FLAP Heliostat

About

Since CSP applications require direct sunlight, eminently suitable plant sites can be found in desert regions. However, dusty conditions can reduce the performance of the plant due to soiling of the heliostat’s reflective surface. Furthermore, sand particles can cause irreversible damage of the mirror surfaces, e.g. reflectance loss. Also, pylon-based heliostats – which are currently state-of-the-Art – are generally prone to high wind loads during storms, thus impeding the deployment of lightweight support structures. All these short-comings can be tackled by employing the FLAP heliostat concept. The essential innovation of FLAP is the foldable concentrator structure consisting of two panel sections that are oriented Face-to-face when being in Lay-down stow position. The concept hence implies an inherent Anti-degradation Protection of the reflective surfaces, i.e. soiling as well as sand abrasion can be substantially reduced. Wind loads are minimized due to the low profile of the heliostat structure in stow position. Face-to-Face Lay-down Anti-degradation Protection Folding of the panels is accomplished by means of a folding mechanism comprising a simple 4-bar-linkage. It is actuated by the one single central linear actuator, also used for elevation tracking in order to avoid costs for additional drives. The mechanism also includes a toggle lever solution for automatically locking the folding panels against undesired collapse during tracking operation. Preferably, the FLAP concept is merged with a low-cost azimuthal carousel wheel carriage.