Modular Solar Collector Assembly With Dry Heat-Pipe Tube Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar collectors have a fixed design, limiting flexibility and ease of assembly, maintenance, and are prone to damage or leakage due to rigid manifold structures that cannot accommodate varying numbers of solar tubes.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar collector design featuring end fittings with thermal pockets and sealing means, allowing for flexible assembly and replacement of solar tubes without fluid flow through the connections, using heat conductive materials like copper and resilient polymeric seals for efficient thermal transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional fixed design manifold is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different numbers of solar tubes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is divided into multiple modular receiving portions, each capable of independently accommodating a solar tube. This segmentation allows the manifold to maintain structural stability while adapting to different configurations by selectively activating or deactivating specific receiving portions based on the number of solar tubes required.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional fixed design manifold is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ease of assembly and maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold is segmented into modular receiving portions with standardized connection interfaces. This enables pre-fabrication of individual modules that can be easily assembled on-site by connecting them in series, significantly improving ease of assembly and maintenance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold incorporates dynamic adaptability through its modular design, allowing the system to be reconfigured by adding or removing receiving portions as needed. This dynamic capability facilitates easy maintenance by enabling individual tube replacement without dismantling the entire manifold structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with end fittings is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting and thermal pocket are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. This integration maintains the adaptability benefits of modular design while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating the need for additional connection hardware and simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The end fitting is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mechanical connector and as a thermal transfer interface. This universal design approach allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, thereby improving flexibility while actually reducing device complexity by consolidating functions into one element.
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 modular design reduces complexity and cost, enhances assembly and maintenance ease, and maintains high efficiency by enabling flexible construction and dry heat transfer, allowing for easy replacement of components without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal pocket is in thermal contact with the condenser section and with the fluid to be heated to allow heat transfer between the working fluid and the fluid to be heated
Implementation Method 2
The sealing means may comprise a ring member of resilient polymeric material
Implementation Method 3
The heat pipe type of collector utilises the phase change of the working fluid to achieve greater efficiency
Implementation Method 4
The pipe forms a closed chamber and contains a working fluid. The pipe defines an evaporator section, in thermal contact with the radiation absorbing plate, and a condenser section remote from the plate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A modular solar collector assembly of the dry heat-pipe type comprises a solar absorbing tube (3) comprising an evacuated radiation transparent enclosure 10 enclosing an absorbing section (11), comprising a radiation absorbing plate (12) for absorbing solar radiation and an elongate tube (13), containing a working fluid (heat transfer medium), in thermal contact with the radiation absorbing plate (12). The elongate tube (13) extends out of one end of the solar absorbing tube (3) and connects with a condenser (16) wherein the thermal transfer fluid when in a vapour phase communicates with a fluid to be heated within an end fitting (17). The condenser section (16) of a heat pipe tube (3) is inserted into a thermal pocket (25) sealingly engaged with a sealing gasket (24) within the pipe receiving portion (23) of the end fitting (17), whereby heat transfer can take place between the condenser sections (16) of the heat pipes (3) and a heat transfer fluid (e.g. water) flowing via the flow path (18) in the end-fitting (17). The pocket (25) is sealed against ingress of heat exchange fluid flowing through the end fitting (17). A solar collector tube can therefore be readily removed and replaced without affecting operation of other solar collector tubes in an array.