Triangular Heliostat Structure for Simplified Solar Field Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrating solar thermal power plants face high costs and complexities due to large heliostat structures requiring extensive ground preparation, heavy lifting equipment, and complex data and power connections, which increase installation time and difficulty.
Innovation Solution
The proposed heliostat structure features a triangular configuration of three posts and cross members, allowing for self-leveling and reduced foundation needs, with interchangeable cross members and integral drives, enabling simpler installation and reduced part counts, and includes a processor for calibration and foldable jigs for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If large heliostats (tens to hundreds of square meters) are used, then the concentrating solar thermal power plant can achieve higher energy collection, but extensive ground preparation, heavy footings, and heavy lifting equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heliostat field into modular triangular structures, each comprising three posts and three heliostats. These modular units can be independently assembled and deployed without extensive ground preparation, resolving the contradiction between energy collection scale and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional large-scale continuous heliostat fields to a discrete modular triangular lattice structure. This dimensional reorganization allows the system to achieve comparable energy collection through increased structural density rather than individual element size, eliminating the need for heavy footings and extensive ground work
2Area of moving object
If large heliostats are used, then more mirror area is available for concentration, but each individual footing needs to be surveyed and heavy lifting equipment is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular modular structures are pre-assembled with heliostats mounted on drive mounts before field deployment. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for individual footing surveys and heavy lifting equipment during installation, significantly reducing installation time while preserving total mirror area
Solution Approach 2:
The modular triangular structures are designed to be self-contained units that can be deployed by simple insertion into the ground without requiring external heavy lifting equipment or complex surveying procedures, enabling rapid installation while maintaining adequate mirror area
3Ease of operation
If traditional heliostat structures are used, then power and data connections can be provided, but installation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates power connections and data connections directly into the modular triangular structure framework. Power cables are routed through the triangular lattice and connected to heliostat drives at mounting locations, while data connections are embedded in the same structure. This merging of operational infrastructure into the structural design itself eliminates separate installation steps, reducing installation complexity while maintaining full operational capability
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for a triangular heliostat structure comprising a heliostat drive mounted on a post at each corner of the structure. Embodiments include determining an installation position of a heliostat structure based on the position of an adjacent heliostat structure when a pivotable spacing bar is detachably attached to at least two posts of the heliostat structures and may be based on the heliostat structures comprising three posts in a triangular configuration.