Solar Receiver Window Changing Assembly for High-Temperature Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high operating temperatures and deposition of reaction products on the window of solar power plant receivers reduce the service life and efficiency, especially in receiver-reactors used for high-temperature applications like syngas production and hydrocarbon cracking.
Innovation Solution
A changing assembly for the window allows easy replacement and includes a thermally insulating window portion to prevent cooling during operation interruptions and maintain efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the window is used at high operating temperatures to enable receiver-reactor applications, then the temperature capability is improved, but the service life of the window is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a changing assembly that dynamically replaces the window between operational phases. The window is installed for high-temperature operation, then removed and replaced with a fresh window after a predetermined number of cycles or time period, allowing the system to maintain high temperature capability while managing window degradation through systematic replacement rather than attempting to extend individual window lifespan.
2Productivity
If the window operates at high temperatures for extended periods, then the productivity of receiver-reactor applications is improved, but the window becomes dirty with reaction product deposits, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The changing assembly enables dynamic replacement of the window at predetermined intervals, preventing deposit accumulation from significantly reducing efficiency. By rotating windows in and out of service, the system maintains high productivity while ensuring each window operates within efficiency thresholds before replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a cycle where windows are discarded from service after a predetermined number of operational cycles or time period when they become dirty, then recovered, cleaned, and reused in subsequent cycles. This systematic discarding and recovering maintains efficiency while enabling continuous high-productivity operation.
3Device complexity
If a single window is used to cover the opening, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of maintenance deteriorates due to difficulty in replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the window replacement function into a dedicated changing assembly with multiple windows stored in positions around the opening. This segmentation allows one window to be easily swapped with another through the changing assembly mechanism, dramatically improving ease of maintenance while the modular design keeps overall complexity manageable through functional specialization.
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 extends the window's utilization beyond its specifications, maintains efficiency by preventing cooling, and ensures continuous operation by facilitating easy maintenance and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
the changing assembly (51) has a thermally insulating window portion (60, 73, 93)
Implementation Method 2
absorb the solar radiation reflected by an array of heliostats and thereby heat up a heat-transporting fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a receiver (50) having an absorber (55) and an opening (53) for the solar rays incident on the absorber (55) during operation, wherein a window (52, 60, 61, 62) is provided, which covers the opening (53), and wherein a changing assembly (51) is provided, which interacts with said window to change the window (52) covering the opening (53) for another window (60, 61, 62).