Reflector Support Patents (Class 126/696)
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Patent number: 11951222Abstract: A system includes a containment vessel configured to receive and retain equipment to be decontaminated. The system also includes a solar reflector configured to reflect solar energy towards the containment vessel in order to heat the containment vessel. The system further includes end supports configured to receive and retain the solar reflector and the containment vessel. The system also includes a base having or coupled to multiple side supports, where each side support is configured to contact and support a corresponding one of the end supports. In addition, the system includes one or more semi-transparent solar shades configured to reduce the solar energy reaching the solar reflector and the containment vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: David D. Crouch, Alf L. Carroll, III, John Carcone, Travis B. Feenstra, David R. Sar, Anthony Serino
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Patent number: 11824279Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a digital beamformed phased array feed. The system may include a radome configured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate; a multi-band software defined antenna array tile; a power and clock management subsystem configured to manage power and time of operation; a thermal management subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by the multi-band software defined antenna array tile; and an enclosure assembly. The multi-band software defined antenna array tile may include a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements; a plurality of frequency converters; and a plurality of digital beamformers.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: BlueHalo, LLCInventors: Michael Thomas Pace, David Gregory Baur, Theodore Lyman Schuler-Sandy, William Kennedy, Jeffrey Gerard Micono, William Louis Walker, Garrett James Newell
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Patent number: 11784412Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a digital beamformed phased array feed. The system may include a radome configured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate; a multi-band software defined antenna array tile; a power and clock management subsystem configured to manage power and time of operation; a thermal management subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by the multi-band software defined antenna array tile; and an enclosure assembly. The multi-band software defined antenna array tile may include a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements; a plurality of frequency converters; and a plurality of digital beamformers.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2022Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: BlueHalo, LLCInventors: Michael Thomas Pace, David Gregory Baur, Theodore Lyman Schuler-Sandy, William Kennedy, Jeffrey Gerard Micono, William Louis Walker, Garrett James Newell
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Patent number: 11692740Abstract: A double point focusing solar energy collection apparatus of the present invention includes a heat collector, a secondary concentrator, and a bracket. The heat collector includes a primary concentrator and a heat collection tube, in which the primary concentrator has a focus point. The secondary concentrator has a focus point. The bracket supports the primary concentrator, the heat collection tube, and the secondary concentrator. The heat collection tube is located between the primary concentrator and the secondary concentrator and located on the focus points of the secondary concentrator and the primary concentrator. By adding the secondary concentrator, which is a rotating paraboloid reflector or circular Fresnel reflector, it can achieve low light loss and high heat collection efficiency, and erosion of the heat collection tube by sand, rain, and snow can be effectively prevented, thereby extending the lifetime of the heat collection tube effectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Changzhou UniversityInventors: Cheng Wang, Ye Zhu
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Patent number: 11664594Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a digital beamformed phased array feed. The system may include a radome configured to allow electromagnetic waves to propagate; a multi-band software defined antenna array tile; a power and clock management subsystem configured to manage power and time of operation; a thermal management subsystem configured to dissipate heat generated by the multi-band software defined antenna array tile; and an enclosure assembly. The multi-band software defined antenna array tile may include a plurality of coupled dipole array antenna elements; a plurality of frequency converters; and a plurality of digital beamformers.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2022Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: BlueHalo, LLCInventors: Michael Thomas Pace, David Gregory Baur, Theodore Lyman Schuler-Sandy, William Kennedy, Jeffrey Gerard Micono, William Louis Walker, Garrett James Newell
