Trough solar collector module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concentrating solar collector modules face challenges in maintaining proper sun tracking and withstanding wind loading, requiring efficient torque transfer and assembly, while also needing to be easily shipped and assembled at installation sites.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a reflector with parallel lengthwise edges and attached rails, truss connectors with constrained sliding engagement, and a structural lattice formed by framing members to enhance rigidity, along with features for easy assembly and torque transmission between modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If modules are interconnected to rotate in unison with sufficient torque transfer, then sun tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector system is divided into modular units that can be independently manufactured and transported, then interconnected at the installation site. Each module contains its own reflector, receiver, and support structure, allowing the system to scale from small to large installations while maintaining consistent torque transfer mechanisms between identical modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design employs universal connection interfaces and standardized torque transfer mechanisms that work across all module sizes and configurations. The pylon and mounting hardware serve multiple functions: supporting individual modules, enabling inter-module torque transfer, and providing adjustment capabilities for sun tracking, thereby reducing the number of specialized components needed.
2Strength
If modules are made stiff enough to transfer torque without twisting, then torque transfer efficiency is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Modules are pre-assembled with their internal structural components (reflector, receiver, support structure) factory-tested and rigidly connected to ensure proper torque transfer characteristics. This preliminary assembly and testing at the manufacturing stage allows for precise quality control of stiffness properties while simplifying on-site installation, as the rigid modules arrive ready-to-install with connection interfaces already prepared.
3Quantity of substance
If collector fields include hundreds or thousands of modules arranged in rows, then energy collection capacity is improved, but difficulty of shipping and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large-scale collector field is segmented into standardized modular units that can be manufactured, shipped, and installed in a systematic manner. Each module is designed as a self-contained unit with defined dimensions and connection interfaces, allowing thousands of modules to be deployed by repeating the same assembly process rather than custom-installing each individual component, thereby managing the complexity of large-scale installation.
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 configuration ensures effective sun tracking, withstands wind loading, facilitates efficient shipping and assembly, and maintains the structural integrity of the solar collector modules.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector having a reflective front surface shaped to concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a focal line
Implementation Method 2
The receiving tube 106 carries a working fluid, for example water, oil, or another working fluid, that is heated by the concentrated solar radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A concentrating solar collector module includes improvements in performance and assemblability. In one configuration, the module includes a reflector having a reflective front surface shaped to concentrate incoming solar radiation onto a focal line, first and second rails, one rail attached to each edge of the reflector, and a set of truss connectors attached to the rails. The truss connectors and rails may form ways that enable constrained sliding engagement of the truss connectors along the rails before attachment of the truss connectors to the rails. The module may also include a plurality of framing members connected to the truss connectors and forming a structural lattice that cooperates with the reflector to lend rigidity to the solar collector module. At least some of the framing members may be disposed in front of the front reflective surface.