U.S. patent application number 11/811153 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for support of heat collectors in solar energy collectors.
Invention is credited to Kip H. Dopp, Darren T. Kimura, Susanne M. Spiessberger.
Application Number | 20080092878 11/811153 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38832433 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080092878 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kimura; Darren T. ; et
al. |
April 24, 2008 |
Support of heat collectors in solar energy collectors
Abstract
Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for
concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Kimura; Darren T.;
(Mililani, HI) ; Spiessberger; Susanne M.;
(Honolulu, HI) ; Dopp; Kip H.; (Newcastle,
WY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP
755 PAGE MILL RD
PALO ALTO
CA
94304-1018
US
|
Family ID: |
38832433 |
Appl. No.: |
11/811153 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60812177 |
Jun 8, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/696 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 80/50 20180501;
Y02P 90/50 20151101; F24S 60/30 20180501; F24S 23/81 20180501; Y02E
10/47 20130101; F24S 80/40 20180501; F24S 25/00 20180501; F24S
80/56 20180501; F24S 80/58 20180501; F24S 23/745 20180501; F24S
40/10 20180501; F24S 30/40 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/696 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/10 20060101
F24J002/10 |
Claims
1. A concentrating solar energy collector comprising: a) a frame or
a housing; b) a first reflector positioned within said frame or
said housing to receive solar radiation and concentrate at least a
portion of said solar radiation on said heat collector; and c) a
heat collector, wherein the heat collector is supported by said
frame or said housing by a first heat collector support having a
first stanchion and a second stanchion.
2. The collector of claim 1 wherein the first support has a portion
spanning the first stanchion and the second stanchion that contacts
the heat collector.
3. The collector of claim 2 wherein the first heat collector
support has a portion that is removable from said support to allow
the heat collector to be removed from the collector.
4. The collector of claim 1 further comprising a second heat
collector support positioned a distance from said first heat
collector support and having a third stanchion and a fourth
stanchion
5. The collector of claim 2 further comprising a second heat
collector support positioned a distance from said first heat
collector support and having a third stanchion and a fourth
stanchion
6. The collector of claim 3 further comprising a second heat
collector support positioned a distance from said first heat
collector support and having a third stanchion and a fourth
stanchion
7. The collector of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the heat
collector is positioned on a rotational axis of the collector.
8. The collector of claim 7 wherein said portion passes through a
bearing assembly supporting the frame or the housing.
9. The collector of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of the heat
collector is positioned on a rotational axis of the collector.
10. The collector of claim 9 wherein said portion passes through a
bearing assembly supporting the frame or the housing.
11. The collector of claim 3 wherein at least a portion of the heat
collector is positioned on a rotational axis of the collector.
12. The collector of claim 11 wherein said portion passes through a
bearing assembly supporting the frame or the housing.
13. The collector of claim 4 wherein at least a portion of the heat
collector is positioned on a rotational axis of the collector.
14. The collector of claim 13 wherein said portion passes through a
bearing assembly supporting the frame or the housing.
15. The collector of claim 5 wherein at least a portion of the heat
collector is positioned on a rotational axis of the collector.
16. The collector of claim 15 wherein said portion passes through a
bearing assembly supporting the frame or the housing.
17. The collector of claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the heat
collector is positioned on a rotational axis of the collector.
18. The collector of claim 17 wherein said portion passes through a
bearing assembly supporting the frame or the housing.
19. A concentrating solar energy collector comprising: a) a frame
or housing; b) a heat collector; c) a first reflector; and d) a
storage reservoir attached to the frame or housing, wherein the
storage reservoir is in fluid communication with the heat
collector.
20. The collector of claim 19 wherein the storage reservoir and the
heat collector are in fluid communication through a heat collector
support supporting said heat collector.
21. The collector of claim 20 wherein the storage reservoir
comprises a tube attached to the frame or housing.
22. The collector of claim 21 wherein the tube is a horizontal
support bar about which the concentrating solar energy collector
pivots.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This applications claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/812,177, filed Jun. 8, 2006, titled
"Concentrated Solar Trough with Sun Tracking, Storm Protection and
Removable Reflectors," incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Solar energy can provide an environmentally friendly source
of energy that does not rely on extraction of fossil fuels and that
contributes relatively less to global warming and to related
environmental problems than do fossil fuel-based energy sources. In
addition, in many cases solar energy can be captured and used
locally and thus reduce requirements for transportation or
importation of fuels such as petroleum.
[0003] Solar energy may be captured, for example, by a collector
that absorbs solar radiation and converts it to heat, which may
then be used in a variety of applications. Alternatively, solar
radiation may be captured by a collector which absorbs solar
radiation and converts a portion of it directly to electricity by
photovoltaic methods, for example. Mirrors or lenses may be used to
collect and concentrate solar radiation to be converted to heat or
electricity by such methods.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, a concentrating solar energy collector
comprises a frame or housing, a heat collector, and a first
elastically deformable reflector. The first elastically deformable
reflector is at least substantially flat absent deforming force.
The frame or housing is configured to receive the first elastically
deformable reflector and exert compressive force that maintains the
first elastically deformable reflector in a shape that concentrates
at least a portion of the solar radiation on the heat
collector.
[0005] In a second aspect, a concentrating solar energy collector
comprises a heat collector, a first reflector positioned to receive
solar radiation and concentrate at least a portion of the solar
radiation on the heat collector, the first reflector having a
length and a longitudinal edge, and a first bracket having a length
of at least the length of the first reflector and configured to
engage the longitudinal edge of the first reflector.
[0006] In a third aspect, a concentrating solar energy collector
comprises a housing, a first bracket having a slot, a heat
collector, and a first reflector positioned in the housing to
receive solar radiation and concentrate at least a portion of the
solar radiation on the heat collector. The reflector is coupled to
the housing by insertion of at least a portion of an edge of the
reflector into the slot in the bracket.
[0007] In a fourth aspect, a concentrating solar energy collector
comprises a housing comprising a first panel and a second panel, a
first bracket connecting the first panel and the second panel, a
heat collector, and a first reflector positioned within the housing
to receive solar radiation and concentrate at least a portion of
the solar radiation on the heat collector.
[0008] In a fifth aspect, a concentrating solar energy collector
comprises a first and a second panel, a first bracket configured to
couple the first and second panels to each other to form at least a
portion of a bottom section of a housing, a heat collector, and a
first reflector positioned within the housing to receive solar
radiation and concentrate at least a portion of the solar radiation
on the heat collector.
[0009] In a sixth aspect, a concentrating solar energy collector
comprises a bottom portion of a housing, a first and a second
panel, and a first and a second bracket. The first bracket is
configured to couple the first panel to the bottom portion of the
housing to form at least a portion of a first side of the housing
and the second bracket is configured to couple the second panel to
the bottom portion of the housing to form at least a portion of a
second side of the housing. The solar energy collector also
comprises a heat collector and a first reflector positioned within
the housing to receive solar radiation and concentrate at least a
portion of the solar radiation on the heat collector.
[0010] In a seventh aspect, a concentrating solar energy collector
comprises a housing, a first bracket at or near an edge of the
housing. The bracket is configured to engage with a transparent
cover, a heat collector, and a first reflector positioned in the
housing to receive solar radiation through the transparent cover
and concentrate at least a portion of the solar radiation on The
heat collector.
[0011] In an eighth aspect, an appliance comprising a concentrating
solar energy collector has a housing having a bottom portion and
side portions, a heat collector, a first reflector positioned
within the housing to receive solar radiation and concentrate at
least a portion of the solar radiation on the heat collector, and
an impact resistant cover configured to be positioned over at least
a substantial portion of the housing and removably coupled to the
housing to allow convenient removal and replacement.
[0012] In a ninth aspect, a concentrating solar energy collector
comprises a heat collector, first and second identical or
substantially identical panels forming at least a portion of a
housing, and a first reflector positioned within the housing to
receive solar radiation and concentrate at least a portion of the
solar radiation on the heat collector.
[0013] In a tenth aspect, a concentrating solar energy collector
comprises a frame or a housing, a first reflector positioned within
the frame or the housing to receive solar radiation and concentrate
at least a portion of the solar radiation on the heat collector,
and a heat collector. The heat collector is supported by the frame
or the housing by a first heat collector support having a first
stanchion and a second stanchion.
[0014] In an eleventh aspect, a concentrating solar energy
collector comprises a frame or housing, a heat collector, a first
reflector, and a storage reservoir attached to the frame or
housing. The storage reservoir is in fluid communication with the
heat collector.
[0015] In a twelfth aspect, a method of assembling a concentrating
solar energy collector comprises flexing at least a first
elastically deformable reflector to position it within a housing.
The elastically deformable reflector is substantially flat absent
deforming forces and the housing is configured to receive the first
elastically deformable reflector and maintain it in a shape that
concentrates at least a portion of incident solar radiation on a
heat collector.
[0016] In a thirteenth aspect, a method of assembling a
concentrating solar energy collector comprises coupling a first
panel to a second panel with a first bracket to form at least a
portion of a bottom section of a housing, coupling a third panel to
the bottom section of the housing with a second bracket to form at
least a portion of a first side of the housing, coupling a fourth
panel to the bottom section of the housing with a third bracket to
form at least a portion of a second side of the housing, and
positioning at least one reflector within the housing to receive
solar radiation and concentrate it on a heat collector.
