Translucent FRP Solar Thermal Collector for High-Temperature Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar thermal collectors, particularly those using polycarbonate materials, fail to efficiently operate at high temperatures required for Domestic Hot Water and Space Heating due to instability and degradation, leading to pinhole leaks and reduced efficiency with water-based fluids.
Innovation Solution
A solar thermal collector system utilizing translucent Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP) with low light transmission, incorporating a three-dimensional design and a darkened surface to absorb heat directly from the sun, along with a fluid circulation system for enhanced heat conversion, overcoming the limitations of traditional collectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If polycarbonate materials are used in solar thermal collectors to achieve transparency and break-resistance, then the collectors can transmit sunlight effectively, but the materials become unstable and degrade at high temperatures above 180°F, leading to pinhole leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from thermoplastic polycarbonate to thermosetting resin systems (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester) that maintain dimensional stability and resistance to thermal degradation at temperatures above 180°F, eliminating pinhole leak formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of thermosetting resin matrices reinforced with fibers (glass, carbon, aramid) to create a structure that combines the benefits of strength, stiffness, and high-temperature stability while maintaining transparency for solar thermal application
2Power
If conventional flat-plate collectors use copper or nickel metal sheets with black surfaces for heat absorption, then heat transfer efficiency is high, but the collectors become very heavy and require large amounts of energy for manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the metal-based heat absorption system with a translucent thermosetting resin panel system that absorbs solar energy and transfers heat directly to the fluid, eliminating the need for heavy copper or nickel metal sheets while maintaining effective heat transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dark-colored pigments or dyes into the translucent thermosetting resin panels to enhance solar energy absorption, allowing the panels to maintain transparency while achieving effective heat absorption and transfer to the circulating fluid
3Ease of manufacture
If black polyolefin plastic is used to absorb solar energy and transfer heat by conduction, then the structure is simple and lightweight, but the heat transfer efficiency is insufficient for demanding applications like DHW
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from polyolefin plastics to thermosetting resin systems that maintain dimensional stability at high temperatures, enabling effective heat transfer for demanding applications like domestic hot water heating while preserving structural simplicity
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 FRP-based system provides a cost-effective, efficient, and durable solution for producing heat beyond 180°F, suitable for Domestic Hot Water, Space Heating, and Industrial applications, with improved durability and reduced production costs compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a three-dimensional design and a darkened surface to absorb heat directly from the sun
Implementation Method 2
The black plastic container absorbed energy from the sun with the energy transferred by conduction to the fluid flowing through the plastic
Implementation Method 3
a fluid circulation system for enhanced heat conversion
Data Source
AI summary
Our invention consists of two separate and discrete families of polymers, e.g. thermosetting Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (“FRP”) and thermoplastics. Both are used as the materials of construction to fabricate solar thermal collectors. These families have the same general configuration and are based upon the same principles. Both families are used in a form that some of the walls of the collector are translucent. Both families incorporate a passage through which the thermal fluid flows. Both families make use of dyes to absorb energy from the sun in the fluid and the collector walls. Each of the families makes use of improved collector configurations and designs and special operating approaches. Each family can serve different markets for different solar thermal collectors. In particular, FRP stands alone as an emerging new category of materials for a broad range of applications including everything from novel solar thermal collectors to exotic airplanes.