Solar thermal collector grounding structure and solar thermal collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in solar heat power generation systems is to secure electrical safety while reducing the time and effort required for constructing grounding supports for heat transfer fluid flow paths, particularly when using molten salt as a high-temperature heat transfer fluid that solidifies at 250°C, necessitating warming of the flow path before startup or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A ground structure for a solar heat collecting device that includes a heat transfer fluid flow path supported by conductive steel supports, where some supports are grounded via a copper cable and others via a steel connection member, reducing the need for extensive dissimilar metal joining and minimizing cable usage, ensuring electrical safety and efficient construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all supports are grounded via cable using dissimilar material joining members, then electrical safety is improved, but construction time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding system is segmented into two distinct types: cable grounding for some supports and direct connection member grounding for other supports. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive electrical safety while reducing the overall number of dissimilar material joining operations required, thereby decreasing construction time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different grounding methods are applied to different supports based on local requirements. Supports closer to the heat transfer fluid flow path or in critical positions use cable grounding for enhanced safety, while other supports use direct connection members for efficient construction. This localized differentiation optimizes both safety and construction efficiency.
2Reliability
If all supports are grounded via cable, then electrical safety is improved, but the number of dissimilar material joining members increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding approach is divided into two segments: cable-based grounding for critical supports and direct connection member grounding for other supports. This segmentation reduces the total number of dissimilar material joining members required while maintaining adequate electrical safety through the combined grounding system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection members made of the same conductive material as supports are simpler and more economical than dissimilar material joining members. By using these connection members for grounding certain supports, the system reduces complexity and cost while maintaining safety through the hybrid grounding approach.
3Reliability
If cable is used for grounding all supports, then electrical safety is improved, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding system is segmented to use cable only where necessary for electrical safety, while other supports use direct connection members. This segmentation reduces the total quantity of cable required while maintaining adequate grounding through the combination of cable and connection member approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying cable grounding to all supports (excessive action), the invention applies cable grounding only to the necessary number of supports (partial action) to achieve the required grounding resistance and electrical safety, thereby reducing material costs.
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 approach secures electrical safety by grounding only necessary supports via copper cables, reducing construction time and material costs, while maintaining safety standards even in case of insulation failures, and minimizing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
When the current flows, the heat transfer fluid flow path is warmed by Joule heat at that time
Implementation Method 2
Some of first supports among the plurality of first supports are grounded via a cable, which is connected to the some of the plurality of first supports via a dissimilar material joining member and formed using a second conductive material
Data Source
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AI summary
A solar heat collecting device (8) includes: a first heat transfer fluid flow path (11) through which a heat transfer fluid receiving solar heat flows; and a plurality of first supports (12) made of steel that supports the first heat transfer fluid flow path (11). The first heat transfer fluid flow path (11) is warmed by being energized. Some of the first supports (12) are grounded via a first cable (60) made of copper. The remaining first supports (12) are connected to the ground via a first connection member (14) made of steel.