Dual-Geometry Trough Concentrator With Internal Line Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior trough-shaped solar concentrators achieve suboptimal thermal efficiency when the receiving element is placed at the top edge, as it limits the concentration of solar energy conversion to thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
A trough-shaped solar concentrator with a line focus located inside the reflector along the central axis, utilizing a combination of linear Fresnel and compound parabolic reflector geometries, where the lower section employs flat Fresnel reflectors and the upper section uses flat reflectors configured to approximate a parabolic shape, both mounted on a V-shaped structure, allowing for improved light concentration from multiple angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the receiving element is placed at the top edge of the trough, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the thermal efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the receiver from the traditional top-edge position to an interior position along the central axis of the trough, utilizing the third dimension (depth into the trough) to optimize both manufacturing and thermal efficiency. This dimensional repositioning allows the receiver to be surrounded by reflectors on multiple sides, maximizing energy concentration while maintaining structural simplicity
2Illumination intensity
If a single curved parabolic reflector is used, then the light concentration is optimized, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reflector system into multiple flat linear Fresnel reflector segments arranged in a stepped configuration. Each segment is a simple flat surface that is much easier to manufacture than a curved parabolic surface, yet collectively they achieve effective light concentration onto the receiver through multiple reflection paths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the curved parabolic reflector surface with flat planar surfaces arranged in a stepped geometry. This substitution eliminates the need for complex curved surface manufacturing while maintaining the light-concentrating function through strategic angular positioning of the flat segments
3Volume of moving object
If the receiver is placed at the line focus at the trough opening, then the structure is more compact, but the energy conversion efficiency is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the receiver along the central axis extending into the trough interior rather than at the opening plane. This axial repositioning into the third dimension allows the receiver to be illuminated from multiple directions by the stepped reflectors, maximizing energy capture within a compact footprint
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 configuration enhances thermal efficiency by concentrating solar energy onto the receiver from above, below, and the sides, increasing the conversion of solar energy to thermal energy compared to traditional designs, while maintaining low production costs due to the use of flat reflectors and readily available materials.
Implementation Method 1
the lower trough reflector, below the horizontal center line of the receiving element is a linear Fresnel reflector and the upper trough reflector is a linear version of compound parabolic reflector
Implementation Method 2
concentrating solar energy onto the receiver from above, below, and the sides, increasing the conversion of solar energy to thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a trough shaped solar concentrator and collector having its focal area and receiver located inside the trough structure below the trough aperture and having a unique dual section trough reflector with a combination of different underlying reflector geometries.