Concentrated solar power system for generating electricty and method of forming the same

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar power generation systems face challenges in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, increasing structural capacity to withstand extreme environmental conditions, and optimizing installed costs while effectively harnessing solar energy.

Innovation Solution

A concentrated solar power system comprising a heliostat field, a hollow cylindrical solar tower, and a solar receiver, with a modular construction using cylindrical segments and a pivoting mechanism for assembly, integrated with a thermal energy storage system and hybrid power generation cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional solar tower system is constructed with high structural capacity to withstand extreme environmental conditions, then reliability is improved, but installed cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural capacity to withstand extreme environmental conditionsVSAvoidinstalled cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solar tower is divided into multiple modular segments that can be assembled in a lowered horizontal configuration and then pivoted into the vertical operational position. This segmentation allows for easier transportation and assembly, reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity through standardized modular connections designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If solar energy capture efficiency is increased through larger heliostat fields and taller towers, then power generation capacity is improved, but installation cost and structural requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capacityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tower is constructed from multiple modular segments that can be assembled horizontally and then pivoted into position, reducing installation cost and complexity while enabling the construction of taller structures for enhanced solar energy capture capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tower assembly process transitions from a horizontal configuration to a vertical operational configuration through pivoting, allowing for easier assembly and transportation while achieving the height necessary for optimal solar energy capture from extended heliostat fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the solar tower is constructed in a vertical orientation during assembly, then structural stability is improved, but assembly difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stability during assemblyVSAvoidassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tower is assembled in a horizontal lowered configuration rather than the traditional vertical orientation, making assembly easier and more cost-effective. After assembly is complete, the entire tower structure is pivoted into the vertical operational position, combining the benefits of easy horizontal assembly with the structural stability of vertical operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The tower incorporates a pivoting mechanism that allows the entire structure to transition dynamically from a horizontal assembly configuration to a vertical operational configuration, enabling easy assembly while maintaining structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system enhances solar energy capture efficiency, reduces installation costs, and improves structural resilience against extreme weather, while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

Implementation Method 1

a heliostat field configured to concentrate solar energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConcentration of solar energy: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

at least one solar receiver positioned to receive concentrated solar energy from the heliostat field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy reception: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20260016195A1Concentrated solar power system for generating electricty and method of forming the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 HOLTEC INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A method of forming a concentrated solar power system for generating electricity. The method has three steps. The first step is coupling a plurality of tower segments together onsite at a solar energy concentration field to form a solar tower in a lowered orientation. At least one solar receiver is coupled to the solar tower to form a solar tower assembly. The second step is raising the solar tower assembly to a solar energy collection orientation by pivoting the solar tower assembly about a pivot axis located at a bottom portion of the solar tower. The third step is securing the solar tower assembly in the solar energy collection orientation.