Edmund Kenneth May
Engineers at 19 Pl, Denver, CO

8322333, Dec 4, 2012

Apr 1, 2009

12/416536

Patrick Marcotte - Conifer CO, US
Kenneth Biggio - Littleton CO, US
Edmund Kenneth May - Lakewood CO, US

Abengoa Solar Inc. - Lakewood CO

F24J 2/12

126694, 126684, 126692, 126696, 403 28

A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

2013007, Mar 28, 2013

Nov 20, 2012

13/682472

Abengoa Solar Inc. - Lakewood CO, US
Kenneth Biggio - Lakewood CO, US
Edmund Kenneth May - Lakewood CO, US

Abengoa Solar Inc. - Lakewood CO

F24J 2/54, F24J 2/10

126692, 2952501

A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.

8615960, Dec 31, 2013

Jul 23, 2010

13/386874

Patrick Marcotte - Lakewood CO, US
Kenneth Biggio - Lakewood CO, US
Edmund Kenneth May - Lakewood CO, US
Kerry Manning - Lakewood CO, US
Rachel Backes - Lakewood CO, US
Janina Nettlau - Lakewood CO, US
Rick Sommers - Lakewood CO, US

Abengoa Solar Inc. - Lakewood CO

E04H 12/00, E21B 15/00, E04B 1/19

526551, 526532, 52638

Improvements in the design and construction of solar collector modules. Aspects of the invention include improvements in the layout of a frame for a solar collector module, and in the joining of structural members of the frame at nodes. In one example, a module of a solar collector includes a reflector and a three-dimensional structural frame that supports the reflector. The frame is made up of substantially rigid elongate frame members interconnected at nodes. Improved node connection components include hubs or frame members having tabs for receiving frame member connections. A tab may have a width that is substantial in relation to its height. The frame may incorporate asymmetry in its layout, in the size or presence of frame members, or in the positioning of the nodes.

2014003, Feb 6, 2014

Mar 8, 2011

14/003649

Patrick Marcotte - Lakewood CO, US
Edmund Kenneth May - Lakewood CO, US

ABENGOA SOLAR INC. - Lakewood CO

F24J 2/12, F24J 2/54, B21D 53/08, F24J 2/38

126600, 126694, 126696, 29890033

A concentrating solar collector module includes improvements in performance and assemblability. In one configuration, the module includes a reflector having a reflective front surface shaped to concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a focal line, first and second rails, one rail attached to each edge of the reflector, and a set of truss connectors attached to the rails. The truss connectors and rails may form ways that enable constrained sliding engagement of the truss connectors along the rails before attachment of the truss connectors to the rails. The module may also include a plurality of framing members connected to the truss connectors and forming a structural lattice that cooperates with the reflector to lend rigidity to the solar collector module. At least some of the framing members may be disposed in front of the front reflective surface.

5058565, Oct 22, 1991

Nov 22, 1988

7/274990

Randy C. Gee - Golden CO
Edmund K. May - Lakewood CO

Industrial Solar Technology

F24J 210

126438

A solar concentrator device is disclosed. The device includes a solar concentrating panel having a longitudinal axis and defining a parabolic surface having a focal line substantially parallel to its longitudinal axis. The parabolic surface terminates in opposed longitudinal side edges. A mechanism is provided for rotating the panel about its longitudinal axis. Finally, an arrangement provides torsional support for the panel and includes a frame structure aligned obliquely to the longitudinal axis and extending between the opposed longitudinal side edges of the parabolic surface.