Hydraulic-based rotational system for solar concentrators that resists high wind loads without a mechanical lock
US8904774B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/494
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rotational system is provided for controlling rotation of one or more solar collectors to track the movement of the sun, to automatically keep the collectors locked in stow position during high wind conditions, and advantageously also to prevent damage to the rotational system due to high pressures caused by high temperature conditions. The system utilizes a bi-directional hydraulic rotational actuator hydraulically connected to a control system. The actuator advantageously includes a system of helical gears and a piston, and the control system includes hydraulic lines equipped with check valves that prevent circulation of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic lines and the actuator when backpressure is exerted in one of the hydraulic lines as a result of high wind force on the collectors. In addition, the control system advantageously comprises a pressure-relief system to prevent damage to the actuator during high temperature conditions. A single actuator can be used to operate up to sixteen or more large solar collectors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.