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Patent number: 11594998Abstract: Mounting a solar panel system includes installing a skirt to a roof in a predetermined position, the predetermined position guiding an alignment for additional components installed in the solar panel system; integrating a solar panel with a flange of the skirt, wherein the skirt supports a portion of the solar panel; determining if a width of the solar panel system will be increased; installing an additional skirt to which an additional solar panel is attached in response to determining that the width of the solar panel system will be increased; determining if a length of the solar panel system will be increased; and integrating an additional solar panel with a flange of a previously installed solar panel via a mount interface in response to determining that the length of the solar panel system will be increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2018Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: John Kapla, Kyle Feldmann
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Patent number: 11332933Abstract: The present technology relates to beams having a cross section defining a plurality of channels and assemblies comprising the beams. The beams can be used to form a beam assembly that is installed inside the truck bed of a pick-up truck. A ladder loader and a solar panel assembly can be pivotably secured to the beam assembly along either the driver side wall or the passenger side wall of the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Inventor: Harsoyo Lukito
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Patent number: 11082001Abstract: A heliostat for tracking the sun is disclosed. The heliostat comprises a frame (104) with legs (102); an optical assembly (120) configured to hang between the legs of the frame by means of a plurality of wires (130); and a plurality of actuators (520) configured to change the orientation of the optical assembly via the plurality of wires. The optical assembly may include a mirror (122) or photovoltaic panel that tracks the sun, and concrete backing (610). The optical assembly may further include a tracking controller (150) to energize the plurality of actuators, photovoltaic cell (252) configured to power the tracking controller and actuators, cleaning assembly (1710), and reservoir (770) for capturing rain water on the optical assembly. The optical assembly may further include a camera (254) for capturing images of the frame and determining the orientation of the optical assembly based on the images.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Heliogen, Inc.Inventors: William Gross, Andrea Pedretti
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Patent number: 10866011Abstract: A support for rotationally movable mounting of solar modules configures an outer shaft as a tube and mounts an inner shaft in it, by way of a calotte element in the end position, so that this element is accommodated in the outer shaft in longitudinally displaceable and tiltable manner, as well as in freely rotational manner, if necessary. In this way, only one roller block is required, even if two uncoupled connection shafts are to be mounted.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: FRENELL GmbHInventor: Max Mertins
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Patent number: 10124868Abstract: A substantially hollow wingsail is configured to enable electrical components to be situated within the wingsail. In particular, the wingsail may be configured to contain the solar panels used to power the other electrical components of the vessel, as well as other items that are conventionally situated on the exterior of the vessel, such as antennas, navigation lights, and so on. The surface of the wingsail may include transparent or translucent areas to provide light to the solar panels, as well as optical and electromagnetic reflective areas within the wingsail to enhance the performance of the solar panels and antennas. The wingsail may also include an internal light that illuminates the translucent areas of the wingsail for enhanced visibility to other vessels.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Marine Robotics, LLC.Inventors: Vincent Vandyck, Walter Holemans
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Patent number: 9746655Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include mirror assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: SUNPOWER CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Wares, Charles Almy, Nicholas Barton
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Patent number: 9455661Abstract: A solar tracking system is disclosed. The tracking system includes a tube rotatable around its end-to-end axis. A first support is coupled to the tube at a first location of the tube, and is coupled with a first base. A second support is coupled to the tube at a second location of the tube, and is coupled with a second base. A translation mechanism is coupled with the tube and provided to change the position of the first support relative to the second support.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventor: Yevgeny Meydbray
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Patent number: 9194611Abstract: A ballast tile system for supporting photovoltaic modules that includes at least one fiber-reinforced concrete ballast tile. The at least one ballast tile has a first mounting member extending upwardly from a top surface thereof, the first mounting member configured to receive a lower end of a photovoltaic module. The at least one ballast tile also has a second mounting member extending upwardly from the top surface thereof, the second mounting member configured to secure an upper edge of the photovoltaic module.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Ahmad O. Khowaiter