[0017] In a fourteenth aspect, a method of operating a solar energy
collector (the solar energy collector comprising a housing, a
substantially transparent cover coupled to the housing, and a
reflector positioned within the housing to receive solar radiation
through the transparent cover) comprises removably positioning an
impact resistant cover over at least a substantial portion of the
transparent cover to at least partially protect the transparent
cover and the reflector from impact. The impact resistant cover is
removably positioned by removably attaching it to the housing, to
the transparent cover, or to the housing and the transparent cover.
The method further comprises removing the impact resistant cover
during normal operation of the solar energy collector.
[0018] These and other embodiments, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the
art when taken with reference to the following more detailed
description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings that are first briefly described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIGS. 1A-1D show several views of portions of an example
solar energy collector according to one variation.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an example solar
energy collector, according to one variation, that comprises two
mirrors.
[0021] FIGS. 3A-3B show variations of mirrors including,
respectively, slots and holes through which stanchion rods may
engage a solar energy collector housing.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an example solar
energy collector, according to one variation, comprising two
mirrors and a single leg stanchion.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an example solar
energy collector, according to one variation, comprising four
mirrors and a single leg stanchion.
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a variation of a screw-in single leg
stanchion.
[0025] FIG. 7 shows an example solar energy collector, according to
one variation, having side brackets that differ from those of the
solar energy collector of FIGS. 1A-1D by lack of restraining
plates.
[0026] FIG. 8 shows a variation of a side bracket having slots for
mirrors at different heights.
[0027] FIGS. 9A-9C show variations of side brackets having a single
adjustable clamping slot for securing the end of a mirror.
[0028] FIG. 10 shows a rail-type variation of a side bracket.
[0029] FIG. 11 shows an example solar energy collector, according
to one variation, that differs from that shown in FIGS. 1A-1D by
the absence of upper ribs.
[0030] FIG. 12 shows an example solar energy collector, according
to one variation, that differs from that show in FIGS. 1A-1D by
having an optional screw-down storm cover.
[0031] FIGS. 13A-13B show, respectively, two solar energy
collectors joined together according to one variation and three
solar energy collectors joined together according to another
variation.
[0032] FIGS. 14A-C show a pivot assembly and its use in pivotably
mounting solar energy collectors according to one variation.
[0033] FIGS. 15A-15B show the use of interchangeable feet adapted
for roof (or other hard surface) and ground mounting, respectively,
according to one variation.
[0034] FIGS. 16A-16B show views of a solar energy collector mounted
on a roof or other hard surface according to one variation.
[0035] FIGS. 17A-17B show views of a solar energy collector mounted
ground mounted according to one variation.
[0036] FIG. 18 shows a cradle mounted solar energy collector
housing according to one variation.
[0037] FIG. 19 shows an example solar energy collector pivotally
mounted on a horizontal support bar, according to one
variation.
[0038] FIGS. 20A-20C show views of another example solar energy
collector according to one variation.
[0039] FIG. 21 shows an example solar energy collector comprising
six mirrors according to one variation.
[0040] FIG. 22 shows a portable solar energy collector system
according to one variation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The following detailed description should be read with
reference to the drawings, in which identical reference numbers
refer to like elements throughout the different figures. The
drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selective
embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example,
not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This
description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and
use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations,
variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what
is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the
invention. It should be noted that, as used in this specification
and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise.
[0042] Disclosed herein are examples and variations of apparatus
and methods for collecting and concentrating solar radiation. This
detailed description begins with a general discussion of the
features of an example concentrating solar energy collector. That
discussion is followed by additional description, set out under
headings, of the details of and some variations of various possible
features and aspects of solar energy collectors as disclosed
herein. Additional examples of solar energy collectors are then
provided, followed by a discussion of methods for assembling some
variations of the disclosed solar energy collectors and by a
discussion of some possible uses of the disclosed solar energy
collectors.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1D, one example solar energy
collector 100 comprises a housing 105, mirrors 110a-110d disposed
within the housing, and a heat collector 115. Mirrors 110a-110d
focus a portion of incident solar radiation 120 onto heat collector
115 to heat a working (e.g., heat transfer) fluid within heat
collector 115. The working fluid may reach temperatures of, for
example, greater than 400.degree. F. More generally, the working
fluid may reach temperatures from, for example, about 100.degree.
F. to about 400.degree. F., about 100.degree. F. to 550.degree. F.,
or from about 200.degree. F. to about 550.degree. F. The heated
working fluid may then be used in any suitable application, some of
which are described later in this detailed description.
[0044] In this example housing 105 comprises lower panels 125a and
125b coupled to each other by a base bracket 130 to form a lower
portion of housing 105. Base plate 132 coupled to base bracket 130
and to lower panels 125a, 125b provides further structural support
to the bottom portion of housing 105. Upper side portions of
housing 105 are formed by upper panel 135a coupled by side bracket
140a to lower panel 125a, and by upper panel 135b coupled by side
bracket 140b to lower panel 125b. Ribs 145a-145d, attached
respectively to panels 125a, 125b, 135a, 135b and engaging side
brackets 140a and 140b, provide support for mirrors 110a-110d and
additional structural strength to housing 105.
[0045] The top of housing 105 is closed by transparent cover 150,
which is coupled to panels 135a and 135b by upper brackets 155a and
155b, respectively. Impact resistant storm cover 160 may be coupled
to housing 105 by one or more clips 165, as illustrated. Storm
cover 160 is removed during normal operation, but may be put in
place as shown to protect solar energy collector 100 and its
components, particularly transparent cover 150, mirrors 110a-110d,
and heat collector 115, from inclement weather, for example.
[0046] Heat collector 115 is supported by stanchion 170, which in
this example includes two rods 175 engaging base bracket 130.
Mirrors 110a-110d are coupled to housing 105, in this example, by
brackets 130, 140a, 140b, 155a, and 155b as shown.
[0047] In one variation solar energy collector 100 may be, for
example, about 8 feet long, about 2.5 feet tall, about 1.5 feet
wide at the bottom, and about 5 feet wide at the top. In the
illustrated example, solar energy collector 100 has a trough-like
shape as defined, for example, by housing 105 and/or by mirrors
110a-110b. More generally, solar energy collectors disclosed
herein, including solar energy collector 100, may be of any
suitable size and shape. As additional examples, in some variations
solar energy collectors 200 (FIG. 1) and 400 (FIG. 4) described
later in this detailed description may have a trough-like shape and
be, for example, about 8 feet long, about 15'' tall, about 7'' wide
at the bottom, and about 30'' wide at the top.
[0048] As described later in this detailed description, in some
variations individual solar energy collectors disclosed herein may
be joined together to form sections of two, three, or more
collectors. The sections may be then be coupled together to form
one or more rows. In some variations, the collectors in a row are
driven to track the sun by motors at each end of the row, with
support stands located between sections supporting bearings on
which the sections may pivot. Individual collectors may be
similarly driven to track the sun.
[0049] The motors used to pivot or otherwise orient solar energy
collectors may be controlled by tracking devices, not shown, that
determine the orientation of the sun and pivot the solar energy
collectors to optimize collection of solar radiation. The tracking
devices may be, for example, conventional solar tracking devices
known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such tracing devices may
employ, for example, light intensity detectors (e.g., photovoltaic
detectors) to detect the position of the sun and digital logic
(e.g., hardware or software) or analog control methods to control
the motors based on signals from the light intensity detectors.
[0050] In the illustrated example, housing 105 (including end caps
180, FIG. 1D) and transparent cover 150 enclose mirrors 110a-110d
and heat collector 115 and may consequently protect these
components from corrosion (e.g., caused by salt and humidity),
abrasion (e.g., caused by dust or sand), and other environmental
ill-effects. Solar energy collector 100 may be further
weather-proofed, as discussed in greater detail later in this
detailed description, by placing gasket material in joints between
panels (e.g., 125a, 125b, 135a, 135b) and brackets (e.g., 130,
140a, 140b, 155a, and 155b) forming housing 105 and in joints
between transparent cover 150 and brackets 155a and 155b to better
seal those joints. In addition, transparent cover 150 and housing
105 may be constructed from impact resistant materials to better
resist damage from storms or other inclement weather.
[0051] In such weather-proofed variations, solar energy collectors
as disclosed herein may be well suited for use in tropical and
coastal applications, where environmental conditions may promote
corrosion, as well as in desert applications where sand, dust, or
grit may otherwise abrade unprotected components. The various
aspects of such weather proofing (including, for example, use of a
transparent cover and/or sealing gaskets to enclose the mirrors and
heat collector) are optional, however, and not necessarily present,
or all present, in solar energy collectors disclosed herein.
[0052] The modular construction of a solar energy collector (or
solar energy collector housing) from panels, brackets, and/or ribs,
and/or the installation of mirrors in the housing brackets, may
allow for easy assembly and repair and flexible arrangement and use
of the solar energy collector. The use of sets of identical or
substantially identical mirrors (e.g., 110a and 110b; 110c and
110d), panels (e.g., 125a and 125b; 135a and 135b), side brackets
(e.g., 140a and 140b), upper brackets (e.g., 155a and 155b) and/or
ribs (e.g., 145a-145d) may also provide such advantages. As used
herein, identical components have identity of shape and size within
manufacturing tolerances. Substantially identical components are
sufficiently similar that they have the same general shape and size
but may differ in, e.g., pieces attached or portions of shape.
Substantially identical pieces are often formed of base pieces that
are considered identical but are modified in some way with, for
example, additional features.
