Solar Concentrator Array with Mobile Manipulator for On-Site Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar concentrator systems require large areas for a solar concentrator array installation due to the need to ship and install equipment that would cover an area equivalent to a solar concentrator array components that would cover an area of about 42 football fields, which poses significant challenges in the construction of solar concentrator systems.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy harvesting system comprising a plurality of beams connected to facilitate the alignment of solar radiation onto a receiver tube, which includes a mobile manipulator for performing operations on the concentrator array components that would facilitate the assembly of solar concentrator panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar concentrator equipment is installed to cover large areas (e.g., 42 football fields for 10 MW), then electrical power generation capacity is improved, but construction complexity and installation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The solar concentrator system is divided into modular units that can be independently manufactured, transported, and assembled. Each module contains concentrated solar panels, receivers, and supporting structures as integrated units, allowing the large-scale system to be built from smaller manageable components rather than requiring installation of individual components across the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional components into nested hierarchical structures where solar concentrator panels are mounted on support structures that also provide mounting for receivers and tracking mechanisms. This nesting reduces the overall number of separate installations required and simplifies the construction process by combining multiple functions into integrated assemblies.
2Productivity
If solar concentrator panels are densely packed to increase power output, then area utilization is improved, but access for maintenance and operations worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates movable and adjustable components including tracking structures that can dynamically reposition solar panels and receivers. This dynamic capability allows maintenance personnel to access components by adjusting their positions, enabling dense packing while preserving operational access through controlled movement rather than fixed static arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Support structures are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural elements for mounting solar panels and as access pathways or platforms for maintenance personnel. This universal design allows the same structure to fulfill multiple roles, maximizing area utilization while maintaining ease of operation and maintenance access.
3Ease of manufacture
If solar concentrator equipment is shipped in standard containers, then transportation cost is reduced, but on-site assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular units that fit within standard shipping containers, allowing cost-effective transportation. Each module contains complete functional assemblies (solar panels, receivers, mounting structures) that can be independently shipped and then quickly assembled on-site, reducing both transportation costs and on-site assembly complexity by maintaining modularity throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-assembled and pre-configured into complete functional modules at the manufacturing site before shipping. This preliminary action ensures that all necessary connections and alignments are established beforehand, significantly reducing the complexity of on-site assembly while maintaining the benefits of containerized transportation.
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 enables efficient installation, maintenance, cleaning, repair, and maintenance operations on the solar concentrator systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar concentrator panels mounted on the structural frame to provide a solar concentrator array configured to reflect solar radiation onto a plurality of receiver tubes
Data Source
AI summary
An energy harvesting system is disclosed including a plurality of beams connected to form a structural frame, and a plurality of solar concentrator panels mounted on the structural frame to provide a solar concentrator array for reflecting solar radiation onto a plurality of receiver tubes configured to transport a heat transfer fluid to be heated. The beams are configured to support a mobile manipulator for travel along the structural frame for performing at least one operation on the array. A mirror apparatus used in a solar concentrator panel is also disclosed and includes an elongate thin-walled closed structural beam, and a mirror extending along and mounted to a surface of the closed structural beam in a transversely deformed condition to cause the mirror to have a transverse curvature that is selected to focus the solar radiation onto a receiver tube.