U.S. patent application number 13/814080 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-11 for structure with primary-reflector securing beams.
This patent application is currently assigned to ABENGOA SOLAR NEW TECHNOLOGIES, S.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is Felix Munoz Gilabert. Invention is credited to Felix Munoz Gilabert.
Application Number | 20130175229 13/814080 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45558962 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130175229 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Munoz Gilabert; Felix |
July 11, 2013 |
STRUCTURE WITH PRIMARY-REFLECTOR SECURING BEAMS
Abstract
Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector, which comprises the following essential components: at
least two components (1) located in a parallel manner, which
comprise a three-bar frame (11) in the form of an equilateral
triangle, positioned such that one of the vertices (13) thereof is
the lowest point of the structure, and which has three shorter
interior bars (12) located so as to simulate the triangle having an
inscribed hexagon, within which runs the central tube of the
structure, or torque box; two cantilever beams (2) in each triangle
with bars (1), one beam starting from one of the sides of the
triangle and the other from the other, said beams being completely
symmetrical and it being possible for said beams to be produced
from tubes or a stamped metal sheet; at least two straps (3) that
run along the structure longitudinally, i.e. parallel to the torque
box and to the absorber tube, and perpendicular to the cantilever
beams (2), joining the entire series of the two above components
(1, 2), which are repeated along the structure.
Inventors: |
Munoz Gilabert; Felix;
(Sevilla, ES) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Munoz Gilabert; Felix |
Sevilla |
|
ES |
|
|
Assignee: |
ABENGOA SOLAR NEW TECHNOLOGIES,
S.A.
Sevilla
ES
|
Family ID: |
45558962 |
Appl. No.: |
13/814080 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
August 4, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ES2011/000257 |
371 Date: |
March 25, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/13.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 25/13 20180501;
Y02E 10/47 20130101; F24S 25/10 20180501; F24S 23/74 20180501; Y02E
10/40 20130101; F24S 25/30 20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/13.1 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/52 20060101
F24J002/52 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 5, 2010 |
ES |
P201001025 |
Claims
1. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector, characterized in that it comprises the following
essential components: At least two components (1) located in a
parallel manner, which comprise a three-bar frame (11) in the form
of an equilateral triangle, positioned such that one of the
vertices (13) thereof is the lowest point of the structure and
which has three shorter interior bars (12) located so as to
simulate the triangle having an inscribed hexagon, within which
runs the central tube of the structure o torque box; two cantilever
beams (2) in each triangle with bars (1), a beam starts from one of
the sides of the triangle and the other beam from the other, being
completely symmetrical; at least two straps (3) that run along the
structure longitudinally, i.e. parallel to the torque box and to
the absorber tube, and perpendicular to the cantilever beams (2),
joining the entire series of the two above components (1, 2), which
are repeated along the structure.
2. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 1 characterized in that the cantilever
beams (2) are made from steel rectangular tube profiles.
3. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 2 characterized in that two tubes (21,
22) are used for producing each beam (2).
4. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 3 characterized in that the tubes (21,
22) have different lengths.
5. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 4 characterized in that the shorter
tube (21) is joined to the triangular component (1) by one of its
upper vertices (14) and runs at a certain angle until the other
extremity reaches a higher position.
6. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 5 characterized in that the longer
tube (22) starts at the lowest vertex (13) of the triangular
component (1) and ends in what constitutes the highest point of the
entire structure, there being a junction, at an intermediate point
of its length, securing the extremity of the shorter tube (21) onto
it.
7. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 1 characterized in that the cantilever
beams (2) are produced from stamped metal sheet (23).
8. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 7 characterized in that the securing
to the triangle of the cantilever beam (2) is carried out with
rivets or an equivalent fastening mean along the entire side of the
pertinent triangle (11).
9. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 8 characterized in that the metal
sheet forming the cantilever beam is provided with a series of
bores or gaps (24) calculated so as to minimize the weight of the
structure and to reduce the wind loads.
10. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 1 characterized in that the triangular
component with interior bars (1) is built using hot-rolled
angles.
11. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 1 characterized in that the
longitudinal straps (3) are made from cold-rolled "C"-profiles.
