| 摘要 |
A man-made island[10], adaptable for land-based or sea-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. More particularly, the man-made island[10]uses a platform[12]that includes a large outer ring[14]that floats on a fluid, and a flexible cover[16]attached to the ring[14]to define an airtight volume[30]below the cover[16]. A plurality of rows[19]of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover[16], and carry steam generating heat pipes[21]. The rows[19]of modules are supported above the cover[16]by an upper support structure, either a space frame[27], a plurality of cables[46]or a honeycomb[75]. A compressor[32]creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume[30]to assist in supporting the cover[16]and the other components mounted thereabove. This structure for supporting the rows[19]of the solar radiation collector modules enables the man-made island[10]to be constructed with a very large surface area, eventually up to several kilometers in diameter, to better utilize the furl potential of the solar concentrators[22], thereby to produce electricity at an economically viable cost. The man-made island[10]includes a number of other structural features that enhance the practical application of solar radiation collection technology. |
