Cable-Controlled Solar Concentrator for Precise Mirror Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar concentrators using heliostats with rotating mirrors are costly, inefficient, and require extensive land and track space, with additional issues related to wind pressure and complexity, including the need for numerous motors, hydraulic systems, and roof panels.
Innovation Solution
A solar concentrator design featuring mirrors that revolve around a central receiver, supported by vehicles on concentric tracks with cables and winches to rotate about two axes, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems and roof panels, and using a computerized control system to adjust for wind pressure and focusing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If heliostats with rotating mirrors are used to focus sunlight, then sunlight concentration is achieved, but cost and device complexity increase due to massive pedestals, multiple motors, and gearboxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex pedestal, motor, and gearbox assembly from each mirror unit. Instead, mirrors are suspended by cables from a overhead support structure, eliminating the need for individual rotating mechanisms at each mirror location while maintaining the ability to track and focus sunlight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cables as intermediary elements to suspend and position mirrors. These cables replace the direct mechanical connection between mirrors and drive mechanisms, allowing for simpler mirror support structures while maintaining positioning capability through cable tension control.
2Measurement precision
If mirrors rotate about two axes to track the sun, then sunlight focusing precision is improved, but the number of motors and gearboxes increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple individual mirror positioning systems into a single centralized control system. Instead of each mirror having its own dual-axis rotation mechanism, all mirrors are controlled collectively through cable tension adjustments from a central location, reducing the total number of motors and control systems required.
3Stability of the object's composition
If massive steel and concrete pedestals are used to support mirrors, then structural stability is improved, but cost and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible cables instead of rigid steel and concrete pedestals to support mirrors. The cables provide sufficient structural support while being significantly lighter and less expensive than traditional massive support structures. The flexibility of the cables also allows for easier adjustment and maintenance.
4Strength
If mirrors are fixed on pedestals, then structural support is provided, but mirrors cannot move out of shadows or adjust to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static pedestal-mounted mirrors to dynamic cable-suspended mirrors. The cable suspension system allows mirrors to be repositioned freely along the cable length and adjusted in orientation, enabling mirrors to move out of shadows and adapt to changing sunlight conditions while maintaining structural support.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If roof panels are attached to mirrors for protection, then mirrors are protected from elements, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the roof panels entirely from the mirror assembly. Instead of attaching protective panels to each mirror, the design relies on the natural protection provided by the cable suspension system and the ability to reposition mirrors to avoid direct exposure to harmful elements when necessary.
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 design reduces costs, land requirements, and focusing errors caused by wind, while simplifying the system by eliminating unnecessary components and enabling efficient sunlight focusing onto a central receiver.
Implementation Method 1
Solar energy concentrator for concentrating sunlight by means of mirrors revolving around a central receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A solar concentrator includes a mirror 24 having a frame 27 connected with a lever 55, a train 36 supporting the frame 27 and the lever 55, a first control cable 28 connected with the frame 27, and a second control cable 30 connected with the lever 55. A first locomotive 35 moves the train along a curvilinear path to keep the mirror 24 opposite the sun. The first control cable 28 controls pitch of the mirror 24 and the second control cable 30 controls yaw of the mirror 24. When a concentrator includes a plurality of mirrors 24 they are preferably controlled collectively by pulling all of the first control cables 28 with one motor to control pitch and by pulling all of the second control cables 30 with one motor to control yaw. Sunlight focused on the receiver 20 preferably boils water to form steam that is transmitted to a turbine connected to a generator for producing electricity.