12. Structure with primary-reflector securing beams for a solar
collector according to claim 1 characterized in that a series of
staples (31) are placed on the straps (3) for securing the mirrors
that make up the primary reflector, forming thus a spatial
structure that supports the mirrored parabola.
Description
TECHNICAL SECTOR OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is framed within the sector of solar
collectors, more specifically it relates to structures that are
used for fastening the reflectors (mirrors) and the receptors, in
charge of concentrating solar radiation, especially in
cylindrical-parabolic collectors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Electric power production plants based on solar radiation
can use various types of solar collectors (cylindrical parabolic
collectors, Stirling disc, central towers with heliostats, Fresnel
collectors, etc.) and all of them require supporting structures for
the mirrors in charge of concentrating the solar radiation.
[0003] Said structures, generally, further posses a device known as
solar tracker that enables them to orient themselves towards the
sun, which leads to obtaining high performances.
[0004] The invention claimed hereby, makes reference to the
supporting structure of the solar collector module, the solar
tracker, which can be subsequently coupled thereon, not being an
object of the invention.
[0005] Many of the inventions of the state of the art describe
lattice structures that support collectors of the
cylindrical-parabolic type. Cylindrical-parabolic collectors in
order to collect power from the sun use mirrors with a
cylindrical-parabolic shape. A pipe or collector tube that receives
the concentrated rays from the sun and where the fluid is heated
passes through the focus of the parabola. Once the fluid is heated,
which reaches temperatures close to 400.degree. C., if said fluid
is vapor it is sent to a turbine for producing electricity or in
some cases to an overheating stage for its ulterior passing through
the turbine. If we count with another type of heat-transfer fluids
that at said temperature are not in a vapor phase, then they are
sent to a heat interchanger for producing thereof.
[0006] The structures that support these collectors are formed by a
series of beams, arms and connections between them, being the
beams, those components serving as a support for the central
structure or torque box. These beams are subjected to a great
torque and bending stress, and are normally very long, which causes
problems due to the flexure it produces and in addition, it
complicates their transport to the plant to an important
extent.
[0007] Within the most current state of the art regarding the
support structures of solar collectors modules are, for instance,
document PCT/ES2009/070430 (the references relate to said
document), which describes an improved structure applicable to
cylindrical-parabolic collectors of solar energy, comprising:
modules (2) supported by troughs (3), with mirrors (4) supported on
a beam (5) or torque-transmitting cylinder, forming a parabola
whose focal point crosses the absorbing tube (6). The supports (9)
of the absorbing tube (6) on the collector module (2) or on the
troughs (3) are able to slide, and enable the axle (8) or
torque-transmitting cylinder to move longitudinally.
[0008] Document WO 2010/055397 (the references relate to said
document) describes a cylindrical-parabolic solar concentrator,
which is supported by two towers (12) in charge of supporting the
tube (13), tube that can be rotated axially by means of a motor.
The supporting structure is provided with a series of ribs (14),
which are fixed transversely to the tube (13) and with a base (17)
that attaches the mirror (15) to said ribs (14). Both the base (17)
and the ribs (14) are made of composite materials and have the same
thermal expansion coefficient. The ribs are designed with a series
of concavities and convexities to achieve the intended stiffness.
Each one of the arms or ribs (14) is composed by two half-ribs (18)
which end in a seat with a rounded shape (19) inside which the tube
(13) is placed, screwing then, both half ribs.
[0009] Still another invention, by way of example, can be found in
document ES2274710 (the references relate to said document) wherein
a holding arm is described, a support of a cylindrical-parabolic
solar collector, and a process for manufacturing said arm. The arm
is shaped to be coupled to a central body (1) of the collector by
way of corbel, in a substantially perpendicular direction to a
focal line (2) of the collector, having said arm a wedge shape,
which has: a first side (10) provided with a supporting device (11)
for supporting at least one mirror (3); a second side (20); a third
side (30) provided with supporting devices (31) so the arm is
supported by the central body (1). The arm is formed by at least
one stamped metal sheet shaped to obtain a resistant structure to
provide stiffness and carrying capacity by means of a plurality of
ribs (42) that form a lattice structure that has a plurality of
laminated portions (41) between said ribs.