[0053] In addition, in variations (some of which are described in
greater detail below) in which some or all of the mirrors are
substantially flat prior to installation and/or some or all of the
panels are substantially flat, the components of the solar energy
collector may be more easily manufactured, stored, packaged, and/or
shipped to their ultimate point of use. Such modularity is
optional, however, and solar energy collectors described herein may
be constructed without or with less use of brackets, panels,
substantially flat panels, substantially flat (when uninstalled)
mirrors, and/or identical or substantially identical
components.
[0054] As noted above and further explained below, solar energy
collectors as disclosed herein need not include all features shown
in FIGS. 1A-1D and may include additional features or variations of
features not shown in these figures. Generally, any of the solar
energy collectors described herein may include any suitable
combination of the features (or their variations) described or
shown herein as well as any modifications or variations thereof
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional details of
the features of solar energy collectors (such as solar energy
collector 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D) and variations thereof are
described next under headings identifying the features.
Mirrors
[0055] Solar energy collector 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D comprises
four mirrors 110a-110d arranged to concentrate solar radiation on
heat collector 115. In other variations, however, the solar energy
collectors disclosed herein may include more or fewer mirrors. For
example, solar energy collectors may include a single large mirror
in place of mirrors 110a-110d. Other variations include two mirrors
such as mirrors 210a and 210b in solar energy collector 200 shown
in FIG. 2. An example solar energy collector described later in
this detailed description (FIG. 21) comprises six mirrors.
Generally, any suitable number of mirrors may be used in any of the
disclosed solar energy collectors.
[0056] In solar energy collector 100, mirrors 110a-110d are
arranged to form a single substantially parabolic shape with a line
focus approximately on a central axis of (tubular, in the
illustrated example) heat collector 115. More generally, however,
mirrors used in the solar energy collectors disclosed herein may
have parabolic, cylindrical (partial circular cross section), or
any other suitable shape. Where multiple mirrors are used, they may
share a focus or instead be arranged to focus to two or more
separate locations. For example, a solar energy collector may
comprise four parabolic mirrors arranged to focus on four separate
portions of a heat collector.
[0057] In addition, where multiple mirrors are used, two or more of
the mirrors may be identical or substantially identical. As noted
above, for example, in solar energy collector 100, mirror 110a is
identical or substantially identical to mirror 110b, and mirror
110c is identical or substantially identical to mirror 110d.
Similarly, mirrors 210a and 210b of solar energy collector 200
(FIG. 2) are identical or substantially identical. The use of sets
of identical or substantially identical mirrors may, for example,
simplify manufacturing, assembly, and repair of a solar energy
collector. The use of two or more identical or substantially
identical mirrors is not required, however.
[0058] Referring again to FIG. 1A, mirrors 110a-110d in solar
energy collector 100 are made from an elastically deformable (e.g.,
springy) material that allows them to assume a substantially flat
shape absent deforming forces but take a parabolic or other curved
shape upon installation in housing 105. The parabolic shape of the
installed mirrors 110a-110d results from compressive forces imposed
on the mirrors by brackets 130, 140a, 140b, 155a, and 155b coupling
the mirrors to housing 105 and/or from the shapes of ribs 145a-145
supporting the mirrors. Mirrors 210a and 210b in solar energy
collector 200 (FIG. 2) are also made from an elastically deformable
material and assume a substantially flat shape absent deforming
forces. Mirrors 210a and 210b assume a parabolic shape as a result
of compressive forces imposed on them by base bracket 230 and upper
brackets 255a and 255b, which couple the mirrors to housing
205.
[0059] Such elastically deformable mirrors may be made, for
example, from highly reflective aluminum sheets such as coated
(weather-proofed) highly reflective aluminum sheets available under
the product name MIRO-SUN.RTM. and manufactured by ALANOD
Aluminium-Veredlung GmbH & Co. KG of Ennepetal, Germany. In
other variations, elastically deformable mirrors may be made from
other materials such as, for example, reflectively coated plastics
and other reflective or reflectively coated metals. In some
variations, elastically deformable materials may comprise a
reflective film such as, for example, a reflective or reflectively
coated polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., Mylar.RTM.) film supported
by an elastically deformable substrate such as, for example, a
plastic or an unpolished aluminum sheet or panel. In some
variations the mirrors may have a thickness, for example, of about
0.3 mm to about 0.8 mm and may be, for example, about eight feet in
length.
[0060] Elastically deformable mirrors that assume a substantially
flat shape absent deforming forces may be conveniently stored
and/or shipped as a stack of substantially flat mirrors. This may
reduce the cost of storing or shipping the mirrors, as a stack of
flat mirrors takes less space and may be more easily packaged than
a corresponding number of curved mirrors.
[0061] The mirrors used in solar energy collectors disclosed herein
need not be made from elastically deformable material as just
described, however. Instead, mirrors may be preformed in the
desired radiation concentrating shape prior to installation in the
solar energy collector or formed into the desired shape by bending,
for example, during installation. Also, in some variations mirrors
may be supported in a desired shape by a supporting framework. Any
suitable reflective material such as, for example, polished or
coated metals or reflectively coated polymers or glasses may be
used to make such mirrors. In addition, in some variations
reflective films such as, for example, reflective or reflectively
coated polyethylene terephthalate (e.g., Mylar.RTM.) films may be
used to make mirrors. Generally, any suitable material may be used
to make the mirrors used in any of the solar energy collectors
disclosed herein.
[0062] In some variations of the disclosed solar energy collectors,
one or more of the mirrors may be easily removed for replacement,
repair, or cleaning. For example, in solar energy collector 100
(FIG. 1A) upper mirrors 110c and 110d may be removed by removing
(e.g., screw-down) restraining plates 142a or 142b from brackets
140a or 140b, respectively, and then withdrawing the upper edge of
the mirror from respective upper bracket 155a or 155b. Lower
mirrors 110a and 110b may be removed by removing (e.g., screw-down)
restraining plates 143a or 143b from brackets 140a or 140b, and
then withdrawing the lower edge of the mirror from base bracket
130. Referring to FIG. 3A, mirrors 110a and 110b (not shown) may
include slots 300 through which rods 175 of stanchion 170 (FIG. 1A)
pass to engage a portion (e.g., base bracket 130) of housing 105.
This design allows for removal of mirrors 110a and 110b from base
bracket 130 with stanchion 170 in place. Alternatively (FIG. 3B),
stanchion rods 175 may pass through holes 305 in mirrors 110a and
110b (not shown) to engage a portion (e.g., base bracket 130) of
housing 105. This latter design may require disengagement of at
least one of rods 175 from housing 105 for removal of mirror 110a
or 110b.
[0063] As another example, in solar energy collector 200 (FIG. 2),
either of mirrors 210a and 210b may be easily removed by flexing it
to free an edge of the mirror from base bracket 230 or from the
respective top bracket 255a or 255b, and then withdrawing the other
edge of the mirror from its retaining bracket. Mirrors 210a and
210b may include slots similar to slots 300 (FIG. 3A) to allow
removal of the mirrors with stanchion 170 in place. Alternatively,
mirrors 210a and 210b may include holes similar to holes 305 to
accommodate rods 175 of stanchion 170, in which case removal of a
mirror requires disengagement of at least one of rods 175 from
housing 205. In variations in which solar energy collector 100 does
not include ribs 145a-145d or includes only some of ribs 145a-145d
(see below) one or more of mirrors 110a or 110b may be easily
removed by flexing the mirror or mirrors as just described for
mirrors 210a and 210b.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 1A and described above, mirrors 110a-110d
in solar energy collector 100 are coupled to housing 105 by
brackets (described in greater detail below) which also couple
portions of housing 105 to each other and thus play dual structural
roles in solar energy collector 100. In other variations of the
disclosed solar energy collectors, however, mirrors may be coupled
to the housing by brackets that attach to the housing but do not
couple portions of the housing together. Also, in some variations
mirrors may be attached to the housing or to other structural
members (e.g., ribs 145a-145d), without use of brackets, by
fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, and rivets), adhesives, welding, or
any other suitable attachment methods. Generally, any suitable
attachment method may used to secure mirrors in the housings of any
solar energy collector disclosed herein or variation thereof.
Housing and Panels
[0065] The housings of solar energy collectors as disclosed herein
may have, for example, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, parabolic,
partially circular, or u-shaped cross-sections. As noted above, the
housing may have a trough-like shape, for example. Generally, any
suitable housing shape may be used. Housings may be constructed,
for example, from metals, plastics, wood, or any other suitable
material.
[0066] In some variations, housings are constructed from panels
coupled to each other with brackets. As described above, for
example, housing 105 of solar energy collector 100 (FIGS. 1A-1D) is
formed from four aluminum 1/16'' thickness sheet panels 125a, 125b,
135a, and 135b coupled together by brackets 130, 140a, and 140b. In
other variations, solar energy collector housings may be formed
from more or fewer panels. For example, housing 205 of solar energy
collector 200 (FIG. 2) is formed from two aluminum sheet panels
(225a, 225b) coupled to each other by base bracket 230. Generally,
the housings of solar energy collectors disclosed herein may
comprise any suitable number of panels coupled to each other by
brackets to form some or all of the housing.
[0067] In some variations, some or all of the panels from which a
solar energy collector housing is constructed are substantially
flat. For example, upper panels 135a and 135b of solar energy
collector 100 are substantially flat. In other variations, not
illustrated, all panels from which a housing is constructed are
substantially flat. The flat panels in such a housing may be
attached at angles to each other (with brackets, for example) to
create corners as necessary to define a desired housing shape. Such
flat panels may be easy to store, package, ship, and handle during
assembly of a solar energy collector.
