WO2018151652A1

WO2018151652A1 - Attachment hub for parabolic solar collector and methods of transport of a parabolic solar collector

Info

Publication number: WO2018151652A1
Application number: PCT/SE2018/050141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Weber; Lennart ÅKERLUND; Roger SJÖQVIST
Original assignee: CLEANERGY AB
Current assignee: CLEANERGY AB
Priority date: 2017-02-14
Filing date: 2018-02-14
Publication date: 2018-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2019-08-14
Also published as: SE1750134A1; SE540859C2

Abstract

A boom hub for a concentrated solar power assembly, the boom hub being adapted to connect a boom of a parabolic solar power assembly to a plurality of supporting members extending from a parabolic solar collector towards the boom, wherein a lateral region of the boom hub is provided with an opening for receiving a fixing device.

Description

ATTACHMENT HUB FOR PARABOLIC SOLAR COLLECTOR AND METHODS OF TRANSPORT OF A PARABOLIC SOLAR COLLECTOR

FIELD

[0001] The present invention pertains to the field concentrated solar power assemblies and in particular to concentrated solar power assemblies comprising a solar collector, a boom and a boom hub provided with an opening for receiving a fixing device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Concentrated solar power (CSP) systems generate solar power by using mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight, or solar thermal energy, onto a small area. Energy from the concentrated area can be thereafter converted to electrical energy via an energy conversion unit, for example steam engines and Stirling engines.

[0003] In systems comprising a parabolic reflector a single parabolic reflector focuses solar thermal energy toward a focal point. Parabolic reflector systems comprise a large parabolic mirror mounted to a vertical support. A boom is generally provided extending from the vicinity of the parabolic mirror towards the focal point of the parabolic mirror. The boom generally supports both the parabolic mirror and the energy conversion unit.

[0004] The size of the parabolic mirror varies depending on the application but may be very large. For example, dishes could be 5-10 m or more in diameter. The size and weight of the parabolic mirror and boom system makes installation and maintenance of the system complex and costly.

[0005] Traditionally cranes and general lifting jigs and arrangements have been used to manoeuvre the solar collector, or concentrated solar power assembly in to place. These systems and methods are not ideal as control over the movement of the collector is complex.

[0006] In light of these drawbacks a system, device or method having an increased efficiency and reduced installation and maintenance cost/complexity is desirable.

SUMMARY

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention preferably seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination and solves at least the above mentioned problems by providing a boom hub for a concentrated solar power system, the boom hub being adapted to connect a boom of a parabolic solar collector to a plurality of supporting members extending from the parabolic solar collector towards the boom, wherein a lateral region of the boom hub is provided with an opening for receiving a fixing device.

[0008] A concentrated solar power assembly is provided.

[0009] A method of erecting a solar power assembly is provided.

[0010] A method of transporting a solar power assembly is also provided.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the enclosed claim set. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These and other aspects, features and advantages of which the invention is capable, will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a concentrated solar power assembly, comprising a boom hub according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective elevated view of a concentrated solar power assembly comprising a boom hub according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a section of a concentrated solar power assembly, showing a boom hub according to the invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a connecting member of a boom hub according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] For a further understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figures 1 shows a concentrated solar power assembly 1 comprising a parabolic solar collector 100. The concentrated solar power system 1 further comprises a boom 300 and a boom hub 200. The parabolic solar collector is provided with a plurality of members 115 extending from the parabolic solar collector 100 towards the boom 300. The boom hub 200 is adapted to connect the plurality of members 115 to the boom 300. The boom hub is provided with an opening 201 at a lateral region 202 for receiving a fixing device. Due to the opening the present concentrated solar power assembly 1 is easier to install and manoeuvre than existing systems. By providing the boom hub 200 with a specific opening 201 for receiving a fixing device the concentrated solar power assembly 1 is much easier to move, lift, transport etc. As the boom hub is a structurally integral member to the concentrated solar power assembly 1 it is an ideal single point to which the fixing device can be attached.

