Solar concentrating system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear Fresnel solar concentrating systems face inefficiencies due to increased focal distances, astigmatism, and shadowing issues, especially at high angles of solar incidence, which are not adequately addressed by existing solutions like solar reconcentrators that are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A solar concentrating system with flat or large-curvature reflectors arranged at different heights, allowing rotation to maintain reflection efficiency, and incorporating passageways to prevent shadowing and enhance radiation capture, particularly at high angles of incidence, by positioning reflectors such that their longitudinal axes form specific angles with the horizontal plane and maintaining a passageway width that allows access and radiation incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional linear Fresnel collectors use flat reflectors arranged in a horizontal plane, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the effective aperture is reduced and radiation capture efficiency deteriorates at high angles of incidence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal arrangement of reflectors to a three-dimensional configuration where reflectors are positioned at different heights and angles. This vertical dimensionality change allows the system to capture radiation at high angles of incidence while maintaining the simplicity of flat reflectors, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and effective aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spatial configurations to different reflectors within the same system. Each reflector is positioned at a specific height and angle optimized for its local function, with outer reflectors having different orientations than inner reflectors. This local optimization allows the system to maintain manufacturing simplicity while maximizing radiation capture across various incidence angles.
2Productivity
If conventional linear Fresnel collectors minimize passageway width to maximize surface coverage, then radiation capture is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates and shadowing effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between radiation capture and maintenance accessibility by utilizing the vertical dimension. Passageways are designed with sufficient width for maintenance access while the elevated positioning of reflectors at different heights allows radiation to be captured from angles that would otherwise be blocked, thus maintaining productivity without compromising operability.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional linear Fresnel collectors use reflectors with large curvature to reduce astigmatism, then optical precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between optical precision and ease of manufacture by changing the spatial arrangement of flat reflectors in three dimensions. Instead of relying on curved reflector surfaces to reduce astigmatism, the system uses precise positioning of flat reflectors at different heights and angles, achieving optimal optical performance through geometric configuration rather than surface curvature.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional linear Fresnel collectors increase focal distance to reduce astigmatism, then optical precision is improved, but system efficiency deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between optical precision and system efficiency by utilizing vertical positioning of reflectors at different heights. This three-dimensional arrangement allows for shorter focal distances while maintaining precise optical focusing, as the varied vertical positions of reflectors enable accurate convergence of reflected rays without requiring large horizontal separations.
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 improves the effective aperture and efficiency of the solar concentrating system, enhancing energy harnessing capabilities, particularly at high angles of incidence, with a lower installation cost compared to parabolic trough systems, and reducing astigmatism and shadowing effects.
Implementation Method 1
each collector Ci, with i ∈ {1, ..., n}, comprises a plurality of m reflectors R, where each reflector Rj, with j ∈ {1, ..., m}, is flat or has a large radius of curvature compared to the other dimensions of the reflector
Implementation Method 2
at least one receiver configured for receiving the solar radiation concentrated by the plurality of reflectors and conveying the energy by means of a thermal fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a solar concentrating system (1) and installation which comprises a plurality of solar collectors (10) configured for receiving, reflecting, and concentrating radiation in a focal point (F), and allows increasing the efficiency of current solar concentrating systems, such as those based on linear Fresnel collectors, by means of reducing focal distances and increasing the effective surface of the system.