公开(公告)号：US08640689B1

公开(公告)日：2014-02-04

申请号：US12887418

申请日：2010-09-21

Applicant: Abraham Kribus ,  Dan Reznik ,  William Gross

Inventor： Abraham Kribus ,  Dan Reznik ,  William Gross

IPC: F24J2/46

CPC classification number: F24S20/20 ,  Y02E10/41

Abstract: Embodiments provide a solar thermal receiver comprising: (a) a first containing member transparent to sunlight; (b) a second containing member comprising an inner surface reflective of sunlight; (c) an inlet proximate to the first containing member that is configured to receive injected heat transfer fluid; and (d) an outlet distal from the first containing member, where the first containing member and the second containing member together form a vessel configured to conduct injected heat transfer fluid from the inlet to the outlet under hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract translation: 实施例提供一种太阳能热接收器，包括：（a）对阳光透明的第一容纳构件; （b）第二容纳构件，其包括反射太阳光的内表面; （c）靠近所述第一容纳构件的入口，所述入口构造成接收注入的传热流体; 和（d）远离所述第一容纳构件的出口，其中所述第一容纳构件和所述第二容纳构件一起形成容器，所述容器构造成在静水压力下将注入的传热流体从所述入口传导到所述出口。

公开(公告)号：US10041700B1

公开(公告)日：2018-08-07

申请号：US14189408

申请日：2014-02-25

Applicant: eSolar, Inc.

Inventor： Quoc Pham ,  Christian Gregory ,  Michael Slack ,  Bill Gross ,  Dan Reznik ,  Porter Arbogast

IPC: F24J2/10 ,  F24J2/16 ,  F24J2/52 ,  H01L31/0525

Abstract: A solar power plant includes central receiver modules arranged in a regular pattern. Each central receiver module includes a tower, a central receiver mounted on the tower, and a heliostat array bounded by a polygon. The heliostat array includes heliostats with mirrors for reflecting sunlight to the central receiver. The heliostats are grouped in linear rows and each of the rows is parallel to another row. The locations of the heliostats are staggered between adjacent rows. The power plant also includes a power block for aggregating power from the central receivers and power conduits for transferring power from the central receivers to the power block.

公开(公告)号：US09500390B1

公开(公告)日：2016-11-22

申请号：US13677238

申请日：2012-11-14

Applicant: eSolar

Inventor： Matthew Hartshorn ,  Adam Azarchs ,  Michael Slack ,  David Gross ,  Andrew Zillmer

IPC: F24J2/40

CPC classification number: F24S50/60 ,  F24S20/20 ,  F24S50/00 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S50/40 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  Y02E10/41 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: Methods and systems for setting a throttle at a solar power plant, by a controller, the controller configured to select at least one aim point on a receiver of the solar power plant, calculate a desired energy to be delivered by two or more subgroups to each selected aim point via a search method based on an aiming scheme, and determine an optimum distribution of energy to be delivered to the receiver across the two or more subgroups via a search program based on the calculated desired energy.

Abstract translation: 用于通过控制器设置太阳能发电厂节流阀的方法和系统，所述控制器被配置为选择太阳能发电厂的接收器上的至少一个目标点，计算要由两个或更多个子组传送给每个的所需能量 通过基于瞄准方案的搜索方法选择的目标点，并且基于所计算的所需能量，经由搜索程序确定要跨越两个或更多个子组递送给接收器的能量的最佳分布。

公开(公告)号：US09482583B1

公开(公告)日：2016-11-01

申请号：US13644332

申请日：2012-10-04

Applicant: eSolar, Inc.

Inventor： Maximilian Ted Zavodny ,  Michael David Slack

IPC: G06K9/00 ,  G01K7/00 ,  G01J5/12

CPC classification number: G01J5/12 ,  F24S2050/25 ,  G01M11/005 ,  G01S3/7861

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring heliostat reflectivity with a control processing unit configured to receive an image of a heliostat, receive an image of the Sun, process the received images, and determine a reflectivity estimate based on a comparison of the processed images.

Abstract translation: 用于通过控制处理单元测量定日镜反射率的方法和系统，所述控制处理单元被配置为接收定日镜的图像，接收太阳的图像，处理所接收的图像，以及基于所处理的图像的比较来确定反射率估计。

公开(公告)号：US20160238282A1

公开(公告)日：2016-08-18

申请号：US14682061

申请日：2015-04-08

Applicant: eSolar Inc.

Inventor： Carl Wing-Jang Chin ,  Jason Blair ,  Parsa Dormiani

IPC: F24J2/38

CPC classification number: F24S50/20 ,  F24S23/70 ,  F24S30/40 ,  F24S2023/87 ,  F24S2030/10 ,  H04L12/10 ,  H04L12/40 ,  Y02D50/30 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A network topology for powering and communicating with groups of heliostats in a concentrated solar power plant. Heliostats are arranged in rows and wired together with inter-drive cables that distribute power and data from a field electrical system and plant network. Data is transmitted to and from heliostat drive control boards via network switches connected to intelligent power distribution units. Power is transmitted from battery banks to said intelligent power distribution units. Communication interface modules supply a connection between intelligent power distribution units and the heliostat control boards of non-adjacent heliostat rows to create communication and data loops having improved redundancy and robustness in the event of single point component failures.

