Solar energy collection system

(54) Title: SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF COLLECTION OF (57) Summary: SOLAR ENERGY (30) Unionist Priority: 05/03/2007 us 60 / 892,956,

12/20/2007 US 61 / 015,263, 21/02/2008 US 61 / 030,390 (73) Owner (s): Nolaris SA (72) Inventor (s): Markus Wannemacher, Thomas Hinderling, Urs Elsasser, Yassine Allani (74 ) Attorney (s): Hugo Silva, Rosa & MaldonadoProp. Int (86) International Order: pct IB2008002723 of 05/03/2008 (87) International Publication: wo 2oo9 / ooi225de 31/12/2008

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1/26 “Solar Energy Collection Systems and Method”

Descriptive Report

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an artificial island, land or sea, which is equipped with facilities for collecting electricity. More particularly, the present invention relates to such a large-scale structure, which is capable of producing electrical energy in a cost-effective manner by solar thermal technology.

Background of the Invention

It is generally accepted that the Earth is rapidly reaching an energy crisis of incalculable proportions. Some say that the crisis will occur around the year 2040.

It appears that solar energy may be the only source that can theoretically overcome the energy crisis that is to come without disrupting energy costs. Geothermal energy is a distant second possibility, but clearly at much higher costs.

Solar energy is mainly suitable for mitigating this future energy crisis. For example, almost 10,000 GTEP (TEP =

Equivalent Ton of Oil) of solar radiation hits the Earth every year. However, only up to 5 GTEP of usable solar energy would be needed to take a significant step towards energy sustainability for Earth.

However, there have been practical limitations to the large-scale implementation of energy-producing systems that depend on the sun. For example, photovoltaic cells are capable of

2/26 convert solar energy (ie, sunlight) into usable energy, ie electricity. But, the total efficiency of these devices is about ΙΟΙ 8%, depending on the materials used. In addition, greater efficiency generally requires more expensive materials. Furthermore, the manufacture of photovoltaic cells requires the use of highly toxic chemicals, which present a significant and ever-expanding environmental problem.

For these reasons, solar thermal technology, the other main technology for converting solar energy into electricity, appears to be the only potential solution for producing a sufficient number of GTEPs in the foreseeable future, while remaining relatively economical.

A specific solar thermal technology that is now widely used in pilot applications is the solar parabolic gutter. A parabolic gutter, shaped like the bottom half of a large drainpipe, reflects sunlight into a central receiver tube that runs over that. Pressurized water and other fluids are heated in the tube and used to generate steam, which can then trigger turbo generators to produce electricity or to provide thermal energy for the industry.

In theory, parabolic gutters have had the potential for efficient electricity production, because they are able to reach relatively high turbine intake temperatures. However, in practice, the land requirements for this technology are significant. In addition, recent studies indicate that the electricity costs previously estimated using this technology may have been too optimistic. In short, the perceived commitment to this technology has not yet provided tangible benefits, in a practical sense, due to inefficiencies or excessive costs and also due to inherent limitations and variations in solar radiation. More specifically, these trough collectors require expensive and intensive maintenance guidance systems to dynamically adjust the angular positions of the trough panels, dependent on the solar position. This requires expensive gear drives and also large support structures that can withstand significant load fluctuations and other structural considerations.

Summary and Overview of Preferred Modalities

It is an objective of the present invention to achieve practical and tangible progress in harnessing solar energy, to mitigate the known concerns associated with current sources of electricity, including the possibility of a significant energy crisis in the foreseeable future,

Another objective of this invention is to facilitate the large-scale generation of electric energy through the use of solar irradiation and to do so at an economically viable cost.

The present invention achieves these goals by placing solar radiation collector modules on a large-scale light artificial island (or islands) that is (are) low cost, up to several hundred meters in diameter, and possibly even built with a diameter of more than a kilometer. The island could operate either at sea, in large natural lakes, or on land, where it would be based within a lowered concrete channel that would maintain a fluid of appropriate viscosity, such as natural oil or even water. The island floats. The word “light” refers to specific weight, which is the surface space / total weight of the platform.

