Parabolic trough collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parabolic trough collector designs suffer from a non-continuous mirror surface due to support structures, leading to reduced efficiency in solar energy capture and increased production costs due to complex metal constructions and the need for gusset plates to manage rotational forces.
Innovation Solution
The axis of rotation is positioned below the parabolic mirror surface, with a torsion tube running through its center, allowing for a continuous mirror surface and improved torsional rigidity, achieved by using a continuous beam torsion tube supported by multiple pylons and employing counterweights to balance the system, eliminating the need for gusset plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the axis of rotation is positioned above the mirror surface or at the apex of the parabolic mirror curve, then the drive unit can be arranged between elements to pivot them, but the mirror surface is interrupted in the longitudinal direction, reducing the usable mirror area
Solution Approach 1:
The axis of rotation is inverted from the conventional position (above or at the apex of the mirror surface) to a position below the mirror surface. This inversion allows the mirror surface to extend continuously over the entire length of the collector without being interrupted by support structures or drive units, thereby maximizing the usable mirror area while maintaining the drive mechanism functionality
2Strength
If massive gusset plates are provided at the end pivot and rotation points to absorb and transmit rotational and torsional forces, then the structural strength is improved, but the production costs increase due to complex metal construction
Solution Approach 1:
The complex gusset plate structures are extracted and replaced by a torsion tube made of steel S235JR with an outer diameter of 219 mm and wall thickness of 6 mm. This torsion tube is integrated into the support structure and naturally absorbs rotational and torsional forces through its torsional rigidity, eliminating the need for additional massive gusset plates and reducing production costs
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses a composite design combining a steel torsion tube (S235JR) with aluminum mirror support elements. The steel torsion tube provides the necessary strength and torsional rigidity, while the aluminum elements provide lightweight mirror support, creating an optimized composite structure that reduces overall weight and cost
3Strength
If support pylons or drive pylons are formed between individual elements, then the structural support is provided, but transverse stripe areas are created where no mirror elements can be arranged, reducing the mirror surface continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a two-dimensional lattice frame configuration to a three-dimensional torsion tube structure. The torsion tube extends continuously along the longitudinal axis of the collector, providing structural support in the longitudinal dimension while allowing the mirror surface to extend uninterrupted in the transverse dimension, thereby achieving both structural integrity and surface continuity
4Device complexity
If the torsion tube is mounted between two support pylons or support posts, then the support structure is simplified, but the torsion tube has higher deflection compared to a lattice frame support structure
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion tube parameters are optimized with an outer diameter of 219 mm and wall thickness of 6 mm, made from steel S235JR. These specific dimensional parameters provide sufficient torsional rigidity and minimize deflection under operational loads, while maintaining the simplified single-tube structure rather than requiring complex lattice frames
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 design enhances the usable mirror surface by 5% compared to prior art, improves torsional rigidity, and simplifies the structure for easier cleaning and longer collector construction, while reducing deflection and drive torques.
Implementation Method 1
the solar radiation is captured in the form of several mirrored parabolic troughs connected in series and/or in parallel and reflected onto an absorber line
Implementation Method 2
the solar radiation is captured in the form of several mirrored parabolic troughs connected in series and/or in parallel and reflected onto an absorber line
Implementation Method 3
A heat transfer medium is transported in the absorber line, which absorbs the heat energy gained as a result of the radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a parabolic trough collector (14) comprising a parabolic mirror support structure (1) having a parabolic mirror surface applied thereto and an absorber support structure supporting an absorber tube (12), wherein both support structures are mechanically attached to each other in a fixed relative position on a torsion tube (2) which is disposed below the parabolic mirror surface, and together with which both support structures are pivotally mounted about the rotational longitudinal axis of a parabolic trough collector. The aim of the invention is to reduce the design effort for the production of a parabolic mirror support structure and to increase the usable mirror surface. This is achieved by arranging the torsion tube (2) such that the rotational longitudinal axis of the parabolic trough collector coincides with the center longitudinal axis of the torsional tube (2).