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Patent number: 9069169Abstract: The invention is an improved reflective element used with a heliostat or any application where a reflective surface is required to provide low cost, low weight, and will maintain a relatively high degree of planar integrity under changing environmental conditions. The invention is based on a pretensioned backplane with aligned peripheral edges to produce a planar surface that a membrane material can be extended across and the membrane is securely attached at the bottom of the peripheral edges. This configuration provides a constant tension to the membrane which prevents the membrane from deforming as thermal cycling occurs. The pretension placed on the backplane produces an arching effect that is captured when the membrane is securely attached and remains arched once the backplane is released from the tensioning form. The arching of the backplane provides added strength and rigidity sufficient to minimize the need for additional structural components.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Inventor: Randall E. Kohler
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Patent number: 9036236Abstract: The invention relates to a mirror module of a Fresnel Solar Collector System with a plurality of mirror elements pivotably mounted on a carrier plate and extending in parallel, which focus the sun light upon a receiver unit mounted above the mirror module in a raised position. The mirror elements are pivotably mounted on the carrier plate at least along longitudinal sections.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Inventor: Hartmut Schneider
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Patent number: 9027545Abstract: A solar collector positioning apparatus including a base structure and an intermediate frame connected to the base structure by at least two base support legs. The base support legs have a hinged connection to the base structure and a hinged connection to the intermediate frame, thereby constraining the movement of the intermediate frame to a plane substantially orthogonal to a plane occupied by the base structure. A solar collector support frame is connected to the intermediate frame by at least two intermediate support legs. The intermediate support legs have a hinged connection to the solar collector support frame and a hinged connection to the intermediate frame, thereby constraining the movement of the solar collector support frame to a plane substantially orthogonal to a plane occupied by the intermediate frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Inventor: William J. DeVillier
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Publication number: 20150096553Abstract: The invention relates to a hexagonal parabolic solar concentrator consisting of the union of different radial layers of support cells formed by two types of pre-assembled modules, wherein said pre-assembled modules are made up of bars and connecting elements. Using these pre-assembled modules significantly reduces the time for manufacture of the components and for parabolic concentrator assembling and the adjustment time for the flat mirrors supporting cells in order to generate the curve of parabola.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Ernst Kussul, Tetyana Baydyk, José Manuel Saniger Blesa, Neil Charles Davidson, Felipe de Jesús Lara Rosano, Jorge Luis Rrodriguez Mendoza
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Publication number: 20150090250Abstract: A solar energy collector includes a first member having a cavity and a longitudinal axis. The first member has a longitudinal window forming a part thereof and a body forming another part thereof. The longitudinal window is made of a material adapted to be transparent to solar radiation. The body has an exterior absorptive surface and an interior reflective surface. A second member is located within the cavity of the first member and is generally parallel to longitudinal axis of the first member. The second member is adapted to carry an energy absorbing fluid. An insulative material fills the cavity between the first member and the second member. A solar energy collection system includes the form going solar energy collector and a solar energy transmitting device for directing solar energy through the window of the collector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: Do Sun IM
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Patent number: 8952307Abstract: A sun tracking system for tracking the sun in at least two axes, including a base, a rotating system mounted on the base, a spatial structure assembly having a lower portion at a first peripheral end thereof, and an upper portion at a second peripheral end thereof, the lower portion being more proximal to the base than the upper portion, and an anchoring location at the lower portion, and a torque box assembly at the anchoring location for resisting a torque applied to the spatial structure assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Heliofocus Ltd.Inventors: Yanir Blumenthal, Oren Gadot, Thomas Keck, Wolfgang Schiel, Hristo Zlatanov
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Publication number: 20140360487Abstract: A receiver system for a Fresnel solar plant is provided. The system includes an absorber tube defining a longitudinal direction and a mirror array that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction. The mirror array has a mirror-symmetrical curve profile having at least one top apex for concentrating light beams onto the absorber tube. The mirror array has ventilation holes in the region of the apex.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Andreas Sauerborn, Tim Gnaedig, Thomas Kuckelkorn, Tim Brengelmann