Abstract translation: 用于为集中太阳能发电厂的定日镜组供电和通信的网络拓扑。 定日镜排列成行并与驱动电缆连接，从现场电气系统和工厂网络分配电力和数据。 数据通过连接到智能配电单元的网络交换机传输到定日镜驱动器控制板。 电力从电池组传输到所述智能配电装置。 通信接口模块提供智能配电单元和非相邻定日镜行的定日镜控制板之间的连接，以创建在单点组件故障的情况下具有改进的冗余性和鲁棒性的通信和数据环路。

公开(公告)号：US20150128594A1

公开(公告)日：2015-05-14

申请号：US14538795

申请日：2014-11-11

Applicant: eSolar Inc.

Inventor： Gaurav Soni ,  Michael Slack

IPC: F03G6/06 ,  F22B1/06 ,  F24J2/46 ,  F22B1/00 ,  F24J2/40 ,  F24J2/34

CPC classification number: F03G6/067 ,  F22B1/006 ,  F22B1/06 ,  F24S90/00 ,  F28D20/0034 ,  F28D2020/0047 ,  Y02E10/46 ,  Y02E60/142 ,  Y02P80/24

Abstract: A system for regulating the temperature and flow rate of a heat transfer fluid for use in a hybrid steam-generating plant is described. A bypass section may be incorporated into the piping network of a primary steam-generating source to route heat transfer fluid from a hot source to a mixer downstream of at least one heat exchanger. Heat transfer fluid from the hot source may be mixed with cooler heat transfer fluid exiting the heat exchanger in the event that the supply from a secondary steam-generating source is lost or becomes intermittent. The result is a system that maintains a constant flow rate of heat transfer fluid through the heat exchangers while minimizing adverse temperature gradient effects that may result from steam production variability and plant operation outside of design point parameters.

Abstract translation: 描述了一种用于调节用于混合蒸汽发电厂的传热流体的温度和流量的系统。 旁通部分可以结合到主蒸汽发生源的管道网络中，以将传热流体从热源引导到至少一个热交换器的下游的混合器。 在来自二次蒸汽发生源的供应丢失或变得间歇的情况下，来自热源的传热流体可以与离开热交换器的较冷的传热流体混合。 其结果是保持传热流体通过热交换器的恒定流速的系统，同时将设计点参数之外的蒸汽生产可变性和设备运行可能导致的不利温度梯度效应最小化。

公开(公告)号：US08104893B2

公开(公告)日：2012-01-31

申请号：US12257368

申请日：2008-10-23

Applicant: Dan S. Reznik ,  Adam D. Azarchs ,  Ambrus Csaszar ,  Matthew B. Hartshorn

Inventor： Dan S. Reznik ,  Adam D. Azarchs ,  Ambrus Csaszar ,  Matthew B. Hartshorn

IPC: F24J2/38 ,  G02B7/183 ,  G05D3/00

CPC classification number: G01S3/7861 ,  F24S20/20 ,  F24S30/452 ,  F24S50/00 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2023/87 ,  F24S2050/25 ,  F24S2201/00 ,  Y02E10/41 ,  Y02E10/47 ,  Y10S126/906

Abstract: A suntracking system for a central receiver solar power plant includes a heliostat field for reflecting sunlight to a receiver, cameras directed toward at least a subset of the heliostats, and a controller. The cameras are configured to produce images of sunlight reflected from multiple heliostats. The heliostats include a mirrored surface having a settable orientation and have a geometry modeled by a set of parameters. A method of estimating heliostat parameters for open-loop suntracking includes acquiring pointing samples by setting the direction of reflection of the heliostats and detecting concurrent sunlight reflections into the cameras. The method uses the acquired pointing samples and surveyed locations of the cameras to estimate the heliostat parameters. The method accurately maintains the sun's reflection directed toward the receiver open-loop utilizing the estimated tracking parameters.

Abstract translation: 用于中央接收器太阳能发电厂的捕获系统包括用于将阳光反射到接收器的定日镜场，朝向至少一个定日镜的子集的照相机以及控制器。 相机被配置为产生从多个定日镜反射的阳光的图像。 定日镜包括具有可设置取向并具有由一组参数建模的几何形状的镜面。 一种估算开环采矿定日镜参数的方法包括：通过设置定日镜的反射方向并检测同时的阳光反射到相机中来获取指向样本。 该方法使用获取的指示样本和摄像机的测量位置来估计定日镜参数。 该方法利用估计的跟踪参数精确地保持朝向接收机开环的太阳反射。

公开(公告)号：US07994459B2

公开(公告)日：2011-08-09

申请号：US12562990

申请日：2009-09-18

Applicant: Maximilian Zavodny ,  Dan S. Reznik ,  Michael James Forte

Inventor： Maximilian Zavodny ,  Dan S. Reznik ,  Michael James Forte

IPC: F24J2/38

CPC classification number: G01S3/7803 ,  F24S20/20 ,  F24S23/70 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2050/25 ,  G01S3/7861 ,  Y02E10/41 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: Systems and methods of calibrating heliostat parameters for subsequent open-loop sun-tracking, the calibration based on driving artificial light source reflections from one or more heliostats into one or more image sensors.

