Ceramic Particle Solar Absorber for Stable High-Temperature Heat Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar heat absorbers face inefficiencies due to heat absorbing mediums like molten salt, air, and saturated wet steam, which decompose at high temperatures, fail to flow uniformly, and cause device corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A solar heat absorber utilizing a flow of ceramic particles with a packing factor of 0.5-0.7 and diameters of 0.1 mm-6 mm, made from carbide, nitride, or oxide ceramics, flowing at 0.1-2 m/s, and structured with a passage member and collection member to enhance heat collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If molten salt, air or saturated wet steam is used as heat absorbing medium, then the device structure can be simple, but the heat collecting efficiency is low and the medium decomposes at high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the heat absorbing medium from conventional fluids (molten salt, air, steam) to solid ceramic particles with specific characteristics (packing factor 0.4-0.6, diameter 0.1mm-6mm). This parameter change enables the medium to withstand high temperatures without decomposition while improving heat collecting efficiency through controlled flow dynamics and thermal properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ceramic particles as the heat absorbing medium, which represents a composite material approach. The ceramic material combines high temperature resistance, appropriate thermal conductivity, and flowability when suspended in carrier gas, creating a medium that overcomes the limitations of single-substance conventional media like molten salt or steam.
2Device complexity
If conventional heat absorbing mediums are used, then the device structure can be simple, but the medium cannot flow uniformly causing local overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier gas (air or inert gas) as an intermediary medium to transport the ceramic particles. This intermediary enables uniform flow distribution by using the gas flow to carry the particles through the heat absorption zone, preventing particle settling and ensuring consistent heat collection, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If conventional heat absorbing mediums are used, then the device structure can be simple, but the device is easily corroded and failed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition of the heat absorbing medium from corrosive substances (molten salt, wet steam) to chemically stable ceramic particles. This parameter change eliminates the chemical corrosion mechanism that plagued conventional media, significantly improving device durability and reliability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
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 ceramic particle-based solar heat absorber significantly improves heat collecting and exchange efficiencies, leading to enhanced power generation and operational stability in solar power systems.
Implementation Method 1
A solar heat absorber utilizing a flow of ceramic particles... converting light into heat in a solar power generation system
Implementation Method 2
a passage member configured to be fluidly connected with the inlet such that the heat collecting medium enters the passage member through the inlet
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a solar heat absorber including: an inlet through which a heat collecting medium enters the solar heat absorber; a passage member configured to be fluidly connected with the inlet such that the heat collecting medium enters the passage member through the inlet; and a collection member configured to be fluidly connected with the passage member such that the heat collecting medium enters the collection member through the passage member. In the solar heat absorber according to the present invention, the ceramic particles are used as the heat collecting medium. The solar heat absorber according to the present invention operates stably and has a high heat collecting efficiency. In addition, the present invention also provides a solar heat collecting system including the solar heat absorber, and a solar power generation system including the solar heat collecting system.