Inflatable Solar Concentrator Cushion with Longitudinal Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar radiation concentrators are susceptible to external loads, particularly wind loads, which affect their efficiency and stability, leading to deformation and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of upper and lower longitudinal members that securely attach to the concentrator cushion on both sides, allowing for efficient load transfer and maintaining the concave geometry of the reflector film, thereby enhancing stability and focusing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the concentrator cushion is secured using local retaining plates on lateral sides, then the device can be assembled, but wind loads cause deformation and reduce focusing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional local retaining plates on lateral sides to three-dimensional longitudinal members that extend along the entire length of the concentrator cushion. This dimensional change allows loads to be distributed throughout the structure rather than concentrated at discrete points, effectively resisting wind loads while maintaining the precise concave geometry of the reflector film.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structural system combining the flexible concentrator cushion with rigid longitudinal members. This composite approach allows the flexible cushion to maintain its shape under load while the rigid members provide structural support against wind forces, resolving the contradiction between strength and geometric precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If the concentrator cushion is made inflatable for easy assembly, then installation is simplified, but external loads cause deformation affecting solar concentration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the structural support function into separate longitudinal members that are attached to the inflatable cushion. This segmentation allows the cushion to remain inflatable for easy assembly while the discrete longitudinal members provide distributed structural support to maintain reliability under operational loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the flexible inflatable cushion as the primary enclosure while adding rigid longitudinal members for structural support. This combination leverages the ease of assembly from the flexible shell while compensating for its susceptibility to deformation under load through the added rigid elements.
3Manufacturing precision
If the concentrator cushion is rigidly fixed to maintain geometry, then focusing precision is improved, but adaptability to track the sun's path is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the inflatable cushion can be repositioned to track the sun's path while the longitudinal members maintain the local concave geometry during operation. The system transitions between static (geometry maintenance) and dynamic (tracking) states, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
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 solution improves the absorption of external loads, maintains the concave curvature of the reflector film, and increases the efficiency of solar radiation concentration by securely attaching the concentrator cushion to longitudinal members that absorb wind forces and maintain the reflector's geometry.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector film has a reflecting surface, by means of which the coupled-in solar radiation is focused in the direction of an absorber
Implementation Method 2
the upper longitudinal member (beam), and, on the lower side, it is secured to the lower longitudinal member (beam)... wind loads can be transferred efficiently via the longitudinal members
Implementation Method 3
A pressure difference is formed in the air-filled hollow spaces, wherein the reflector film is curved evenly concavely
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising an inflatable concentrator cushion, which comprises a cover film element comprising a light-permeable entry window for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film, which sub-divides the concentrator cushion into at least two hollow spaces, for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising a pivoting apparatus, by means of which the concentrator cushion can be pivoted, in particular about its longitudinal axis, and comprising a retaining apparatus mounted to the pivoting apparatus, for retaining the concentrator cushion, which retaining apparatus comprises an upper longitudinal member extending in the longitudinal direction of the concentrator cushion, for suspending the absorber, wherein the upper longitudinal member is arranged on a substantially air-tight closed upper passage opening of the concentrator cushion.