Solar Receiver Module Layout for Return Air Heat Loss Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy generation receivers experience heat loss due to the inefficient routing of return air between absorber modules, especially in strong wind conditions, leading to thermal energy loss.
Innovation Solution
The absorber modules are offset to form a step, with outlet nozzles aligned to direct return air over the front sides of adjacent modules, reducing heat loss by containing and expelling air at high kinetic energy at defined points, and using a support structure that encloses hot-air tubes for cooling, allowing for the use of less expensive materials like steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If return air is blown out between absorber modules at right angles to the front surface, then the air can exit the receiver, but thermal energy is lost due to penetration into surrounding air and distribution in strong wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet nozzles are positioned above the front surface of the selected absorber module, directing return air in a horizontal flow direction parallel to the front surface of adjacent absorber modules. This spatial repositioning from between modules to above the front surface creates a controlled horizontal jet that sweeps over adjacent modules rather than dispersing vertically between modules, thereby reducing thermal energy loss while maintaining effective air flow control.
2Loss of energy
If absorber modules are offset to form a step with outlet nozzles, then return air can be directed over front sides of adjacent modules reducing heat loss, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber modules are segmented into two functional groups: selected absorber modules that serve as support structures with integrated outlet nozzles, and adjacent absorber modules that receive the horizontal air flow. This segmentation allows the selected modules to be offset and form steps, creating a structured arrangement where return air is systematically directed over the front surfaces of adjacent modules, reducing heat loss while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional differentiation.
3Ease of manufacture
If outlet nozzles are made of metal to enable manufacturing, then they can be produced easily, but they must not be exposed to direct highly concentrated solar radiation or they would melt
Solution Approach 1:
The selected absorber module acts as an intermediary protective structure between the metal outlet nozzle and the incident solar radiation. The nozzle is positioned behind the front surface of the selected absorber module, which shields it from direct highly concentrated solar radiation. This arrangement allows the use of metal materials for the nozzle while preventing thermal damage from solar exposure, effectively using the absorber module as a protective mediator.
4Ease of operation
If the selected absorber module is moved to the front to create space for exhaust, then the nozzles can be positioned above adjacent modules, but the structural stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The selected absorber module serves multiple functions: it maintains structural support for the receiver, forms a step to create exhaust space, and provides shielding for the outlet nozzle. By positioning the outlet nozzle on the selected absorber module rather than requiring a separate structural element, the design achieves exhaust space creation while maintaining structural stability through the multi-functional role of the selected absorber module.
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 reduces thermal shock on absorber modules, minimizes heat losses, and allows for efficient reuse of residual heat, enhancing the overall efficiency of the solar energy generation system.
Implementation Method 1
numerous absorbers (20) that convert incident solar radiation into heat in order to generate hot air
Implementation Method 2
the hot-air tubes can be cooled within the cavity with return air that comes from a heat consumer fed with the hot air
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a high-temperature receiver for solar power stations, especially for heliostat power stations, with air as a heat transfer medium. The receiver has a supporting structure (14), which bears a number of rows of receiver modules (13) that use absorber elements (36) to capture the solar radiation. The absorber elements take in outside air and discharge it as hot air (25) through hot-air tubes (24). To cool the hot-air tubes (24), cooling jackets (26) are provided inside the hollow space (15). The cooling is performed using returned air that generally still contains residual heat. This is blown out from outlet nozzles (41), which are arranged before the front sides (36a) of the adjacent absorber modules, and so the returned air that is expelled is taken in by a number of absorber modules. As a result, energy losses are largely avoided and a high level of efficiency is achieved.