Solar Mirror Frame Joints for Force Transfer and Water-Free Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems face challenges in efficiently transferring force to solar mirror frames, aligning longitudinal members, and cleaning mirrors without water, particularly in arid regions, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of torque plates with nodes and strut end pieces that use adhesive bonding, rotational welding, and friction stir welding for structural connections, along with a blower assembly for air-based mirror cleaning, allows for efficient force transfer, alignment, and water-free cleaning of solar mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mechanical fastening methods are used to connect frame components, then assembly is straightforward, but structural integrity and force transfer efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods (bolts, welds) with adhesive bonding systems. Nodes incorporate recesses that receive adhesive, creating bonded joints between structural members. This substitution provides superior force transfer efficiency and structural integrity while simplifying assembly through elimination of complex mechanical fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite connection systems combining adhesive materials with structural node designs. The nodes are specifically designed with recesses and geometries optimized for adhesive bonding, creating a composite joint system that leverages both the structural form and the bonding material to achieve enhanced strength and force transfer.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water-based mirror cleaning methods are used, then cleaning effectiveness is high, but water consumption increases in arid regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic cleaning systems using compressed air to remove dust and contaminants from mirror surfaces. Air nozzles are positioned to blow across the mirror surface, effectively removing particulate contamination without requiring water. This pneumatic approach maintains cleaning effectiveness while eliminating water consumption in arid CSP plant environments.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment tools and procedures are implemented, then longitudinal member alignment accuracy improves, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates alignment features and precision elements directly into the manufactured nodes and structural members. Nodes are precision-cast or fabricated with built-in alignment geometries, recesses, and reference surfaces that guide proper positioning during assembly. This preliminary incorporation of alignment functionality into the components themselves reduces the need for complex field alignment procedures and lengthy adjustment processes.
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 structural integrity and efficiency of CSP systems by enabling effective force transfer and alignment while eliminating the need for water in mirror cleaning, thereby improving performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an apparatus for cleaning mirrors of a solar mirror array on a support frame having pylons from a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a blower assembly mounted on the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a blower mounted on the assembly that blows air at a mirror of the array
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus comprises a torque plate. The apparatus comprises at least one node attached to and in contact with the plate which connects with the structural element
Implementation Method 3
The development of torque plates with nodes and strut end pieces that use adhesive bonding, rotational welding, and friction stir welding for structural connections
Implementation Method 4
The development of torque plates with nodes and strut end pieces that use adhesive bonding, rotational welding, and friction stir welding for structural connections
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transferring force to a frame of a solar mirror array. The frame has at least one structural element. The apparatus includes a torque plate. The apparatus includes at least one node attached to and in contact with the plate which connects with the structural element. An apparatus for attaching a primary solar mirror frame array with a secondary mirror frame array. A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors.