Solar heating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar power tower systems lack advanced tracking and control systems that can adjust reflectors for multiple axes of rotation, limiting their efficiency and energy storage capabilities compared to parabolic trough reflectors.
Innovation Solution
A solar heating apparatus with a base box and main axle system that allows for adjustable mirror support arms to track the azimuth and elevation of the sun, using circular plates, belt or chain drives, and bevel gears to rotate mirrors for optimal solar radiation focus, enabling dual-axis tracking of solar reflectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar power tower systems use fixed or single-axis reflectors, then the system structure is simpler, but the efficiency and energy collection capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dual-axis tracking capability by enabling reflectors to rotate independently on both azimuth and elevation axes. This dynamic adjustment allows each reflector to actively track the sun's position throughout the day, maximizing energy collection efficiency while maintaining a modular structure that balances complexity with performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the reflector array into independently controllable units, each with its own dual-axis tracking mechanism. This segmentation allows individual reflectors to be adjusted optimally without requiring movement of entire towers or large structures, improving energy collection while keeping the control system manageable through modular operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If parabolic trough reflectors use single-axis rotation, then the tracking system is simpler, but the adaptability to track sun position is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static or single-axis reflector mounting to dual-axis rotational capability. Each reflector can dynamically adjust both its azimuth angle (horizontal rotation) and elevation angle (vertical tilt), providing full adaptability to track the sun's position across the sky while using independent motor controls for each axis
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-axis tracking system provides universal adaptability for tracking the sun at any position in the sky, whether morning, noon, or evening. The same reflector structure can handle all solar positions by combining azimuth and elevation adjustments, making the system universally applicable throughout the daylight hours without requiring different configurations
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 enhances the efficiency and energy storage capabilities of solar power towers by allowing precise adjustment of reflectors to track the sun's position, improving energy collection and storage compared to single-axis systems.
Implementation Method 1
The mirrors (or solar reflectors) reflect the sun's radiation onto a thermal solar collector
Data Source
AI summary
The solar heating apparatus has a base box and a main axle mounted on the base box. At least one mirror support arm is mounted orthogonal to the main axle and supports a plurality of mirrors. In a first embodiment, a circular plate on the side of the base box rotates the main axle to bank the mirrors to track azimuth and a belt or chain drive rotates the mirror support arms to track elevation. In a second embodiment, the main axle is a beam mounted on a rotating circular plate on top of the base box to track azimuth and bevel gears drive a belt or chain drive that rotates the mirror support arms to track elevation. In a third embodiment, the mirror support arms are driven to rotate by bevel gears and the main axle through belt or chain drives.