Rigging system for supporting and pointing solar concentrator arrays

Abstract

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to the design of inexpensive mounting and pointing apparatuses for linear arrays of solar energy collectors and converters. Particular embodiments in accordance with the present invention disclose a rigging system comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of, tensile cables onto which a plurality of solar modules are fastened. Such an arrangement provides a way of suspending solar modules over land, vegetation, bodies of water, and other geographic features without substantial perturbation of the underlying terrain. Certain embodiments comprise additional tensile cables fastened to the solar modules, such that differential axial motion of the cables produces a rotational motion component of the individual solar modules of the array. This rotational motion component effects an orientation control along one rotational axis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The instant nonprovisional patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 840,110, filed Aug. 25, 2006 and incorporated by reference in its entirety herein for all purposes. The instant nonprovisional patent application is also related to the following provisional patent applications, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 839,841 filed Aug. 23, 2006; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 839,855 filed Aug. 23, 2006; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 840,156 filed Aug. 25, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Solar radiation is the most abundant energy source on earth. However, attempts to harness solar power on large scales have so far failed to be economically competitive with most fossil-fuel energy sources.[0003]One reason for the lack of adoption of solar energy sources on a large scale is that ...

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Benefits of technology

[0014]Particular embodiments may use ground mounted rigid posts to anchor the system and transmit compressive and other loads to the ground. Particular embodiments may further employ a system of guy cables and ground anchors to distribute loads to the ground and reduce bending forces in ground mounting posts. Particular embodiments of these ground anchors provide for adjustment of the relative guy cable position by means of a collet whose clamping force increases with guy-cable load. Particular embodiments of these ground anchors further provide for tightening of these collets via mechanical preloads provided by threaded elements. Particular embodiments of the ground anchors provide mounting and indexing features to support the use of a removable hydraulic cable tensioner tool which works in concert with the means of mechanical preloading to allow convenient and reliable cable-tension adjustment under high tensile loads. Particular embodiments of ground anchors further contain mechanical features to allow installation in the ground via a rotating tool that may further provide an axial compression or motion that may be coordinated with the rotation to drive the ground anchor into the ground. Particular embodiments of this tool and anchor may further provide for drilling a pilot hole for the anchor prior to or simultaneous with the driving operation.

Problems solved by technology

However, attempts to harness solar power on large scales have so far failed to be economically competitive with most fossil-fuel energy sources.

Another reason for the lack of adoption of solar energy sources on a large scale is that the solar flux is not intense enough for direct conversion at one solar flux to be cost effective.

So far, however, solar concentrator systems cost too much to compete unsubsidized with fossil fuels, in part because of excessive material and installation costs in the mechanical supports and solar tracking apparatus for the collectors.

While many solar collectors utilize support trusses, their architectures lead to excessive material usage, and complicated and time consuming assembly and installation, rendering them unsuitable for large-scale solar farming.

In addition, conventional concentrator support systems require extensive grounds preparation, often making the land unsuitable for other uses and destroying natural habitats.

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