[0015] The parabolic solar collector 100 is a substantially paraboloid member having a central inner vertex (which may also be called an apex) 111. The parabolic solar collector 100 may comprise a plurality of individual curved elements 112 arranged in concentric rings forming the paraboloid. This simplifies manufacturing and transport of the solar collector 100. The parabolic solar collector 100 may also be provided with a frame to which the individual elements 112 are attached. The frame increases the structural integrity of the solar collector 110. The parabolic solar collector 110 also comprises a perimeter 113, that is, the circumferential edge of the paraboloid. As described above, the parabolic solar collector 100 focus light incident to the inner surface of the parabolic solar collector 100 at a focal point F. The focal point F may be along the normal line to the vertex 11. That is, the focal point F may be along the line perpendicular to a tangential line to the vertex 111. However, by adjusting the angle of mirrors of the parabolic solar collector 100 the location of the focal point F may be adjusted. It need not be at a point along the normal line to the vertex 111.

[0016] The opening 201 at the boom hub 200 is provided at a lateral region 202 of the boom hub 200. The lateral region may be a lateral plate. The boom hub 200 may comprise two lateral regions 202, 203. Each of the lateral regions may be lateral plates. The lateral regions 202, 203 may be opposing such that they are parallel and aligned. Each of the lateral regions 202, 203 may be positioned lateral to the central axis of boom 300. The central axis of the boom 300 is the longitudinal axis of extension of the boom 300 extending substantially from the boom hub 200 to a distal end 301 of the boom 300.

[0017] The opening 201 receives a fixing device. In traditional concentrating solar power assemblies, a crane is used to hoist the system in to place. The crane needs to connect to various points on the parabolic solar reflector and boom, for example with straps and hooks etc. However, the assembly is subsequently difficult to manoeuvre as there are numerous non-rigid connectors. The provision of an opening 201 for receiving a fixing device at the boom hub 200 enables rigid and secure engagement between a fixing device and the boom hub 200. As will be further discussed below, the boom hub 200 is a structural connecting member for the parabolic solar collector 100 and boom 300 assembly. Therein, the provision of an opening 201 at the boom hub 200 enables rigid and secure engagement between a fixing device and the solar collector 100 and boom 300 assembly.

[0018] A second opening (not shown in the figures) may be provided in the second lateral region 203 of the boom hub 200. The second opening may be parallel and aligned with the first opening 201. The openings may be connected by a connecting member 204 forming a sleeve between the first 201 and second opening. The connecting member 204 extends transversally in the boom hub 200. The connecting member 204 may have an internal cross-section matching the shape of the opening. Such an internal connecting member provides improved engagement between the boom hub and the fixing device. The internal member may also form an axis of rotation, around which the parabolic solar collector 100 and boom 300 may rotate with respect to the support 120. For example, during tracking of the sun during daytime. The connecting member 204 may be fixed at either a first end, second end or both first and second ends to the lateral regions 202, 203 of the boom hub 200.

[0019] The opening is an aperture in the boom hub 200. The opening is defined by at least one edge. The at least one edge defines the shape of the opening. The opening 201 is shaped such that the boom hub 200 and the fixing device are engageable such that rotation of the boom hub 200 with respect to the fixing device is hindered. At least a portion of the opening 201 may be provided with a straight edge. This enables the opening to easily lock together with the fixing device. If the opening was circular, that is, did not comprise a portion having a straight edge, then the parabolic solar collector 100 and boom 300 may be liable to rotate around the fixing device during installation. An opening 201 provided with at least a portion having a straight edge means that the boom hub 200 cannot rotate around the fixing device. In Figures 1-3, the opening 201 is shown as being a rectangular opening, that is an opening having four straight edges and four internal angles of 90°. The opening may be triangular, such that the opening has three straight edges. Other forms of the opening are possible provided they limit or hinder the potential of rotation of the boom hub 200 with respect to the fixing device. For example, the opening may be elliptical. In order to limit rotation, the opening may not be circular.

