CSP tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tracking systems for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems face challenges in achieving precise alignment due to constructional inaccuracies, wear, and sensory difficulties, leading to inefficiencies and high maintenance costs, with existing solutions being complex and short-lived.
Innovation Solution
A simplified tracking system using a shadow blind integrated with the structure to determine the actual solar radiation, employing a camera to analyze the shadow geometry and adapt the alignment, reducing the need for additional components and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tracking systems use complex sensor arrangements and additional components to achieve precise alignment, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential tracking function by using only the shadow blind and shadow receiver that are already integrated into the CSP system structure. By removing the need for additional sensors, cameras, and complex control systems, the solution achieves precise alignment measurement while significantly reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shadow blind and shadow receiver serve dual purposes: they are both structural components of the CSP system and measurement devices for tracking alignment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate tracking components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional tracking systems use additional sensors and components to determine solar radiation position, then measurement precision improves, but reliability decreases due to more failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes additional sensors and components from the system, relying solely on the shadow blind and shadow receiver that are already present in the CSP structure. This extraction of unnecessary components eliminates potential failure points while maintaining the ability to accurately determine solar radiation position through geometric shadow analysis.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional tracking systems employ complex alignment adaptation mechanisms, then manufacturing precision requirements increase, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shadow blind and shadow receiver are already integral parts of the CSP system structure, designed and installed during normal system construction. By utilizing these existing components for tracking purposes, the system achieves precise alignment capability without requiring additional manufacturing steps, specialized installations, or complex integration processes.
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 system achieves high accuracy and longevity with reduced maintenance needs, enhancing the efficiency of CSP systems by accurately tracking the sun's position and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
determining an actual position of the solar radiation with the shadow of the shadow blind on the shadow receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A CSP system including a reflector and a receiver for concentrating the solar radiation incident on the reflector onto the receiver, comprising a shadow blind and a shadow receiver as well as a colour and/or brightness digitizing sensor arranged to detect the shadow of the shadow blind on the shadow receiver in order to determine a deviation of the actual shadow position from a target shadow position, a tracking means configured to adapt the position of the reflector and the receiver according to the deviation.