Solar heating apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar power tower systems require complex modifications for dual-axis rotation, limiting their efficiency and energy storage capabilities compared to parabolic trough reflectors, which only rotate along a single axis.
Innovation Solution
A solar heating apparatus with a drive assembly that allows optical elements to be selectively moved along multiple axes of rotation, including an elevation shaft and an azimuth rotation shaft, supported by a frame with adjustable branch holders and belt drives, enabling precise tracking of the sun's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar power tower systems use dual-axis tracking reflectors, then solar tracking precision and energy generation efficiency are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large-scale solar power tower into modular units, each with its own support frame and optical element. This segmentation allows independent dual-axis tracking for each module while simplifying overall system complexity and enabling scalable deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic dual-axis tracking capability where each optical element can independently adjust its orientation along both azimuth and elevation axes. This dynamic adjustment maximizes solar energy capture efficiency while the modular architecture keeps individual component complexity manageable.
2Ease of manufacture
If parabolic trough reflectors rotate along a single axis, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but solar tracking precision and energy generation efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from single-axis rotation to dual-axis tracking by adding the elevation dimension to the traditional azimuth rotation. This dimensional expansion enables precise solar tracking throughout the day and across seasons, significantly improving energy generation efficiency while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar power tower systems are modified for dual-axis rotation, then solar tracking capability is improved, but reliability and operational stability decrease due to increased mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into independent modular units with identical dual-axis tracking mechanisms, the invention improves solar tracking capability for each module while enhancing overall reliability through redundancy. If one module experiences issues, others continue operating independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and performance of each optical element, enabling real-time adjustments to maintain optimal tracking accuracy. This feedback control compensates for mechanical tolerances and wear, preserving reliability despite the complexity of dual-axis motion.
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 enhances the efficiency and energy storage capabilities of solar power tower systems by allowing precise dual-axis tracking of the sun, improving energy generation and storage compared to single-axis systems.
Implementation Method 1
Concentrated solar power systems generate solar power by using optical elements, such as mirrors or lenses, to concentrate sunlight or solar thermal energy onto a small area
Implementation Method 2
Parabolic trough reflectors for solar concentrators are formed from a linear parabolic reflector that concentrates light onto a fixed receiver positioned along the reflector's focal line
Implementation Method 3
a drive assembly for selectively moving the at least one optical element along multiple axes of rotation, the drive assembly having an elevation shaft and an azimuth rotation shaft
Implementation Method 4
The working fluid in the fixed receiver is heated to between 500-1000° C. and then used as a heat source for a power generation or energy storage system
Implementation Method 5
A working fluid (e.g., molten salt) is heated to between 150-350° C. as it flows through the fixed receiver and is then used as a heat source for a power generation system
Implementation Method 6
Heat storage in molten salts allows some solar thermal plants to continue to generate after sunset and adds value to such systems
Data Source
AI summary
The solar heating apparatus includes at least one optical element and a drive assembly for selectively moving the at least one optical element along multiple axes of rotation, the drive assembly having an elevation shaft and an azimuth rotation shaft. The solar heating apparatus also includes a support frame positioned in communicating relation with the drive assembly, the support frame being configured for supporting the at least one optical element. The support frame includes a main shaft, at least one branch holder pivotally attached to an end of the main shaft, the at least one branch holder being adapted for supporting the at least one optical element, and at least one belt drive for pivoting the at least one branch holder, the at least one belt drive being actuated by the elevation shaft.