Solar Receiver Heat Exchanger With Top-Supported Tube Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar receiver designs for solar energy generation systems are not efficient, compact, or economical, lacking a robust and simple design that can effectively transfer solar energy into steam for electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
A shop-assembled solar receiver heat exchanger with a vertical steam/water separator and a vertical support structure that allows for unrestrained thermal expansion of heat transfer surfaces, combined with a fabrication/transport/lifting fixture for easy assembly, transportation, and installation, facilitating the production of saturated or superheated steam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional solar receiver design is used, then the system can generate steam, but the design is not efficient, compact, or economical and lacks structural simplicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat transfer surfaces, steam/water separator, and support structure into a single integrated shop-assembled unit. The heat transfer surfaces are directly connected to the separator, which is supported by a unified support structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining steam generation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the heat transfer surfaces and separator, enables shop assembly and field installation as a complete unit, and facilitates transportation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing both efficiency and complexity concerns
2Strength
If heat transfer surfaces are restrained, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal stresses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is specifically designed to accommodate thermal expansion of the heat transfer surfaces. The structure allows for movement and expansion in the direction of solar irradiation while maintaining structural stability, thereby reducing thermal stresses without compromising strength
3Ease of operation
If the solar receiver is assembled in the field, then installation flexibility is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer surfaces, separator, and support structure are pre-assembled into a complete unit in the shop before field installation. This preliminary assembly reduces on-site assembly time and complexity while maintaining installation flexibility, as the entire receiver can be installed as a single unit on the tower
4Strength
If additional structural members are added for support, then structural rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural rigidity, accommodating thermal expansion, and enabling shop assembly. By integrating these functions into a single structure rather than adding separate components, the patent maintains rigidity while minimizing complexity
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 solution enables efficient heat transfer, reduces thermal stresses, and allows for cost-effective, reliable, and efficient production of steam for electricity generation, with the ability to withstand cyclic operating conditions and seismic loads, while eliminating the need for a circulating pump.
Implementation Method 1
an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces... for transferring heat energy from the sun into a working fluid
Implementation Method 2
The incident solar insolation heats the working fluid
Implementation Method 3
a vertical steam/water separator... to separate the steam from the steam-water mixture
Implementation Method 4
vertical steam/water separator structurally and fluidically interconnected thereto
Implementation Method 5
allowing for unrestrained thermal expansion of the tube panels in both the horizontal and vertical directions, thereby eliminating additional tube stresses
Data Source
AI summary
A shop-assembled solar receiver heat exchanger having an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a vertical steam/water separator structurally and fluidically interconnected thereto. A vertical support structure is provided to support the vertical separator and the heat transfer surfaces. The vertical support structure is bottom supported, while the vertical steam/water separator and heat exchanger heat transfer surfaces are top supported from the vertical support structure. The vertical support structure provides structural support and rigidity for the heat exchanger and a means by which the heat exchanger can be picked up and lifted for placement at a desired location. A fabrication/transport/lifting fixture is provided which facilitates fabrication, assembly, transportation and erection of the heat exchanger from the shop to the field. The fixture supports two trunnion shafts attached to the support structure of the receiver. Lifting lugs would be located on the top end of the support structure. Upon arrival at the job site in the field, a crane lifts the heat exchanger receiver to vertical, rotating about the trunnion shafts on the fixture, and then lifts the heat exchanger receiver for placement at a desired location.