Device for connecting a connector to an absorber tube of a solar-thermal power plant, solar-thermal power plant and method for converting solar energy into thermal energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar thermal power plants face challenges in maintaining problem-free and sustained mobility of solar collectors at high temperatures and pressures, particularly due to the need for connections that can accommodate thermal expansion and directional movement of absorber tubes.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring flexible pipe devices coupled to a support element, which absorbs torque and force during pivoting movements, ensuring spatial stabilization and synchronous movement with the solar collector, while also using a connecting element to distribute loads evenly across multiple flexible pipe devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connections are used between absorber tubes and fixed pipes, then structural stability is improved, but mobility and adaptability to thermal expansion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional segments: rigid connection elements for structural stability, flexible pipe devices for absorbing thermal expansion and torque, and support elements for spatial stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible pipe devices with corrugated or articulated structures are used to connect absorber tubes to the fixed pipe system. These flexible elements can accommodate thermal expansion, contraction, and pivoting movements while maintaining fluid flow, thus providing adaptability without sacrificing connection integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible pipe devices are used to accommodate thermal expansion, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability and torque absorption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Support elements act as intermediaries between the flexible pipe devices and the fixed structure. These support elements provide spatial stabilization and anchor points that prevent excessive movement, while still allowing the flexible pipe devices to perform their function of accommodating thermal expansion and absorption of torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system employs composite construction combining rigid components (support elements, fixed pipes) with flexible components (corrugated hoses, articulated pipes). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve structural stability from rigid elements and thermal adaptability from flexible elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex rotary feedthroughs and seals are used for movable connections, then mobility is improved, but reliability and maintenance requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex rotary feedthroughs and seals from the system by using flexible pipe devices that naturally accommodate pivoting movements through their flexible structure. This removal of problematic components directly improves reliability under high temperature and pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using static seals and feedthroughs that require maintenance, the system employs dynamically flexible pipe devices that can continuously adapt to pivoting movements. The flexibility is built into the pipe structure itself, allowing continuous motion without mechanical wear or seal failure.
4Strength
If multiple flexible pipe devices are arranged in series, then load distribution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple flexible pipe devices arranged in series, with each device handling a portion of the thermal expansion and torque loads. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress across multiple components, preventing any single device from being overloaded while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.
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
This solution allows for reliable and efficient connection of absorber tubes to movable components, minimizing thermo-mechanical stress and ensuring continuous operation under high temperatures and pressures without the need for complex rotary feedthroughs or seals, thereby enhancing the mobility and durability of solar thermal power plants.
Implementation Method 1
At least one flexible pipe device through which a working medium can flow is arranged between a connection and the absorber pipe to absorb a torque and/or a force occurring when the solar collector is pivoted
Implementation Method 2
the absorber tubes, which expand when the temperature rises
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting a connector to an absorber tube (21) of a solar-thermal power plant, wherein, during operation, radiation energy from at least one solar collector (20) is receivable by the absorber tube (21) and emitted to a working medium and the at least one solar collector (21) is configured to be pivotable about an axis, characterized by at least one tube device (1), through which the working medium is able to flow, between the connector (22) and the absorber tube (21) for absorbing a torque and/or a change in length (E) of the absorber tube (21) that occurs when the solar collector (20) pivots, wherein the at least one flexible tube device (1, 2, 3) is fixedly coupled to a support element (5) via a coupling means (6), and the support element (5) is coupled to the pivoting movement of the solar collector (20). Also described is a solar-thermal power plant and a method for converting solar energy into thermal energy.