Support and maneuvering apparatus for solar energy receivers

Patent · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:867147

Murphy, Lawrence M ^[1]

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1. Littleton, CO

A support and maneuvering apparatus is disclosed for a solar energy receiving device adpated for receiving and concentrating solar energy and having a central axis extending through the center thereof. The apparatus includes a frame for mounting the perimeter of said solar energy receiving device. A support member extends along the central axis of the receiving device and has a base end passing through the center of the receiving device and an outer distal end adapted for carrying a solar energy receiving and conversion mechanism. A variable tension mechanism interconnects the support member with the frame to provide stiffening for the support member and the frame and to assist in the alignment of the frame to optimize the optical efficiency of the solar energy receiving device. A rotatable base is provided, and connecting members extend from the base for pivotable attachment to the frame at spaced positions therealong. Finally, an elevation assembly is connected to the receiving device for selectively pivoting the receiving device about an axis defined between the attachment positions of the connecting members on the frame.

• Research Organization: Midwest Research Institute, Kansas City, MO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4875467
• OSTI ID: 867147
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

support
maneuvering
apparatus
solar
energy
receivers
disclosed
receiving
device
adpated
concentrating
central
axis
extending
center
frame
mounting
perimeter
extends
base
passing
outer
distal
adapted
carrying
conversion
mechanism
variable
tension
interconnects
provide
stiffening
assist
alignment
optimize
optical
efficiency
rotatable
provided
connecting
extend
pivotable
attachment
spaced
positions
therealong
finally
elevation
assembly
connected
selectively
pivoting
defined
central axis
solar energy
energy receiver
receiving device
spaced positions
variable tension
concentrating solar
energy receivers
positions therealong
conversion mechanism
maneuvering apparatus
/126/359/