[0068] Housings of solar energy collectors as disclosed herein may
also be constructed from curved or bent panels, or any suitable
combination of flat, curved, and/or bent panels. Referring to FIG.
2, for example, in solar energy collector 200 panels 235a and 235b
each include two bends defining substantially flat upper, middle,
and bottom portions of housing 205. In solar energy collector 100
(FIG. 1A) lower panels 125a and 125b each include one bend defining
substantially flat bottom and lower side portions of housing
105.
[0069] In some variations, housings include two or more identical
or substantially identical panels. As noted above, for example,
solar energy collector 100 (FIG. 1A) comprises pairs of identical
or substantially identical panels. Similarly, panels 225a and 225b
of solar energy collector 200 (FIG. 2) are identical or
substantially identical. The use of sets of identical or
substantially identical panels may, for example, simplify
manufacturing, assembly, and repair of a solar energy collector.
The use of two or more identical or substantially identical panels
is not required, however.
[0070] Although in the examples described above the housing panels
are made from aluminum sheets, housing panels used in any solar
energy collector disclosed herein may be made from any suitable
material. Suitable materials included, but are not limited to,
metals, plastics including impact resistant plastics, and wood.
[0071] The housings of solar energy collectors disclosed herein
need not include panels coupled to each other by brackets. In some
variations panels may be coupled directly to each other by, for
example, welding or with fasteners such as screws, bolts, or
rivets. In addition, some or all of the housing may be molded or
cast from, for example, metals or (e.g., impact resistant)
polymers. Housings may also comprise a cast or molded portion
(e.g., a bottom portion) to which panels are coupled by brackets or
other methods.
Base Brackets Stanchions and Base Plates
[0072] In the example of FIG. 1A-1D, solar energy collector 100
comprises a base bracket 130 that couples lower panels 125a and
125b to each other to form a bottom portion of housing 105, secures
lower edges of mirrors 110a and 110b to housing 105, and secures
rods 175 of stanchion 170 to housing 105. In the illustrated
variation, ends of panels 125a and 125b are positioned in recessed
(i.e., notched) portions of the bottom surface of base bracket 130
and are attached to the bottom surface of base bracket 130 by,
respectively, fasteners 185a and 185b passing through the panels to
engage the bottom of base bracket 130. The recesses or notches may
aid in registering the panels in the proper positions with respect
to base bracket 130. Such recesses or notches are optional,
however.
[0073] An optional base plate 132 is secured to panels 125a and
125b by, respectively, fasteners 190a and 190b. Additional
fasteners 195a and 195b pass through base plate 132 and through
panels 125a and 125b, respectively, to engage the bottom of base
bracket 130 to further secure the base plate, the panels, and the
base bracket to each other. Optional base plate 132 provides
additional structural support to the bottom portion of housing
105.
[0074] Fasteners 185a, 185b, 190a, 190b, 195a, and 195b may be, for
example, screws, bolts, rivets, or any other suitable fastener.
More or fewer of such fasteners than shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may
be used to couple the base bracket, panels, and optional base plate
to each other.
[0075] Symmetrically placed angled slots 196 in upper side portions
of base bracket 130 accept lower edges of mirrors 110a and 110b
and, in cooperation with side brackets 140a and 140b, secure
mirrors 110a and 110b to housing 105. Although slots 196 are shown
angled upward, other orientations such as for example, slots
oriented substantially parallel to the bottom of housing 105 may be
used in other variations.
[0076] In the illustrated example, stanchion rods 175 pass through
holes or slots in mirrors 110a and 110b, as described above in the
discussion under the "mirrors" heading, to engage threaded ends of
rods 175 with threaded holes 197 in base bracket 130. In other
variations, stanchion rods 175 may be, for example, press fit into
holes in base bracket 130, attached to base bracket 130 by
fasteners passing through the bottom of base bracket 130 to engage
the ends of stanchion rods 175, or welded to base bracket 130.
Upper 198a and lower 198b stanchion brackets are clamped by
fasteners (e.g., screws) 199 around heat collector 115 to secure
heat collector 115 to stanchion 170.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 1C, in the illustrated example base bracket
130 has the form of a rail that extends the length of solar energy
collector 100. In other variations, however, a plurality of shorter
base brackets 130 may be spaced along the length of the solar
energy collector instead. Brackets having an extended rail form
may, in some variations, be conveniently formed (at least in part)
using an extrusion process. Also, brackets having an extended rail
form may, in some variations, provide better sealed joints between
components of housing 105 than would be provided by shorter
brackets. Generally, the base brackets described herein may be
implemented in variations having an extended rail-like form or in
variations to be used as one or more shorter brackets.
[0078] Base brackets used in the solar energy collectors disclosed
herein need not perform all of the duties performed by base bracket
130 (coupling panels, securing mirrors, securing heat collector
stanchion). For example, base bracket 230 in solar energy collector
200 (FIG. 2) couples panels 225a and 225b together to form housing
205 and secures lower edges of mirrors 210a and 210b to housing 205
in a manner similar to base bracket 130. However, base bracket 230
does not secure rods 175 of stanchion 170 to housing 205. Instead,
rods 175 are secured to housing 205 by fasteners 285a and 285b
which pass through base plate 132 and panels 225a and 225b,
respectively, but do not pass through or into base bracket 130. In
other variations, a base bracket may couple panels together to form
a portion of a housing and secure a stanchion to the housing, but
not secure the mirrors.
[0079] Although stanchion 170 described above includes two rods 175
by which it is supported in and attached to a solar energy
collector housing, in other variations a heat collector is
supported by a stanchion attached to a base bracket via a single
rod. Referring to FIG. 4, for example, another solar energy
collector 400 comprises mirrors 410a and 410b positioned within a
housing 405 to concentrate solar radiation on a heat collector 415
that is supported in housing 405 by a stanchion 470. Stanchion 470
is coupled to a base bracket 430 forming part of housing 405 by a
single rod or leg 475.
[0080] Housing 405 comprises panels 425a and 425b coupled to each
other by base bracket 430, which comprises separable upper (430U)
and lower (430L) portions. Referring now to both FIG. 4 and FIG. 6,
to assemble the lower portion of housing 405 the stanchion rod 475
is inserted into a through-hole 478 in (optional) collar portion
479 of upper bracket portion 430U. A threaded foot 480 is then
inserted through the underside of upper bracket portion 430U to
engage a threaded hole 485 in the bottom of stanchion rod 475.
Panels 425a and 425b are positioned between the upper 430U and
lower 430L bracket portion, and then upper 430U and lower 430L
bracket portions are slid into position against each other and held
in place by slidably interlocking features 485a and 485b on the
upper and lower bracket portions, respectively. Optionally,
fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets) passing through lower 430L
bracket portion into upper bracket portion 430U may further secure
the assembly.
[0081] In other variations, stanchion rod 475 may be, for example,
press fit into a hole in base bracket 430 or welded to base bracket
430. Also, in other variations lower base bracket portion 430L may
be attached to upper base bracket portion 430U with fasteners
(e.g., screws, bolts, rivets) instead of by interlocking portions
485a and 485b.
[0082] Referring again to FIG. 4, mirrors 410a and 410b are secured
in housing 405 by engaging their upper ends in, respectively, upper
brackets 455a and 455b, and by engaging their lower ends in slots
496 in upper base bracket portion 430U.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 5, another example solar energy
collector 500 comprises four mirrors 510a-510d positioned within a
housing 505 to concentrate solar radiation on a heat collector 415
that, as in solar energy collector 400, is supported by a stanchion
470 coupled to a base bracket 430 by a single rod or leg 475. Base
bracket 430 couples lower panels 525a and 525b to each other to
form a bottom portion of housing 505. Upper side portions of
housing 505 are formed by upper panel 435a coupled by side bracket
540a to lower panel 525a, and by upper panel 435b coupled by side
bracket 540b to lower panel 525b. Mirrors 510a and 510b are secured
in housing 505 by engaging their lower ends in slots in base
bracket 430 and engaging their upper ends in slots in,
respectively, side brackets 540a and 540b. Mirrors 510c and 510d
are secured in housing 505 by engaging their upper ends in,
respectively, slots in upper brackets 555a and 555b and by engaging
their lower ends in, respectively, slots in side brackets 540a and
540b.
[0084] Generally, any suitable base bracket disclosed herein may be
used in any solar energy collector disclosed herein. In some
variations, however, solar energy collectors as disclosed herein do
not include a base bracket coupling panels together to form a
bottom portion of a housing. In some variations lacking a base
bracket the bottom portion (or more) of a housing is constructed by
coupling panels directly to each other by, for example, welding or
with fasteners such as screws, bolts, or rivets. In other
variations lacking a base bracket the bottom portion (or more) of a
housing is molded or cast from, for example, metals or (e.g.,
impact resistant) polymers.
[0085] Although the illustrated base brackets are shown using slots
to secure mirror edges, in other variations base brackets may
include clamps or clamping mechanisms to secure the mirror edges
instead of or in addition to slots. Variations of base bracket 130
(FIG. 1A) may substitute clamps for slots 196. For example, the
upper portion of base bracket 130 defining upper walls of slots 196
may be replaced with a screw-down or spring-loaded piece (e.g.,
plate) to form an upper jaw of a clamp that can be used to secure
mirrors to the bracket. Variations of other base brackets disclosed
herein may be similarly modified to use clamps or clamping
mechanisms.
