Concentrated Solar Power – Trough Frames and Technologies

Solar SolutionsGossamer Space Frames first developed its patented Organic Connector™ space frame technology in 2004 for use on three-sided structural trusses. Gossamer's patented Organic Connector™ structural technology frees designers and engineers from many of the conventional limitations in double-layer grid space frames, which are three dimensional structures with advantageous load distribution properties. Gossamer Space Frames is now a leading innovator in space frame technologies for utility-scale solar projects and other applications, such as structural, architectural, and scientific applications.

Mirror trough frames designed and engineered by Gossamer (and using Gossamer's patented Organic Connector™ technology) were successfully deployed beginning in 2006 at Acciona Solar Power's pioneering Nevada Solar One project, a 64 megawatt concentrated solar power ("CSP") installation. Nevada Solar One utilizes more than 9,000 mirror trough frames designed and engineered by Gossamer.

Compared with other frame designs tested for potential use on the Nevada Solar One project, the Gossamer frames were selected because they:

  • Used 30% less aluminum, producing a 30% reduction in frame weight, thereby lowering material, shipping and assembly costs;
  • Used 35% fewer components o v erall;
  • Used 80% fewer fasteners;
  • Required approximately 1/3 the time for field assembly;
  • Pro v ided exceptional frame rigidity at all angles of elevation;
  • Eliminated the need to field align the frames and mirrors;
  • Allowed the mirrors to achieve a focusing accuracy 37% better than the competitors' designs (N.R.E.L. VSHOT measurements), thereby achieving higher energy production rates; and
  • Remained the least expensive to fabricate and assemble, thereby directly contributing to a lower levelized cost of energy ("LCOE").

Solar SolutionsIn addition to the Nevada Solar One project, Gossamer's patented Organic Connector™ technology is also being successfully deployed at other large, utility-scale concentrated solar power projects in the United States and Europe . To date, Gossamer's proprietary solar trough frame designs are being used in at least seven major CSP developments, totaling approximately 650 mega watts and comprised of nearly 78,000 frames.

Gossamer continues to utilize its extensive experience and knowledge in the field of concentrated solar power ("CSP") structures for the development and deployment of the next generation of CSP systems, including the use of large aperture trough frames and thin film/thin glass reflective panels. Gossamer's goal is that the next generation of CSP systems – and the following generation -- will overcome many of the technical issues facing the industry today, and will provide greater performance and energy production at lower costs. Gossamer's experience and success within the CSP industry, coupled with its proven ability to innovate and engineer new systems and technologies, are already paving Gossamer's technological path to the next generation in solar power technologies, and the generation beyond that.

Concentrated Solar Power – Tower/Heliostat Solutions

Solar SolutionsGossamer's patented structural technologies, proprietary designs, and continuing technological innovations are also uniquely well-suited for tower/heliostat applications – at any scale. Gossamer's patented structural technologies and advanced designs can provide consistently superior focal accuracy (and higher energy production) at lower costs. Meanwhile, Gossamer is also developing technological innovations in the field of energy storage.

Concentrated Solar Power – Dish Solutions

Gossamer's structural technologies (including the patented Coaxial Joint System™ and the patented Organic Connector™ ) are uniquely well-suited for the next generation of large-scale CSP dish installations. As with its CSP trough technologies, Gossamer can provide consistently superior focal accuracy (and hence greater energy production) for dish applications, at lower costs. Gossamer can also provide superior armature designs utilizing its patented technologies and exceptional design capabilities.

Concentrated Photovoltaic Solutions

Gossamer's patented structural technologies, proprietary designs, and continuing technological innovations are also well-suited for concentrated photovoltaic ("CPV") applications – at virtually any scale.