This island should be of relatively high height, for example, more than 10 meters and possibly even higher than 30

4/26 meters, to avoid or at least minimize any negative effects of rough seas etc. The land version, however, can theoretically be built much lower, that is, about 2 meters. However, the terrestrial version could also benefit from a certain height, if it were implanted in a difficult environment, such as a desert. In this case, a minimum height would help to allow the solar concentrators of the modules to be installed well above the surface of the desert, out of danger in the case of sandstorms. The great abrasive effect of sandstorms occurs in the sand boundary layer, just above the terrain. Generally, if the island is higher than the typical height of this boundary layer, solar concentrators and other facilities will be much less likely to suffer defects as a result of sandstorms. The island turns to follow the position of the sun. The terrestrial version of this island floats in liquid contained within a large ring-shaped gutter, by a large outer ring structure usually large enough to fit within the gutter. The marine version also uses the outer ring structure. The floating outer ring facilitates the rotation of the island to a desired orientation, to optimize the position of the solar radiation collectors installed on the island. Instead of adjusting the positions of multiple solar collector panels, the collector panels are fixed in place, but supported on a large platform that adjusts to optimize the effects of solar radiation.

The island is essentially circular, although the outer ring does not have to be exactly circular. For the land version of the island, the base of the outer ring must have a lower element that has a shape close to the circular one, to allow the lower element to rotate within the concrete channel described above. The outer ring could also be assembled from segments of straight pipe sections that have a cross section that is round, square, oval or any other suitable shape. The outer ring structure can use typical features that are common in naval design, such as the isolation of interior volumes within those piping sections, to protect against the possibility of sinking if the outer ring develops a leak. A preferred embodiment of the invention contemplates the use of the pipe sections that are typically used for pipelines.

The outer ring structure could support or support electrical installations, such as all equipment to actually produce electrical energy in a Rankine cycle, using the distributed steam from solar concentrators. This would generally be state of the art machinery, such as steam turbines or Stirling engines or any other type of machine suitable for using steam to move an electric generator.

According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, an artificial island with solar collection facilities includes a floating platform, the platform comprising mainly a flexible cover or blade, which extends over an outer ring structure and is sealed therein. The top cover is an industrial-scale, long-life, UV-resistant material that is either vulcanized or hooked or otherwise attached to the outer ring structure, so that it is airtight. This creates a cloistered volume below the cover. A compressor system is installed in order to be in fluid communication with the enclosed and operable volume to create a slight overpressure under the cover. Current studies show that an overpressure of about 0.005 bar should be sufficient, but in some situations, it could be substantially higher. In addition, the overpressure is dynamically adjustable, as described below, to achieve and maintain a desired floating effect. It may be desirable to pressurize the enclosed volume to the point of creating an upwardly directed protrusion in the center of the cover, to facilitate the rainwater to drain in a radial outward direction. In addition, the cover could include channels to facilitate flow in the desired direction. In fact, runoff could be used as part of a desalination system. To achieve the desired excess pressurization, a plurality of compressors, i.e. pumps, can be used.

For the terrestrial system, a ground wire installation operatively connects the artificial island to the local network. In cases where a substantial electrical network is not available for connection, a hydrogen production facility is connected. For the version implanted in the water, the artificial island has a sufficient number of propulsion devices propelled by electric force or other force distributed along the outer ring structure. These propulsion devices can move the island to the desired location and also turn the island to a desired orientation in relation to the sun.

The terrestrial version of the artificial island of this invention has centralization mechanisms, namely wheels, to center the island on its axis of rotation within the rail. To turn the island, this structure uses steerable wheels that roll on the outside of the concrete ring. Due to the fact that the artificial island is supported in a floating way, the energy actually needed to rotate the island is minimal. Relatively small engines distributed around the outer structure will be suitable for turning the island, effectively 360 degrees in one day.

To reduce the total weight of the island and to reduce the susceptibility to bending due to wind, the radiation collector modules supported on the platform have a light continuous flow design that allows air to actually flow through the concentrator panels. These collectors can be assembled from simple steel in a mirrored strip, industrially manufactured, or aluminum. This type of design substantially reduces costs and weight compared to the design of

7/26 typical satellite dish. In addition, this design can be easily assembled in countries close to Ecuador, where difficult manufacturing processes, for example, folding aluminum mirror elements on a large scale, may not be practical.

The enclosed volume of this artificial island is delimited by the structure of the outer ring, the coverage and the surface of the water (for the marine version) or the surface of the terrain (for the terrestrial version). For the terrestrial version, the effect of the seal for the enclosed volume is achieved in part by the concrete chute. A particular advantage of the terrestrial version is that the Earth's surface under cover could remain untreated. In addition, this surface could retain some of the technical facilities used to operate the island. Thus, those installations would not necessarily have to be supported by the outer ring structure, as would be the case for the artificial island floating in the sea. If an installation were in fact located under the platform, for the terrestrial version, overlying sections of the roof could be made of transparent material. This would allow some ambient sunlight to reach the facilities below, where the operating team is working.