Side Brackets
[0086] In the example of FIGS. 1A-1D, solar energy collector 100
comprises identical or substantially identical side brackets 140a
and 140b. Side bracket 140a couples panels 125a and 135b to each
other to form a side portion of housing 105, and also secures edges
of mirrors 110a and 110c to housing 105. Similarly, side bracket
140b couples panels 125b and 135b to each other to form another
side portion of housing 105, and also secures edges of mirrors 110b
and 110d to housing 105. In the illustrated example, ends of the
panels are positioned in recessed (i.e., notched) portions of the
outward facing surfaces of side brackets 140a and 140b and are
attached to the outward facing surfaces of the side brackets by
fasteners 144 passing through the panels to engage the side
brackets. The recesses or notches aid in registering the panels in
the proper positions with respect to the side brackets. Such
recesses, or notches are optional, however.
[0087] Fasteners 144 may be, for example, screws, bolts, rivets, or
any other suitable fastener. More or fewer of such fasteners than
shown in FIGS. 1A-1D may be used to couple the panels to the side
brackets.
[0088] Side brackets 140a and 140b also include symmetrically
placed slots 146 that accept edges of mirrors 110a-110d and, in
cooperation with base bracket 130 and upper brackets 155a and 155b
secure the mirrors to housing 105. In the illustrated example,
mirrors 110a-110d are secured in slots 146 by (e.g., screw-down)
restraining plates 142a, 142b, 143a, and 143b, which form one wall
of each slot and which may be loosened and/or removed to facilitate
positioning of the mirrors in the brackets. In some variations, the
depths of slots 146 may be chosen such that the (e.g., screw-down)
restraining plates clamp the mirrors into place, in which case the
side brackets may be viewed as comprising clamps rather than
slots.
[0089] Other variations of side brackets may also be used.
Referring to FIG. 7, for example, solar energy collector 700 is
substantially identical to solar energy collector 100 except for
the substitution of side brackets 740a and 740b for side brackets
140a and 140b (and also the absence of base plate 132). Side
brackets 740a and 740b do not include loosenable or removable
restraining plates.
[0090] Slots in side brackets that accept and secure mirror edges
need not be symmetrically positioned or positioned at the same
height in the bracket. Referring to FIG. 8, for example, in some
variations a side bracket 840 comprises a first slot 846a and a
second slot 846b positioned at different heights. Such vertically
off-set configurations of mirror slots allow a side bracket to
secure mirrors forming, for example, two different parabolas (which
may or may not share a focus). Side bracket 840 also includes
recesses/notches 847a and 847b (similar to those in side brackets
140a, 140b) into which ends of panels 135a and 135b, respectively,
are positioned. Fasteners 144 pass through panels 135a and 135b
into side bracket 840 to secure the panels to the side bracket.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, in some other variations side
brackets 900a and 900b each have a single adjustable clamp or
clamping slot 910a or 910b, respectively, for receiving and
securing a mirror end. The width of the slots (clamps) may be
adjusted using fasteners (e.g., screws) 915a or 915b to clamp upper
jaw pieces 920a or 920b against lower jaw pieces 925a or 925b,
respectively. The slot widths may be adjusted, for example, to
clamp and thereby secure mirror ends in the slots and/or to flex or
adjust the shape of the mirrors to better concentrate solar
radiation on a heat collector. In some variations, the upper jaw
portions may be removed or pivoted to the side to allow mirror ends
to be easily inserted or removed from the slots. In other
variations, clamping slots 910a an 910b may be, for example,
spring-loaded to clamp mirrors into place rather than (or in
addition to) being adjustable with screws or other fasteners.
[0092] In the example of FIGS. 9A-9C, side brackets 900a and 900b
do not couple panels together to form a portion of a housing.
Instead, both brackets are attached to a single bent panel 930
which forms a side portion of a housing. Panel 930 includes at its
bend a t-shaped rail 935 into which foot portions 940a and 940b of
brackets 900a and 900b, respectively, may be inserted (by sliding,
for example). The brackets may be further secured to the panel
using fasteners 945, which may be screws, bolts, rivets, or any
other appropriate fastener.
[0093] Side brackets 900a and 900b can be separately removed from
panel 935 and replaced. As shown, brackets 900a and 900b may be
chosen to position their slots at different heights. Alternatively,
the brackets may be chosen to position their slots at the same
height.
[0094] In some variations, side bracket heights may be varied to
allow a single standardized housing size and shape to support a
variety of mirror configurations or shapes. Referring to FIG. 5,
for example, side brackets 540a and 540b have a height that
substantially off-sets mirrors 510a-510d from side portions of
housing 505 and results in the four mirrors defining a reflective
surface of a particular shape. The shape of the surface defined by
the mirrors can be altered by replacing side brackets 540a and 540b
with similar side brackets of a different height. Such a
substitution could be used, for example, to focus or defocus the
mirrors on the heat collector 415 as desired to affect the
temperature to which the heat collector heats a working fluid. To
facilitate such a substitution, side brackets 540a and 540b may be
attached to panels with, for example, conventional easily removable
fasteners such as screws and bolts.
[0095] Side brackets may have an extended rail-like form. For
example, side brackets 140a and 140b shown in FIG. 1C have the form
of rails that extend the length of solar energy collector 100. Side
bracket 1040 shown in FIG. 10 also has an extended rail-like form.
In other variations, a plurality of shorter side brackets may be
spaced along the length of the solar energy collector in place of
an extended rail-type side bracket. Side brackets having an
extended rail form may, in some variations, be conveniently formed,
in part, using an extrusion process. Also, side brackets having an
extended rail form may, in some variations, provide better sealed
joints between components of a housing than would be provided by
shorter brackets. Generally, the side brackets described herein may
be implemented in variations having an extended rail-like form or
in variations to be used as one or more shorter brackets.
[0096] Referring again to FIG. 10, although mirror slots 1046a and
1046b in side bracket 1040 are shown to be at different heights, in
other variations the slot heights may be the same. Side bracket
1040 can be used to couple two panels together to form a portion of
a housing by, for example, attaching one panel to bottom surface
1048a and the other panel to bottom surface 1048b using
conventional fasteners, adhesives, or welding, for example.
Alternatively, side bracket 1040 can be positioned in the bend of a
single bent panel portion of a housing and attached to the panel by
any of the same means.
[0097] Many of the example side brackets described above were shown
or described as coupling panels together to form a portion of a
solar energy collector housing. Generally, however, the side
brackets described herein may also be implemented in variations
that will attach to a single panel (which might be bent, flat, or
curved, for example) to secure mirrors to a housing without
necessarily also coupling panels together. Alternatively, in some
variations side brackets couple panels together to form a portion
of a housing but do not secure mirrors to the housing.
[0098] Although some variations of the solar energy collectors
disclosed herein utilize a plurality of identical or substantially
identical side brackets, the use of identical or substantially
identical side brackets is not required.
[0099] Although several of the illustrated side brackets are shown
using slots to secure mirror edges, other variations of such side
brackets may include clamps or clamping mechanisms (e.g., as
described above for several clamping variations) to secure the
mirror edges instead of or in addition to slots.
[0100] Generally, any suitable side bracket disclosed herein may be
used in any solar energy collector disclosed herein. In some
variations, however, solar energy collectors as disclosed herein do
not include a side bracket coupling panels together or securing
mirrors. Solar energy collector 200 (FIG. 2), for example, does not
employ side brackets.
Upper Brackets
[0101] In solar energy collector 100 (FIGS. 1A-1D), upper bracket
155a comprises a first slot for receiving and securing the upper
end of mirror 110c and a second slot for receiving and securing an
edge of transparent cover 150. These slots are arranged at an acute
angle with respect to each other. Upper bracket 155a may be
attached to panel 135a by conventional fasteners (e.g., screws,
bolts, rivets), as shown, or in other variations by welding,
gluing, or any other suitable attachment method. In some
variations, the end of panel 135a that is attached to upper bracket
155a is positioned in a recessed (i.e., notched) portion of the
outward facing surface of upper bracket 155a. In the illustrated
variations, a portion of upper bracket 155a around the second slot
protrudes transversely away from panel 135a and housing 105 to
provide a seat for storm cover clip 165.
[0102] The structure of upper bracket 155a enables it to couple
mirror 110c, panel 135a of housing 105, transparent cover 150, and
(optionally) storm cover 160 to each other. Upper bracket 155b is
similarly, identically, or substantially identically constructed to
enable it to couple mirror 110d, panel 135b, transparent cover 150,
and (optionally) storm cover 160 to each other.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 1C, in the illustrated variation upper
brackets 155a and 155b have the form of rails that extend the
length of solar energy collector 100. In other variations, however,
a plurality of shorter upper brackets 155a and 155b may be spaced
along the length of the solar energy collector instead. Upper
brackets having an extended rail form may, in some variations, be
conveniently formed, in part, using an extrusion process. Also,
upper brackets having an extended rail form may, in some
variations, provide better sealed joints between components of a
housing than would be provided by shorter brackets. Generally, the
upper brackets described herein may be implemented in variations
having an extended rail-like form or in variations to be used as
one or more shorter brackets.
[0104] Upper bracket 455a in solar energy collector 400 (FIG. 4)
also comprises a first slot for receiving and securing the upper
end of a mirror (410a) and a second slot for receiving and securing
an edge of transparent cover 150, with the first and the second
slots arranged at an acute angle with respect to each other. Upper
bracket 455a also includes a third slot substantially parallel to
the second slot and opening away from the housing. The third slot,
or the portion of the upper bracket forming its lower wall, may
provide a seat for a storm cover clip to clamp a storm cover over
transparent cover 150. Upper bracket 455a may be attached to an
upper horizontal portion of panel 425a by, for example,
conventional fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets), or by
welding, gluing, or any other suitable attachment method.
