Systems and methods for shielding falling particles within a solar thermal falling particle receiver

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Solution Overview

Problem

Concentrating solar power receivers experience significant particle and heat losses due to external wind and internal convection through the aperture, disrupting the falling particle curtain and reducing energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of wind deflectors, aperture covers, and internal baffles within the receiver to mitigate wind effects and reduce convective and radiative heat losses, including the use of reflective and transparent materials to redirect solar spillage and minimize thermal radiation loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If wind deflectors and aperture covers are added to shield falling particles, then particle loss and heat loss through the aperture are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat loss through apertureVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding system is divided into multiple functional components: wind deflectors positioned around the aperture, aperture covers that can be transparent or reflective, and internal baffles within the receiver cavity. Each segment performs a specific function in mitigating wind effects and reducing heat loss, allowing the system to address multiple problems simultaneously while maintaining modularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Transparent aperture covers act as intermediary elements that allow solar radiation to pass through while blocking convective heat loss and wind penetration. These covers serve as a mediator between the external environment and the internal particle flow, reducing heat loss without completely obstructing the aperture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If internal baffles are installed to reduce convective heat loss, then heat transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer to particlesVSAvoidinternal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Internal baffles are strategically positioned at specific locations within the receiver cavity where convective currents are most problematic. The baffles create localized flow control zones that redirect convective currents away from the aperture while maintaining particle flow paths, improving heat transfer efficiency without requiring complete restructuring of the entire receiver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The baffles introduce a new spatial dimension for controlling fluid flow within the receiver cavity. By creating three-dimensional flow patterns and obstacles, the baffles disrupt harmful convective currents while allowing solar radiation to penetrate and heat particles, adding complexity only where needed to control specific flow patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Use of energy by moving object

If reflective materials are used to redirect solar spillage, then energy absorption increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy absorptionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows for parameter changes in the reflective properties of aperture covers and internal surfaces. By adjusting the reflectivity, transparency, and positioning of these components, the system can optimize solar energy capture under different operating conditions while using commercially available materials and manufacturing techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution stabilizes particle flow, reduces particle dispersion, and minimizes heat loss through the aperture, enhancing heat transfer and energy absorption within the receiver.

Implementation Method 1

mitigate the negative impacts of external wind and internal convection on particle and heat losses through the aperture of the cavity receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

the use of reflective and transparent materials to redirect solar spillage and minimize thermal radiation loss

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a falling particle receiver receives concentrated solar light through an opening or aperture in a wall of the receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

mitigate heat loss through the aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11555634B2Systems and methods for shielding falling particles within a solar thermal falling particle receiver

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for falling particle receivers are disclosed that include shield or deflector structures around the receiver aperture to reduce wind effects and/or heat losses from the falling particles. External and internal structures are disclosed that can be tailored to reduce particle, thermal, and radiative losses from within the cavity receiver due to external wind and the falling particles that are irradiated within the receiver. Structures of varying shapes, sizes, and composition (transparent, reflective) are described.