A light space frame structure is present on top of the roof and supports the solar radiation collector modules. Alternatively or in addition, a pre-tensioned cable system transposes the cover and the outer ring structure retains the assemblies for these cables. Still further, a honeycomb structure could be used as that upper structure. This air cushion under the cover is maintained at a pressure that actually supports the upper structure. For this purpose, the upper structure or even the modules or cover have a plurality of sensors, such as strain gauges, which are interconnected in a network that is operatively connected to a computer, which is, in turn, connected to the system

8/26 compressor. The sensors measure a desired measurable condition related to the coverage, such as the stress on the spatial frame, at different locations around the coverage. The computer uses an appropriate algorithm and corresponding software to control the compressor system to dynamically adjust the air pressure under the cover, to minimize stress on the space frame or to resolve the detected condition in an appropriate manner. It should be understood that any one of a number of other force measuring devices could be used to dynamically detect and analyze the mechanical load on the cover, upper structure or modules and to initiate an appropriate change in overpressurization.

This artificial island is particularly light, because the support structure of the space frame holding the solar concentrators should hardly have to be able to support its own weight. Any excessive forces induced by the wind or any other atmospheric or inconvenient effects can be compensated for by the overpressure pad under the flexible cover, particularly by means of appropriate sensors and dynamic control of the compressor system.

According to another aspect of the invention, the outer ring structure has additional support structures on the outside of it, to support photovoltaic (PV) elements. The electrical energy generated by those PV elements and their battery storage facilities and DC / AC converter could be used to supply energy to the island's positioning systems and also to the operating room systems, such as the driving system and the system compressor.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the marine version contains propulsion equipment mounted on the structure

9/26 outer ring, to move the island north or south through Ecuador in parallel with the seasons. This allows the island to maintain a vertical position under the sun's daily path. It has been shown that solar energy production could be increased by up to 15 percent per year if a solar energy production facility is in fact able to follow the sun's path in the manner suggested here. The island's positioning system could include a GPS system with appropriate computing equipment, including algorithms and associated software, establishing latitude and longitude based on Cook's law (see http://fred.elie.free.fr/cadrans_solaires. htm). The same positioning system would also maintain the island's position during the day, when it essentially rotates about 180 degrees to follow the sun from dawn in the east to dusk in the west.

A brief calculation of the potential production of this artificial island, with a diameter of 500 meters, is shown below. This island would have a surface area within the outer ring structure of about 195,000 square meters. Solar radiation in the tropics is approximately 1 kW per square meter. Assuming a very conservative total transformation efficiency (concentrators, Rankine cycle, etc.) between 10 and 20 percent, the peak production of this island can be estimated to be greater than 30 MW. This assumes that the island will operate at peak energy for about 8 hours a day. For the purposes of this calculation, the additional energy generated at less than the peak production during the morning and night hours has been omitted. This results in a production of approximately 240 MWh per day or about 85,000 MWh per year, assuming that 15 days per year are reserved for maintenance operations. In this way, this island could produce an amount of electricity in a year that is worth approximately $ 12.75 million at an average selling price of 0.15 cents / kWh.

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The economy behind this artificial island becomes more attractive as the size of the island increases. In addition, the increase in size still increases stability for the version implanted in the water, particularly in adverse weather conditions. In this way, this inventive artificial solar island represents a major contribution towards the production of sustainable energy that will be so desperately needed in the near future.

The excess pressurization of the volume enclosed under the cover plays a significant role in supporting the solar radiation collector modules. More particularly, to generate electricity from solar radiation at an economically viable cost, the required surface area is extremely large. Although commercially available solar collectors continue to improve efficiency, surface area requirements, that is, the surface area occupied by collectors, are still high. The need for a large surface area creates other practical considerations, namely, how to sufficiently support the collectors in a load-bearing structure that is also reoriented in relation to the position of the sun. With this invention, the answer is threefold. First, the large outer ring in a floating manner supports the outer contour of the island and thus carries a substantial part of the total weight. Thus, the platform floats. Second, the volume of overpressure under the cover helps to significantly reduce the load in the center of the island. Third, the use of an appropriate upper support structure, that is, a light space frame or, alternatively, a tensioned cable system or a honeycomb structure, still guarantees adequate mechanical support for solar collectors.

