Solar Receiver Crane Maintenance System for 360-Degree Panel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for the installation and maintenance of solar receivers in CSP towers are inefficient, particularly in transporting large panels and performing maintenance operations directly on the receiver, as existing crane systems are not capable of handling large loads and do not allow for easy access by operators.
Innovation Solution
A 360-degree rotating crane with concentric guide rails and a nacelle equipped with a pantograph balance device, which includes a counterweight and hydraulic actuator, allows for the secure lifting and positioning of panels and maintenance access, enabling efficient panel replacement and maintenance operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large crane higher than the tower is installed to carry out receiver assembly operations, then the installation capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical crane installation (above the tower) to horizontal installation along the tower's lateral surface. The maintenance system travels horizontally around the tower at the receiver level, eliminating the need for a tall vertical crane structure while maintaining installation and maintenance capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can install new receiver panels, remove damaged panels, and conduct maintenance operations. This multi-functional capability replaces the need for separate specialized equipment while reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If access doors in the tower and receiver are used for maintenance operations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and maintenance efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a maintenance system with a traveling carriage that moves along guide rails on the tower's lateral surface. This intermediary system provides direct access to the receiver panels without requiring operators to enter through access doors, significantly improving maintenance efficiency and operator safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance system extracts the maintenance function from the tower structure itself by installing an independent traveling carriage system on the lateral surface. This separates the maintenance access function from the tower's primary structural function, allowing efficient maintenance operations without compromising tower integrity.
3Productivity
If a crane mounted above the tower with circular rails is used to replace panels, then the panel replacement capability is improved, but the ability to transport large panels and perform direct maintenance on the receiver deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance system features a traveling carriage that can dynamically move along the guide rails to different positions around the tower. The carriage can stop at any location to perform maintenance operations, providing flexible and adaptive access to all receiver panels regardless of their position on the tower.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the maintenance function into a modular traveling carriage that can service individual panels or multiple panels sequentially. This segmentation allows the system to handle large panels by accessing them one at a time and performing maintenance operations directly at each panel's location.
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
The system enables efficient and safe installation, replacement, and maintenance of solar receiver panels, providing stable access for operators and allowing for comprehensive maintenance, including sandblasting and repainting, while being compact and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
a beam (84) having a first end and a second end, the counterweight (85) being movable along the beam (84) between a first position in which the counterweight (85) balances the nacelle (7) and a second position in which the nacelle (7) is unbalanced, the movement of the counterweight (85) along the beam (84) being carried out by means of a hydraulic actuator (90)
Implementation Method 2
the movement of the counterweight (85) along the beam (84) being carried out by means of a hydraulic actuator (90)
Implementation Method 3
The system comprises a crane (3) mounted to rotate 360° and guided by means of at least two rails (4) concentric, on the upper base of the receiver (2)
Implementation Method 4
a crane (3) mounted to rotate 360° and guided by means of at least two rails (4) concentric, on the upper base of the receiver (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a tower (1) for a concentrating solar power plant comprising an upper external platform (11) on which an essentially cylindrical solar receiver (2) with a lateral outer surface and an upper base is arranged, the lateral surface of the receiver (2) including a plurality of receiver panels (20) mounted removably and a system for installing and maintaining receiver panels (20), characterised in that the system for installing and maintaining receiver panels (20) comprises a crane (3) mounted so as to rotate through 360° and guided by means of at least two concentric rails (4), on the upper base of the receiver (2).