APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HELIOSTAT SUPPORT

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for supporting a heliostat and method thereof comprising: a rigid elongate vertical member having a first end region and a lower second end region, the first end region connected to a heliostat drive mechanism connection means, wherein the lower second end region is adapted for being driven into the ground with frictional contact.

Claims

1. Apparatus for supporting a heliostat comprising; a rigid, elongate vertical member, the vertical member comprising a first end region and a second end region, the first end region operatively connected to a heliostat drive mechanism via a drive mechanism connection arrangement, the second end region adapted for being driven into frictional contact with the ground to provide resistance to environmental forces impacting the heliostat, and at least one stabilising structure, wherein the at least one stabilising structure comprises a rigid interconnection between a first vertical member of a heliostat support and a second vertical member of another heliostat support.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vertical member comprises naturally occurring materials or fibres, comprising one or a combination of: timber; metallic materials comprising steel and aluminium; synthetic materials comprising plastics.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vertical member comprises an electric resistance welded hollow mild steel pipe having a circular cross-sectional shape.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a nominal bore dimension of the vertical member is about 50 millimetres.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vertical member second end region has a length greater than about 300 millimetres.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one stabilising structure comprises an anti-torsion member comprising a rigid, elongate member comprising a first end region and a second end region, the first end region having operable interconnection to a first heliostat drive mechanism support vertical member, the second end region having operable interconnection to a second heliostat drive mechanism support vertical member.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the anti-torsion member comprises naturally occurring materials or fibres, comprising one or a combination of: timber; metallic materials comprising steel and aluminium; synthetic materials comprising plastics.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the anti-torsion member comprises an electric resistance welded hollow mild steel pipe having a circular cross-sectional shape.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the nominal bore dimension of the anti-torsion member is about 25 millimetres.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the anti-torsion member operable interconnection arrangement includes at least one plate.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the operable interconnection arrangement comprises two opposed plates adapted to clamp the vertical member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the plates achieve the clamping effect by use of at least one laterally orientated fastener system.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the at least one plate comprises a mild steel body having a ridged shape.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the at least one plate has a thickness of about 4 millimetres.

15. Apparatus for supporting a heliostat comprising; a rigid, elongate vertical member, the vertical member comprising a first end region and a second end region, the first end region operatively connected to a heliostat drive mechanism via a drive mechanism connection arrangement, the second end region adapted for being driven into frictional contact with the ground to provide resistance to environmental forces impacting the heliostat, and the drive mechanism connection arrangement is adapted to isolate the drive mechanism from torsional forces between the drive mechanism and the vertical member above a pre-determined threshold.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the isolation from torsional forces is achieved by frictional arrangement.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the drive mechanism connection arrangement includes at least one plate.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the drive mechanism connection arrangement comprises three opposed plates adapted to clamp the drive mechanism and the vertical member.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the plates achieve the clamping effect by use of at least one laterally orientated fastener system.

20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the at least one plate comprises an arrangement of two mild steel external plates and an aluminium intermediate plate.

21. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the mild steel external plates comprise a ridged shape.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the mild steel external plates have a thickness of about 4 millimetres.

23. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the aluminium intermediate plate comprises a scalloped profile.

24. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the aluminium intermediate plate has a minimum thickness of about 4 millimetres.

25. Apparatus for supporting a heliostat comprising; a rigid, elongate vertical member, the vertical member comprising a first end region and a second end region, the first end region operatively connected to a heliostat drive mechanism via a drive mechanism connection arrangement, the second end region adapted for being driven into frictional contact with the ground to provide resistance to environmental forces impacting the heliostat, at least one stabilising structure, wherein the at least one stabilising structure comprises a rigid interconnection between a first vertical member of a heliostat support and a second vertical member of another heliostat support, wherein at least the vertical member and the at least one stabilising structure are adapted to form a portion of the heliostat drive mechanism power supply circuit.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the portion of the heliostat drive mechanism power supply circuit formed is the current return path.

