Self-draining solar collector systems and associated methods
a solar collector and self-draining technology, which is applied in the safety of solar heat collectors, solar heat systems, lighting and heating apparatus, etc., can solve the problems of slow conventional draining techniques, inconvenient frequent draining of solar collector assemblies and associated pipes and/or hoses, and requiring personnel engagement, so as to minimize or eliminate the exposure of people to high temperature fluids
Inactive Publication Date: 2018-07-12
SKYFUEL
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Benefits of technology
The patent describes solar collector systems that have a unique design that allows them to drain automatically without the need for collection vessels in between the solar collector assemblies. The systems have multiple piping connections that gravedrain to a manifold when the solar collector assemblies are in draining positions. This design minimizes or eliminates personnel exposure to the high temperature fluids during draining. The technical effects of this patent are improved efficiency and safety during the draining process of solar collector systems.
Problems solved by technology
This draining method is acceptable only for very rare occurrences, and it is not suitable for frequent draining of the solar collector assemblies and associated pipes and / or hoses.
Conventional draining techniques are slow, require personnel engagement, and present a notable risk to the personnel involved.
Consequently, they are not suitable for frequent loop draining procedures.
Method used
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[0051]In general the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journal references and contexts known to those skilled in the art.
[0052]Referring to the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements and the same number appearing in more than one drawing refers to the same element. In addition, hereinafter, the following definitions apply:
[0053]The term “fluid” includes fluid that is within the heating pipes of the solar collector assemblies. The “fluid” is also known in the art as a “working fluid” or “heat transfer fluid (HTF).” The fluid may be in the liquid phase. The fluid is, for example, water, steam, oil, or molten salt. “Molten salt” refers to a salt that is in a liquid phase, and is typically, but not necessarily, at temperatures above room temperature. “Salt” refers to any ionic chemical compound. Non-restrictive examples of molten salts include sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate and ...
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A self-draining solar collector system includes one or more solar collector assemblies, a manifold connecting assembly, and a crossover connecting assembly. Each solar collector assembly includes a collector support subsystem, one or more heating pipes, and one or more parabolic reflectors. The manifold connecting assembly connects the heating pipes of each solar collector assembly to a manifold disposed at a lower elevation than the heating pipes of the solar collector assemblies when the solar collector assemblies are oriented in respective draining positions. The crossover connecting assembly connects the heating pipes of each solar collector assembly to a crossover pipe disposed at a higher elevation than the heating pipes of the solar collector assemblies when the solar collector assemblies are oriented in their respective draining positions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 445,638 filed Jan. 12, 2017, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]Solar thermal power plants, also called concentrating solar power plants, concentrate sunlight to heat a fluid and use thermal energy of the heated fluid to drive electricity-generating turbines or engines. As the thermal energy of the fluid is converted to electricity, the fluid temperature decreases, and the fluid is reheated using concentrated light. There are four general heating types for solar thermal power plants, namely parabolic troughs, compact linear Fresnel reflectors, power towers, and dish-engines (also called dish Stirling). These heating types differ according to the apparatus and methods used for concentrating sunlight. The discussions henceforth pertain to solar thermal power plants that employ parabolic troughs, also called parabolic refle...
Claims
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Login to View More IPC IPC(8): F24S10/70
CPCF24S40/60Y02E10/40F24S80/30F24S23/74
Inventor SCHUKNECHT, NATHANWHITE, DAVIDSTOEVER, PATRICK J.MCDANIEL, JENNIFER
Owner SKYFUEL