Fresnel Solar Receiver Suspension for Thermal Expansion Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fresnel solar systems face challenges in maintaining efficiency and longevity due to varying temperatures and environmental influences, which cause differential expansions of the absorber tube and mirror arrangement, leading to optical misalignment and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A receiver system with a segmented cladding tube and compensating elements, such as bellows, to accommodate different thermal expansions, along with independent suspensions for the absorber tube and mirror arrangement, allowing for longitudinal and transverse movement to prevent optical maladjustment and enhance thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the absorber tube and mirror arrangement are rigidly connected, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion differences cause optical misalignment and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror arrangement is divided into multiple mirror segments that can move independently relative to each other and the absorber tube. This segmentation allows each segment to accommodate thermal expansion differently, preventing deformation while maintaining overall structural stability and optical alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the mirror arrangement and absorber tube is made dynamic rather than rigid. The mirror segments are designed to move longitudinally and transversely relative to the absorber tube, allowing the system to adapt to thermal expansion differences while maintaining optical precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mirror arrangement is fixed in position, then alignment precision is maintained, but thermal expansion causes deformation and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror arrangement incorporates dynamic movement capabilities through longitudinal and transverse displacement relative to the absorber tube. This allows the mirror segments to move with thermal expansion while maintaining optical alignment, preventing stress accumulation and deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in positional parameters (longitudinal and transverse positions of mirror segments) in response to thermal conditions. This parameter adaptation enables the mirror arrangement to maintain optical precision while accommodating thermal expansion through controlled movement.
3Productivity
If the absorber tube is made longer to cover more area, then energy collection is improved, but thermal expansion increases misalignment risk
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror arrangement is segmented into multiple sections that can move independently along the length of the absorber tube. This segmentation allows each segment to maintain precise alignment despite the overall length of the system, enabling extended energy collection while preventing cumulative alignment errors from thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror segments are designed with dynamic movement capabilities along the longitudinal axis, allowing them to adjust their positions relative to the absorber tube. This dynamic adjustment compensates for thermal expansion in long systems, maintaining alignment precision across extended collection areas.
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 effectively compensates for thermal expansions, reducing the system's sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and environmental factors, thereby improving the solar system's efficiency and extending its lifespan by maintaining precise alignment and reducing radiation losses.
Implementation Method 1
Das Absorberrohr ist von einem Wärmeträgerfluid durchströmt, welches durch die konzentrierte Lichtstrahlung auf mehrere 100° C erwärmt wird
Implementation Method 2
das Absorberrohr einerseits und die Spiegelanordnung andererseits unterschiedlichen Temperaturschwankungen unterliegen. Ferner sind die beiden Komponenten aus unterschiedlichen Materialien gefertigt, sodass sie sich im Betrieb in unterschiedlicher Weise ausdehnen
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a receiver system (104, 204) for a Fresnel solar plant (100), comprising an absorber tube (108, 208) defining a longitudinal direction, a mirror array (112, 212) that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction and is used for concentrating light beams onto the absorber tube (108, 208), and a support frame (114, 214) for the absorber tube and the mirror array. A first suspension (323) for holding the absorber tube and a second suspension (324) for holding the mirror array or at least parts of the mirror array are independently mounted on the support frame (114, 214). The first suspension (323) has first compensation means (758) while the second suspension (324) has second compensation means (758). The first and second compensation means (758) allow for different expansions of the absorber tube and the mirror array or at least parts of the mirror array in the longitudinal direction.