Flat heat absorber for solar tower power generation and system using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat absorbers in solar tower power generation systems suffer from thermal stress, thermal fatigue, local overheating, and high center of gravity, leading to reduced service life and instability due to non-uniform heat load and high energy flow density.
Innovation Solution
A novel flat heat absorber using a heat pipe principle with indirect heat transfer, incorporating a light-absorbing plate, metal fiber felt, metal wire mesh, and grid, with evaporation and condensation surfaces on the same horizontal line, and a circulation pipeline for modular replacement and improved temperature uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heat pipe heat absorbers are used with condensing section above evaporating section, then heat absorption efficiency is improved, but center of gravity increases and volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional heat pipe configuration by placing the evaporating section above the condensing section. The light-absorbing plate is positioned at the lower end while the condensing section is at the upper end, reversing the traditional arrangement. This inversion lowers the center of gravity and reduces volume while maintaining heat absorption efficiency through the heat pipe's capillary action and phase change mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical heat pipe configuration to a horizontal flat plate configuration. The heat transfer occurs primarily in the horizontal dimension rather than vertical, allowing the evaporating and condensing sections to be arranged horizontally with the condensing section extending outward. This dimensional change enables lower center of gravity while preserving heat transfer effectiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat absorber is placed at higher focal point to increase concentration ratio, then solar energy concentration is improved, but windward area increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical heat absorber configuration to a horizontal flat plate configuration. This inversion allows the heat absorber to be positioned at a lower height while maintaining effective solar energy concentration through its large surface area oriented perpendicular to the solar flux, thereby reducing windward area and improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the heat absorber from a vertical cylindrical shape to a horizontal flat plate shape. This parameter change reduces the height and windward area while increasing the surface area exposed to solar radiation, enabling the absorber to be placed at a lower focal point without sacrificing concentration ratio.
3Speed
If direct heat absorption is used with huge temperature difference, then heat transfer speed is improved, but thermal stress increases and service life reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat transfer fluid as an intermediary between the light-absorbing plate and the working fluid. The heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the light-absorbing plate through phase change and heat conduction, then transfers it to the working fluid in the heat exchange section. This intermediary approach reduces thermal stress on the light-absorbing plate while maintaining efficient heat transfer through the heat pipe mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of the heat transfer fluid (evaporation and condensation) to transfer heat from the light-absorbing plate to the working fluid. The heat transfer fluid evaporates at the evaporating section, absorbing heat, then condenses at the condensing section, releasing heat to the working fluid. This phase change mechanism enables efficient heat transfer while reducing thermal stress through the heat pipe effect.
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 solution reduces thermal stress and deformation, extends service life, and enhances stability by reducing the center of gravity and windward area, facilitating easier maintenance and lower costs.
Implementation Method 1
the heat transfer fluid transfers heat energy to a circulating working fluid by means of indirect heat transfer using the heat pipe principle
Implementation Method 2
the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the light-absorbing plate and condenses and releases heat
Implementation Method 3
the heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the light-absorbing plate and condenses and releases heat
Implementation Method 4
the exothermic heat of condensation is transferred to the working fluid through the baffles and fins
Implementation Method 5
the condensed heat transfer fluid flows back to the inner surface of the light-absorbing plate through the grid
Data Source
AI summary
A novel flat heat absorber for solar tower power generation and a system using same. The system includes a windshield, a flat heat absorber, and a circulation pipeline. The flat heat absorber is for photothermal conversion and heat energy transfer, the windshield prevents heat loss of the heat absorber, and the circulation pipeline ensures the circulation of a working fluid. In a working process, a heat transfer fluid in the flat heat absorber absorbs heat and evaporates from an evaporation surface, releases heat and condenses on a condensation surface, the condensed heat transfer fluid flows back to the evaporation surface to enter circulation work of a next round, and heat is transferred to the working fluid by means of a gas-liquid phase change process.