A water supply duct (directed inwards) and a steam duct (directed outwards) connect to the solar radiation collector modules by means of a rotating joint located on the

11/26 center of the island. This joint must be able to accommodate the rotation of the island. This can be done by a coaxial configuration, a coaxial swivel joint or by an appropriate length of a flexible rope.

Once these ducts have reached the top of the platform, they are routed along the rows of solar radiation collector modules, to generate usable steam through the heat ducts towards which sunlight is concentrated. As the length of the various ducts extending from the center of the island to all of the various modules will differ, pressure regulating valves are used to moderate and control any undesirable pressure and temperature differences.

Throughout the modules, various heat duct layouts or layouts are possible. This arrangement involves conducting the water ducts directed outward along the top of the heat ducts of the solar collector modules, to preheat the water flowing in these upper ducts as a result of their proximity to the respective heat ducts located below them .

The present invention also contemplates the ability to clean solar collectors by means of a steerable cart or other device, which moves along a track or track that extends next to the collector lines. This device could be a robot that directs pressurized fluid, most likely air, onto the surfaces of the modules. The track could be a double track track that supports a wheeled cart or even a monorail track. The wheel cart configuration allows it to move along the rails to any desired position on the platform to provide access for any necessary maintenance.

If desired, in an alternative modality, the platform

12/26 could be floatingly supported on a plurality of concentric tracks in a plurality of concentric wheel sets, with the size to traverse the tracks. These and other features of the invention will be more easily understood in view of the following detailed description and drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the artificial island constructed according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view, showing schematically a terrestrial version of the artificial island, according to an aspect of the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing a terrestrial version of the artificial island of this invention.

Figure 4A is a horizontal sectional view, showing schematically the outer ring structure and the channel of the terrestrial artificial island according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4B is a horizontal sectional view, similar to Figure 4A, which schematically shows yet another variation of the outer ring structure and the chute, for the terrestrial version of the artificial island of this invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a traction unit, shown connected to the structure, according to a preferred embodiment of the driving mechanism of this invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective, similar to Figure 4, of a centering steering wheel unit, shown connected to the outer ring structure, according to a preferred embodiment of the mechanism

13/26 of centralizing this invention.

Figure 7A is a perspective view of a capsule supporting a part of a light space frame on the platform cover, according to a first preferred embodiment of the upper structure of this invention.

Figure 7B is a horizontal view, which schematically shows the capsule and other structures shown in Figure 7A.

Figure 8 is a perspective view, which schematically shows the bottom of a capsule of the type shown in Figures 7A and

7B.

Figure 9 is a perspective, showing schematically a computer model simulation of the depressions that could occur on the cover of the artificial island of this invention.

Figure IO is a horizontal view showing schematically a second preferred embodiment for the upper structure of this invention, namely, a cable system that collaborates with a plurality of pontoons, which, in turn, support support frames towards the Fresnel solar concentrators are mounted.

Figure 10A is a perspective showing an alternative pontoon structure.

Figure 11 is a horizontal view, which schematically shows a third preferred embodiment for the upper structure of this invention, a honeycomb structure, towards which a Fresnel collector is mounted.

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Figures 12A and 12B are perspectives, showing two alternative structures for routing the fluid, that is, water and / or steam, to and from the island 10, by means of a rotating joint located on axis 18.

Figure 13A is a longitudinal view along one of the rows of Fresnel collectors, showing a trolley supported by rail, which facilitates service and maintenance.

Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view along lines 13B-13B of Figure 13A.

Figure 14 is a perspective, showing another aspect of the cart shown in Figure 13A.

Detailed Description of Drawings

The present application claims the benefit of the priority of Provisional Application for serial number US 60 / 892,956, filed on March 5, 2007, entitled “Solar Island”; US 61 / 015.263, filed on December 20, 2007, entitled “Solar Island”; and US 61 / 030,390, filed on February 21, 2008, entitled “Solar Island”. All three of these Orders are expressly incorporated by reference in this document, in their entirety.

