Inclined Ceramic Solar Absorber Module for Radiation Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar tower power plants face inefficiencies due to concentrated sunlight not being fully utilized on the active absorber surface, leading to heat losses and reduced energy conversion efficiency, as the highly concentrated radiation falls into air discharge gaps or onto the housing of the solar absorber modules rather than being absorbed.
Innovation Solution
The solar absorber module is designed with an inclined ceramic absorber element within a housing section, optimizing the orientation towards solar radiation and minimizing losses by using a ceramic monolith with straight channels and a flat surface, and incorporating an insulating lining to reduce heat transfer and prevent overheating of the support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the solar absorber modules are arranged with vertical housings and horizontal absorber elements, then the structural support is simplified, but the concentrated sunlight from heliostats falls into intermediate spaces or onto housings instead of the active absorber surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by inclining the absorber elements at an angle of 5-20 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. This angular adjustment in the vertical dimension redirects the concentrated sunlight from heliostats onto the active absorber surface rather than allowing it to fall into intermediate spaces or onto housings, thereby improving solar radiation utilization while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry by deviating from the conventional horizontal arrangement of absorber elements. The inclined positioning creates an asymmetric configuration optimized for receiving concentrated sunlight at specific angles, transforming the symmetric horizontal layout into an asymmetric inclined arrangement that maximizes energy capture
2Productivity
If the absorber elements are inclined at an angle of 5-20 degrees, then the absorption of solar radiation is optimized and energy conversion efficiency increases by 4-5%, but the manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the angular parameter of absorber element installation from 0 degrees (horizontal) to 5-20 degrees (inclined). This parameter adjustment optimizes the absorption of solar radiation and increases energy conversion efficiency by 4-5%, while the housing design with integrated support structures helps manage the increased manufacturing and installation complexity
3Strength
If the housing is made from metal with double-walled mounting tubes, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the thermocycling stress causes warping and alters the gap width between absorber modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining metal housing structures with ceramic solar absorber elements. The metal housing provides structural strength while the ceramic absorbers resist thermocycling stress, creating a composite system where each material compensates for the other's weaknesses. This combination maintains gap width stability between absorber modules despite thermal cycling conditions
4Loss of energy
If the ceramic solar absorber element is used, then the thermal resistance is high and heat losses are reduced, but the cost of materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using ceramic materials specifically for the solar absorber elements where high thermal resistance is most needed, while the housing and support structures continue to use cost-effective metal materials. This localized application of ceramic materials reduces heat losses at the critical absorber surface without unnecessarily increasing the cost of the entire system
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 design enhances energy conversion efficiency by 4-5% by ensuring optimal absorption of solar radiation and reducing heat losses, allowing for larger solar receivers and more efficient power plants, with improved thermal separation and uniform fluid flow distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface (31) that can be oriented toward the solar radiation... The solar absorber has a large number of substantially straight channels (33) connecting the first surface (31) to the second surface (32)
Implementation Method 2
The solar absorber element (30)... with a large number of substantially straight channels (33) connecting the first surface (31) to the second surface (32)... for heating a fluid stream flowing through the channels
Implementation Method 3
incorporating an insulating lining to reduce heat transfer and prevent overheating of the support structure
Data Source
AI summary
A solar absorber module is described. The module has a housing with a longitudinal axis with a first tapered housing section with a first, free end, and a second end with a reduced cross-sectional area compared to the first end, and with a second housing section adjoining the second end of the first housing section with a substantially constant cross-section over its length. The module also has a ceramic solar absorber element accommodated in the first end of the first housing section with a first surface that can be oriented toward the solar radiation with an axis of symmetry, and a second surface lying across from the first surface, wherein the solar absorber element has a large number of substantially straight channels connecting the first surface to the second surface. The solar absorber module is accommodated in the first end of the first housing section such that the axis of symmetry of the first surface is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing.