portion, the outer portion and the inner portion form a bearing race;wherein the bearing race is configured to allow the outer portion to rotate relative to the inner portion during operation of the solar reflector to provide the rotational interface around the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe.

3. The solar reflector system of claim 2, wherein the first and second inner sections of the inner portion are further configured to completely separate from each other, and wherein the first and second outer sections of the outer portion are further configured to completely separate from each other.

4. The solar reflector system of claim 2, wherein a first portion of the first inner section is rotationally connected to a first portion of the second inner section by a first pivot joint, wherein the first pivot joint is configured to allow a second portion of the first inner section to rotationally separate from a second portion of the second inner section while the first portion of the first inner section remains rotationally connected to the first portion of the second inner section.

5. The solar reflector system of claim 4, wherein the first and second outer sections of the outer portion are further configured to completely separate from each other.

6. The solar reflector system of claim 4, wherein a first portion of the first outer section is rotationally connected to a first portion of the second outer section by a second pivot joint, wherein the second pivot joint is configured to allow a second portion of the first outer section to rotationally separate from a second portion of the second outer section while the first portion of the first outer section remains rotationally connected to the first portion of the second outer section.

7. The solar reflector system of claim 2, wherein the first inner section comprises a first portion of a keyed hole positioned adjacent to the bearing race, wherein the second inner section comprises a second portion of the keyed hole positioned adjacent to the bearing race, wherein, when a key is positioned in the first portion of the keyed hole and the second portion of the keyed hole, the second portion of the first inner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section.

8. The solar reflector system of claim 7, wherein the key comprises a top portion length, a middle portion length, and a bottom portion length, wherein each of the top portion length and the bottom portion length are larger than the middle portion length.

9. The solar reflector system of claim 2, further comprising: a housing for at least a portion of the drive mechanism; and one or more plates configured to be connected to the housing, the one or more plates further configured to be connected to at least one of the first and second inner sections of the inner portion by one or more fasteners, wherein, when the one or more plates are connected to the at least one of the first and second inner sections of the inner portion by the one or more fasteners, the one or more plates and the one or more fasteners are positioned adjacent to the bearing race.

10. The solar reflector system of claim 2, wherein the first inner section comprises a first portion of a flat surface positioned adjacent to the bearing race, wherein the second inner section comprises a second portion of the flat surface positioned adjacent to the bearing race, wherein, when a bar is positioned on the flat surface and connected to the flat surface by a plurality of fasteners, the second portion of the first inner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section11. The solar reflector system of claim 2, wherein the first inner section comprises a first portion of a keyed channel, wherein the first portion of the keyed channel is positioned adjacent to the bearing race and further positioned within the first inner section, wherein the second inner section comprises a second portion of the keyed channel, wherein the second portion of the keyed channel is positioned adjacent to the bearing race and further positioned within the second inner section, wherein at least a portion of the keyed channel comprises a shape that corresponds to at least a portion of a key bar, wherein, when the key bar is positioned within the keyed channel, the second portion of the first inner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section.

12. The solar reflector system of claim 11, wherein, when the key bar is positioned within the keyed channel and further when the key bar is connected to the first inner section or the second inner section by a single fastener, the second portion of the firstinner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section.

13. The solar reflector system of claim 2, wherein the first inner section comprises a first portion of a bore, wherein the first portion of the bore is positioned adjacent to the bearing race and further positioned within the first inner section, wherein the second inner section comprises a second portion of the bore, wherein the second portion of the bore is positioned adjacent to the bearing race and further positioned within the second inner section, wherein, when a single fastener is positioned within the bore, the second portion of the first inner section is prevented from separating from the second portion of the second inner section.

14. The solar reflector system of claim 2, further comprising a first set of one or more fasteners and a second set of one or more fasteners; wherein, when the first set of one or more fasteners connect the first and second inner sections of the inner portion together, the first and second inner sections are prevented from separating from each other; and wherein, when the second set of one or more fasteners connect the first and second outer sections of the outer portion together, the first and second outer sections are prevented from separating from each other.

15. The solar reflector system of claim 2, wherein the first inner section comprises either (i) a first bore, or (ii) a first insert, wherein the second inner section comprises the other of (i) the first bore, or (ii) the first insert, and wherein, when the first insert is positioned in the first bore and further when one or more first fasteners lock the first insert in the first bore, the first and second inner sections are prevented from separating from each other; and wherein the first outer section comprises either (i) a second bore, or (ii) a second insert, wherein the second outer section comprises the other of (i) the second bore, or (ii) the second insert, and wherein, when the second insert is positioned in the second bore and further when one or more second fasteners lock the second insert in the second bore, the first and second outer sections are prevented from separating from each other.

16. The solar reflector system of claim 15, wherein the first inner section further comprises either (i) a third bore, or (ii) a third insert, wherein the second inner section further comprises the other of (i) the third bore, or (ii) the third insert, and wherein, when the first insert is positioned in the first bore and further when one or more first fasteners lock the first insert in the first bore and further when the third insert is positioned in the third bore and further when one or more third fasteners lock the third insert in the third bore, the first and second inner sections are prevented from separating from each other; and wherein the first outer section further comprises either (i) a fourth bore, or (ii) a fourth insert, wherein the second outer section further comprises the other of (i) the fourth bore, or (ii) the fourth insert, and wherein, when the second insert is positioned in the second bore and further when one or more second fasteners lock the second insert in the second bore and further when the fourth insert is positioned in the fourth bore and further when one or more fourth fasteners lock the fourth insert in the fourth bore, the first and second outer sections are prevented from separating from each other.

17. The solar reflector system of claim 2, wherein the first and second outer sections of the outer portion each comprise a plurality of gear teeth.

18. The solar reflector system of claim 17, wherein the drive mechanism comprises an electric motor configured to rotate the reflector assembly about the longitudinal axis of the thermal pipe, and wherein the electric motor is connected to a worm gear that is configured to engage with one or more gear teeth of the pluralities of gear teeth of the first and second outer sections of the outer portion.

19. The solar reflector system of claim 18, wherein the worm gear is positioned on a left-side or a right-side of the cylindrical bearing assembly.

20. The solar reflector system of claim 18, wherein the worm gear is positioned on top of the cylindrical bearing assembly, and wherein the electric motor is in-line with the gear worm.

Images