27. A method for supporting a heliostat comprising the steps of: operatively connecting a first end region of a rigid, elongate vertical member to a heliostat drive mechanism via a drive mechanism connection arrangement; driving a second end region of the rigid, elongate vertical member into frictional contact with the ground to provide resistance to environmental forces impacting the heliostat, and stabilising with at least one stabilising structure comprising a rigid interconnection between a first vertical member of a heliostat support and a second vertical member of another heliostat support.

28. A method for supporting a heliostat comprising the steps of: operatively connecting a first end region of a rigid, elongate vertical member to a heliostat drive mechanism via a drive mechanism connection arrangement; driving a second end region of the rigid, elongate vertical member into frictional contact with the ground to provide resistance to environmental forces impacting the heliostat, and isolating the drive mechanism from torsional forces between the drive mechanism and the vertical member above a pre-determined threshold.

29. A method for operating a heliostat comprising the steps of: operatively connecting a first end region of a rigid, elongate vertical member to a heliostat drive mechanism via a drive mechanism connection arrangement; driving a second end region of the rigid, elongate vertical member into frictional contact with the ground to provide resistance to environmental forces impacting the heliostat; stabilising with at least one stabilising structure comprising a rigid interconnection between a first vertical member of a heliostat support and a second vertical member of another heliostat support, and adapting the vertical member and the at least one stabilising structure to form a portion of the heliostat drive mechanism power supply circuit.

30. The method of claim 27 wherein the step of driving the second end region of the rigid, elongate vertical member into frictional contact with the ground is achieved by driving equipment.

31. The method of claim 27 wherein the step of driving the second end region of the rigid, elongate vertical member into frictional contact with the ground is achieved without use of concrete.

32. The method of claims 28 wherein the step of affixing the at least one anti-torsion member is achieved by a fastener system.

33. The method of claims 27 wherein the method of affixing the heliostat drive mechanism is achieved by a fastener system.

34. Apparatus or device as herein described.

35. A method or protocol as herein described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

[0072] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an embodiment according to the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment according to the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a known heliostat arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, apparatus for a heliostat support, shown generally as 10 includes a vertical member 20 including a first end region 30 and a second end region 40. The first end region 30 includes a heliostat drive mechanism connection means 50, adapted to connect the vertical member 20 to a heliostat drive mechanism 60 better described below with reference to FIG. 4. The second end region 40 is located in the ground 70 or more specifically adapted for being driven into frictional contact with the ground to provide resistance to environmentally imparted or imposed forces. A heliostat optical component, for example, a mirror and/or lens or photovoltaic panel, for example, is indicated at 71. As such, this embodiment offers the advantage of stability without the complexity and high cost of multiple components, nor the need for earth works, concrete footings or large scale equipment such as cranes to be used in the installation process.

[0079] The vertical member 20 is of a rigid, elongate nature and may be constructed from a suitable material known to those skilled in the relevant art, including but not limited to; naturally occurring materials or fibres, including timber, metallic materials including steel and aluminium, or synthetic materials including plastics.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the vertical member 20 is constructed from electric resistance welded hollow mild steel pipe having a circular cross-sectional shape and a nominal bore dimension of about 50 millimetres.

[0081] The depth of penetration of the second end region 40 into the ground 70 is determined in each site location experimentally according to the geotechnical characteristics of the ground in that specific location. For example, in regions where the ground 70 is of a softer composition (having sandy, or clay like characteristics for example) the second end region 40 may be penetrated more deeply in order to achieve the necessary ground reaction. This is in contrast to harder, rockier type ground conditions which require relatively shallower penetration of the end region 40 to achieve the necessary ground reaction.

[0082] In general the length of the vertical member 20 and the depth of penetration into the ground 70 would exceed about 300 millimetres.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the vertical member 20 is about 3000 millimetres and the second end region 40 located in the ground 70 is about 2200 millimetres in length.

[0084] Advantageously the vertical member 20 is a low cost item and requires little fabrication, other than cutting to the required length. Various cross sectional profiles of the vertical member such as square, star etc are envisaged for offering an anti-torsional resistance and are encompassed in the scope of the present invention.

[0085] Embodiments of the present invention may include stabilising structures. These may include earth engaging configurations comprising one or a combination of protrusions or indentations. In one example a stabilising structure is provided in the form of an anti-torsion member 80. The anti-torsion member offers resistance to torsional forces that may be applied to the support apparatus from environmental conditions, such as wind for example. An anti-torsion member 80 may take the form of one or more projections rigidly affixed to the vertical member 20 and having size, shape and number suitable to the ground conditions at the site location.

