Flexible Absorber Pipe Connection for Torque-Free Solar Collector Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar thermal power plants, particularly those with parabolic trough mirrors, face challenges in maintaining problem-free mobility of solar collectors at high temperatures and pressures, requiring connections that can absorb mechanical stresses and facilitate movement without exerting torque or force on absorber pipes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible multi-layer metal corrugated hose connection coupled to a compensator system, including angular and universal compensators, ensures torque-free and force-free connection to the absorber pipe, allowing for synchronized pivoting movements and accommodating thermal expansion, thereby minimizing mechanical stresses on the absorber tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is used between the fixed line and the absorber pipe, then structural stability is improved, but mobility and ability to accommodate pivoting movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible pipe connection comprising a multi-layer metal corrugated hose that connects the fixed line to the absorber pipe. This flexible hose allows the absorber pipe to execute pivoting movements while maintaining a secure fluid-tight connection, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and mobility.
2Device complexity
If the flexible pipe connection is directly coupled to the absorber pipe without compensation mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but mechanical stresses and torque on the absorber pipe increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensator system as an intermediary element between the flexible pipe connection and the absorber pipe. This compensator system absorbs mechanical stresses and forces, preventing them from being transmitted to the absorber pipe, thus reducing mechanical stress while managing the increased system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the drive is not aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotary feedthrough, then ease of operation is improved, but torque-free connection cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric geometric arrangement where the drive is precisely aligned with the axis of rotation of the rotary feedthrough. This specific asymmetric configuration ensures that forces are transmitted purely axially without generating radial torques, achieving torque-free connection while maintaining operational reliability.
4Productivity
If longer collector lengths are used to improve energy absorption, then energy yield is improved, but mechanical stresses and stability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible multi-layer metal corrugated hose connection enables the use of longer absorber pipes and collector lengths by providing the necessary flexibility and stress absorption, allowing longer collectors to be deployed without compromising mechanical integrity or excessive stress accumulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient energy absorption and transfer by maintaining the absorber tube within the focal point of the solar collector, reducing pressure losses and mechanical stresses, thus enhancing the system's efficiency and energy yield while allowing for longer collector lengths and reduced production and operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible pipe connection has a metal hose that is designed as a multi-layer metal corrugated hose. To absorb forces, the flexible pipe connection is coupled to a compensator system
Implementation Method 2
a metal hose that is designed as a multi-layer metal corrugated hose. To absorb forces, the flexible pipe connection is coupled to a compensator system with at least one angular compensator
Implementation Method 3
the flexible pipe connection is coupled to a compensator system with at least one angular compensator, at least one universal and/or at least one cardanic compensator, in particular three angular compensators
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting a fixed line to an absorber pipe of a solar-thermal power plant, at least one solar collector being able to perform a pivot motion about the absorber pipe, characterized by a) a flexible pipe connection (1) between the fixed line (4) and the absorber pipe (3) and a b) means for connecting the flexible pipeline (1) to the absorber pipe (3) with zero torque and/or zero force. Acceptable mobility of the solar collectors is thus ensured even at high temperatures and/or pressures.