Triangular Multi-Heliostat Support Structure to Reduce Foundation Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heliostat support structures for concentrating solar energy systems are expensive to install, require significant earthwork for foundation preparation, and lack cost-effectiveness and stability in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a triangular frame formed from girders and pylons, featuring multiple mountings along the perimeter and leg assemblies that allow for adjustable positioning and interlocking with adjacent structures, minimizing the need for individual foundations and optimizing heliostat placement to reduce optical blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual foundations or lattice-type structures are used for heliostat support, then stability in adverse weather conditions is improved, but construction cost and installation complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: a triangular frame with three vertices, multiple mountings along the perimeter, and interchangeable leg assemblies. This segmentation allows the structure to be assembled from standardized parts without requiring complex individual foundations for each heliostat, reducing installation complexity while maintaining stability through the distributed triangular geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple heliostat mounting locations into a single integrated triangular support structure. By merging three or more heliostats onto one shared frame with common leg assemblies, the design eliminates the need for separate foundations for each heliostat, significantly reducing construction cost and installation complexity while maintaining structural stability through the unified triangular configuration.
2Reliability
If significant earthwork is performed for foundation preparation, then stability of support structures is improved, but construction cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The leg assemblies are designed to be pre-fabricated modular components that can be interchangeably attached to the triangular frame. This preliminary preparation of standardized leg assemblies eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site foundation excavation and concrete work, as the pre-manufactured legs can be quickly installed and interchanged without extensive earthwork, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If heliostats are mounted on individual foundations, then stability is improved, but manufacturing and installation cost increase to 40-50% of total plant cost
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular support structure serves multiple functions: it provides stable support for three or more heliostats simultaneously, offers interchangeable leg assemblies for different ground conditions, and creates a modular unit that can be replicated across the plant. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of support structures needed, lowering manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining the stability required for heliostat operation in adverse weather.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in the leg assemblies, which can be interchangeably attached to accommodate varying ground conditions without changing the fundamental triangular frame structure. This flexibility enables the same basic support structure to adapt to different site requirements, reducing the need for custom-engineered individual foundations and thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining stability.
4Ease of manufacture
If triangular frame with multiple mountings is used, then cost-effectiveness and ease of installation are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular frame incorporates local quality variations through strategically placed mountings at specific locations: at least one mounting at or near each vertex and at least one additional mounting part-way along each side. This localized placement of mountings optimizes heliostat support at critical positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall triangular structure, balancing ease of installation with manageable structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure (10) for carrying a plurality of heliostats (12) is provided. The support structure (10) includes a frame (20) formed from a number of girders (22). The frame has a triangular outer perimeter and a plurality of mountings (26) for carrying the heliostats (12) are provided along the perimeter. At least one mounting (26) is provided at or near each vertex (16) of the triangular outer perimeter of the frame (20), and at least one additional mounting (26) is provided part-way along each side (17) of the triangular outer perimeter of the frame (20).