Apparatus for concentrating solar radiation with inflatable concentrator cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar radiation concentrators face inefficiencies due to suboptimal force transfer, weight increase from clamping plates, and reduced efficiency from partially covered entry windows, which affect stability and energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two elongated metal longitudinal bars connected to the cover film element and a sealing film strip to create an air-tight upper passage opening, allowing efficient force absorption and maintaining the concave curvature of the reflector film, while eliminating the need for clamping plates and ensuring unobstructed solar radiation entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamping plates are used to seal the entry window, then the concentrator cushion is sealed, but the weight of the absorber suspension increases and the entry window is partially covered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the clamping plates from the system by using a keder channel that integrates sealing functionality directly into the concentrator cushion structure. The keder channel receives a keder element that seals the entry window without requiring separate clamping plates, thereby removing the harmful weight addition while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sealing function with the structural framework by integrating the keder channel into the longitudinal members. This combination allows the sealing system to be part of the load-bearing structure, eliminating the need for separate clamping plates and reducing overall weight while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If clamping plates are used to seal the entry window, then the concentrator cushion is sealed, but the efficiency of the concentrator is reduced due to partial coverage of the entry window
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the clamping plates and replaces them with a keder element system that seals the entry window without obstructing the light path. The keder element is positioned in a channel that is transparent or minimally intrusive, allowing solar radiation to pass through the entire entry window area while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by making the keder channel and sealing elements transparent or optically neutral in the regions where they intersect with the entry window. This allows the sealing structure to be present locally where needed for sealing while remaining optically invisible, thus maintaining concentrator efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a single longitudinal beam is used for absorber suspension, then the structure is simple, but the forces acting on the concentrator cushion during operation cannot be transferred optimally
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the single longitudinal beam into multiple longitudinal members (at least two) that are distributed across the width of the concentrator cushion. This segmentation allows forces to be distributed and transferred more effectively to the support structure, improving strength and stability while maintaining relatively simple construction through modular repetition of the longitudinal member design.
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 configuration enhances the stability and weight reduction of the concentrator, maintaining high energy conversion efficiency by ensuring the concentrator remains deformation-free and the reflector film's curvature is accurately maintained, even under external loads.
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
provision is made between the longitudinal bars for a sealing film strip, which bridges the upper passage opening of the concentrator cushion
Implementation Method 3
The concentrator cushion can be kept largely free from deformations during operation, so that the concave curvature of the reflector film is accurately maintained
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 secured 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.