Vacuum Solar Thermal Panel Frame for Lightweight Pressure Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum solar thermal panels are heavy due to a thick perimeter wall required for stiffness, making them difficult to handle and maintain the vacuum tight seal.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight and thin perimeter wall is achieved through a support chassis with strategically placed longitudinal and transverse elements, bearing elements, and a traction mechanism that maintains structural integrity and minimizes heat transfer losses, using a combination of glass, metal, and vacuum tight seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the perimeter wall is made thick to ensure stiffness, then the structural integrity is improved, but the weight of the panel increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The perimeter wall is segmented into a modular structure consisting of a perimeter frame, longitudinal elements, transverse elements, and bearing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the required stiffness with reduced material usage compared to a solid thick wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The perimeter wall employs a composite structure combining metal components (frame, elements) with vacuum insulation and glass plates. This composite approach provides high stiffness-to-weight ratio by leveraging the strength of metal structures combined with the insulation properties of vacuum and glass, eliminating the need for excessively thick metal walls.
2Weight of stationary object
If the perimeter wall is made thin to reduce weight, then the ease of handling is improved, but the structural integrity under atmospheric pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thin perimeter wall is divided into discrete functional elements (frame, longitudinal supports, transverse supports, bearing elements) that work together to distribute and resist atmospheric pressure loads, compensating for the reduced thickness of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the perimeter wall structure have different thicknesses and strengths optimized for their local functions. The bearing elements and connection points have localized reinforcement to handle high stress concentrations, while other areas can be thinner, achieving overall pressure resistance without excessive weight.
3Reliability
If the perimeter wall is made thick to ensure stiffness, then the vacuum seal reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The perimeter wall is segmented into standardized modular elements that can be manufactured independently and assembled systematically. This modularity simplifies manufacturing and quality control while maintaining seal reliability through consistent, repeatable connection details at each joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The perimeter frame and elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural stiffness, supporting the glass plates, creating vacuum seals, and facilitating assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 results in a significantly lighter panel that maintains structural integrity under atmospheric pressure while reducing heat transfer losses and allowing for thermal expansion of components, facilitating easier handling and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
Vacuum is kept inside the envelope enclosing the heat absorbers and part of the pipe connected to them, in order to prevent heat from escaping to the external environment by means of convection.
Implementation Method 2
The solar radiation enters the envelope through the glass plate, is absorbed by the heat absorbers and converted into heat
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Vacuum solar thermal panel comprising a vacuum envelope (30) defining a sealed volume, able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, said vacuum envelope (30) comprising a first plate (1) made of glass, a second plate (2) facing the first plate (1), a perimeter frame (3) disposed between the first and second plate (1, 2) close to their edge, a metallic perimeter belt (4, 5) joining the perimeter frame (3) to the first plate (1), at least one bearing element (21) disposed against the edges (10, 11) of the first and second plate (1, 2), a traction rod (22) joining said bearing element (21) with said perimeter frame (3) to pull the perimeter frame (3) toward the bearing element (21), in order to limit the deformation of the perimeter frame (3) under the external atmospheric pressure, when the envelope (30) is evacuated.