Solar trough frame, part and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems face challenges in providing reliable support for large parabolic mirrors due to frame deflection from weight and wind loads, which existing solar trough designs fail to adequately address, leading to potential mirror breakage and performance issues in varying atmospheric conditions.
Innovation Solution
A solar trough frame design utilizing extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, and strut end pieces with fins, optimized through structural engineering and Finite Element Analysis to minimize weight while meeting load and wind requirements, featuring efficient connections and assembly processes.
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 the frame experiences deflection from its own weight, mirror weight, and wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple extruded profile segments (chords, struts, connectors) that are joined together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific structural function while reducing overall deflection through distributed load paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame design transitions from traditional 2D planar construction to a 3D spatial truss structure using extruded profiles with complex cross-sections. This dimensional enhancement provides greater structural rigidity and resistance to deflection while maintaining weight efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional steel fabrications and weldments are used, then the frame can be constructed, but the production process is less efficient and weight optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The design employs extruded profiles with specific cross-sectional geometries and material properties optimized for solar frame applications. By changing the structural parameters from traditional building construction to purpose-designed extrusions, the frame achieves superior strength-to-weight ratio and manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The extruded profiles are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, connection elements, and load distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the manufacturing process while optimizing weight.
3Reliability
If the frame is designed to meet weight and wind load requirements, then mirror support reliability improves, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame components are designed and pre-configured with integrated connection features during the extrusion process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations and reduces construction complexity while ensuring reliable mirror support.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple structural functions are merged into single extruded profile components. Connectors, joints, and structural elements are combined into integrated assemblies that reduce the total number of parts and simplify construction while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords and having at least one chord sleeve fin The frame includes a plurality of 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, strut end piece, and method for 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