Inflatable Solar Concentrator Pad With External Absorber Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar concentrator systems face energy conversion losses due to deformation and sagging of the concentrator pad caused by the weight of the absorber, leading to inaccurate focusing of solar radiation, which is exacerbated in larger systems.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring frame with an absorber mount suspends the absorber outside the concentrator pad, providing sufficient stiffness to prevent deformation and ensure accurate positioning within the focal range of the reflector film, while a tracking system and pipe-shaped bearing elements ensure stable and uniform suspension, and a keder system seals the attachment opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the absorber is directly attached to the concentrator pad, then the structure is simpler, but the concentrator pad deforms and sags under the absorber weight, reducing focusing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
An anchoring frame is introduced as an intermediary component between the absorber and the concentrator pad. The frame supports the absorber's weight independently, preventing deformation of the concentrator pad while maintaining structural connection. This mediator resolves the conflict by decoupling the mechanical load-bearing function from the optical focusing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the concentrator pad handles only optical focusing, the anchoring frame handles mechanical support, and the absorber handles energy conversion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the others.
2Ease of operation
If the absorber is suspended from the concentrator pad, then attachment is achieved, but the absorber sags more in larger systems, worsening focusing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring frame serves as a mediator that provides attachment capability without causing sagging. It transfers the absorber's weight to the ground through independent support structures, eliminating the sagging problem that occurs when direct suspension is used, especially in larger systems where gravitational effects are more pronounced.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring frame provides counter-support to the absorber's weight through its structural design, effectively counteracting the gravitational force that causes sagging. This allows the absorber to remain positioned accurately within the focal range despite its weight.
3Productivity
If the concentrator pad is made larger to increase energy collection, then more solar radiation is captured, but deformation and sagging increase, causing greater energy conversion losses
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support function from the concentrator pad to the anchoring frame, larger concentrator pads can be deployed to increase energy collection without suffering from increased deformation and sagging. The frame independently supports the absorber weight, allowing the pad to maintain its optical geometry even at larger scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring frame acts as an intermediary that enables scaling up of the concentrator pad size while preventing the associated deformation problems. It decouples the size increase from the deformation increase, allowing productivity to improve without proportional increase in energy losses.
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 energy conversion efficiency by maintaining the absorber in the focal range, reducing sagging, and allowing for a lightweight, cost-effective construction with improved energy yield.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector film subdividing the concentrator pad into at least two cavities, wherein the reflector film is designed to concentrate the solar radiation in the absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for concentrating solar radiation in an absorber (2), an anchoring frame (8) and an inflatable concentrator pad (3), which has a light-transmissive entry window (4) for coupling in the solar radiation and a reflector film (5) subdividing the concentrator pad (3) into at least two cavities (6, 7), wherein the reflector film (5) is designed to concentrate the solar radiation in the absorber (2) which is arranged in the cavity (6) of the concentrator pad (3), and with an anchoring frame (8), arranged outside of the concentrator pad (3), for anchoring the concentrator pad (3), wherein the absorber (2) is attached to the anchoring frame (8) by means of an absorber mount (15) and the concentrator pad (3) has at least one attachment opening (26) for the absorber mount (15) to pass through.