Solar Trough Frame Assembly for Low-Deflection Mirror Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems require reliable support for large parabolic mirrors to maintain focus and prevent breakage under varying atmospheric conditions, with existing solar trough designs facing issues of frame deflection due to weight and wind loads, and inefficient material usage.
Innovation Solution
A solar trough frame designed using extruded profiles with chords, chord sleeves, and strut end pieces, featuring fins for enhanced connectivity and load distribution, optimized through structural engineering and Finite Element Analysis to minimize weight while meeting strength and deflection requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel fabrications and weldments or aluminum extrusions configured and joined using building construction techniques are used, then the frame can support large parabolic mirrors, but frame deflection occurs under weight and wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple chord members and strut members that are connected through connection assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific load conditions while distributing stresses throughout the structure, reducing overall frame deflection under weight and wind loads.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection assemblies are pre-configured with adjustable mechanisms that allow for precise alignment and connection between chord and strut members during assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures optimal structural integrity is achieved when the frame is assembled, minimizing deflection before the frame is subjected to operational loads.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional aluminum extrusions and building construction joining techniques are used, then the frame can be constructed, but material usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assemblies incorporate adjustable parameters that allow optimization of material usage based on specific load requirements. By changing connection parameters and configurations, the frame achieves maximum structural efficiency with minimum material, eliminating waste from over-engineering while maintaining ease of construction.
3Reliability
If the frame is designed to meet weight, wind, temperature and torsional loads, then structural integrity is ensured, but construction and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assemblies are designed with adjustable and adaptable features that allow the frame to dynamically respond to varying load conditions including wind, temperature, and torsional forces. This dynamic capability ensures structural integrity under varying conditions while reducing maintenance costs through ease of adjustment and repair without requiring complete frame replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame. A method for supporting solar mirrors.