Solar Receiver Module Thermal Monitoring for Mirror Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrating solar power systems, particularly Fresnel-type, face issues with alignment and focusing faults due to misalignment of solar flux on the absorber, leading to heat loss and structural damage from thermal cycles, as existing monitoring solutions are complex, bulky, and unable to detect focusing faults dynamically.
Innovation Solution
A solar receiver module with a metal structure equipped with thermocouples to detect temperature differences along the structure, allowing for qualitative monitoring of alignment and focusing faults, enabling correction of mirror alignment through actuator control and reducing thermal stress on the metal structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a robot is used to measure solar radiation distribution and check reflector positioning, then measurement capability is provided, but the device becomes complex and bulky requiring substantial maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the monitoring function from a complex mobile robot and implements it through simple temperature sensors (thermocouples) fixed on the receiver structure. Instead of using a sophisticated measuring device, the invention uses the temperature of the receiver structure itself as an indirect indicator of solar flux alignment, thereby eliminating the need for complex measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure solar flux alignment. Rather than directly measuring solar radiation distribution, the system uses temperature differences in the receiver structure as a mediator to detect misalignment, simplifying the measurement approach while maintaining diagnostic capability.
2Measurement precision
If a robot moves over the receiver to measure alignment, then positioning fault detection is possible, but the device requires substantial maintenance and cannot detect faults dynamically during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver structure itself serves as the sensing element. The thermocouples are integrated into the existing receiver structure, which automatically provides temperature information during normal operation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external monitoring equipment and reduces maintenance requirements, as the system continuously monitors itself without requiring separate diagnostic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring provides continuous feedback during normal receiver operation, enabling dynamic fault detection. Unlike a mobile robot that would need to periodically inspect the receiver, the integrated thermocouples continuously monitor temperature differences, allowing for real-time detection of alignment faults without interrupting or adding complexity to the operational cycle.
3Measurement precision
If thermocouples are positioned on side portions of the metal structure to detect temperature differences, then alignment fault detection is achieved, but the structure must withstand additional thermal monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions thermocouples specifically on the side portions of the receiver structure where temperature differences indicate alignment faults. This localized sensing approach focuses measurement capability only where needed, without requiring comprehensive temperature monitoring of the entire structure, thereby minimizing the impact on structural design while maintaining effective fault detection.
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 allows for simple, reliable detection and correction of alignment and focusing faults, reducing thermal stress and maintaining efficient operation by using thermocouples to monitor temperature differences and adjust mirror alignment, thereby preventing structural damage and optimizing energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
means positioned on said at least one side portion to detect a temperature difference with respect to a reference temperature for this structure
Implementation Method 2
an absorber which receives the solar flux on its lower face, and in which flows the heat transfer fluid
Implementation Method 3
When the solar radiation is reduced or disappears, for example in the evening or when clouds pass overhead, the temperature of the metal structure is reduced. The structure is then subject to thermal cycles which may cause permanent deformations and damage to the structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver module for a solar power station receiver, including a metal structure and an absorber module, the metal structure defining a cavity extending along a longitudinal axis in a base of which the absorber module is housed. The cavity includes an aperture configured to be aligned towards at least one mirror of the solar power station, the aperture is edged by two side portions of the metal structure extending longitudinally on either side of the cavity. The receiver module also includes thermocouples positioned on each of the side portions relative to the longitudinal axis to detect a temperature difference between a reference temperature and two points of the metal structure that are opposite relative to the longitudinal axis.