Adjustable Elastic Reflector Panel for Precise Solar Curvature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reflectors for thermal solar collectors face challenges in precision and design complexity, particularly in maintaining optimal curvature for efficient solar radiation concentration, due to waviness in thermally bent glass and precision limitations in surface-mirrored reflectors.

Innovation Solution

The use of an elastic panel with oppositely directed bending moments applied from both sides to achieve precise curvature, utilizing adjustable levers, tension or pressure elements, and torsion-rigid traverses to shape the panel into desired bending lines, allowing for the creation of uniaxially curved surfaces such as parabolas for solar collectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If thermally bent glass is used to create curved reflector surfaces, then the reflector can achieve a desired curvature shape, but unavoidable waviness occurs in the reflector surface reducing precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurvature shapeVSAvoidsurface precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible panel that can be elastically deformed into the desired parabolic curvature without the waviness problems of thermally bent glass. The flexible panel is stretched and shaped using tensioning elements and bending moments to achieve precise optical surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the panel by applying elastic deformation through controlled bending moments and tension forces, transforming the panel from a flat state to a precisely curved reflective surface without permanent thermal bending.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If surface-mirrored reflectors are used with thin metal foil, then production is simplified, but the precision of the surface shape is limited by the subconstruction precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidsurface shape precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible panel with mirrored surface can be stretched and shaped independently of rigid subconstruction limitations. The tensioning system allows the reflective surface to achieve precise parabolic curvature while maintaining production simplicity through flexible material properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic tensioning system with adjustable bending moments and tensioning elements that can adapt the panel shape during installation and operation, allowing precise surface formation without requiring extremely precise rigid subconstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If high precision curved surfaces are achieved through rigid subconstruction, then manufacturing precision improves, but design effort and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface shape precisionVSAvoiddesign effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible panel eliminates the need for complex rigid subconstruction to achieve precise surfaces. The panel itself can be deformed into the desired shape through simpler tensioning mechanisms, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible panel system is self-shaping through elastic deformation under controlled bending moments. The material properties and tensioning system work together to automatically achieve the precise parabolic surface without requiring extremely complex rigid support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enables the production of reflectors with high precision and cost-effectiveness, allowing for efficient solar radiation concentration and focal length adjustment, optimizing the performance of solar thermics systems.

Implementation Method 1

the panel is elastic and has means that introduce oppositely directed bending moments into the panel from two opposite sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9194608B2Reflector having a tension or pressure element that is adjustable in length and introduces forces into a panel for thermal solar collectors

Publication Date: 2015.11.24 SCHOONBROODT MARTIN

AI summary

The invention relates to a reflector for uniaxially concentrating thermal solar collectors, comprising an elastic panel and a means that introduces the oppositely directed bending moments from two opposite sides into the panel. The invention further relates to a receiver for highly concentrating thermal solar collectors, the receiver being arranged inside a protective casing, wherein the protective casing is radiopaque and has an opening that is sealed air-tight, through which opening the radiation can penetrate into the interior of the protective casing. One aspect of the invention relates to a sensor for uniaxially and biaxially concentrating thermal solar collectors, the sensor having a hollow body, in which a photoelectric cell is arranged and which has an opening, in which a transparent scattering element is arranged, wherein the outside of the hollow body is reflective to radiation.