Solar Receiver Support Structure for Thermal Expansion Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fresnel-type solar power stations face mechanical stress and integrity issues due to differential thermal expansion in the load-bearing structures caused by uneven heating of the solar flux, leading to potential damage from focusing defects.
Innovation Solution
A solar receiver design with a mechanically independent support structure and a protective structure that isolates the absorber from direct solar flux, allowing for relative sliding and incorporating thermal insulation and radiative screens to mitigate heating effects, thereby reducing material deformation and stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support structure is rigid and directly supports the absorber, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the structure is subjected to differential thermal expansion and mechanical stress leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent support elements rather than a single rigid structure. Each support element can independently expand and contract with thermal changes, preventing differential thermal expansion stresses. The absorber is segmented into multiple sections that can move independently relative to the support elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where support elements can move relative to each other and to the absorber. This includes allowing thermal expansion, sliding movements, and rotational adjustments to accommodate thermal stresses and focusing defects without compromising structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure is made rigid to maintain stability, then the stability is improved, but the structure deforms under thermal expansion from solar flux heating
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the support structure have different properties: support elements near the absorber are designed to accommodate thermal expansion, while distant support elements maintain structural stability. The structure has localized flexibility where needed and rigidity where structural support is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure parameters (dimensions, material properties, configuration) are designed to change with temperature. This includes using materials with appropriate thermal expansion coefficients, designing expansion joints, and configuring the structure to allow controlled deformation that maintains overall stability while accommodating thermal effects.
3Temperature
If the support structure is protected from solar flux, then the thermal expansion is reduced, but the device complexity increases with protective structures
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support, accommodate thermal expansion, and are protected from solar flux by the same structural elements. The protective features are integrated into the support structure itself rather than being separate additions, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements act as intermediaries between the absorber and the external environment. They are positioned and configured to shield themselves from direct solar flux while supporting the absorber, using the absorber's own structure and positioning to provide mutual protection.
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 design enhances mechanical resistance to heating, minimizes thermal expansion-induced deformation, and maintains the integrity of the receiver, leading to a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements for the solar power station.
Implementation Method 1
a protective structure mounted around the structure supporting structure forming an envelope around the supporting structure, said protective structure being able to protect the supporting structure from heating due to the solar flux
Implementation Method 2
a thermal insulator is placed in the protective structure between the beam and the absorber
Implementation Method 3
the receiver comprises radiative screens on either side of the absorber on the protective structure, making the receiver insensitive to focusing defects of the concentrated solar flux
Implementation Method 4
the supporting structure and the protective structure being able to slide relative to each other another along the longitudinal axis... the supporting structure expands little and the differential expansion between the carrier structure and the protective structure is not likely to damage the receiver
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 2A~3A
Figure 3B~3B'
AI summary
The invention relates to a solar receiver of longitudinal axis, comprising: an absorber (A); a beam (6) extending over the entire length of the solar receiver and intended for suspending the receiver in the power plant; and a protective casing (12, 16) mounted around the beam (6) and containing a thermal insulator that surrounds the beam (6), said protective casing being intended to protect the beam (6) from heating from the solar flux (F). The beam (6) and the protective casing (12, 16) can slide in relation to one another along the longitudinal axis.