Abstract translation: 用于校准定日镜参数以用于后续开环太阳跟踪的系统和方法，基于将人造光源反射从一个或多个定日镜转换成一个或多个图像传感器的校准。

公开(公告)号：US20160370032A1

公开(公告)日：2016-12-22

申请号：US14806646

申请日：2015-07-22

Applicant: eSolar Inc.

Inventor： Michael Slack ,  John Thiel

IPC: F24J2/07 ,  F24J2/38 ,  F24J2/10

CPC classification number: F24S20/20 ,  F24S23/70 ,  F24S25/10 ,  F24S30/45 ,  F24S50/20 ,  F24S2020/16 ,  F24S2023/87 ,  F24S2030/10 ,  Y02E10/41 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A heliostat array having a variable field density for use in a concentrating solar power (CSP) plant. Heliostats are arranged into subgroups and configured to track the sun and reflect light to a receiver tower. Heliostats are deployed onto structures, wherein the structures can be arranged in rows separated by a service gap. The structures can comprise cross members that can be varied in size. By altering the size of cross members in a structure, heliostats in one row can be deployed farther apart or closer together than heliostats in a different row. Heliostat field density can vary with distance from the receiver tower, wherein heliostats close to the receiver are more tightly packed and heliostats further from the receiver are spaced farther apart. Heliostat subgroups can exhibit variable heliostat density using one or more of the following features: variable spacing of heliostats within the same row, variable spacing of heliostats mounted to the same structure, or by varying the width of the service gap between rows. The result is a field configuration that reduces the blocking and shading of heliostats by their neighbors.

Abstract translation: 一种具有可变场密度的定日镜阵列，用于集中太阳能发电（CSP）设备。 定向日光灯被安排成亚组，并配置成跟踪太阳并将光反射到接收塔。 定向器部署在结构上，其中结构可以排列成由服务间隙分开的行。 结构可以包括尺寸可以变化的横向构件。 通过改变结构中的横梁的大小，一行中的定日镜可以与不同行中的定日镜更远或更近地部署。 定向射线场的密度可以随距接收器塔的距离而变化，其中靠近接收器的定日镜更紧密地包装，并且远离接收器的定日镜间隔更远。 使用以下特征中的一个或多个可以显示日光反应器密度变化的定日照射密度：同一行内的定日镜的可变间距，安装在相同结构上的定日镜的可变间隔，或者通过改变行之间的服务间隙的宽度。 结果是一个现场配置，可以减少其邻居对定日镜的遮挡和遮蔽。

公开(公告)号：US09372159B2

公开(公告)日：2016-06-21

申请号：US14850916

申请日：2015-09-10

Applicant: eSolar Inc.

Inventor： Maximilian Zavodny

IPC: G01N21/88 ,  G01N21/55

CPC classification number: G01N21/8851 ,  F24S40/00 ,  F24S50/20 ,  G01N21/55 ,  G01N2021/8887 ,  G01N2201/062 ,  Y02E10/47

Abstract: A system and method for detecting heliostat failures in a concentrating solar plant, the system comprising a plurality of stationary lights and cameras mounted to towers that surround, or are situated within, a field of heliostats. Heliostats may be commanded via a control system to move to a position wherein light may be expected to be reflected from a given stationary light to a given camera, whereupon a first set of images of the heliostat are taken. Heliostats may then be commanded via the control system to move to a position wherein light may no longer be expected to be reflected from said stationary light to said camera, whereupon a second set of images of the heliostat are taken. An image processor may search the first and second set of images to determine if reflected light is present. If reflected light from said stationary light is not found in the images, the heliostat may be determined to have experienced a failure mode. Failed heliostats may then be flagged for inspection, repair, or replacement.

Abstract translation: 一种用于检测聚光太阳能设备中的定日镜故障的系统和方法，该系统包括安装在围绕或位于定日镜场中的塔的多个固定灯和照相机。 可以通过控制系统命令定日镜以移动到可以预期光可以从给定的固定光反射到给定的照相机的位置，由此拍摄定日镜的第一组图像。 然后可以通过控制系统命令定日镜移动到其中不再期望将光从所述固定光反射到所述相机的位置，由此拍摄定日镜的第二组图像。 图像处理器可以搜索第一和第二组图像以确定是否存在反射光。 如果在图像中没有发现来自所述固定光的反射光，则可以确定定日镜已经经历了故障模式。 然后可能将失效的定日镜标记为检查，维修或更换。