Solar Thermal Collector Heat Pipe Layout for Better Heat Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar thermal energy collectors are limited in their ability to efficiently transfer heat from the collector to a heat-transfer fluid, which hampers their efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a receptacle with a heat pipe insert and an absorption device positioned within, where the heat pipe is thermally coupled to the absorption device and a non-imaging optic reflector directs solar energy onto the absorption device, enhancing heat transfer through vaporization and condensation of a heat transfer fluid within the heat pipe, and a vacuum-sealed configuration minimizes thermal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional heat transfer inserts are used in solar thermal collectors, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but heat transfer efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe insert employs a flexible or expandable structure that dynamically adjusts its configuration within the receptacle. The insert can expand outward to increase surface area contact with the absorption device, optimizing heat transfer efficiency, while maintaining structural simplicity for manufacturing. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between heat transfer performance and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert structure utilizes phase change parameters of the heat transfer fluid within the heat pipe, transitioning between liquid and vapor states to dramatically improve heat transfer coefficients. By leveraging this parameter change, the system achieves high heat transfer efficiency without requiring complex mechanical structures, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Productivity
If the heat pipe insert is positioned at the center of the receptacle, then the structure is simple and assembly is easy, but heat transfer contact with the absorption device is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with flexible segments or expandable elements that allow it to dynamically shift from a centralized position to make contact with the absorption device walls. This dynamic positioning capability enables sufficient heat transfer contact area while maintaining simple centralized assembly, as the insert automatically adjusts its configuration after assembly without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert structure incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms that enable it to automatically position itself for optimal heat transfer contact with the absorption device after initial centralized assembly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures while ensuring adequate heat transfer contact, resolving the contradiction between contact area and assembly ease.
3Loss of energy
If a vacuum-sealed receptacle is used, then thermal loss is minimized and heat transfer efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle creates a vacuum environment that eliminates convective and conductive heat losses, retaining thermal energy within the system. By using vacuum as an inert thermal environment, the system achieves minimal thermal loss while the sealing requirements are managed through integrated seal designs that accommodate the vacuum pressure differential, balancing performance with manufacturability.
4Productivity
If heat transfer fluid is contained within the heat pipe insert, then heat transfer is enhanced through phase change, but the insert structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe insert utilizes phase transitions of the contained heat transfer fluid, evaporating at the heated end to absorb heat and condensing at the cooler end to release heat. This phase change mechanism dramatically enhances heat transfer rates while the insert structure remains relatively simple, as the phase transition occurs within the fluid itself rather than requiring complex mechanical components.
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective collection and transfer of solar thermal energy, achieving high temperatures without the need for a solar tracking component, thereby improving heat removal and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The insert is a heat pipe with a hollow interior, the hollow interior having a heat transfer fluid therein. The heat transfer fluid may be adapted to transfer heat by vaporizing and condensing.
Implementation Method 2
an insert located within the receptacle, the insert being a heat pipe adapted to transfer heat
Implementation Method 3
the receptacle has a vacuum drawn interior that is sealed with a glass to metal seal
Implementation Method 4
a non-imaging optic reflector located external to the receptacle and adapted to direct solar thermal energy to the receptacle
Implementation Method 5
adapted for receiving solar thermal energy
Implementation Method 6
an absorption device positioned proximate to and substantially conforming to at least a portion of an internal surface of the receptacle and thermally coupled to the insert
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for collecting solar energy includes a receptacle adapted for receiving solar thermal energy; an insert located within the receptacle, the insert being a heat pipe adapted to transfer heat; and an absorption device positioned proximate to and substantially conforming to at least a portion of an internal surface of the receptacle and thermally coupled to the insert. The insert enters the receptacle substantially at a cross-sectional center of the receptacle, and further inside the receptacle, the insert shifts to become closer to the absorption fin.