Single-Piece Molded Solar Absorber Module with Cranked Edge Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar absorber modules face challenges in maximizing heat yield and mechanical durability when interconnected, particularly in larger installations, due to stress concentrations at edge regions and potential damage to secondary outlets.
Innovation Solution
The solar absorber module design features offset channels at edge regions with double bends and connecting areas, allowing for longer connecting pieces and reduced protrusion of secondary outlets, while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the edge regions with collectors are positioned directly at the boundaries of the central region, then the module achieves a compact design with minimal material usage, but the connecting pieces are subject to high mechanical loads and thermal expansion stresses leading to increased risk of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The edge regions are offset from the boundary of the central region by a distance between 0.5 and 1.1 times the channel diameter, creating a buffer zone that reduces mechanical and thermal stresses on connecting pieces while maintaining compact overall module design
2Ease of manufacture
If straight channels are used in edge regions, then the module structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but heat absorption efficiency is reduced due to insufficient distance between channel centerlines
Solution Approach 1:
The channels in edge regions are cranked or curved instead of straight, allowing the channel centerlines to be spaced further apart (increasing heat absorption efficiency) while the channels remain contained within the offset edge regions (maintaining manufacturing simplicity)
Solution Approach 2:
The channel paths are designed to be flexible and adaptive, curving to maximize the distance between channel centerlines for improved heat absorption while adapting to the offset edge region configuration
3Ease of operation
If connecting pieces extend beyond the module boundaries, then fluid connection between modules is easier, but the connecting pieces are more exposed to mechanical damage during storage and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting pieces are positioned in a buffer zone created by offsetting edge regions inward, placing them in a protected intermediate position that reduces exposure to mechanical damage while maintaining fluid connection capability between modules
4Productivity
If the channel distance in edge regions is increased to improve heat absorption, then thermal efficiency increases, but the structural integrity of edge regions deteriorates due to reduced material support
Solution Approach 1:
The edge regions are offset inward by a controlled distance (0.5-1.1 times channel diameter), creating a buffer zone that provides structural support to channels while allowing sufficient spacing between channel centerlines for improved heat absorption 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
This design enhances heat transfer efficiency and reduces mechanical stress, increasing the service life and coverage of installation areas with improved protection against damage.
Implementation Method 1
typically made of black-colored plastic in the interest of high absorption of the incident sunlight and thus efficient heating of the flowing water or other fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A solar absorber module, manufactured as a single-piece molded plastic component, comprises a central area (1) with two spaced-apart wall surfaces (4, 5) defining a flow space and two opposing edge areas (2, 3) enclosing the central area (1), each with a collector (8) in the form of a channel communicating with the flow space. Each of the two channels terminates in two first connection ports (12) oriented essentially parallel to the length of the respective channel. Two second connection ports (13) branch off from each channel, oriented essentially perpendicular to the length of the respective channel.The edge regions (2, 3) adjacent to the branches (14) of the second connecting stubs (13) are cranked with a crank angle between 0.5 and 1.1 times the diameter of the respective channel (9) such that the transition from the respective channel to the respective second connecting stubs (13) is recessed towards the central region (1) compared to the wall of the respective channel facing away from the central region (1) between the two crank angles (15). Furthermore, in the area of the crank angle (15) at the transition from the central region (1) to the respective channel (9), there is at least one connecting area (7c) that connects the two wall surfaces (4, 5) to each other.