Segmented Heliostat Mirrors With Wireless Solar-Powered Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heliostat systems for solar power generation require extensive and costly infrastructure for power and data distribution, including long cables and site-specific designs, which are expensive to maintain and install, especially over large areas.
Innovation Solution
A heliostat system with movable reflective surfaces, each equipped with a low-voltage actuator capable of moving along orthogonal axes, and a local infrastructure node combining a solar power supply and wireless communication, eliminating the need for extensive cabling and enabling autonomous operation with reduced energy requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional heliostat systems use large motors to move the entire heliostat, then the heliostat can be positioned accurately, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heliostat into multiple independent reflective surfaces, each with its own actuator. Instead of moving the entire heavy heliostat structure with large motors, each small reflective surface is moved independently by a low-voltage actuator. This segmentation allows precise positioning of each surface element while dramatically reducing the energy required for movement, as each actuator only needs to move a small, lightweight component rather than the entire structure.
2Reliability
If extensive cabling is used for power and data distribution to each heliostat, then reliable power supply is ensured, but installation and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cabling system with a wireless communication system. Each heliostat is equipped with a wireless transceiver that communicates with the central control system, eliminating the need for physical cables for both power and data transmission. This substitution dramatically reduces installation costs by eliminating trenching, conduit, and wire installation while maintaining reliable communication and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements autonomous operation where each heliostat has its own controller and wireless communication capabilities, allowing it to independently receive commands and transmit status information without requiring physical infrastructure connections. This self-service approach reduces dependency on extensive cabling while maintaining system reliability through distributed intelligence.
3Ease of operation
If buried wiring is used for power distribution, then infrastructure is concealed and aesthetically pleasing, but maintenance becomes expensive and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the buried wiring infrastructure entirely by implementing wireless communication and power transmission. Each heliostat communicates wirelessly with the central control system, removing the need for concealed electrical infrastructure. This substitution maintains aesthetic appearance without the maintenance burden of buried cables, as there are no physical connections requiring inspection, repair, or replacement.
4Loss of time
If standardized site designs are used for solar power facilities, then design time is reduced, but site-specific conditions cannot be adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flexible, adaptive system where each heliostat operates independently with its own controller and wireless communication capabilities. This dynamic architecture allows the system to be quickly deployed using standardized components while easily adapting to site-specific conditions through software configuration and wireless parameter adjustment. The modular design enables rapid deployment without sacrificing the ability to customize each heliostat's operation based on local environmental factors.
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
This solution simplifies and reduces the cost of infrastructure, facilitates easier installation and maintenance, and achieves significant savings by eliminating the need for extensive cabling and site-specific designs, while maintaining efficient solar radiation reflection and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting solar radiation to a solar collection device using a plurality of reflective surfaces
Implementation Method 2
converting solar radiation to electrical power using a photovoltaic panel
Data Source
AI summary
A heliostat includes a heliostat frame and a plurality of reflective surfaces, each reflective surface is movably mounted within the heliostat frame. The heliostat also includes a plurality of actuators, wherein each individual actuator of the plurality of actuators is associated with a single reflective surface of the plurality reflective surfaces and capable of moving the single reflective surface.