Suspended Inflatable Solar Concentrator for Wind Load Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar radiation concentrators face issues with deformation and reduced efficiency due to external loads, particularly wind loads, which are not effectively absorbed by the tracking rings supported on the ground, leading to structural instability and decreased performance.

Innovation Solution

A solar radiation concentrator design where the pivoting and holding device is suspended from an upper suspension device, with fastening points above the center of mass, allowing efficient absorption and transfer of external loads to the foundation, maintaining the curvature of the reflector film and reducing material costs and shading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If tracking rings are supported on the ground from the underside, then the structure can be simple and inexpensive, but external loads such as wind forces cannot be effectively absorbed, leading to deformations and reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidstability under external loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the support configuration by suspending the tracking rings from above rather than supporting them from below. The fastening points are positioned on the upper side of the longitudinal beams, causing the tracking rings to hang freely and absorb external loads through the suspension mechanism, fundamentally changing how the structure handles wind and other external forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a ground-based support system to an overhead suspension system, changing the vertical dimension of support. The longitudinal beams extend upward to support the tracking rings, creating a three-dimensional suspension structure that effectively distributes and absorbs external loads in multiple directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If tracking rings are made massive to withstand wind loads, then stability improves, but material costs increase and the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability under wind loadsVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces longitudinal beams as intermediary elements that mediate between the ground anchors and the tracking rings. These beams act as flexible suspension members that absorb and distribute external loads, allowing the tracking rings to be made lighter while maintaining overall system stability through the intermediary support structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural configuration parameters by positioning fastening points above the center of mass of the tracking rings and using suspended longitudinal beams. This parameter change transforms the load-bearing mechanism from rigid ground support to flexible suspension, enabling lighter construction while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of substance

If tracking rings are supported on the ground, then material costs can be reduced, but external influences cause deformations that shorten concentrator life and reduce efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial costsVSAvoiddeformations from external influences

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the support configuration to suspend tracking rings from above, the patent eliminates direct contact between the tracking rings and ground-based support structures. This inversion prevents transmission of ground-level disturbances and reduces deformation from external influences while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of simple suspension mechanics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The longitudinal beams function as flexible suspension elements that can deflect and absorb external forces without transmitting rigid stresses to the tracking rings or concentrator. This flexibility protects the concentrator from deformation while using relatively simple, cost-effective materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3213010B1Device for anchoring an inflatable concentrator cushion

Publication Date: 2019.01.30 HELIOVIS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for retaining an inflatable concentrator cushion (2) which has a light-permeable entry window (3) for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film (6) for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber (1'), the reflector film sub-dividing the concentrator cushion (2) into at least two hollow spaces (4, 5). The device also comprises a pivoting apparatus (7) for pivoting the concentrator cushion (2), in particular about its longitudinal axis, and an anchoring apparatus (9) for anchoring the pivoting apparatus (7), said anchoring apparatus (9) having a suspension apparatus (10) for suspending the pivoting apparatus (7).