[0020] The boom hub 200 acts as a structural connecting member for connecting the parabolic solar collector 100 to the boom 300. The parabolic solar collector 100 is provided with a plurality of supporting elements 115 extending from the parabolic solar collector 100 towards the boom 300. The plurality of supporting elements 115 may form tensile supporting members. The plurality of supporting elements 115 connect to the boom hub 200. Therein, the boom hub 200 is connected to the parabolic solar collector 100. Each of the plurality of supporting members may connect at a first end to the solar collector 100. A second end of each of the plurality of supporting members may connect to the boom hub 200. The plurality of supporting elements 115 may extend from, and may be connected to, the frame of the parabolic solar collector 100.

[0021] As is shown in Figure 1, the boom hub 200 is also connected to the boom 300. The boom hub 200 is positioned between the solar collector 100 and the boom 300. The boom extends from the boom hub 200 in a direction distal to the solar collector 100. The boom 300 may comprise, such as be formed by, a longitudinal lattice framework.

[0022] The boom 300 may extend substantially along the axis formed between the vertex 111 of the parabolic solar collector 100, and the focal point F. The boom 300 need not be fully aligned with the axis formed between the axis 111 and the focal point F. As is shown in Figure 2 the boom 300 may extend from the boom hub 200 at a slight acute angle with respect to the axis formed between the vertex 111 and the focal point F. This reduces the impact that the members of the boom have on the sunlight reaching the focal point F.

[0023] The boom hub 200, and more specifically the opening 201 for receiving the fixing device may be provided at a point in the vicinity of the centre of mass of the parabolic solar collector 100 and boom 100 assembly. This means that the boom does not tend to rotate when it is being moved in to position by the fixing device.

[0024] The boom hub 200 may act as an element connecting the solar collector 100 and boom 300 to a support 120.

[0025] The support 120 is a structure for supporting the solar collector 100 and boom 300 during use. The support 120 ensures that the solar collector 100 and boom 300 is maintained erect. As the solar collector 100 and the boom 300 are quite large as disclosed previously, the support 120 needs to be sufficiently strong to support the solar collector 100 and boom 300 assembly.

[0026] At the distal end 301 of the boom, at the focal point F, an energy converter may be provided. The energy converter may be used to convert solar thermal energy to electrical energy. The solar energy converter may be for example a Stirling engine. The distal end 301 of the boom 300, at the focal point F, may be provided with a solar receiver, not being an energy converter. The solar receiver receives solar energy and may for example, heat a heat transfer fluid which can be later used for electrical energy generation.

[0027] The fixing device forms an attachment between a device for manoeuvring the parabolic solar collector 100 and boom 300 and the boom hub 200. The fixing device has an external shape matching the opening 201 present in the boom hub 200. For example, if the opening 201 in the boom hub 200 is rectangular then the fixing device is also rectangular such that it mates with the opening 201. The fixing device may be considered a male member. The opening 201 may be considered a female member. The fixing device may be connectable to a telescopic handler, or elevator unit, such as crane, or forklift, or lift in general. The fixing device can therein be used to interconnect the boom hub 200 to a lifting device. The fixing device may also be fixed at a first end to a transport unit, such as a truck bed. In such a way the fixing device forms a rigid connection between a transport unit and the boom hub 200.

