Solar trough frame, part and method
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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 technologies 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, which connect to form a stable platform for the mirrors, optimized through structural engineering and Finite Element Analysis to minimize weight while meeting load and wind requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional steel fabrications and weldments are used for solar trough frames, then structural strength is improved, but frame weight increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining aluminum extrusions with steel reinforcement elements. The primary frame structure uses lightweight aluminum extrusions, while strategic steel components provide reinforcement at high-stress connection points, achieving optimal strength-to-weight ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into modular components including extruded chord members, end pieces, and connection elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows optimization of each component's material selection and manufacturing process
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional aluminum extrusions with building construction joining techniques are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural integrity under wind loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements such as end pieces and reinforcement brackets are pre-fabricated and pre-drilled with precise hole patterns during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures accurate alignment and strong connections during field assembly, maintaining structural integrity without requiring complex on-site fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate connection elements including reinforcement brackets, connection plates, and specialized fasteners that mediate between the aluminum extrusions and steel components. These intermediaries distribute loads effectively and provide robust joining without requiring direct welding of dissimilar metals
3Stability of the object's composition
If frame weight is reduced to minimize deflection, then deflection under self-weight is improved, but resistance to wind loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure implements local quality enhancement by concentrating steel reinforcement elements specifically at connection points and high-stress areas where wind loads are transmitted. The majority of the frame structure remains lightweight aluminum, optimizing the distribution of material properties to address both deflection and wind load requirements
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.