Figure 1 shows an artificial island 10 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The island 10 generally comprises a horizontal platform 12, which, in turn, includes an external support ring structure 14 which is transposed by a flexible cover 16. The cover 16 can be of any suitable flexible material that can be sealed along its opposite longitudinal edges, such as, for example, by gluing, heat welding or vulcanizing the edges located adjacent. In an initial prototype of the invention, for coverage 16, applicants are using

15/26 an industrial blade known as SIKA Sarnafil TS 77-20. Island 10 includes a central axis 18, which will be described in more detail later.

Platform 12 supports a plurality of collecting radiation modules disposed end to end in a plurality of parallel rows 19. Any given row 19 of modules includes a plurality of supported wire columns 20, which, in turn, support a duct of horizontally oriented heat 21. Each row 19 includes a plurality of parallel, lower solar concentrators 10, or reflector panels 22. Each of the concentrators 22 is fixed at a desired angle, so that all reflectors 22 reflect or direct sunlight upwards towards the heat duct 21. This concentrates the solar radiation reflected in the heat duct 21. The platform 12 rotates to keep rows 19 oriented perpendicularly towards the sun.

A water supply duct and a steam duct are directed towards the central axis 18 and connected to two conduits 24 that extend in opposite positions. The conduits 24 connect to sub-branches 24a that generally extend along the center of the island 10, so that, in each row 19, the water supply can flow out and back along the respective heat duct 21.

Figure 1 also shows a plurality of cocoons 25 distributed over the upper surface of the roof 16, in a grid pattern generally designated by reference number 26. Although not shown in particular detail in Figure 1, the cocoons 25 support a lightweight spatial frame 27 , which usually occupies the spaces designated by grid lines 26 in Figure 1. The spatial frame 27, in turn, supports rows 19 of the solar radiation collector modules.

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As described above, the artificial island 10 of this invention is a floating structure. This invention contemplates the land or sea operation of this artificial island 10. Figure 2 shows more details of the structural components of a preferred modality of artificial island 10. More particularly, Figure 2 shows the overall structure and the way in which island 10 is floating support by the outer ring 14. Preferably, ring 14 is made of prefabricated, connectable segments of steel, concrete, plastic, aluminum or any other suitable material. If ring segments 14 are made of steel, they are preferably welded. Particularly for a marine version of island 10, the segments have internal support structures. These internal support structures isolate segments of the ring 14 located adjacent, thereby isolating sections of the ring 14 located adjacent, in order to isolate any leaks that may occur. In a prototype construction of the land version of this island 10, platform 12 is about 85 meters in diameter, the segments have a diameter of about two meters and a length of about 7.5 meters. Preferably, the ring sections 14 are placed and interconnected while in the ditch 28 and, preferably, supported in a temporary structure that can then be removed after the ditch 28 is filled with water 29. The ditch 28 must be able to support the weight of ring 14. For the prototype, applicants estimate that ring 14 will have a total weight of around 100 tonnes (100,000 kg), which corresponds to a weight of around 380 kg per square meter.

Figure 2 shows the outer ring 14 located floating in a ditch or chute 28. As shown in Figure 2, the ditch has an inner wall 28a, a lower wall 28b and an outer wall 28c. Ditch 28 is preferably made of concrete. The thickness of each of the walls 28a, 28b and 28c is determined according to local geological surveys and any building codes

17/26 applicable. Trench 28 includes a fluid of appropriate viscosity and particularly a liquid such as water 29, in order to float the support ring 14.

Figure 2 also shows the enclosed volume 30 located below the cover 16 and still defined or delimited by the ring 14, the water 29 in the gutter 28 and the land 31 or floor surface located in the center of the island 10. Preferably, the surface 31 is flush with the top of the inner wall 28a. This can be done by filling the sand and the sand then covered by a 2 mm thick PVC sheet, preferably a sheet based on flexible polyolefin reinforced with polyester fiber and / or fleece made of fiberglass. A compressor system 32, preferably a plurality of compressors or pumps, is located so as to be in fluid communication with the enclosed volume 30. In Figure 2, the pump 32 is shown under the floor 31 in the middle of the island 10. However, it could also be centrally located within an operating room or facility to operate the island 10 or still be located on ring 14 Pump 32 pumps air into enclosed volume 30, as shown by directional arrows 34, in order to maintain an over-pressurized condition under cover 16 and within volume 30. Applicants currently expect the actual amount of overpressure within the enclosed volume 30 to be about 0.005 bar, although this value may vary slightly depending on dynamic conditions and, in some situations, it could be substantially greater. Figure 2 also shows an outer arc structure extending upwardly 14a, extending upwardly from each of the segments of the ring 14 so as to create an outer upper surface 14b around the top of the ring 14.

