Support system and method for trough-shaped solar energy concentrations
US9249993B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A support system for a trough-shaped solar collector assembly includes a support arm comprising first and second curved rails and an interconnecting web structure. The web structure is secured along first and second opposite edges thereof to first and second web engaging structures, which are provided along facing surfaces of the first and second rails, respectively. Prior to fixedly securing the web structure to the web engaging structure of the first and second curved rails, the location and/or the orientation of the web structure are adjustable for supporting interconnection of the first and second curved rails with different rates of convergence between the first and second curved rails. The support arm further includes a plurality of mirror-attachment brackets coupled to the first rail for attaching the trough-shaped solar collector assembly to the support arm and structure attachment brackets for mounting the support arm to a structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.