Structural Analysis of a Glass/Space Frame Parabolic-Trough Solar Collector for Various Operating Positions

摘要

A study has been carried out to determine the stresses due to gravity in the reflective panels of a parabolic-trough solar collector for various operating positions. Combined wind and gravity loads are considered for one of the operating positions. The reflective panels which make up the troughs use glass as the reflecting medium and also as the major structural component. To determine the stresses, a finite element model was constructed for a collector string. Stresses were computed at four different operating positions. The maximum and miminum stresses do not show, for the most part, large variations for the various operating positions. The stress results for this particular design show that it should survive wind and gravity loads for all of its operating positions. A discussion is presented regarding analyses of the panel design as it evolved. These analyses indicated that, for a particular design, the basic geometry is the driving force for determining the overall stress pattern and the magnitudes of the stresses. (ERA citation 09:000426)