Figure 3 shows an example of a terrestrial version of this artificial i18 / 26 island 10, including a radially oriented sub-surface tunnel 35 that extends externally from the central axis 18 of the structure, in addition to the outer wall 28c of the ditch 28 for a energy 36, which can be a turbine generator or other installation for the storage or use of steam generated by the sun produced by the island 10. Preferably, tunnel 35 carries the water ducts that connect to conduits 24, as well as any electrical connectors. The floor of tunnel 35 slopes downward from the center of island 10 to extend below the bottom of ditch 28 and also to prevent water or other liquid from flowing into the center of island 10. A reservoir 37 is located nearby to supply water to ditch 28 as needed. It connects preferentially to the ditch 28 from below, to facilitate the rapid drainage of the ditch 28.

Figure 3 also shows another view of rows 19 of the modules. Generally, for each module, the concentrators 22 are about 8 meters long.

Figure 2 and also Figure 4A show details of a centralization mechanism 38 that centralizes the island 10 on its central axis. More specifically, the centralizing mechanism 38 resides radially beyond the ring 14 and within the surface inside the outer wall 28c of the ditch 28. This centralizing mechanism 38 comprises a support 39 mounted to the ring 14, which supports an orientable wheel 40 which is located in contact with the outer wall 28c. It is important that the inner surface of the outer wall 28c is constructed to be perfectly rounded or to a very low tolerance. This requirement is necessary because the angular adjustment of the island 10 is carried out by means of these wheels 40. The invention also contemplates an alternative mounting option, that of mounting the supports 39 on the external wall 28c so that the wheels 40 contact the ring 14 .

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Although the number of wheels 40 may vary, applicants expect twelve of these wheels 40 to be necessary around the circumference of the ring 14, with the wheels spaced every 30 degrees. However, additional wheels could be used to distribute the load more evenly between the outer wall 28c and the ring 14. The wheels 40 can be standard automotive wheels. In addition, some of the wheels 40, preferably four, serve the additional purpose of rotating the ring 14 on its axis to a desired position in order to optimize the performance of the reflectors 22. In this way, some of the wheels 40 are part of the centralization mechanism. and the driving mechanism. Figure 4A also shows an engine frame 50, which indicates that the wheel 40 shown is one of four dual-purpose wheels 40.

Those skilled in the art will observe that, at any given time, the force between the wheels 40 and the wall 28c will act on only one side of the ring 14, depending on the direction of the wind. Thus, only about half of the centering wheels 40 will be used to transmit angular force to the ring in relation to the outer wall 28c. However, the outer wall 28c and its foundation must be dimensioned and reinforced in order to carry this load. If there is no wind at all or very little wind, then all wheels 40 will contact the outer wall 28c and carry the rotational load, although the load is more evenly distributed over the entire circumference of the ring 14.

Figures 4A and 4B show the structure of the outer ring 14, along with some of the structural details of the island 10. Due to the larger size of Figure 4A (compared to Figure 2), Figure 4A shows more clearly an external support 42, preferably a steel ring torus with a U-shape, turned from the side, which holds or hooks the outer peripheral edge of the cover 16. Figure 4A

20/26 also shows some aspects of an alternative structure used to support rows 19 of solar collector modules. More particularly, Figure 4A shows details of a tensioned cable system that acts in conjunction with cocoon 25. It is expected that cable 46 will be needed to accommodate a tension force in the range of about 10-25 kW. More particularly, a fixed mounting bracket 44 supports the outer end of a tight cable 46, which extends over the island 10 on the cover 16, in a way that allows the cocoons 25 to essentially hang or be suspended between the cable 46 above and cover 16 below. Preferably, the cocoons 25 are adapted to accommodate the cable 46 of this cable system and also the components of the space frame, to improve the versatility in the construction of the island 10 and in the support of the solar collector modules.

Figure 4B is similar to Figure 4A, except that Figure 4B shows another variation of the invention, where the ring 214 stores steam 114 generated by the collector modules, and the ring 214 is boxed within a square (crosswise) external insulation section. 215. Figure 4B also shows an outwardly extending edge 228d extending from ring 214 to outer wall 228c of ditch 228. This edge is usable with the other variations of the invention. Edge 228d helps prevent evaporation of ditch fluid 228 and can also help prevent dust or other debris from falling into it.

