Inflatable Solar Concentrator Cushion for Wind-Stable Sun Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar radiation concentrators are inefficient due to external loads, particularly wind loads, which affect the concentrator cushion's stability and curvature, leading to reduced efficiency in focusing solar radiation on the absorber.
Innovation Solution
The concentrator cushion is attached to upper and lower longitudinal beams that extend through airtight passage openings, providing additional support and maintaining the curvature of the reflector foil, allowing efficient dissipation of wind loads and maintaining the concentrator's shape and focus precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the concentrator cushion is attached using local mounting plates to enable pivoting, then the concentrator can track the sun's path, but the structure becomes vulnerable to wind loads and external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is segmented into upper and lower longitudinal beams that are spatially separated and connected to the concentrator cushion at distinct locations. This segmentation allows each beam to independently bear specific loads, with the upper beam primarily handling wind loads and the lower beam providing stable support, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a two-dimensional local mounting plate configuration to a three-dimensional longitudinal beam structure that extends along the length of the concentrator cushion. This dimensional change distributes the attachment points along the longitudinal axis, creating a more robust structure that better resists wind loads while maintaining sun tracking capability
2Reliability
If the concentrator cushion is supported at multiple points along its length, then wind load resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower longitudinal beams serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support against wind loads, enable sun tracking through pivoting, and maintain the geometric relationship between the concentrator cushion and absorber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
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 enhances the stability and efficiency of the concentrator by maintaining the concave geometry of the reflector foil under external loads, ensuring precise focusing of solar radiation on the absorber, even under adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A reflector foil is also provided, which divides the cushion into at least two separate pressure chambers. The reflector foil has a reflective surface that focuses the coupled solar radiation towards an absorber.
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises an inflatable concentrator formed by an elongated, essentially cylindrical, tubular shell
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber (1'), said device comprising an inflatable concentrator cushion (2) which has a cover film element (3'') with a light-permeable entry window (3) for coupling in solar radiation and a reflector film (6) for the concentration of solar radiation in an absorber (1'), the reflector film sub-dividing the concentrator cushion (2) into at least two hollow spaces (4, 5). The device also comprises a pivoting apparatus (7), with which the concentrator cushion (2) can be pivoted, in particular about its longitudinal axis, and a retaining apparatus (31) secured to the pivoting apparatus, for retaining the concentrator cushion (2). The retaining apparatus (31) has: an upper longitudinal member (32) extending in the longitudinal direction of the concentrator cushion (2), said member being arranged on a substantially air-tight upper passage opening (34) of the concentrator cushion (2); and a lower longitudinal member (33) extending in the longitudinal direction of the concentrator cushion (2), said member being arranged on a substantially air-tight lower passage opening (34') of the concentrator cushion (2).