Solar unit assembly and a method for constructing such an assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parabolic trough solar thermal energy collectors face challenges with fragility, high weight, and maintenance costs due to glass mirrors, and alternative solutions like aluminum reflectors have lower efficiency and require frequent cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A solar unit assembly design where the primary support element is attached only to the first row of solar collector units, with side support elements providing transverse stability, allowing flexibility and reducing the need for reinforcing structures, while maintaining high accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass mirrors are used in parabolic trough solar collectors, then reflecting properties and stability are improved, but weight and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to aluminium sheet, fundamentally altering the weight and mechanical properties of the reflector while maintaining the parabolic trough structure and optical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aluminium sheet which is cheaper and lighter than glass, accepting that it requires more frequent maintenance (cleaning and polishing) in exchange for reduced weight and cost, effectively trading durability for other advantages
2Weight of moving object
If aluminium sheet reflectors are used, then weight is reduced, but reflecting properties deteriorate and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts aluminium sheet as a cheaper, lighter alternative to glass, understanding that it requires more frequent cleaning and polishing to maintain reflecting properties, effectively trading maintenance frequency for weight reduction and cost savings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to aluminium sheet, fundamentally altering the weight and maintenance characteristics while maintaining the optical functionality through proper surface treatment and regular maintenance
3Stability of the object's composition
If primary support element is attached to all rows of solar collector units, then stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into different levels: primary support element attached only to first and last rows, secondary support elements for intermediate rows, creating a hierarchical support system that reduces complexity while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by attaching the primary support element only to the first and last rows of solar collector units rather than all rows, sufficient for maintaining stability while reducing the number of connections and overall structural complexity
4Reliability
If glass mirrors are used, then reflecting properties are improved, but manufacturing and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs aluminium sheet which is significantly cheaper than glass mirrors, accepting that it requires more frequent maintenance in exchange for reduced material costs, manufacturing costs, and installation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to aluminium sheet, fundamentally altering the cost structure of the solar collector system while maintaining optical functionality through proper surface treatment and maintenance
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 achieves 99.6% accuracy and reduces production, transportation, and installation costs, enabling more flexible and cost-effective solar energy collection with improved maintenance and increased efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective surface provided on the substrate to form a reflector element (21)
Implementation Method 2
concentrates radiation onto a receiver positioned along the focal line of the reflector
Implementation Method 3
solar thermal energy collector comprising a parabolic trough consists of a linear parabolic reflector that concentrates radiation onto a receiver
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solar unit assembly adapted for reflecting light onto a receiver, comprising a plurality of solar collector units, a primary support element, a plurality of secondary support elements, and two side support elements. The invention furthermore relates to a method of providing such a solar unit assembly.