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Patent number: 8863386Abstract: Support structure, comprising a supporting wall, advantageously with a substantially parabolic profile or suchlike, for solar plants of the concentration type, and able to support at least a thin and flexible reflection plate, able to reflect the sun's rays in order to concentrate them in correspondence with collectors to exploit the solar energy. The support structure comprises clamping elements movable with respect to the supporting wall, and able to clamp the reflection plate in cooperation with the supporting wall. The support structure comprises adjustment means constrained to the clamping elements and able to cooperate with relative elastic means constrained to the supporting wall. The elastic means are disposed and conformed with respect to the supporting wall so as to exert an action of traction on the adjustment means and on the clamping elements, so as to exert the desired action of deformation on the reflection plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Vetraria Biancadese di Lucatello & C. SASInventor: Domenico Paolo Maria Cogliati
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Patent number: 8844519Abstract: A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Abengoa Solar LLCInventors: Patrick Marcotte, Kenneth Biggio, Edmund Kenneth May
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Publication number: 20140283818Abstract: The solar collector unit is adapted for reflecting light onto a receiver, and comprises a reflector element, and a support structure supporting the reflector element. The reflector element is flexible and comprises a reflective surface and a substrate having a predefined length and width. The support structure comprises a predefined number of profiles per length unit connected to the reflector element at a distance from each other to provide a predefined shape of the solar collector unit. The number of profiles per length of substrate may be varied and lies in the interval 3 to 12, preferably 4 to 10, most preferred 5 to 8 per 2000 mm of length of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: September 25, 2014Inventor: Kim Nichum Lehmann
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Patent number: 8839784Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly can include edge solar receiver assemblies that are connected to pivotable frames with locating connections. The locating connections can be in the form of cam devices or tool-less connections formed by snap fitting devices as well as tool-less cam devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Sunpower CorporationInventors: Brian Wares, Charles Almy
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Publication number: 20140261387Abstract: A concentrating solar collector is disclosed, comprising: A nested main frame and reflector carriage with vertically folding reflectors in a Fresnel-type array, using a one-piece pre-formed panel. A hand-winch operated cable system provides for a full range of reflector altitude adjustment. A one-piece, pre-formed reflector panels provide for pre-aligned mounting of reflective material. An alignment guide allows assessment of solar tracking alignment without gazing toward the focal area. A flattop receiver for heating smaller flat-bottomed pots and pans or for direct griddle cooking, and an adjustable rack for positioning larger cooking vessels in the focal area for use as direct receivers. Also described is a method for making one-piece, pre-formed reflector panels. One embodiment has a lower frame portion substantially forming a rolling chassis. An additional embodiment describes lower frame structure for a fixed location installation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Harold Travis Hansen
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Publication number: 20140246012Abstract: A thin-sheet panel assembly. In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component, and the thin-sheet panel assembly further includes a bar coupled to the backer and extending between at least one pair of adjacent riser elements of the plural riser elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: GOSSAMER SPACE FRAMESInventor: Glenn Alan Reynolds
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Patent number: 8814372Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. Each reflector has a stiffening rib associated therewith and is attached thereto on a side facing away from the sun. At least one area on each stiffening rib is suitable for accommodating a polymer-based adhesive for bonding the rib to a side of the associated reflector facing away from the sun. Each stiffening rib is formed so as to substantially match a contour of the associated reflector. At least two of each rib, the associated reflector, and the adhesive have respective coefficients of thermal expansion within about 50% of one another. Each stiffening rib is sized and positioned on the associated reflector so as to increase an EI value thereof at least about 10 times or to at least about 9,180 pascal meters4. Methods of making the same also are provided in certain example embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Robert A. Vandal, Duane O. Recker
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Publication number: 20140196764Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity, heat, or a combination of electricity and heat are disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: COGENRA SOLAR, INC.Inventors: Adam T. Clavelle, Jason C. Kalus, Nathan P. Beckett, Ratson Morad, Gilad Almogy
