Polygonal Structural Frame for Solar Collector Torque Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and efficiency due to high temperature and wind loading, which cause physical stresses and distortions in large mirror panels, necessitating an improved frame design that balances stiffness, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional structural frame with polygonal primary shapes and axial members forming helical paths for torque transmission, combined with a reflector support structure that allows for efficient material use and reduced part complexity, enabling better torsional and bending strength while minimizing deflection and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional frame designs are used to support large mirror panels, then structural stability is maintained, but material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple identical modular units, each comprising a polygonal arrangement of frame members connected by hubs. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve required stability through distributed geometry rather than excessive material, with each module contributing to overall structural rigidity through its polygonal configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional planar or simple spatial arrangements to a three-dimensional polygonal configuration. Frame members are arranged in polygonal shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons) that extend into the third dimension, creating inherent structural stability through geometric configuration rather than material quantity.
2Strength
If frame stiffness is increased to resist wind loading and maintain alignment, then structural integrity improves, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple identical modular units, each comprising a polygonal arrangement of frame members connected by hubs. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve required stability through distributed geometry rather than excessive material, with each module contributing to overall structural rigidity through its polygonal configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the frame structure by employing polygonal configurations with specific angular relationships. Frame members are arranged at angles that optimize torsional and bending resistance, transforming the structural behavior through geometric parameter optimization rather than increasing material quantity or complexity.
3Strength
If more material is used to reduce deflection under load, then structural strength improves, but cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from conventional planar or simple spatial arrangements to a three-dimensional polygonal configuration. Frame members are arranged in polygonal shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons) that extend into the third dimension, creating inherent structural stability through geometric configuration rather than material quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the frame structure by employing polygonal configurations with specific angular relationships. Frame members are arranged at angles that optimize torsional and bending resistance, transforming the structural behavior through geometric parameter optimization rather than increasing material quantity.
4Force
If conventional torque transfer assemblies with central shafts are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transfer function is segmented across multiple polygonal frame modules rather than concentrated in a single central shaft. Each module's polygonal configuration inherently provides torque resistance, and the distributed hub connections transmit torque through the modular assembly, eliminating the need for complex central torque transfer mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a central shaft to transmit torque outward to multiple modules, the invention inverts the approach by having each polygonal module inherently resist torque through its geometric configuration, with torque transmission occurring through the distributed hub connections between modules rather than through a central rotating element.
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 proposed frame design enhances the structural integrity and efficiency of CSP systems by maintaining alignment and focus under wind loading and temperature stress, while reducing material usage and assembly complexity, thus improving energy collection performance.
Implementation Method 1
axial frame members joining corners of adjacent primary structural shapes such that the axial frame members form helical paths for the transmission of torque from one longitudinal end of the structural frame to the other
Implementation Method 2
a reflector coupled to the three-dimensional structural frame and shaped to concentrate solar radiation onto a receiver
Implementation Method 3
focusing reflectors that concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a tubular conduit that contains a working fluid. The focused radiation heats the working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Solar collector modules and techniques for their construction are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar collector module includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The structural frame includes a set of primary structural shapes and a set of axial frame members connected between corners of the primary structural shapes forming helical paths for the transmission of torque from one end of the structural frame to the other. In another aspect, a method for assembling a solar collector module includes pre-assembling part of the module.