Patent ID: 11927367

Abstract:
This disclosure relates to an assembly and method for attaching a heliostat to a foundation in a tower-based solar thermal CSP installation. A heliostat securing assembly for securing a heliostat to a tubular foundation post comprises an insert locatable within an upper opening in the foundation post, the insert defining an aperture for receiving a support shaft of the heliostat. A clamp arrangement, for locating the insert in the upper opening in the foundation post, has at least one inner or outer bearing surface configured to bear against at least one corresponding outer or inner bearing surface of the insert. One or more urging connectors, for connecting the insert and the clamp arrangement, is operable to urge at least one of the insert and the clamp arrangement toward the other in an axial direction of the foundation post. At least one of the at least one outer or inner bearing surface and the at least one corresponding inner or outer bearing surface is configured to transform at least a portion of relative axial movement between the insert and the clamp into relative transverse movement such that, when the insert is located in the upper opening in the foundation post, operation of the urging connector(s) urges at least one of the insert and clamp arrangement in the transverse direction to clamp the securing assembly between the support shaft and foundation post and thereby secure the heliostat to the foundation post.