Inflatable Solar Concentrator Cushion With Adjustable Absorber Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of solar radiation concentrators decreases over time due to material creep and deformation, causing the absorber to move out of the focus area of the reflector film, leading to reduced energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable device is implemented between the upper longitudinal member and the pivoting apparatus, allowing for height adjustment to maintain the absorber within the focus area, using two longitudinal belts with a sealing film strip to ensure air-tightness and absorb external forces, and incorporating a lattice truss design for reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the concentrator cushion is fixed using a keder system with clamping plates, then the concentrator cushion is securely anchored, but the efficiency of energy conversion decreases over time due to material creep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable device that allows the upper longitudinal member to be repositioned vertically along the pivoting apparatus. This dynamic adjustment capability compensates for material creep over time, maintaining the absorber's position within the focus area and preserving energy conversion efficiency while keeping the anchoring system secure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vertical position parameter of the upper longitudinal member relative to the pivoting apparatus. By adjusting this parameter, the system compensates for dimensional changes in the plastic material due to creep, ensuring the absorber remains in the optimal focus position without compromising the anchoring strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stiffer retaining apparatuses are used to prevent bulging, then the structural stability is improved, but the production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using stiffer (more expensive) retaining apparatuses, the patent employs a cost-effective adjusting device that allows vertical movement of the upper longitudinal member. This dynamic adjustment compensates for bulging and maintains structural stability without requiring expensive materials or complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vertical position parameter of the upper longitudinal member to compensate for structural deformations. This parameter adjustment maintains structural stability and keeps production costs low by using simple adjustment mechanisms rather than expensive stiffening materials.
3Manufacturing precision
If the absorber is suspended on the upper longitudinal member, then the absorber is positioned in the focus area, but material creep causes the absorber to move outside the focus area over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the upper longitudinal member to be repositioned vertically. This enables compensation for position drift caused by material creep, maintaining the absorber's precise positioning within the focus area over time while preserving the initial manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting device provides a feedback mechanism where the vertical position of the upper longitudinal member can be modified in response to observed position drift. This feedback loop maintains positioning accuracy over time by counteracting the effects of material creep on the absorber's location relative to the focus area.
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 solution maintains the efficiency of the concentrator cushion during continuous operation by keeping the absorber in the focus area, absorbing external loads, and reducing material costs through a cost-efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector film has a reflecting surface, by means of which the coupled-in solar radiation is focused in the direction of an absorber
Implementation Method 2
The (plastic) materials of the concentrator cushion tend to creep. This relates in particular to the plastic material of the cover film element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising an inflatable concentrator cushion, which comprises a cover film element comprising a light-permeable entry window for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film, which sub-divides the concentrator cushion into at least two hollow spaces, for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber, comprising a pivoting apparatus, by means of which the concentrator cushion can be pivoted, in particular about its longitudinal axis, and comprising a retaining apparatus secured (mounted) to the pivoting apparatus for retaining the concentrator cushion, which retaining apparatus comprising an upper longitudinal member extending in the longitudinal direction of the concentrator cushion, suspending the absorber, wherein the upper longitudinal member is arranged on a substantially air-tight closed upper passage opening of the concentrator cushion.