Solar Concentrator with Hinged Framework for Single-Axis Sun Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems face challenges in tracking the sun's movement efficiently, high costs due to expensive materials, and the need for precise manufacturing to achieve high temperatures, which are difficult to maintain and store effectively, especially with thermal oils and molten salts being expensive and prone to leakage or solidification issues.
Innovation Solution
A solar concentrator design featuring a hingedly joined framework that rotates relative to a base, allowing mirrors to reflect light towards a common focus, and a solar receiver with a tank containing transparent fluid and solid particles that absorb sunlight, heating the fluid for efficient energy collection and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If point focus systems are used to concentrate sunlight onto a point, then higher temperatures can be achieved, but the system must follow the Sun's position by rotating around two axes which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The solar concentrator is divided into multiple independent mirrors arranged in a linear array, each mirror contributing to the overall focus. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high temperature concentration while using a simpler single-axis rotation mechanism rather than requiring a complete two-axis tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a point-focus approach (zero-dimensional concentration point) to a linear-focus approach (one-dimensional concentration line). By arranging mirrors in a linear array that focuses sunlight onto a linear receiver, the system achieves high temperatures while reducing the tracking complexity from two axes to one axis.
2Temperature
If concentrators are made large to produce high temperatures, then the focus can be small and high temperatures achieved, but the collector takes between 40% and 60% of the costs of a CSP system
Solution Approach 1:
The large concentrator area is segmented into multiple smaller mirror modules arranged in a linear array. This allows the system to achieve the necessary total collecting area for high temperatures while using smaller, more cost-effective individual mirror components that are easier to manufacture and install.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simpler, more cost-effective mirror materials and support structures compared to traditional large-scale concentrators. By accepting that some components may need replacement over time, the system uses cheaper materials that reduce overall cost while maintaining the necessary concentration capability for high temperature operation.
3Temperature
If thermal oils are used as working fluids to collect and transport heat, then heat can be collected and transported, but thermal oils can only work up to 400° C. and are expensive and prone to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the working fluid from organic thermal oils to inorganic alternatives such as molten salts or pressurized water/steam systems. This parameter change enables operation at temperatures above 400°C while improving reliability by eliminating the leakage and degradation issues associated with thermal oils.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite or alternative fluid systems such as nitrate molten salts (e.g., solar salt consisting of 60% NaNO3 and 40% KNO3) or pressurized water-steam cycles. These composite or alternative material systems provide both the necessary heat transport capability and the chemical stability required for high-temperature, high-reliability operation.
4Temperature
If molten salts are used as working fluids to work up to 600° C., then higher temperatures can be achieved, but molten salts can only work up to 600° C. and are expensive and prone to solidification issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-heating sections and insulation measures that prepare the molten salt before it reaches the operating temperature range. By maintaining the salt above its freezing point through continuous circulation and insulation, the system prevents solidification issues while enabling operation at high temperatures up to 600°C.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the operating parameters by using pressurized systems or alternative fluid compositions that raise the freezing point or improve the flow characteristics of the working fluid. This allows the system to operate at high temperatures while maintaining ease of operation by preventing solidification through parameter optimization.
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 energy collection efficiency by tracking the sun's movement, reduces material costs, and improves thermal energy storage by using a cost-effective and non-toxic fluid, such as air, which is less prone to leakage and solidification, allowing for efficient energy storage and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
each mirror being arranged to reflect light travelling parallel to the first axis towards a common focus which lies on the first axis
Implementation Method 2
a tank containing transparent fluid and solid particles that absorb sunlight, heating the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A solar concentrator comprising: a base; a framework, the framework being hingedly joined to the base such that the framework can be rotated relative to the base; and a plurality of mirrors arranged relative to a first axis of the framework, such that all of the mirrors are located on one side of a plane which contains the first axis, each mirror being fixed to the framework and each mirror being arranged to reflect light travelling parallel to the first axis towards a common focus which lies on the first axis.