Modular Solar Collector Reflector Assembly for Easier Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collector systems face challenges with large size, complex installation, maintenance of shape fidelity, and durability due to environmental factors like wind and condensation, which reduce efficiency and service life.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar collector design with a rotatably attachable reflector assembly and integrated drive, using plain bearings and ceramic materials for reduced friction and sand resistance, along with sensors for tracking and temperature control, and a water-impermeable membrane for protection, allowing for factory assembly and easy on-site installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known parabolic trough collectors are used, then solar energy can be captured and transferred to fluid, but the collectors are comparatively large and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector system is divided into modular components: a reflector assembly with curved reflector and drive mechanism that can be separately assembled and attached to the pipeline. This modular design allows for easier transport and installation while maintaining the functional integrity needed for effective solar energy capture and transfer.
2Reliability
If known parabolic trough collectors are used, then solar energy can be captured, but it is difficult to maintain high shape fidelity over the entire length
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector assembly is pre-formed with the correct parabolic curvature during manufacturing to ensure high shape fidelity. This preliminary shaping action eliminates the need for complex field adjustments and ensures consistent optical performance throughout the reflector's length, while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by separating form-giving from assembly.
3Device complexity
If the reflector is exposed to environmental conditions, then the system remains simple, but components are subjected to excessive stress from overheating and strong winds
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent cover in the form of a shell or film structure is introduced to protect the reflector and pipeline from environmental stressors such as strong winds and overheating. This protective enclosure maintains system simplicity while significantly extending service life by shielding components from excessive mechanical and thermal stress.
4Device complexity
If water vapor condenses on the reflector or cover, then the structure remains simple, but solar radiation absorption or reflection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent cover creates a protected environment that prevents water vapor condensation on the reflector surface. By isolating the optical components from humid atmospheric conditions, the system maintains high energy transfer efficiency without requiring complex active dehumidification systems, thus balancing simplicity with energy performance.
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 solution provides a compact, durable, and efficient solar collector system with reduced assembly complexity, improved resistance to environmental stressors, and enhanced energy transfer efficiency, extending the system's service life and usability in harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector arrangement with a curved reflector for bundling solar radiation in the region of the pipeline
Implementation Method 2
the reflector acts like a cylindrical lens. The solar radiation, which hits the earth's surface practically parallel, is focused on a line
Implementation Method 3
the incident solar energy is transferred to the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a solar collector arrangement (10) containing a pipeline (18) which is supplied with solar energy and through which a fluid can flow such that the solar energy can be transfered to the fluid, a reflector arrangement (12) having a curved reflector (14) for bundling solar radiation in the region of the pipeline (18), and a drive (64) for tracking the reflector arrangement (12) in such a way that the solar radiation is reflected onto the pipe (12), characterized in that means (30, 32) for detachably securing the reflector arrangement (12) to the pipeline (18) are provided, and the drive (79, 64, 80) is secured to the reflector arrangement (12).