Figure 5 shows more clearly one of the centering wheels 400 which is also used to rotate the island 10 in rotation. This is accomplished by mounting a driving mechanism, that is, a motor 50a, in the same structure that supports a centralizing wheel, as shown in Figure 6.

In both cases, wheel 40 has a support 39 adjusted

21/26 to the ring 14. The support 39 includes a horizontally oriented articulated shaft 39a, and a spring 41 that acts as a shock absorber between the articulated connected sections of the support 39 (articulated connected with respect to the axis 39a) . Figure 4A shows a motor housing 50, which covers motor 50a which is shown in Figure 5. Preferably, the drive mechanism includes a speed reducer 52 and an adapter 53 mounted next to the support 39 with the wheel 40. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the motor housing 50 operatively connects to a computer controller

70 by means of an electrical connection, to rotate the angular position of the island 10 in rotation. This electrical connection could be wireless, if desired, or by any other convenient electrical connector, as appropriate.

Figure 7A shows an enlarged view of a portion

L5 of that artificial island 10, and particularly a part where a spatial frame 27 mounts in one of the cocoons 25. Figure 7A shows particularly that the spatial frame 27 preferably uses an I-beam construction. Figure 7A also shows that a top 25a of the cocoon 25 includes upwardly directed channel supports

25b to securely support the lower ends of the space frame 27. These supports 25b can be part of a piece of the top 25a of cocoon 25, in the form of a plate, to which the supports 25b are connected by any sufficient safety mechanism. Figure 7A also shows the concentrators 22 supported on a vane-like mesh or structure 23, which also preferably uses an I-beam construction.

In addition to the spatial frame 27 or as an alternative to it, the cable system can be used to support the solar collector modules. Figures 7A and 7B show cable 46 in the spectrum, to illustrate that it is an additional or alternative structure to provide

22/26 support. In addition, as shown in Figure 7B, cocoon 25 includes upwardly extending hooks 25c that connect to cable 46. In addition, Figure 7B shows a sensor 60, which can be an extensometer, mounted in position to detect the effort in the spatial framework 27. As mentioned earlier, a plurality of these sensors 60 are distributed throughout the platform 12 and are operatively connected in a network (not shown) to transmit the detected conditions to the computer controller 70 (Figure 3). Sensors 60 can be adapted to detect any one in a number of different measurable conditions. Preferably, the controller 70 also makes the compressor system 32 respond appropriately to the conditions detected, dynamically adjusting the value of the excess pressurization.

Figure 8 shows a bottom profiled surface 25d of the cocoon 25. Figure 9 is a computer simulated view of the roof 16, with three noticeable undulations or depressions, as a result of the supported overlying load. These undulations are designated by the numerical references 16a, 16b and 16c. They show the need for excessive dynamic pressurization and distension sensing to reach a relatively flat or at least undulating surface.

Figure 10 is similar to Figures 4A and 4B, but shows more details of the cable and pontoon structure used to support rows 19 of the solar collector module. In this particular embodiment of the invention, the cable 46 extends across the top of the cover 16, transversely across a plurality of pontoons 72 which are arranged in parallel rows on the cover 16. The pontoons 72 can be made of plastic or any other suitable lightweight material . Applicants intend to use pontoons of the industrially manufactured type and distributed, for example, by Robin Kunstoffprodukte, from Teterow, Germany and Technus KG

23/26 (GmbH and Co.), also from Teterow, Germany. Preferably, the cable 46 engages a plurality of supports or planks 74, supported on the top of the pontoons 72 (or rows of pontoons). The boards 74 support the mesh 23 that holds the solar concentrators 22. Figure 10 shows depressions formed in the cover 16 beside the pontoons 72. These parallel depressions facilitate the drainage of rainwater and also eliminate a centrally located protuberance that could result from over-pressurization. Runoff can be more controllable, because it will generally flow into these known depressions.

Figure 10 shows another version of the pontoon, designated by reference number 72a. This pontoon 72a has a formed upper surface structure, preferably molded, designed to facilitate the support of the upper structure and / or another structure that supports the modules.

Figure 11 shows a side view of yet another embodiment of the upper structure used to support solar radiation collectors. More particularly, Figure 11 shows a honeycomb structure 75 lying between the cover 16 and the solar collectors 22c and also supported by the cable 46.