[0010] In view of the described state of the art and many more
existing developments thereof, the objective of the invention
claimed hereby is to provide a structure, that like the previous
ones, serves as the support of a solar collector module of a
cylindrical-parabolic type, having a series of characteristics that
make it substantially different from the known structures in the
state of the art, bringing significant advantages both regarding
the structural resistance, and the easiness and cost reduction in
the transport and assembly thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The invention consists of a structure with supporting beams
of the primary reflector. The structure defines the support for a
cylindrical-parabolic solar collector module.
[0012] Two alternative structures are going to be analyzed. In both
of them the philosophy is the same and the components are all
ordinary, the only variant being the geometry of the supporting
beams. [0013] Triangular component with bars simulating an
inscribed hexagon: the first of the essential components of the
structure is composed of a three-bar frame in the form of an
equilateral triangle, positioned such that one of the vertices
thereof is the lowest point of the structure. This triangle is
provided with three interior bars with a shorter length located so
as to simulate the triangle having an inscribed hexagon. This
"inscribed hexagon" is designed so that within it runs the central
tube of the structure or torque box, in charge of supporting and
transmitting the torque and bending stress, which the collector is
subjected to and whose design is not an object of this invention.
Generally, all of this is built using hot-rolled angles. This first
component will be repeated several times along the entire length of
the structure and in a parallel way. [0014] Cantilever beams:
besides the triangle with the three interior bars simulating an
inscribed hexagon, there is a second essential component in the
structure like two cantilever beams in each triangle with bars. One
beam starts from one of the sides of the triangle and the other
form the other. They are completely symmetrical and replace the
lattice structures typical in the state of the art. This cantilever
beams can be made from two rectangular steel tube profiles or from
stamped steel sheet. One option or the other will be selected
depending on which will be more adequate for each case, always
seeking the optimal thickness, based on the calculations of maximum
stress, lineal buckling and deformations, that are made for each
project. [0015] Longitudinal straps: the third essential component
of the structure are a series of straps formed by "C" profiles,
usually cold-rolled, which run along the structure longitudinally,
i.e., parallel to the torque box and to the absorber tube and
perpendicular to the cantilever beams. These straps join the entire
series of the two above components, which are repeated along the
structure; the triangle with the three bars that simulate an
inscribed hexagon and; the cantilever beams, given that, depending
on the length of the cylindrical-parabolic collector to be
supported, more or less number of components will be employed. On
the straps a series of staples are placed for securing the mirrors
that make up the primary reflector, forming thus a spatial
structure that supports the mirrored parabola.
[0016] These essential characteristics of the new structure solve
the problems existing to date in an efficient and economical
manner, in terms of torque, bending stress, wind loads and assembly
of the structure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In order to complete the description being made, and with
the aim of gaining a better understanding of the invention, a set
of drawings is attached, wherein in an illustrative rather than
limitative manner, the following has been represented:
[0018] FIG. 1: perspective view of the structure with beams made
from tubes
[0019] FIG. 2: Front view of the structure with beams made from
tubes
[0020] FIG. 3: Perspective view of the structure with beams made
from metal sheets
[0021] FIG. 4: Front view of the structure with beams made from
metal sheets
[0022] FIG. 5: Plan views of the structure
[0023] The references of the figures represent:
[0024] 1. Triangular component with bars simulating an inscribed
hexagon
[0025] 2. Cantilever beams
[0026] 3. Longitudinal straps
[0027] 11. Bars forming the triangle
[0028] 12. Bars simulating the inscribed hexagon
[0029] 13. Lower vertex of the triangle
[0030] 14. Upper vertices of the triangle
[0031] 21. Short rectangular tube made of steel
[0032] 22. Long rectangular tube made of steel
[0033] 23. Stamped metal sheet
[0034] 24. Gaps
[0035] 31. Staples
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0036] In order to gain a better understating of the invention, the
solar collector module according to a preferred embodiment will be
described below.
[0037] In FIGS. 1-2 can be observed a preferred embodiment of the
invention, wherein the cantilever beams are built using profiles of
steel rectangular tubes.
