Solar absorber module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar absorber modules made of silicon carbide or silicon-infiltrated silicon carbide experience high heat losses and low thermal efficiencies due to their high thermal conductivity, which affects the service life and efficiency of solar thermal power plants.

Innovation Solution

The use of absorber cups and honeycombs made from ceramic materials with low thermal conductivity, such as cast cordierite or aluminum titanate, which have spacers to maintain structural integrity and compensate for thermal expansion, reducing heat losses and improving thermal efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If silicon carbide or silicon-infiltrated silicon carbide is used for absorber cups and honeycombs, then mechanical strength and thermal resistance are improved, but heat losses increase and thermal efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidheat losses

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different ceramic materials with different thermal conductivity properties to different components: the absorber honeycomb uses materials with higher thermal conductivity (≤2.5 W/(m K)) for structural strength, while the absorber cup uses materials with lower thermal conductivity (≤3 W/(m K)) to minimize heat losses to the surroundings. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between mechanical strength and heat loss reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite ceramic materials, specifically combining cordierite and aluminum titanate in the absorber cup, and silicon carbide-based materials in the absorber honeycomb. These composite materials provide both the required mechanical strength and optimized thermal properties, balancing structural requirements with thermal efficiency requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If ceramic materials with low thermal conductivity are used, then heat losses are reduced and thermal efficiency is improved, but resistance to thermal shock and mechanical strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat lossesVSAvoidresistance to thermal shock

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully selects and optimizes the thermal conductivity parameter of the ceramic materials used in different components. By setting specific thresholds (≤3 W/(m K) for absorber cup, ≤2.5 W/(m K) for absorber honeycomb), the patent achieves low heat losses while maintaining sufficient thermal shock resistance through proper material composition and microstructure control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The use of composite ceramic materials, particularly cordierite-aluminum titanate composites in the absorber cup, provides both low thermal conductivity for reduced heat losses and high resistance to thermal shock. The synergistic combination of these materials resolves the contradiction between thermal efficiency and thermal shock resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If high-temperature operation is maintained, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but service life decreases due to thermal fatigue from rapid temperature changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of rapid temperature changes into a beneficial outcome by using ceramic materials that can withstand thermal shock. The low thermal conductivity of the absorber cup materials, while reducing heat losses, also dampens thermal gradients and reduces thermal stress, thereby extending service life while maintaining high operating temperatures for efficient energy conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 implementation of cast cordierite or aluminum titanate materials in solar absorber modules results in lower heat losses and higher thermal efficiency, extending the service life and durability of solar thermal power plants while maintaining sufficient mechanical resilience under temperature changes.

Implementation Method 1

an absorber cup which contains a ceramic material with a thermal conductivity of ≤ 3 W/(m K)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conductivity: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

convert the concentrated sunlight into heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption of radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

at least one spacer per side is arranged on the outside of the square-shaped section of the absorber cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2686619B1Solar absorber module

Publication Date: 2021.02.17 SAINT GOBAIN INDUSTRIE KERAMIK RODENTAL GMBH

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a solar absorber module that contains an absorber honeycomb (2) comprising channels (8) which connect the air inlet side (2.1) of the adsorber honeycomb (2) to the air outlet side (2.2) of the absorber honeycomb (2). The absorber module also contains an absorber cup (3) comprising a square-shaped section (3.0), comprising a funnel-shaped section (3.1), and comprising a reduced section (3.2). The absorber cup (3) contains a ceramic material with a thermal conductivity of = 3 W/(mK).