Figures 12A and 12B show variations in the rotating joint for use on the central axis 18 of the island 10. More particularly, Figure 12A shows an inlet and an outlet duct, designated 80a and 80b respectively, both of which include a respective bushing 81a and 81b, which allows some relative rotation between the upper and lower sections thereof, at least in the range of about 240 to 260 degrees. Figure 12B shows a coaxial version 82 of the rotating joint. More particularly, the water inlet 84 supplies water with an annular external flow passage within the external duct 85, for water flowing towards the solar collector modules.

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After the water has been heated and the steam has been created, it returns through the heat duct 86 (which is orientable with respect to the outer tube 85 and the inlet 84). The steam generated through the solar collector finally flows towards the bottom of the rotating joint 82 and exits the joint through a steam outlet 88.

Figures 13A and 13B show two additional features of the invention. More particularly, Figure 13A shows a wheel-supported cart 90 that rolls along a pair of spaced rails 92 disposed parallel to rows 19 of the solar collector modules. This facilitates the maintenance of the collectors and does it in such a way that it does not interfere with the solar collection structure.

Figure 13B shows an embodiment for incorporating a preheat feature into this invention. More particularly, Figure 13B shows the columns 20 of one of the rows 19 of solar collector modules and the heat duct 21 configured as a coaxial duct structure 94 that extends between the columns 20. More particularly, the duct structure 94 is a coaxial duct with an outer annular channel 94a and a centrally located inner channel 94b. With the panels 22 of the solar collector modules concentrating and directing the sunlight upwards, the water that flows outwards (to the left in Figure 13B) through the central channel 94b is preheated by the heat emanating from the steam flowing in the external channel 94a (which flowing to the right in Figure 13B). External channel 94a receives the highest concentration of radiation redirected from sunlight. Thus, the heated steam within channel 94a also generates heat to radially emanate from within to preheat the fluid flowing within channel 94b. This same principle could be used with an upper channel leading outwards 94a and a smaller return channel (steam generation) 94b, if the coaxial version of this duct structure proves to be too heavy or too expensive to manufacture or

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Figure 14 shows the ability of the trolley 90 to move laterally along or transversely to one of the rows 19 of solar collectors, at the end of the row 19, as shown by directional arrow 97, along a transversely directed track. This allows the trolley 90 to serve the entire surface area of ​​the cover 16 occupied by the rows 19 of the solar collector modules. As shown in Figure 3A, access to adjacent row 19 could also be obtained by adding an outer half-circular lane 94a to connect adjacent rows located. These connector tanks can be removable, for temporary use, to accommodate multiple rows. The type of structure can be used for regular services on island 10, for example, to clean the panels 22 of the solar collector modules.

One embodiment of the invention contemplates that the outer ring structure, in the case of the artificial island implanted in the water, would contain a hydrogen production facility in a section of hermetically sealed pipe attached under the outer ring structure. This hydrogen production facility could be completely submerged and operate in a way that the electrolysis generator could operate in an evacuated medium or with inert gas, to thereby substantially reduce any potential accident risks. It is also planned to use two concentric duct sections in the construction of this hydrogen production facility - in other words, the electrolysis generator would then be housed in a double-walled structure.

Hydrogen production and distribution facilities are generally not considered to be hazardous; they are not systematically prone to risks of uncontrolled combustion. However, like http: / / www.eihp. org / public / Reports / Final_Report / Sub-Task_Reports /

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ST5.2 / RISK% 20ASSESSMENTS% 200F% 20H2-REFUELLING% 20 STATION_Onsite_% 20CONCEPTS.pdf shows, these installations require frequent maintenance and continuous surveillance to effectively control these risks. An evacuated medium or a medium filled with inert gas would substantially reduce these risks, as hydrogen and oxygen gas sensors would immediately warn of the risk of an exhaust development. For regular maintenance every few months, the hydrogen production facility can be shut down and outside air pumped in before maintenance personnel enter the scene.

For the terrestrial version of the artificial island, the hydrogen generation facility would be built at a sufficient distance from the solar island to prevent any potential risk exposure.

Although this Descriptive Report describes a number of 15 preferred embodiments and other variations of the invention, those skilled in the art will note that the particular structures shown and described are susceptible to a reasonable degree of modification and, therefore, the invention is not limited in scope specific details shown and described. Claimants intend only to be limited by the broadest reasonable interpretation of the following Claims.

1/10 “Solar Energy Collection Systems and Method”