Folding heliostat

grabcad

Folding heliostat. Mirror is made out of a hexagonal panel to which 6 rectangle panels are attached via hinges.12 triangular panels are attached to rectangular panels.Reflective surface area is ~12.55 square meters, out of which ~1.3 is cowered by solar panels. Each of these panels is cowered by thin 0.2mm aluminium foil. Mass of the mirror and the folding mechanism is around 155Kg. Mirror can move from -15 to +90 deg in elevation and 360 deg on azimuth.Panels along with the precise folding mechanism will ensure that the reflective area will remain flat while in use. Solar panels are be able to produce power even when the heliostat is folded down.Folding mechanism is similar to the umbrella folding mechanism. It is driven by a servo motor located under main hexagonal panel. In the unfolded position mechanism is locked via two spring loaded latches, latches can be disengaged by a solenoids.