[0105] The structure of upper bracket 455a enables it to couple
mirror 410a, panel 425a, transparent cover 150, and (optionally) a
storm cover to each other. Upper bracket 455b is similarly,
identically, or substantially identically constructed to enable it
to couple mirror 410b, panel 425b, transparent cover 150, and
(optionally) a storm cover to each other.
[0106] Although upper brackets 155a, 155b, 455a, and 455b, each
perform multiple functions (coupling to housing, mirror, and
transparent cover), it is not necessary that all of these functions
be performed by a single upper bracket. Referring to FIG. 2, for
example, in solar energy collector 200 the upper end of panel 225a
is folded to form a horizontal slot for receiving an edge of
transparent cover 150 and securing it to housing 205. Upper bracket
255a has the form of a sheet or plate bent at an obtuse angle to
form a first substantially flat portion, which is inserted into the
slot formed by the folded upper end of panel 225a, and a second
substantially flat portion that forms with panel 225a a slot for
securing an upper end of mirror 210a. The portion of upper bracket
255a that is inserted into the slot formed by the folded upper end
of panel 225a may be secured to panel 225a by, for example,
conventional fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets) or by welding,
gluing, or any other suitable attachment method.
[0107] Although the illustrated upper brackets are shown as using
slots to secure mirror edges, in other variations upper brackets
may include clamps or clamping mechanisms to secure the mirror
edges instead of or in addition to slots. Variations of upper
brackets 155a and 155b (FIG. 1A) may substitute clamps for the
slots receiving mirrors 110c and 110d. For example, the thin
portion of upper bracket 155a defining one wall of the mirror slot
may be replaced with a screw-down or spring-loaded piece (e.g.,
plate) to form a clamping jaw that can be used to secure mirrors to
the bracket. Variations of other upper brackets disclosed herein
may be similarly modified to use clamps or clamping mechanisms.
[0108] Although in the illustrated examples pairs of upper brackets
have been identical or substantially identical, that is not
required. Generally, any suitable upper bracket disclosed herein or
variation thereof may be used in any solar energy collector
disclosed herein. In some variations, transparent covers and
mirrors may be secured in solar energy collectors without use of
such upper brackets, however, and hence upper brackets are not
used.
Ribs
[0109] Solar energy collector 100 (FIGS. 1A-1D) comprises a
plurality of ribs 145a-145d shaped to support mirrors 110a-110d in
a desired (e.g., parabolic) shape. Ribs 145a-145d may also provide
additional structural strength to housing 105. Ribs 145a-145d may
be attached to housing panels 125a, 125b, 135a, and 135b,
respectively with, for example, conventional fasteners (e.g.,
screws, bolts, rivets) or by adhesives, welding, or any other
suitable attachment method. The ends of ribs 145a-145d may contact
and be shaped to fit and engage the (e.g., notched) sides of the
upper, side, or bottom brackets. In some variations, the ribs are
attached to brackets they contact by, for example, conventional
fasteners or by any other suitable attachment methods described
herein or known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0110] In one variation, the ribs are made (e.g., cut or stamped)
from aluminum sheet having a thickness of about 1.6 mm. Any other
suitable materials and thicknesses may also be used, however. Ribs
may be made, in some variations, for example, from other metals,
plastics, or wood.
[0111] Referring to FIG. 1C, solar energy collector 100 comprises
two identical or substantially identical sets of ribs 145a-145d
spaced along the length of the collector, which in the illustrated
variation is about eight feet. Any suitable spacing between sets of
ribs may be used, however.
[0112] Although solar energy collector 100 comprises one or more
sets of four ribs 145a-145d, the use of such ribs in solar energy
collectors as disclosed herein is optional and more or fewer such
ribs per set may be used. Referring to FIG. 11, for example, solar
energy collector 1100 is substantially identical to solar energy
collector 100, except solar energy collector 1100 includes only
lower ribs 145a and 145b and does not include upper ribs 145c and
145d. As additional examples, the illustrated variations of solar
energy collectors 200 (FIG. 2), 400 (FIG. 4), and 500 (FIG. 5) do
not include ribs.
[0113] In other variations, though, solar energy collectors 200,
400, 500, and other solar energy collectors disclosed herein may
include any suitable number and configuration of ribs supporting
mirrors and/or providing additional structural strength to the
collector.
[0114] In some variations, solar energy collectors without housings
comprise brackets (or rails) and ribs as disclosed herein (or
suitable variations thereof) arranged to form a framework
supporting mirrors that concentrate solar radiation on a heat
collector. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, for example, in some
variations a solar energy collector is substantially identical to
solar energy collector 100 except for the absence of panels 125a,
125b, 135a, and 135b. In such variations, ribs 145a-145d may be
attached to bottom, side, and top brackets they contact by, for
example, conventional fasteners or by any other suitable attachment
methods as described herein or known to one of ordinary skill in
the art. Such variations may optionally include transparent cover
150 and/or removable storm cover 160. Similar modifications may be
made to other solar energy collectors described herein to provide
solar energy collectors, with or without housings, that comprise
brackets and ribs (or rails) arranged to form a framework
supporting mirrors that concentrate solar radiation on a heat
collector.
Heat Collector
[0115] Heat collector 115 in solar energy collector 100 (FIGS.
1A-1D) is, in one variation, a stainless steel or copper tube or
pipe located approximately coincident with the line focus of
parabolic mirrors 110a-110d, extending the length of solar energy
collector 100, and having an inner diameter of about 0.65'' to
about 0.87'' and an outer diameter of about 0.75'' to about 1.0.''
Heat collector 115 may, in some variations, be coated with a
coating (e.g., a paint) that promotes absorption of solar radiation
incident on heat collector 115. In some variations, heat collector
115 is coated with POR-20 black velvet heat resistant paint
available from POR-15, Inc., Morristown N.J. to promote absorption
of solar radiation. In another variation, heat collector 115 is
coated with Sherwin Williams Flame Control SW-B68-B-A2 black paint
available from Sherwin Williams Company. Any other suitable coating
may also be used.
[0116] Where multiple solar energy collectors are ganged into
sections or extended rows (see below), in some variations their
heat collectors may be joined in series to provide a single long
effective heat collector. In other variations, a single continuous
heat collector (e.g., tube or pipe) may pass through an entire
section or row.
[0117] A working (e.g., heat transfer) fluid flows through and is
heated by heat collector 115. The working fluid may be, for
example, water, an oil, glycol, or any other suitable heat transfer
fluid. In some variations the working fluid may be a Therminol.RTM.
heat transfer fluid available from Solutia, Inc. In other
variations the working fluid may be an Xceltherm.RTM. heat transfer
fluid available from Radco Industries, Inc. The heated working
fluid may be used directly to supply heat for an application or,
for example, as a working fluid used to drive a turbine for power
generation. Alternatively, the working fluid may function as a heat
transfer fluid that transfers heat collected in solar energy
collector 100 to another working fluid which is subsequently used
in an application.
[0118] Where the working fluid is an oil, in some variations it may
reach temperatures of about 200.degree. F. to about 550.degree. F.
after passing through one or more solar energy collectors.
[0119] In some variations the internal surfaces of heat collector
115 are rifled or include protuberances, vanes, or other flow
disturbing features that promote mixing of and/or convective heat
transfer in the working fluid as it passes through heat collector
115. Such flow disturbing features may be particularly advantageous
where the working fluid is a viscous fluid (e.g., a viscous oil)
that would otherwise tend to move as a substantially laminar flow
through heat collector 115.
[0120] Although in the illustrated variations heat collector 115
has a tubular structure, other heat collector configurations known
to one of ordinary skill in the art or variations thereof may also
be used in the solar energy collectors disclosed herein. For
example, heat collector 115 may comprise multiple tubes through
which working fluid passes. Also, in some variations heat collector
115 may be enclosed in a transparent (e.g., glass) envelope to
provide an insulating layer to reduce thermal losses from heat
collector 115. The transparent envelope may contain air, other
gases, or be evacuated or partially evacuated in some
variations.
Transparent Cover
[0121] Solar energy collectors as disclosed herein may include in
some variations a transparent cover such as transparent cover 150
shown in various figures. As noted earlier in this detailed
description, transparent cover 150 and variations thereof may help
protect mirrors, heat collectors, and other components of a solar
energy collector from adverse environmental conditions. In
combination with a sealed or partially sealed housing, for example,
transparent cover 150 may help protect such components from
corrosion. The use of such transparent covers in variations of
solar energy collector 100 (FIGS. 1A-1D) and variations of other
solar energy collectors disclosed herein is optional, however.
[0122] Transparent cover 150 is made from glass in some variations.
In other variations transparent cover 150 is made from Lexan
plastic available from General Electric Company. Generally,
transparent cover 150 and variations thereof may be made, for
example, from glass, plastics, or any suitable material that is
substantially transparent to solar radiations. In some variations,
transparent cover 150 has the form of a lens (e.g., a Fresnel lens)
that further optimizes the collection of solar radiation by the
heat collector.
[0123] Transparent covers such as transparent cover 150 may be
attached to solar energy collectors disclosed herein using, for
example, the various bracket and rail structures for that purpose
shown and described herein. Alternative attachment methods may also
be used, however. For example, transparent covers may be bonded
(e.g., glued) to a housing or framework of a solar energy
collector, cast as a part thereof, or attached using any suitable
fasteners including conventional screws, bolts, and rivets.
