Lightweight, distributed force, two-axis tracking, solar radiation collector structures
US5325844A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/47
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar radiation collector system includes a curved rim, a collector assembly including a plurality of solar radiation transducer elements passing through the plane of and connected to the curved rim, and a plurality of relatively small diameter tension members connected in distributed manner between the curved rim and the collector assembly and forming a stiff, lightweight, bicycle wheel-type tension-compression support structure. The support structure is rotatably supported from the ground in a manner to allow for three dimensionally stable support and rotation of at least ninety degrees with respect to the ground. Rotation of the bicycle wheel-type tension-compression support structure provides for a desired primary tracking motion to adjust for the apparent motion of the sun, and movement of the transducer elements provides for a second dimension adjustment for the apparent motion of the sun.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.