公开(公告)号：US20160069817A1

公开(公告)日：2016-03-10

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。

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：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。