[0038] In FIG. 1 a perspective view of the invention assembly is
shown. In this figure, it can be observed a complete structure
ready to support a cylindrical-parabolic collector. The structure
is formed by eight triangular components with bars simulating an
inscribed hexagon (1), all of them positioned in a parallel manner
one to another and within which the central tube or torque box (not
represented) would be supported, for which any geometry is
possible. The structure is also provided with a series of
cantilever beams (2). On either side of each of the triangular
component with bars (1) is secured a cantilever beam (2). In the
first preferred embodiment, these beams (2) are built using
profiles of steel rectangular tubes. The third components that
appear represented in FIG. 1 are the longitudinal straps (3). In
the case of this preferred embodiment, eight are the number of
straps (3) represented. All of them run longitudinally along the
structure, i.e., would run parallel to the torque box and the
absorber tube (not represented) and perpendicular to the cantilever
beams (2). These straps join the entire series of the above
components, which are repeated along the structure in parallel: the
triangle with the bars simulating an inscribed hexagon (1) and the
cantilever beams (2). A series of staples (31) are placed on the
straps, for securing the mirrored parabola composing the primary
reflector (not represented).
[0039] In FIG. 2 is represented a front view of the structure. In
that figure it can be clearly appreciated the first essential
components (1) of the structure. It is composed of a three-bar
frame (11) in the form of an equilateral triangle, positioned such
that one of the vertices (13) thereof is the lowest point of the
structure. This triangle is provided with three shorter interior
bars (12) located so as to simulate the triangle having an
inscribed hexagon. This "inscribed hexagon" is designed in such a
way that the central tube of the structure o torque box, not
represented in the figure, runs within it. In this preferred
embodiment, all the bars are produced from hot-rolled angles. The
cantilever beams (2) are supported on the vertices (13, 14) of the
triangular component. In the case of this first preferred
embodiment the beams are formed by two tubes with different lengths
(21, 22). The shorter tube (21) is joined to the triangular
component (1) by one of its upper vertices (14) and runs at a
certain angle until the other extremity reaches a higher position.
This extremity of the shorter tube is joined to an intermediate
point of the longer tube (22). The longer tube (22) starts from the
lower vertex (13) of the triangular component (1) and finishes in
what constitutes the higher point of the entire structure. At an
intermediate point of its length, a junction secures onto it, the
extremity of the shorter tube (21). On the other side of the
triangular component with bars (1) a cantilever beam (2) is
installed, which is identical to the one described previously, in
such a way that the structure is completely symmetrical.
[0040] In FIGS. 3-4 a preferred embodiment of the invention is
observed, wherein the cantilever beams are made from stamped metal
sheet profiles, in this particular case, steel stamped metal
sheet.
[0041] In FIG. 3 is shown a perspective view of the complete
structure. The structure is equivalent to the previous structure,
with eight triangular components with bars (1), each one of them
holding two symmetrical cantilever beams (2), only that this time
in stamped metal sheet and eight longitudinal straps (3) that join
the entire series of the above components and on which a number of
staples (31) are placed, which will be the ones supporting the
parabola of mirrors that make up the primary reflector.
[0042] In FIG. 4 these beams made from steel metal sheet can be
seen in more detail. The triangular component (1) formed by three
bars (11) and with three interior bars (12) simulating an inscribed
hexagon is exactly identical to the one described in the previous
embodiment. The difference being that the cantilever beams, which
are secured onto the triangle, are this time formed by a stamped
steel metal sheet (23). The securing to the triangle is carried out
with rivets or an equivalent fastening system along the entire side
of the pertinent triangle (11), not only at the vertices, like in
the previous case. The metal sheet in addition is provided with a
series of bores or the metal sheet forming the cantilever beam is
provided with a series of bores or gaps (24) calculated so as to
minimize the weight of the structure and to reduce the wind loads
(24).
[0043] In FIG. 5 a plan view of the structure is shown, being the
same for both types of embodiments. In this figure, the number of
triangular components with bars (1) and cantilever beams (2) with
which is provided this preferred embodiment (namely eight), can be
seen more clearly, as well as all the distance the longitudinal
straps (3) cover, joining together all the aforementioned parallel
components.
[0044] The described structure with cantilever beams is specially
designed for its application in cylindrical-parabolic collectors,
but its extension to other field of the industry requiring similar
characteristics is not ruled out.
* * * * *