Gaskets: Sealing, Vibration Damping, Prevention of Corrosion
[0124] Gasket-like material such as neoprene rubber, for example,
may be used at various locations in variations of the solar energy
collectors disclosed herein. Referring to FIG. 1A, for example, in
some variations gasket material may be provided between transparent
cover 150 and inner surfaces of the slot in upper brackets 155a and
155b into which edges of transparent cover 150 fit in order to form
a better seal. Similarly, in some variations, to provide better
seals, gasket material may be provided between base plate 132 and
panels 125a and 125b, between base bracket 130 and panels 125a and
125b, between the various panels and the surfaces of side brackets
140a and 140b to which they are attached, and/or between panels
135a and 135b and surfaces of upper brackets 155a and 155 to which
they attach. In addition, gasket material may be provided in the
various bracket slots that receive and secure the edges of mirrors
110a-110d in order to damp vibrations of the mirrors. The provision
of gasket material at these various locations may also prevent
contact between dissimilar materials that could result in
corrosion.
[0125] Gasket-like or similarly suitable material may be provided
in other solar energy collectors disclosed herein at locations
corresponding to or similar to those described with respect to
solar energy collector 100, as well as at any other suitable
location. The use of such gasket-like materials is not required,
however.
Storm Cover
[0126] Solar energy collectors as disclosed herein may include in
some variations a removable impact resistant storm cover such as
storm cover 160 shown in various figures. As explained above, storm
cover 160 is removed during operation but may be installed to
protect components of a solar energy collector from storms or other
inclement weather. The use of storm covers is not required with
solar energy collectors disclosed herein, however.
[0127] Storm covers such as storm cover 160 may be made, for
example, from aluminum sheet, from impact resistant plastic, or
from any other suitable material. Storm covers may be sized, for
example, to fit an individual solar energy collector. Where several
(e.g., 2, 3) solar energy collectors are joined together to form a
section, in some variations the storm cover is sized to fit the
entire section. In other variations, such a joined section may be
covered using two or more separate storm covers or a multi-piece
storm cover. For example, a section of three solar energy
collectors may be covered, in some variations, using three storm
covers (or a storm cover having three pieces) each the length of a
single solar energy collector.
[0128] Storm covers may be attached to solar energy collectors by
any suitable method. In variations shown in several of the figures,
a storm cover is attached to a solar energy collector by C-shaped
clips 165 which engage a top surface of the storm cover and also
engage a portion of the solar energy collector housing (e.g., a
surface on an upper bracket as described above and shown in various
figures) to clamp the storm cover to the housing. The use of such
clips may allow easy and rapid installation of the storm covers.
Clips having other shapes may also be used in some variations. In
some variations Z-shaped clips may be used. Such Z-shaped clips may
secure a storm cover to a collector in a similar manner to C-shaped
clips, and in addition provide a lever-arm (bottom of the Z) which
may be used to easily disengage the clip. In another variation,
shown in FIG. 12, a storm cover 160 is attached to a housing 105
via suitable fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) that pass through
the storm cover to engage portions of upper brackets 155a and 155b.
In yet other variations, storm covers may be attached to solar
energy collectors using snaps, hook and eye connectors, wire, or
cords.
[0129] Removable storm covers as describe herein, and variations
thereof, may also be advantageously used with other solar energy
collectors known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example,
storm covers may be installed over trough collectors, dish
collectors, or the mirrors in mirror arrays to protect mirrors and
other components from inclement weather.
Ganging
[0130] As noted earlier in this detailed description, in some
variations individual solar energy collectors may joined together
to form sections of two, three, or more solar energy collectors.
The sections may then be coupled together to form rows. It is not
required that the disclosed solar energy collectors be joined in
this manner, however.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 13A, in some variations two solar energy
collectors 100 are joined by a joiner 1305 to form a section. The
ends of the section are formed by end caps 180, through which heat
collector 115 either protrudes or may be accessed. FIG. 13B
similarly shows three solar energy collectors 100 joined by two
joiners 1305 to form a section. In the illustrated variations,
joiner 1305 is a sheet metal bracket that hooks or otherwise
engages upper edges of two collector housings at or near the joint
between them and runs beneath the collectors to support the joint.
In some variations joiner 1305 may be attached to the housings
using conventional fasteners, for example.
[0132] Although the illustrated variations employ joiner 1305, any
suitable flange, bracket, joiner, or joining method may be used to
join the disclosed solar energy collectors together.
Mounting
[0133] In some variations, individual solar energy collectors
and/or sections of joined solar energy collectors may be pivotably
mounted so that, for example, they may track the sun or be oriented
in an optimal stationary position for collecting solar radiation.
The solar energy collectors may be, for example, ground mounted or
mounted on building roof tops.
[0134] Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, for example, in some variations
a solar energy collector such as solar energy collector 100 (or a
joined section of solar energy collectors) is pivotably mounted
with pivot assembly 1400 supported by support stand 1415. In the
illustrated variation, pivot assembly 1400 comprises flanges 1405
and bearing assembly 1410. Flanges 1405, which are pivotably
coupled to bearing assembly 1410, attach to end caps 180 of the
solar energy collectors. Heat collector tube 115, located in this
variation on or approximately on the rotational axis of solar
energy collector 100, passes through the centers of flanges 1405
and bearing assembly 1410 to run between the solar energy
collectors coupled by pivot assembly 1400. In some variations,
bearing assembly 1410 is a split assembly with a top portion that
may be removed to allow the solar energy collectors to be
mounted.
[0135] Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15B, in some variations support
stand 1415 can interchangeably accept a foot 1505 adapted for
mounting on a roof top or other hard and flat surface, or a foot
1510 more suitable for ground mounting. Transversally extended foot
1505 may be bolted to a roof or other hard surface, for example.
Post-like foot 1510 may be, for example, secured in a hole 1515 in
the ground 1520 using concrete, gravel, or any other suitable
material. FIGS. 16A-16B show views of a solar energy collector
mounted on a roof or other hard surface using foot 1505. FIGS.
17A-17B show views of a solar energy collector mounted with a foot
1505 to a (concrete or wood, for example) pier 1705 set in the
ground 1710.
[0136] Other methods of pivotably mounting solar energy collectors
may also be used. For example, FIG. 18 shows a variation in which a
support cradle 1810 connected to a mounting flange 18 runs the
length of and supports the bottom of housing 1805.
[0137] As another example, FIG. 19 shows a variation in which a
solar energy collector 1900 comprises mirrors 1910a and 1910b
disposed in a housing 1905 to concentrate solar energy on a heat
collector 1915 supported by a stanchion 1917. Housing 1905 is
mounted on a pivotable horizontal support bar 1920 with which solar
energy collector 1900 may be pivoted. In some variations, heat
collector 1915 is in fluid communication with the interior of
horizontal support bar 1920 via stanchion 1917. In such variations
horizontal support bar 1920 may store working fluid heated by heat
collector 1915.
[0138] Generally, any suitable method of pivotably mounting a solar
energy collector may be used with the solar energy collectors
disclosed herein. However, in some variations solar energy
collectors disclosed herein may be operated with out need for
pivoting. Hence pivotal mounting is not required.
Additional Example Solar Energy Collectors
[0139] FIGS. 20A-20C show another example solar energy collector,
solar trough 2000. Trough 2000 tracks the movement of the sun,
includes protection from storms and features removable reflectors
for maintenance. The trough is designed to focus and direct the
sun's radiant energy into a heat collector tube that heats a fluid
which is then used to create steam. The steam can be used for
electricity, desalination, absorption cooling for HVAC and
refrigeration, electrolysis, reformation, and hot water.
[0140] The trough collects the radiant energy generated by the sun
and reflects the heat and light off removable reflectors into a
heat collector tube to heat a heat transfer fluid. The heat
transfer fluid is circulated in the heat collector tube and attains
temperatures as high as about 400.degree. F., more generally in the
range from about 100.degree. F. to about 550.degree. F.
[0141] The trough has a protective lens (transparent cover)
enclosing the system and protecting against the corrosion of
interior metals, and other environmental ill-effects. On either
side of the upper exterior housing of the trough, horizontally
placed rails (upper brackets or rails) run the length of the
trough. The rails are used to fasten an impact resistant lens
shield (storm cover) to protect against storm damage.
[0142] The trough system is mounted on top of a horizontal support
bar. This support bar can pivot from a 0 degree plane to a 270
degree plane moving the entire trough to track the position of the
sun as well as to store the trough in a lens facing earth position
to protect against storm damage.
[0143] In the interior of the housing, four removable reflectors
are secured by clips (slotted brackets or rails) which hold a
parabolic reflector metal in place and focuses the solar heat and
light at the heat collector tube. The removable reflectors can be
replaced for efficient long term operation of the trough.
[0144] The heat collector tube is located in the center of the
trough and is supported by stanchions. Stanchions are evenly placed
though the horizontal length of the trough. This trough system may
be ideally suited for use in tropical and coastal applications. The
trough may be used in a single stand alone fashion or in concert
with other troughs in a variety of configurations.
[0145] The trough may be cheaper to manufacture, easier to
assemble, and more cost effective to maintain the conventional
solar energy collectors.
[0146] The trough is formed in a "U" shape and has a clear lens
2034 (transparent cover) over the internal housing 2020 opening
allowing for solar heat and light to enter the trough but keeping
moisture, salt, dust, and other unwanted environmental factors out.
The upward position of the trough is facing the lens 2034 towards
the direction of the sun. The downward position of the trough is
facing the lens 2034 towards the direction of the earth.
