Cellular Solar Receiver Stress Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar receivers face issues with mechanical stability, flow resistance, uneven heating, limited energy transfer, inertia to changing insolation, loss of reaction surface, and weight load, which affect their efficiency in solar thermal power plants.
Innovation Solution
Integration of stress-dividing and stress-deflecting elements, such as hollow elements and stress-spike prevention elements, along with porous materials and modular construction to enhance mechanical stability and heat transfer, and optimization of channel geometry and flow structures to improve flow rates and energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional cellular structures are used in solar receivers, then the structure allows force field line propagation for stress distribution, but mechanical stability is insufficient under thermal and mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cellular structure by inserting hollow elements at selected nodes, dividing the continuous stress path into separate segments that can independently manage stress, preventing stress concentration from propagating through the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
Hollow elements are introduced as intermediary components at critical nodes of the cellular structure. These intermediaries absorb and deflect stress field lines, preventing direct stress transmission between adjacent cell walls and reducing cracking risk at transition points
2Productivity
If monolithic uniform flow channels are used, then the receiver structure is simple, but energy transfer between receiver and carrier air is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different cell sizes within the cellular structure. Smaller cells increase the surface area for heat transfer in regions requiring higher energy exchange, while larger cells maintain adequate flow passages. This localized variation optimizes energy transfer without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional uniform channels to a three-dimensional cellular structure with varying cell sizes and arrangements. This dimensional evolution allows simultaneous optimization of heat transfer surface area and flow characteristics by utilizing vertical and horizontal space more effectively
3Use of energy by moving object
If the receiver length is increased to improve heat exchange, then wall contact is increased for better heat transfer, but flow resistance increases and energy loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular structure nests multiple flow channels within a compact receiver volume. By arranging cells in a honeycomb-like pattern, the design achieves extended heat exchange surface area through spatial nesting rather than linear extension, maintaining compact overall dimensions while maximizing wall contact area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional cellular arrangement to achieve extended heat transfer surface area without proportionally increasing receiver length. The cellular geometry allows heat exchange surfaces to be distributed throughout the volume rather than confined to linear extensions, reducing flow path length while maintaining exchange efficiency
4Temperature
If uniform cell sizes are used throughout the receiver, then manufacturing is simplified, but temperature distribution becomes uneven across the receiver cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying cell sizes according to thermal requirements. Regions with higher solar flux receive smaller cells for enhanced heat transfer, while peripheral regions use larger cells. This localized differentiation achieves uniform temperature distribution across the receiver cross-section
Solution Approach 2:
The cellular structure employs asymmetric cell size distribution rather than uniform symmetry. By deliberately creating size variations in the cellular pattern, the design compensates for non-uniform solar heating patterns, achieving more uniform thermal fields across the receiver surface
5Reliability
If stress-spike prevention elements are added at corner points, then cracking risk is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stress-spike prevention function with the existing cellular structure nodes. The hollow elements at node points simultaneously serve as structural connectors and stress-deflecting features, eliminating the need for separate prevention elements and reducing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow elements at cellular nodes perform multiple functions: they serve as connection points for cell walls, provide structural support, and act as stress-deflecting features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving crack prevention
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 enhances mechanical stability, reduces flow resistance, achieves better temperature equalization, increases energy transfer efficiency, and reduces weight load, allowing for more efficient energy generation and improved reactor performance.
Implementation Method 1
The elements forming the cellular structure, in particular the walls of the device, are porous
Implementation Method 2
the flow speed of the heat exchanger air... greater cooling and thus leads to temperature equalization
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device with a cellular structure through which a fluid can flow, a system for the modular optimization of cellular structures as well as a process for the manufacture of structures of this kind. The device through which a fluid flows includes a working area with a cellular structure. The form and/or dimensions of the cellular structure are such that with reference to a monolithic device with at least two channels having a rectangular cross section the thermal conductivity is greater and/or flow resistance is lower and/or the mechanical resistance, in particular, the pressure and/or tensile resistance, is higher and/or temperature stability is higher.