Multi-Elevation Solar Receiver Tower for Heliostat Field Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concentrated solar power systems face inefficiencies in solar radiation and ground space utilization due to the fixed vertical elevation of solar receivers, leading to reduced capacity and suboptimal use of available resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple solar receivers at different vertical elevations on a single solar tower, allowing for individual control of heliostats to concentrate solar radiation on each receiver, and enabling the use of shared or independent heat transfer fluids for optimized performance and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the solar receiver is mounted at a relatively low vertical elevation, then the system structure is simpler and ground space is better utilized, but the heliostats at the outer edge of the heliostat field cannot concentrate all light on the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single receiver system into multiple segmented receivers positioned at different vertical elevations. Each receiver serves a specific zone of the heliostat field, with lower receivers handling outer heliostats and upper receivers handling inner heliostats. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each segment to optimize for its specific operational zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-elevation (2D horizontal) receiver configuration to a multi-elevation (3D vertical) configuration. By adding the vertical dimension, the system can simultaneously accommodate heliostats at different distances from the tower, improving both ground space utilization and solar radiation concentration efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the solar receiver is mounted at a relatively high vertical elevation, then the heliostats nearest the tower can concentrate light effectively, but the heliostats at the outer edge cannot concentrate all light on the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receiver system vertically, creating multiple receivers at different elevations. Inner heliostats concentrate light on upper receivers while outer heliostats concentrate light on lower receivers. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high concentration efficiency across the entire heliostat field without compromising ground space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different receivers are positioned at different vertical elevations to match the local requirements of different heliostat zones. Upper receivers are optimized for inner heliostats, while lower receivers are optimized for outer heliostats. This local quality approach ensures optimal performance across the entire system.
3Device complexity
If a single solar receiver is used at a fixed vertical elevation, then the system structure is simpler, but much of the available ground space is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single receiver into multiple receivers at different vertical elevations. This segmentation enables the system to utilize the full vertical and horizontal space available, significantly improving ground space utilization while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the vertical dimension with multiple receivers at different elevations, the system transforms from a 2D horizontal layout to a 3D configuration. This dimensional change allows comprehensive utilization of available ground space while maintaining organized system structure.
4Ease of operation
If a single solar receiver is used at a fixed vertical elevation, then the system is easier to control, but solar radiation utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receiver system into multiple independently controllable receivers. Each receiver can be individually adjusted to optimize for different heliostat zones and solar conditions, improving overall solar radiation utilization while maintaining relatively simple control through modular, independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-receiver configuration to a dynamic multi-receiver configuration where each receiver can be independently adjusted. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize solar radiation capture under varying conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized control mechanisms.
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 solar radiation utilization and ground space efficiency, allowing for better operational flexibility and temperature management, improving the overall performance of concentrated solar power systems beyond conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heliostats positioned within the heliostat field and individually controllable so as to concentrate incident solar radiation on any one of the solar receivers
Implementation Method 2
The energy absorbed by the receiver is used to a heat transfer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a concentrated solar power system includes a solar tower, multiple solar receivers mounted to the solar tower at different vertical elevations, and a plurality of heliostats provided on the ground within a heliostat field, wherein each heliostat is configured to concentrate solar radiation on any of the solar receivers mounted to the solar tower.