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Publication number: 20140182580Abstract: Improvements in the design and construction of solar collector modules. Aspects of the invention include improvements in the layout of a frame for a solar collector module, and in the joining of structural members of the frame at nodes. In one example, a module of a solar collector includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The frame is made up of substantially rigid elongate frame members interconnected at nodes. Improved node connection components include hubs or frame members having tabs for receiving frame member connections. A tab may have a width that is substantial in relation to its height. The frame may incorporate asymmetry in its layout, in the size or presence of frame members, or in the positioning of the nodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Abengoa Solar Inc.Inventors: Patrick Marcotte, Kenneth Biggio, Edmund Kenneth May, Kerry Manning, Rachel Backes, Janina Nettlau, Rick Sommers
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Patent number: 8752380Abstract: A solar-thermal concentrator for a expeditionary power generator system including a portable power plant that utilizes a hybridized solar/fuel Stirling engine to supply electric power in an expeditionary setting. The concentrator includes a collapsible dish assembly that is pivotably and tiltably mounted on a portable base assembly, where the dish assembly includes a lightweight frame including a central mounting structure and multiple truss-like radial arms that are rigidly connected to and extend radially from the central mounting structure, and a reflector panel assembly including multiple flat, fan-shaped reflector panels that are secured to the frame and disposed in a semi-circular pattern. Each reflector panel includes multiple reflectors that collectively form a substantially flat Fresnelized reflective surface that redirects incident sunlight into a focal region. The power plant is maintained in the focal region by a support structure that extends perpendicular to the flat reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Patrick C. Cheung, Alexander S. Tuganov, Sean Garner
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Patent number: 8746236Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: Trevor Powell
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Publication number: 20140144428Abstract: Solar collector modules and techniques for their construction are disclosed. In one aspect, a solar collector module includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The structural frame includes a set of primary structural shapes and a set of axial frame members connected between corners of the primary structural shapes forming helical paths for the transmission of torque from one end of the structural frame to the other. In another aspect, a method for assembling a solar collector module includes pre-assembling part of the module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: ABENGOA SOLAR INC.Inventors: Joseph Eisinger, Kerry Manning, Patrick Marcotte, Nathan Stegall
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Publication number: 20140116421Abstract: A concentrator having a reflective surface (1) and a pair of flexible members (2) supporting the deformable reflective surface so as to define its shape. A mechanism (3) is movably mounted to a vertical support and has one end of each of the flexible members (2) attached thereto. A controller drives rotation-changing linkage and tension-varying linkage so as to move the mechanism (3) to impart a toric shaped curvature on the reflective surface (1). This toric shaped curvature minimizes astigmatic aberration due to obliquely incident radiation and changes as the solar point moves throughout the day.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: SKYSUN LLCInventors: James Joseph Clair, Victor George Weizer
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Patent number: 8707948Abstract: Non-tracking solar collector device (1) comprising at least an absorber element (2), at least a couple of reflector elements (3) disposed on opposite sides of the absorber element (2) for conveying the solar radiation onto the absorber element itself and said reflector elements (3) comprising at least one fixed portion (8a,8b) and at least one rotating portion (9); the rotating portions (9) being movable between at least a first extreme position (10), in which the rotating portions are moved away from each other and the entire surface of said reflector elements (3) is substantially continuous, and a second extreme position (11), in which the rotating portions are moved close to each other in order to substantially obscure said absorber element (2).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Kloben S.A.S. di Turco Adelino EC.Inventor: Geoffrey Lester Harding
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Patent number: 8689784Abstract: An improved solar concentrator, where because sunlight is focused into parallel or collimated beams the light can be reflected and controlled by a series of mirrors and collected to form increasingly powerful collimated beams targeted onto a reactor; where each array tracks the sun with a dual-axis solar tracker, an array has multiple units that have a collecting fresnel lens, a collimating lens and a mirror, an array has a centralizing mirror which gathers the fresnel unit light in middle of each array, the array beams are then reflected off of a series of mirrors that bounce the light beams form mirror to mirror and collect the beam energy from multiple arrays into one or more high power beams, which are bounced off mirrors until they hit the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: James Matthew Monsebroten
