Heliostat array
A heliostat array comprising a modular grid is disclosed. The array comprises a plurality of grid members; a plurality of stanchions connected to six of the plurality of the grid members; a plurality of heliostats mounted on stanchions and grid members. Each stanchion may consist of a threaded rod and locking mechanism for rigidly affixing the six grid members to the threaded rod. Each of the plurality of heliostats comprises a mirror, a circular track, and a carousel for rotating the mirror about the circular track. The circular track is concentric with a stanchion and mounted to three grid members that are 120 degrees apart. Each of the carousels may be operably coupled to and biased toward the corresponding circular track.
1. A heliostat array comprising:
a modular grid comprising a plurality of grid members;
a plurality of stanchions, each stanchion directly connected to six of the plurality of the grid members;
a plurality of heliostats, each heliostat mounted on:
one of the plurality of stanchions; and
three of the plurality of grid members.
2. The heliostat array in claim 1 , wherein each stanchion consists of a threaded rod and locking mechanism for rigidly affixing the six grid members to the threaded rod.
3. The heliostat array in claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of footings, each footing comprising a block mounted to one of the plurality of stanchions.
4. The heliostat array in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of heliostats comprises a mirror, a circular track, and a carousel for rotating the mirror about the circular track; wherein the circular track is concentric with a stanchion and mounted to three grid members that are 120 degrees apart.
5. The heliostat array in claim 4 , wherein each of the plurality of grid members comprises two ends, each end comprising an aperture configured to receive a stanchion.
6. The heliostat array in claim 5 , wherein each aperture is an over-sized aperture configured to receive a stanchion.
7. The heliostat array in claim 5 , further comprising a plurality of clips, each clip configured to connect a grid member to a circular track.
8. The heliostat array in claim 4 , wherein the carousel is biased toward the circular track.
9. The heliostat array in claim 8 , wherein the mirror of each heliostat is mounted to a carousel with at least three wheels configured to engage the circular track; wherein the stanchion is configured to bias the carousel toward the circular track.
10. The heliostat array in claim 8 , further comprising one or more legs that contact the carousel and circular track when the mirror is in a stow configuration.