Solar Receiver Bearing Structure Shielding Thermal Expansion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrating solar power plants of the Fresnel type face mechanical stress and deformation issues due to uneven solar flux focusing, which can damage the bearing structure and reduce the integrity of the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A solar receiver design with a mechanically independent bearing structure and a protective structure that shields the bearing from solar flux, allowing for sliding movement and incorporating thermal insulation and radiative screens to mitigate thermal expansion and heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bearing structure is rigid and directly supports the absorber, then the mechanical strength and stability are improved, but the structure is subjected to thermal expansion and deformation from solar flux heating
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two functionally independent parts: a bearing structure for mechanical support and a protection structure for thermal shielding. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and thermal expansion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
A protection structure acts as an intermediary between the solar flux and the bearing structure. This intermediary shields the bearing structure from direct solar heating, preventing thermal expansion while maintaining mechanical support functionality.
2Device complexity
If the bearing structure is directly exposed to solar flux, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bearing structure deforms and damages due to heating
Solution Approach 1:
The protection structure serves as a mediator that intercepts solar flux before it reaches the bearing structure. This additional component increases device complexity slightly but dramatically improves reliability by preventing thermal damage to the bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection structure provides beforehand cushioning against thermal effects by absorbing and redirecting solar flux away from the bearing structure, preventing thermal damage before it can occur.
3Device complexity
If the bearing structure and absorber are mechanically coupled, then the support function is simplified, but differential thermal expansion causes mechanical stress and bending
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling between bearing structure and absorber is segmented into independent support and protection functions. The bearing structure provides mechanical support while the protection structure handles thermal management, eliminating differential thermal expansion stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal protection function is extracted from the bearing structure and implemented as a separate protection structure. This extraction prevents thermal effects from being transmitted to the bearing structure, eliminating thermal stress while maintaining mechanical support.
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, reduces deformation, and extends the service life of the receiver by decoupling the bearing structure from the absorber, thereby preventing damage from thermal expansion and improving the overall efficiency of the solar power plant.
Implementation Method 1
a protection structure mounted around the bearing structure forming an envelope around the bearing structure, said protection structure being able to protect the bearing structure from the heating due to the solar flux
Implementation Method 2
the bearing structure and the protection structure being able to slide with respect to each other along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A solar receiver with a longitudinal axis, including an absorber, a beam extending over an entire length of the solar receiver and configured to suspend the receiver in the power plant, a protective envelope mounted around the beam and including a thermal insulator surrounding the beam, the protective envelope configured to protect the beam from heating due to solar flux, the beam and the protective envelope configured to slide one with respect to the other along the longitudinal axis.