Multi-element thermal conductor for a vacuum tube of a solar thermal collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal solar collectors with double evacuated tubes face inefficiencies in heat transfer due to geometric clearances between the inner tube and the heat conductor, leading to increased temperature and heat losses, which are not effectively addressed by prior solutions such as thin elastic conductors or single-piece aluminum profiles.
Innovation Solution
A thermal conductor comprising multiple conductive elements with rotational mobility and an elastic return member, allowing for adjustable contact with the inner wall of the double evacuated tube to compensate for geometric tolerances and enhance heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thin elastic conductor is used to compensate for geometric clearances, then adaptability to geometric tolerances is improved, but thermal conduction performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conductor is divided into multiple conductive elements (first conductive element, second conductive element, third conductive element) connected in series. Each element can independently adapt to geometric clearances while maintaining thermal conduction path continuity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and thermal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements are designed with rotational mobility around pivot elements, allowing the structure to dynamically adjust its configuration to compensate for geometric clearances and tolerances while maintaining reliable thermal contact
2Reliability
If a single-piece aluminum profile is used for thermal conduction, then thermal conduction performance is improved, but adaptability to geometric clearances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid aluminum profile is segmented into multiple conductive elements that can rotate relative to each other, combining the high thermal conductivity of aluminum with the adaptability needed to compensate for geometric clearances
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-element structure with rotational joints transforms a static rigid profile into a dynamic system that can adapt its shape to accommodate geometric tolerances while maintaining thermal conduction
3Adaptability or versatility
If conductive elements are made movable relative to each other to compensate for clearances, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements mobility through simple rotational joints (pivot elements) rather than complex mechanisms, allowing conductive elements to adapt to geometric clearances with minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return member utilizes elastic deformation to provide the compensating force, leveraging a fundamental material property rather than requiring complex active control mechanisms
4Device complexity
If geometric clearances are not compensated, then device simplicity is maintained, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates due to temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The movable conductive elements with rotational capability provide automatic adaptation to geometric clearances, maintaining thermal contact and heat transfer efficiency without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return member changes its elastic parameter (force) in response to displacement, providing the necessary compensating force to maintain thermal contact and heat transfer efficiency
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 significantly improves heat transfer efficiency by adapting to geometric clearances, reducing temperature rises, and maintaining mechanical properties over temperature variations, thus enhancing the performance of thermal solar collectors.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return member in contact with at least the second conductive element, able to exert an elastic return force on the second conductive element to drive it in rotation relative to the first conductive element
Implementation Method 2
a thermal conductor... intended to ensure heat transfer from the internal wall of said at least one double vacuum tube to the heat collecting tube
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5C
Figure 6~10B
AI summary
Thermal conductor (4) for a vacuum tube (1) of a solar thermal collector (10) having double vacuum tubes, which conductor is intended to be in contact with a heat collector tube (3), and the internal wall of the vacuum tube (1), comprising a heat absorbing element (2), to provide heat transfer from the internal wall of the vacuum tube (1) toward the heat collector tube (3), characterized in that it comprises a first conducting element (4a), comprising a pivot element (P1), a second conducting element (4b), comprising a second connection portion (8b) for connection with the first conducting element (4a), the second connection portion (8b) being mounted with the ability to rotate on the pivot element (P1) of the first conducting element (4a), and an elastic return member (5) in contact with the second conducting element (4b), to cause it to rotate with respect to the first conducting element (4a).