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Patent number: 8686279Abstract: A concentrating solar energy collector comprises a linearly extending receiver comprising solar cells, a plurality of linearly extending reflective elements arranged in side-by-side rows, oriented parallel to a long axis of the receiver, and fixed in position with respect to each other and with respect to the receiver to form a linearly extending reflector, and a linearly extending support structure supporting the receiver and the reflector and pivotally mounted to accommodate rotation of the support structure, the reflector, and the receiver about a rotation axis parallel to the long axis of the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Cogenra Solar, Inc.Inventors: Gilad Almogy, Ratson Morad, Amir Bar, Amir Arie Weiss, Ofer Ricklis, Andrey Bochkariov
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Patent number: 8662072Abstract: A solar collector is provided with a reflective panel assembly that is supported by a frame and pivots about a first horizontal axis. The panel assembly is configured for reflecting sunlight to a common focal point, and includes a central panel and a pair of outer panels each pivotally coupled to the central panel and configured for folding over the central panel. A collector assembly is mounted relative to the frame and pivotal about a second horizontal axis. The collector assembly is configured for collecting solar energy and includes a receiver that is positioned at the focal point. The receiver is configured for extracting energy from the reflected sunlight. The solar collector may also include a four-bar linkage assembly for supporting the panel assembly and the collector assembly during movement from a collapsed position and a partially extended position.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventors: Barry L. Butler, Roger L. Davenport, John E. Nemazi
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Patent number: 8656907Abstract: A solar power plant includes central receiver modules arranged in a regular pattern. Each central receiver module includes a tower, a central receiver mounted on the tower, and a heliostat array bounded by a polygon. The heliostat array includes heliostats with mirrors for reflecting sunlight to the central receiver. The heliostats are grouped in linear rows and each of the rows is parallel to another row. The locations of the heliostats are staggered between adjacent rows. The power plant also includes a power block for aggregating power from the central receivers and power conduits for transferring power from the central receivers to the power block.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: eSolar, Inc.Inventors: Quoc Pham, Christian Gregory, Michael Slack, Bill Gross, Dan Reznik, Porter Arbogast
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Publication number: 20140034042Abstract: A concentrating solar collector module includes improvements in performance and assemblability. In one configuration, the module includes a reflector having a reflective front surface shaped to concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a focal line, first and second rails, one rail attached to each edge of the reflector, and a set of truss connectors attached to the rails. The truss connectors and rails may form ways that enable constrained sliding engagement of the truss connectors along the rails before attachment of the truss connectors to the rails. The module may also include a plurality of framing members connected to the truss connectors and forming a structural lattice that cooperates with the reflector to lend rigidity to the solar collector module. At least some of the framing members may be disposed in front of the front reflective surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2011Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: ABENGOA SOLAR INC.Inventors: Patrick Marcotte, Edmund Kenneth May
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Publication number: 20140020677Abstract: The invention relates to a support module for a solar collector having a triangular substructure, formed by: a main structure intended to resist the torsional and bending forces of the collector, and an auxiliary structure that balances the assembly and supports the weight of the mirrors and the absorber tube. The main structure includes: a triangular substructure comprising rectangular pyramids and two half-pyramids at the ends, bars (5) joining the upper vertex of each pyramid (1) to the upper vertex (1) of the adjacent pyramid or to the upper vertex (1?) of the adjacent half-pyramid (1?), a diagonal bar (4) joining two opposite vertices of the base of each pyramid, and two king posts (6) located on each end of the triangular substructure. The auxiliary structure includes: arms (7, 7?), struts (8, 8?, 8?) for each arm (7, 7?), purlins (9) and supports (11) for the absorber tube (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2011Publication date: January 23, 2014Inventors: José Domínguez Abascal, Fernando Medida Encina, Fernando Medida Reguera, Maximiliano Carrasco Gimena, José Parra Fernández-Mota, Luis Garrido Delgado
