Hydraulic-based rotational system for solar concentrators that resists high wind loads without a mechanical lock

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 8904774
SERIAL NO

12544910

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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A rotational system is provided for controlling rotation of one or more solar collectors to track the movement of the sun, to automatically keep the collectors locked in stow position during high wind conditions, and advantageously also to prevent damage to the rotational system due to high pressures caused by high temperature conditions. The system utilizes a bi-directional hydraulic rotational actuator hydraulically connected to a control system. The actuator advantageously includes a system of helical gears and a piston, and the control system includes hydraulic lines equipped with check valves that prevent circulation of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic lines and the actuator when backpressure is exerted in one of the hydraulic lines as a result of high wind force on the collectors. In addition, the control system advantageously comprises a pressure-relief system to prevent damage to the actuator during high temperature conditions. A single actuator can be used to operate up to sixteen or more large solar collectors.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
SKYFUEL INC18300 WEST HIGHWAY 72 ARVADA CO 80007

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Gee, Randall C Arvada, US 8 200

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