Parabolic Trough Tracking With Adjustable Conversion Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy systems face challenges in increasing heat output and achieving precise angular positioning of parabolic trough solar collectors, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance issues due to play and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking arrangement with adjustable conversion means and tensioning mechanisms that allow for individual angular position adjustments of parabolic trough solar collectors, enabling them to pivot beyond 180° and maintain precise sun direction, while being protected from environmental factors through a compact and robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a solar tracking arrangement uses a motor with transmission means to pivot multiple PTCs simultaneously, then costs for installation and maintenance of drive means are reduced, but mechanical play and environmental factors reduce positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the transmission mechanism into multiple independent conversion means (cranks, levers, bell-cows) associated with each PTC. Each conversion means can be individually adjusted to compensate for mechanical play, while still being driven by a single motor through the transmission means. This segmentation allows precision adjustment without requiring separate motors for each PTC.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces individual adjustment mechanisms at each PTC's conversion means, allowing local compensation for mechanical play and environmental factors. Each PTC can have its angular position independently fine-tuned through adjustable cranks, levers, or bell-cows, while maintaining the cost benefits of a shared motor system.
2Measurement precision
If conversion means are made adjustable to enable individual angular position adjustment of PTCs, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal conversion means that can function in multiple configurations. The same basic components (cranks, levers, bell-cows) serve both as transmission elements and as adjustable positioning mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise angular positioning.
3Productivity
If PTCs are allowed to pivot beyond 180° to track the travelling sun more effectively, then solar energy capture efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic transmission system where the conversion means can adapt their configuration as PTCs pivot through angles exceeding 180°. The adjustable cranks, levers, and bell-cows allow the mechanism to maintain proper mechanical engagement and stability throughout the extended range of motion, enabling full sun tracking while preserving mechanical reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the precision and robustness of solar energy systems, reducing maintenance needs and improving heat output by compensating for mechanical play and environmental impacts, thereby increasing the efficiency and longevity of the solar tracking system.
Implementation Method 1
A concentrating solar collector uses mirrors, lenses, or combinations thereof, to focus the solar radiation in form of a point or a line. In trough-formed concentrating solar collectors a reflector is formed as a curved elongated mirror, which reflects the solar radiation on a receiver arranged along a focus-line of the reflector.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The solar tracking arrangement (300) enables a plurality of parallel arranged PTCs (302) to be directed towards the travelling sun. The solar tracking arrangement comprises a drive means (308), a transmission means (306), and a plurality of conversion means (304). The transmission means are connected with the drive means and to each of the plurality of conversion means. The transmission means is configured to convey an operating movement caused by the drive means to the plurality of conversion means, and each of the conversion means is configured to convert the conveyed operating movement into a pivoting movement of a respective one of the plurality of PTCs about a focus line, such that each of the pivoting movements directs the respective PTC towards the travelling sun. One or more of the conversion means are adjustably connected with the transmission means in a direction along the transmission means (306).