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Publication number: 20140000584Abstract: A fastening system for connecting two components to each other, which is particularly suitable for attaching mirror elements of a solar collector module to a support frame, and which enables in particular simple handling during assembly of the components, includes a base provided with an upwardly projecting locking pin and intended for mounting on one of the components, and a cylindrical casing forming a receiving channel for the locking pin and intended for mounting on the other component. When the locking pin is inserted in the receiving channel, the cylindrical casing forms in conjunction with the base plate a receptacle for liquid adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Flabeg Holding GmbHInventors: Christoph Raucher, Paul Nava, Andreas Wohlfahrt, Gerd Kuhlmann, Klaus Hogerl
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Publication number: 20130312412Abstract: A solar-thermal concentrator for a expeditionary power generator system including a portable power plant that utilizes a hybridized solar/fuel Stirling engine to supply electric power in an expeditionary setting. The concentrator includes a collapsible dish assembly that is pivotably and tiltably mounted on a portable base assembly, where the dish assembly includes a lightweight frame including a central mounting structure and multiple truss-like radial arms that are rigidly connected to and extend radially from the central mounting structure, and a reflector panel assembly including multiple flat, fan-shaped reflector panels that are secured to the frame and disposed in a semi-circular pattern. Each reflector panel includes multiple reflectors that collectively form a substantially flat Fresnelized reflective surface that redirects incident sunlight into a focal region.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Patrick C. Cheung, Alexander S. Tuganov, Sean Garner
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Patent number: 8584667Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Ryan Linderman, Zachary S. Judkins, Brian Wares, Charles Almy
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Patent number: 8550419Abstract: The present invention is directed to an erection system for a photovoltaic open-space installation support stand and a method for assembling this type of erection system. The present erection systems provide a permanently settable inclination favorable for generating solar power for the photovoltaic equipment on open ground with linear bearings.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Schletter GmbHInventors: Martin Hausner, Ludwig Schletter
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Publication number: 20130255666Abstract: A solar collection system includes a double parabolic reflector and a light trap. The solar collection system also includes a lens configured to receive light from the double parabolic reflector and focus the reflected light into the light trap. The system may be configured to resist seismic activity and extreme weather conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventor: Virgil Dewitt Perryman
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Patent number: 8546681Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Brian Wares, Stephan Barsun, Tom Dinwoodie
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Patent number: 8539943Abstract: An improved solar reflector with a frame structure suitable for spanning longer distances that utilizes light-weight side beams, ridgecaps and tensioned cables to form a truss-system.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventors: Howard P. Harrenstien, Allen I. Bronstein
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Publication number: 20130228165Abstract: Examples and variations of apparatus and Methods for concentrating solar radiation are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: Sopogy, Inc.Inventors: Darren T. KIMURA, Susanne M. SPIESSBERGER, Kip H. DOPP
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Publication number: 20130220304Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system. The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are parabolic trough concentrators with one or more lateral extensions. In some embodiments, the lateral extension is a unilateral extension of the primary parabolic trough shape. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions are movably connected to the primary portion. In some embodiments, the lateral extensions have a focal line separate from the focal line of the base portion. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: GLASSPOINT SOLAR, INC.Inventor: Glasspoint Solar, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130220303Abstract: The aim of the invention is to build central receiver solar power plants in which the heliostat fields can be used more efficiently. To achieve said aim, a heliostat field consisting of a near field having a uniform reflector surface density ? of more than 60% is preferably combined with a far field whose reflector surface density ? decreases as the distance from the receiver increases. The invention also comprises central receiver solar power plants which consist exclusively of a near field having a uniform reflector surface density ? of more than 60%. The high reflector surface density ? in the near field and in areas of the far field is achieved by the use of heliostats having rectangular reflectors and a rigid horizontal axle suspension (FHA) or, alternatively, by heliostats having rectangular reflectors and a rigid quasipolar axle suspension (FQA).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventors: Philipp Schramek, Joachim Maass