[0028] A method for erecting a concentrated solar power assembly 1 will now be described. The erected concentrated solar power assembly 1 comprises a solar collector, such as a parabolic solar collector 100, a boom 300, and a boom hub 200 adapted to connect the boom 300 to a plurality of supporting members 115 extending from the solar collector towards the boom 300. Prior to the erection the solar collector and boom 300 may be separate and not yet assembled, or connected together. The boom hub 200 is connected to at least the boom 300, or the parabolic solar collector 100. A lateral region 202 of the boom hub 200 is provided with an opening for receiving a fixing device. The method comprises receiving in the opening 201 a fixing device forming a rigid connection between the boom hub 200 and the fixing device; moving the solar power assembly from a fist transport position, to a second erected position via the fixing device. The fixing device may be connected at a first end to a lifting unit, such as a crane. The boom hub 200 and the lifting unit are therein in rigid connection. The moving of the solar power assembly may comprise moving the solar power assembly in, and/or around, at least three separate axes. Such movement would not be possible, or would at least be extremely complex, without the rigid connection between the lifting unit and the boom hub. The method may comprise receiving the fixing device at a point near the centre of mass of the solar power assembly. Aspects of the above method may clearly be suitable for lowering or de-constructing the concentrated solar power assembly 1. For example, the solar power assembly 1 may be moved from a first erected position, to a second transport position via the fixing device.

[0029] A method of transporting a concentrated solar power assembly 1 will now be described. The concentrated solar power assembly 1 comprises a solar collector, such as a parabolic solar collector 100, a boom 300, and a boom hub 200 adapted to connect the boom 300 to a plurality of supporting members 115 extending from the solar collector towards the boom 300. During transport the solar collector and boom 300 may be separate and not yet assembled, or connected together. The boom hub 200 is connected to at least the boom 300, or the parabolic solar collector 100. The method comprises receiving in the opening 201 of the boom hub 200 a fixing device; transporting the concentrated solar power assembly 1 from a first location, to a second location via a transport device. Wherein the fixing device is fixed, or fixable, at a first end to the transport device, such as a bed of a truck. A rigid connection is formed between the boom hub 200 and the fixing device.

[0030] In the claims, the term "comprises/comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may be implemented by e.g. a single unit or processor. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms "a", "an", "first", "second" etc. do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A boom hub (200) for a concentrated solar power assembly (1), the boom hub (200) being adapted to connect a boom (300) of a parabolic solar power assembly (1) to a plurality of supporting members (115) extending from a parabolic solar collector (100) towards the boom (300), wherein a lateral region (202) of the boom hub (200) is provided with an opening (201) for receiving a fixing device.

2. The boom hub (200) according to claim 1, wherein the opening (201) is shaped such that the boom hub (200) and the fixing device are engageable such that rotation of the boom hub (200) with respect to the fixing device is hindered.

3. The boom hub (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening (201) is provided at a position at the boom hub (200) in the vicinity of the centre of the mass of a parabolic solar concentrator (100) and boom (300).

4. The boom hub according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the opening (201) is non-circular.

5. The boom hub according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the boom hub (200) is provided with a second opening (201), at a second lateral region (203) of the boom hub (200), wherein the second opening is parallel and aligned with the first opening (201).

6. A concentrated solar power assembly (1) comprising a parabolic solar collector (100), a boom (300), and a boom hub (200) according to any of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method for erecting or lowering a concentrated solar power assembly (1), the solar power assembly comprising, in an erected state, a solar collector, a boom (300) and a boom hub (200) adapted to connect the boom (300) to a plurality of supporting members (115) extending from the solar collector towards the boom (300), wherein a lateral region (202) of the boom hub (200) is provided with an opening for receiving a fixing device, said method comprising: receiving in the opening (201) a fixing device forming a rigid connection between the boom hub (200) and the fixing device; and, moving the solar power assembly (1) from a first transport position, to a second erected position via the fixing device; or, moving the solar power assembly (1) from a first erected position, to a second transport position via the fixing device.

8. A method for transporting a concentrated solar power assembly (1) comprising, a solar collector, such as a parabolic solar collector (100), a boom (300), and a boom hub (200) adapted to connect the boom (300) to a plurality of supporting members (115) extending from the solar collector towards the boom (300), the method comprising: receiving in the opening (201) of the boom hub (200) a fixing device; and, transporting the concentrated solar power assembly (1) from a first location, to a second location via a transport device, wherein the fixing device is fixed, at a first end, to the transport device.