[0147] The trough is mounted on a horizontal support bar 2022 which
is designed to pivot around pivot axis 2038 counter-clockwise from
the 0 degree plane which faces the lens 2034 to the right to the
270 degrees plane which faces the lens 2034 to the ground, and
return back to the 0 degree plane moving clockwise. This allows the
trough to track the sun's position during the day and to be stored
in a face down position at night or during storms. An electric
motor and gear (not shown) turns the horizontal support bar 2022.
The motor may be controlled by a direct digital software program
working in cooperation with a protocol designed to calculate the
suns position relative to date and time and utilizes a photovoltaic
solar panel (not shown) that actively and instantaneously reports
the intensity of the sun relative to the trough opening.
[0148] An impact resistant lens exterior rail 2040 (upper bracket
or rail) is located on the external housing 2018 near the trough
opening.
[0149] On the interior of the trough, four removable reflectors are
shaped in open faced parabolas and aimed at the heat collector tube
2012. Upper left removable reflector 2004 is held in place by
interior reflector upper clip (upper bracket or rail) 2026 and
interior reflector middle clip (side bracket or rail) 2028. Lower
left removable reflector 2006 is held in place by interior
reflector middle clip (side bracket or rail) 2028 and interior
reflector base clip (slot in base bracket) 2030. Upper right
removable reflector 2008 is held in place by interior reflector
upper clip (upper bracket or rail) 2026 and interior reflector
middle clip (side bracket or rail) 2028. Lower right removable
reflector 2010 is held in place by interior reflector middle clip
(side rail or bracket) 2028 and interior reflector base clip (slot
in base bracket) 2030. In some variations, the reflectors have a
reflectivity of greater than 89% and/or are composed of a
multi-layered composite. The reflector metal may be, for example,
about 0.5 mm in thickness.
[0150] The heat collector tube 2012 is suspended horizontally in
the trough and supported by evenly placed stanchions 2032.
Stanchions are fastened to the internal bottom of the housing. The
heat collector tube 2012 is filled with a heat transfer fluid 2014
that circulates through the trough.
[0151] In some variations, heat collector tube 2012 is in fluid
communication with the interior of the horizontal support bar 2022
via stanchions 2032. In such variations horizontal support bar 2012
may store working fluid heated by heat collector tube 2012. In
other variations heat collector tube 2012 is not in fluid
communication with horizontal support bar 2022 and heated working
fluid is not stored in horizontal support bar 2022.
[0152] Impact resistant lens shield (storm cover) 2042 may be
attached to the impact resistant lens exterior rail (upper bracket
or rail) 2040 by impact resistant lens shield fasteners 2044.
[0153] In other variations, the external housing shape can be
modified, different materials, sizes, and interconnections can be
used for all components, a fill material may be applied to the
surface of the interior housing wall behind the removable
reflectors, interior reflector middle clips (side brackets) may be
absent, and/or there may be multiple heat collector tubes in the
trough.
[0154] Referring now to FIG. 21, another example solar energy
collector 2100 comprises six mirrors 2110 disposed within a housing
2105 to concentrate solar radiation on a heat collector 2115.
Housing 2105 is supported by support bar 2120, about which solar
energy collector 2100 may pivot in some variations.
[0155] FIG. 22 shows a portable solar energy collector system 2200
comprising a solar energy collector 2210 mounted (optionally,
pivotably mounted) on a pallet or skid 2215. Solar energy collector
2210 may be, for example, one or more of any suitable solar energy
collector disclosed herein. In one variation, solar energy
collector 2210 is solar energy collector 100 (FIGS. 1A-1D) or a
modification thereof. In another variation, solar energy collector
2100 is solar energy collector 200 (FIG. 2) or a modification
thereof. In some variations, solar energy collector system 2200 may
be mounted in, shipped, and/or operated from a standard cargo
container or a modification thereof.
[0156] Portable solar energy collector system 2200 may be, for
example, transported to and installed at the proposed site for a
larger installation of solar energy collectors. At the site,
portable solar energy collector system 2200 may be used to collect
performance data (e.g., operating temperatures) with which to
evaluate the site. Such performance data may then be used to design
the proposed solar collector installation by, for example,
determining the number and/or type of solar collectors to
install.
[0157] In other variations, portable solar energy collector system
2200 may be transported to a rural location, for example, used to
produce hot air with which to dry agricultural material (e.g.,
grains, macadamia nuts, other nuts, other seeds, other biomass),
and then removed from the location when no longer needed there.
[0158] In yet other variations, portable solar energy collector
system 2200 may be used as a portable solar power source for solar
air conditioning or for making hot water for human or industrial
use. Generally, solar energy collector system 2200 may be used for
any suitable application.
Assembling One or More Solar Energy Collectors
[0159] In some variations, solar energy collectors having a length
of about 8 feet are assembled into three-collector sections having
a length of about 24 feet. The sections are then assembled into
rows. A row may have a typical length of about 168 feet (21
collectors in length, ganged into 7 sections of 3 collectors with 8
support stands) in some variations. The collectors in a row pivot
on bearings supported by stands between the sections. One, two, or
more drive motors at each end of a row may be used to pivot the
collectors to track the sun.
[0160] A method for assembling solar energy collectors to form a
row may include the following steps, though in some variations some
steps may be performed in a different order, may be performed
concurrently, or may be omitted. Assembly methods in some
variations may include additional steps, as well. To assemble a row
of one variation of a solar energy collector 100 (FIGS. 1A-1D):
[0161] 1. Begin with collector upside down (upside down "U").
[0162] Get a bottom bracket. Ensure gasket material is on bottom
bracket surface and dampening materials are on reflector holders.
[0163] Attach lower panels on bottom bracket surface using screws,
for example. [0164] Attach the base plate on top of the lower
panels using screws, for example.
[0165] 2. Flip U right side up so base plate is touching the
ground. [0166] Connect 4 stanchion rods into bottom bracket (to
support 4 heat collector tube holders). The bottom bracket is
tapped for the stanchion rods, which will screw directly into the
bottom bracket.
[0167] 3. Install 4 lower ribs per each 8' length of collector by,
for example, screwing them to the panels.
[0168] 4. Attach side brackets to lower panels [0169] Ensure gasket
material is on side bracket surface and fasten lower panel into
side bracket [0170] Ensure dampening materials are on reflector
holders.
[0171] 5. Install lower reflectors. [0172] The lower portion of the
reflector will have slotted grooves that fit around the stanchion
rods. [0173] Mold reflectors to shape of spar and attach screw-down
plate on side bracket to lock bottom reflectors in place.
[0174] 6. Attach end cover/end cap to one side of collector and
screw onto lower panels.
[0175] 7. Attach joining bracket to lower panels at other side of
collector using screws, for example
[0176] 8. Attach upper brackets to upper panels.
[0177] 9. Attach upper panels to side brackets, end cover/end cap,
and joiner bracket. [0178] Install upper ribs [0179] Install upper
reflector by inserting into upper bracket first and sliding into
side bracket. [0180] Attach screw-down plates to side brackets to
lock reflectors in place.
[0181] 10. Complete Steps 1-9 for 2 additional collectors to build
a 3 collector section.
[0182] 11. Place transparent cover (about 21 feet long) over the
collector housing, on top of gasket, and attach with upper
bracket.
[0183] 12. Lift 3 panel ganged collector onto support stands with
crane. [0184] The End Cap will sit into and on top of the support
stands.
[0185] 13. Continue until complete row is constructed (e.g., 168'
long consisting of 21-8' collectors, ganged into 7 sections of 3
panels and 8 stands).
[0186] 14. Installation of the heat collector tube [0187] For the
entire length of the row, the heat collector tube base support
bracket should be installed on top of the stanchions. [0188] The
heat collector tube is installed linearly from one end of the row
and placed on top of the brackets. [0189] The tube may have a
coupler that connects multiple lengths as necessary. In middle
stands the tube may sit in the mount. [0190] At the ends of the
rows an insulated flex hose may connect the tube to a distribution
piping systems. [0191] Once heat collector tube is installed, the
top heat collector tube bracket is secured on the stanchions and
screwed into place, securing the heat collector tube.
Applications
[0192] Solar energy collectors as disclosed herein may be used for
any suitable applications. Such applications may include, but are
not limited to, the production of hot water or steam (directly or
via heat transfer from a working fluid) and the production of hot
air or other gases.
[0193] Hot water produced with the solar energy collectors
disclosed herein may be used for example, for residential or
industrial uses. Steam produced with the solar energy collectors
may be used, for example, for generation of electricity, for
desalination, for absorption cooling for HVAC and refrigeration,
for electrolysis, for reformation, and for producing hot water. Hot
air or other gases may be used, for example, to dry agricultural
material (e.g., grains, macadamia nuts, other nuts, other seeds,
other biomass).
[0194] This invention has been described and specific examples of
the invention have been portrayed. While the invention has been
described in terms of particular variations and illustrative
figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the
invention is not limited to the variations or figures described. In
addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain
events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be
modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the
variations of the inventions. Additionally, certain of the steps
may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible,
as well as performed sequentially as described above. Therefore, to
the extent there are variations of the invention which are within
the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the inventions found
in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those
variations as well. Finally, all publications and patent
applications cited in this specification are herein incorporate by
reference in their entirely as if each individual publication or
patent application were specifically and individually put forth
herein. In particular International Patent Application Serial No.
PCT ______, filed Jun. 8, 2007, titled "Apparatus and Methods for
Concentrating Solar Power," is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety as if specifically and individually put forth
herein.
* * * * *