Series of checking structural analysis for a special steel structure ( ” HELIO – FOCUS “, equipment for solar energy utilization ) were executed to estimate load- carrying capacity of main existing structural elements taking into account planned installation of the additional equipment .
The structure consists of ” A ” frame (span , height – 18.5 m) ,lattice structures of a dish (dimensions in a plane – 22.0 x 25.1 m ), lattice structures of rotating table (general dimensions in a plane – 22.0 x 12.3 m , height – 6. 1 m) and concrete pedestal structures (ring beam and central square foundation).
Structures of a dish itself and “A” frame are fixed to a rotating table by special supporting joints (pivot type) and 2 sloped pistons – it allow rotate dish and “A” frame around horizontal axis . A special hydraulic system with 2 horizontal pistons is fixed to the concrete ring and allow rotation of all mentioned above structures (“A” frame, dish , rotating table) around vertical axis .
Series of checking structural analysis were performed for various angles of dish inclination angles ( 6 variants) for load combinations, including wind dynamics , seismic , simulation of thermal loads ) . Load- carrying capacities of all main structural elements were checked.
