Device for anchoring an inflatable concentrator cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar radiation concentrators face issues with deformation and reduced efficiency due to external loads, particularly wind, which are not effectively absorbed, leading to shortened service life and decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
A suspension apparatus is used to support the concentrator cushion, suspending the pivoting apparatus above the center of mass, allowing external loads to be absorbed and transferred to the foundation, maintaining the reflector film's curvature and increasing stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the tracking rings are supported on bottom-side base elements to withstand wind loads, then the structural strength is improved, but the concentrator cushion is subjected to external loads causing deformation and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the support configuration by moving the tracking rings from bottom-side support to top-side support. The tracking rings are now supported on the top side of the concentrator cushion by support structures that extend upward, allowing the concentrator to hang from the tracking rings rather than being supported from below. This inversion enables the concentrator to be kept clear of ground-level external loads while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent elevates the support point from the bottom dimension to the top dimension, creating a vertical dimension change in the support structure. By positioning support structures on the top side and extending them upward to support the tracking rings, the system moves the load-bearing interface to a different spatial dimension, thereby reducing exposure to ground-level external loads.
2Reliability
If the tracking rings are made massive to withstand wind loads, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the support configuration to reduce the mass requirements of tracking rings. By moving support to the top side and allowing the concentrator to hang from the tracking rings, the tracking rings experience reduced bending moments and tilting forces, enabling them to be constructed with less material while maintaining operational reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the concentrator is kept clear of external influences, then the manufacturing precision of reflector film curvature is improved, but the anchoring structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the anchoring approach by suspending the concentrator from top-side support structures rather than supporting it from below. This inversion naturally isolates the concentrator and reflector film from ground-level external influences and deformations, improving manufacturing precision of the reflector film curvature while the anchoring complexity is managed through the simplified suspension mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for anchoring an inflatable concentrator cushion, which has a light-permeable entry window for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film, which sub-divides the concentrator cushion into at least two hollow spaces, for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising a pivoting apparatus for pivoting the concentrator cushion, in particular about its longitudinal axis, and comprising an anchoring apparatus for the pivoting apparatus.