Thin support structure for solar collectors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated solar power systems face high costs and reliability issues due to the complexity and frequent failure of swivel joints and slip rings used for fluid and electrical connections in solar collectors, which require rotation to track the sun, leading to increased maintenance and reduced system lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with internal routing of fluid and electrical lines and a pulley assembly that allows for rotation without the need for swivel joints or slip rings, along with a brake assembly to prevent unwanted rotation, enabling efficient and cost-effective solar collector operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If swivel joints and slip rings are used for fluid and electrical connections in rotating solar collectors, then fluid and electrical connections can be maintained during rotation, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to frequent failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the swivel joints and slip rings from the connection system. Instead of using these complex rotating connection components, the invention routes fluid and electrical lines through the support structure itself, which remains stationary while the collector rotates, thereby removing the failing components while maintaining connection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as an intermediary element that carries fluid and electrical lines from the stationary base to the rotating collector. This mediator allows connections to be maintained during rotation without requiring the rotating connection components (swivel joints and slip rings) that cause reliability issues
2Adaptability or versatility
If swivel joints and slip rings are used to maintain connections during rotation, then fluid and electrical transport is enabled, but maintenance costs increase and system lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the maintenance-prone swivel joints and slip rings from the system. By routing lines through the stationary support structure rather than through rotating connection components, the invention eliminates parts that require frequent maintenance while preserving the collector's rotation capability for sun tracking
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional support structures are used with external routing of service lines, then installation is straightforward, but dust and dew accumulation increases and light efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the fluid and electrical lines within the support structure's internal cavity rather than routing them externally. This nested configuration protects the lines from dust and dew accumulation while maintaining installation feasibility through the integrated design of the support structure
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates internal routing channels that guide service lines through the structure's body. This enclosed routing method protects lines from environmental contaminants like dust and dew while allowing the collector to rotate freely for optimal sun tracking
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 reduces the complexity and cost of solar collector installations, minimizes dust and dew accumulation, and maximizes light efficiency by reducing the gap between collectors, while extending system lifespan through simplified maintenance and reduced exposure to external damage.
Implementation Method 1
The support structure may also have a pulley assembly having a rotating element or elements, wherein the first and second service lines are communicatively coupled to corresponding connectors on the solar collector via the pulley and line connection component, and the first and second service line are configured to reciprocally furl onto and off of the rotating element as the solar collector rotates.
Implementation Method 2
The support structure may also have a brake assembly having a disk element coupled to the collector, for prevention of unwanted rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
A thin support structure for solar collectors is provided. The support structure includes service lines, such as fluid lines and electrical signal lines, disposed within an interior cavity of the support structure. The movement and flexing of the service lines is accounted for by a pulley assembly having a rotating element, without the need for complex and expensive swivel joints and slip rings.