[0086] In another embodiment a stabilising structure is provided by way of a rigid interconnection between a first vertical member of a heliostat support and a second vertical member of another heliostat support. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus for heliostat support, shown generally as 10 includes a rigid interconnection in the form of an elongate stabilising structure or member 90 having a first end region 100 and a second end region 110. The stabilising member 90 provides one or a combination of resistance to torsional and lateral forces imposed environmentally and in certain contexts may be referred to as an anti-torsion member or an anti-lateral force member. The first end region 100 and the second end region 110 each have operable interconnection 111 with the vertical members 20 of differing heliostat support apparatus, an example of which is shown generally as 11.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the elongate stabilising member 90 is constructed from electric resistance welded hollow mild steel pipe having a circular cross-sectional shape and a nominal bore dimension of about 25 millimetres.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the elongate anti-torsion member 90 is about 2400 to 2500 and preferably 2486 millimetres.

[0089] Advantageously, the elongate anti-torsion member 90 is a low cost item and requires little fabrication, other than cutting to the required length.

[0090] Preferred embodiments encompass use of vertical members having characteristics further adapted according to their position within the mirror array. The vertical member 20 may be of a greater diameter or penetrated to a greater depth when located at the extremities of the mirror array as these locations encounter higher short term environmental forces, for example, wind loading.

[0091] Operable interconnection 111 between the first end region 100 or second end region 110 of the elongate anti-torsion member 90 may include a system of plates that may be permanently connected via suitable techniques known to those skilled in the relevant art such as welding, riveting and swaging for example.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the operable interconnection, shown generally as 111, in FIG. 3, includes two opposed plates 120 and laterally oriented fasteners 130 that act to clamp the vertical member 20 and one or more elongate anti-torsion members 90, thus locking the end regions (100 or 110) of the elongate anti-torsion members 90 to the vertical member 20. In this way low level environmental torsional forces applied to the vertical member 20, ie from wind, which would otherwise result in sun tracking inaccuracy, are resisted.

[0093] The opposed plates 120 may be constructed from a suitable material known to those skilled in the relevant art, including but not limited to; naturally occurring materials or fibres including timber, metallic materials including steel and aluminium, or synthetic materials including plastics.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the opposed plates 120 are constructed from stamped approximately 4 millimetre thick mild steel having a ridged shape that maximises strength and contact area with the vertical member 20 and elongate anti-torsion member 90.

[0095] Embodiments of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 include a drive mechanism connection means 50 (shown in more detail with FIG. 4) between the first end region 30 of the vertical member 20 and the heliostat drive mechanism 60.

[0096] In preferred embodiments, the drive mechanism connection means 50 is adapted to isolate the heliostat drive mechanism 60 from torsional forces that may arise between the drive mechanism 60 and the vertical member 20 (from environmental conditions, for example) that may otherwise damage the internal components of the drive mechanism 60.

[0097] Isolation of damaging torsional forces (note that the actual magnitude of torsional force at which damage occurs to the drive mechanism is determined by the design of the drive mechanism) is achieved in preferred embodiments of the present invention by frictional means.

[0098] Preferably, the connection means, shown generally as 50 in FIG. 4, includes three opposed plates 140, 150, 160 that act as a three part clamp to clamp the vertical member 20 and the drive mechanism 60, thus locking the first end region 30 of the vertical member 20 to the drive mechanism 60.

[0099] Frictional effects arising between the surfaces of the drive mechanism 60, the plates 140, 150, 160 and the first end region 30 of the vertical member 20 serve to resist low level incoming environmental torsional forces between the drive mechanism 60 and the vertical member 20.

[0100] The degree of tightening of the fasteners 170 influences or controls the degree of frictional effect between the surfaces of the drive mechanism 60 and the plates 140 and 150 on one hand and the degree of frictional effect between the surfaces of the plates 150 and 160 and the first end region 30 of the vertical member 20 on the other hand. The frictional resistance may thus be adjusted to oppose incoming environmental torsional forces at levels that do not damage the drive mechanism, whilst allowing for slip when subjected to incoming environmental torsional forces that would damage the drive mechanism 60. In this way the connection means 50 serves to isolate the drive mechanism 60 from damage due to external environmental factors when torsional forces reach a predetermined threshold.

[0101] For example the fasteners 170 would generally be tightened sufficiently to result in a slip threshold that correlated to a magnitude of torque above that imparted upon the optical element by wind in the vicinity of 0 km/h to 40 km/h, but below the magnitude of torque that would result in damage to the drive mechanism 60. In practice this arrangement advantageously provides the resistance necessary to assure accurate tracking in normal operating conditions, whilst protecting the relatively expensive drive mechanism 60 from damage in extreme conditions.

[0102] Advantageously, in addition to protection from environmental forces such as high winds, the connection means 50 serves to protect the drive mechanism 60 from damage from other possible causes such as forces imparted from livestock, vehicles or even other heliostats or heliostat components for example that may interact with optical elements over the life of the system.

[0103] The opposed plates 140, 150, 160 are constructed from a suitable material known to those skilled in the relevant art, including but not limited to; naturally occurring material or fibres including timber, metallic materials including steel and aluminium, or synthetic materials including plastics.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the external opposed plates 140 and 160 are economically constructed from stamped approximately 4 millimetre thick mild steel having a ridged shape that maximises strength and contact area with the drive mechanism 60 and the vertical member 20. The intermediate opposed plate 150 is cost effectively constructed from extruded aluminium having a scalloped shape that maximises contact area with the drive mechanism 60 and the vertical member 20.

[0105] In embodiments of the present invention, the support apparatus is adapted to optimise drive mechanism power supply arrangements. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the vertical member(s) 20, anti-torsion member(s) 90 and operable interconnection(s) 111 work in conjunction to form a bus bar style current distribution system. In combination, these elements provide one portion of the power supply circuit to the heliostat drive mechanism(s) 60. In such embodiments, these structures may furthermore provide a convenient means for suspending the alternate portion of the power supply circuit. In preferred embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 5 the current source path is provided by insulated cable 170 affixed to the anti-torsion member(s) 90 whilst the current return path is provided by the bus bar style arrangement described above.

[0106] This aspect of the present invention offers benefits both in terms of reduction in materials and improvements in installation process. Primarily, the need for cables and cable connectors is significantly reduced, since the function of the cables and connectors of the current return path is performed by the apparatus components themselves.

[0107] Embodiments of the present invention comprise structures that offer reduction in cost during the support apparatus' installation phase.

[0108] The vertical member 20 may be easily carried by a single person (avoiding the need for cranes), and may be readily located in the ground without the need for pre-digging of a hole and employment of customary forms of site installation, using for example concrete. This obviates the need for earthworks, and reduces the cost of materials used in installation. Avoidance of the need to wait for concrete to cure reduces installation time and lowers installation costs.

[0109] In preferred embodiments, the step of locating the vertical member 20 in the ground 70 may for example be achieved through use of driving equipment.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of affixing the elongate anti-torsion member 90 between the vertical members 20 of two heliostat positions results in a networked structure.

[0111] The elongate anti-torsion member 90 is readily carried by a single person and the opposed plates 120 that affix the anti-torsion member 90 may be rapidly attached via fasteners 130 utilising basic tools such as spanners and torque wrenches, that are highly portable and do not require electricity supply, thus reducing the cost of installation of the support apparatus.

[0112] Likewise, the opposed plate arrangement of the heliostat drive mechanism connection means (140, 150, 160) may be rapidly attached via the fasteners 170, offering similar cost reduction benefits.

[0113] Furthermore, the installation of the power supply system's current source path is greatly simplified in the present invention, because the insulated cable of the current source path is elevated and easily accessible. In comparison to prior art approaches, where the power supply materials are located underground, the ongoing maintenance of the power supply circuit of the present invention is achieved cost effectively due to its easily inspected configuration.

[0114] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0115] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0116] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

[0117] Comprises/comprising and includes/including when used in this specification are taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words comprise, comprising, includes, including and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of including, but not limited to.