U.S. patent application number 13/148673 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for method for manufacturing a solar radiation absorber.
Invention is credited to Hagay Cafri.
Application Number | 20110308514 13/148673 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42561458 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110308514 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cafri; Hagay |
December 22, 2011 |
METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SOLAR RADIATION ABSORBER
Abstract
A method for manufacturing a solar absorber element forming a
solar absorber of a solar receiver including providing a substrate,
placing at least one projection within the substrate, and attaching
the projection to the substrate with an attachment functionality
operative to attach the projection to the substrate, thus defining
the solar absorber element, the solar absorber being configured to
allow a fluid to flow therein and be heated by solar radiation
penetrating the projection of the solar absorber element.
Inventors: |
Cafri; Hagay; (Bet-Hasmonay,
IL) |
Family ID: |
42561458 |
Appl. No.: |
13/148673 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
February 1, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2010/000083 |
371 Date: |
August 10, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61152241 |
Feb 12, 2009 |
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13148673 |
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61153656 |
Feb 19, 2009 |
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61152241 |
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61164474 |
Mar 30, 2009 |
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61153656 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/674 ;
29/890.033 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 20/20 20180501;
Y10T 29/49355 20150115; F24S 70/60 20180501; Y02E 10/44 20130101;
F24S 10/55 20180501; F24S 2025/601 20180501; F24S 10/80 20180501;
F24S 2025/6004 20180501; Y02E 10/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/674 ;
29/890.033 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/22 20060101
F24J002/22; B21D 53/06 20060101 B21D053/06 |
Claims
1-31. (canceled)
32. A method for manufacturing a solar absorber element of a solar
absorber comprising: placing at least one projection within a
substrate; and attaching said projection to said substrate by
attachment functionality operative to attach said projection to
said substrate, thus defining the solar absorber element, said
solar absorber being configured to allow a fluid to flow therein
and be heated by solar radiation impinging upon said projection of
said solar absorber element.
33. A method according to claim 32 and wherein said attachment
functionality comprises an indentation formed in said projection
and an attachment means designated to engage said projection with
said substrate.
34. A method according to claim 33 and wherein said attachment
means comprises an adhesive or a clip.
35. A method according to claim 33 and wherein said indentation is
defined by perforations formed within said projection.
36. A method according to claim 33 wherein said indentation is
defined by a jagged portion of said projection.
37. A method according to claim 32 wherein said projection is
formed with perforations therein.
38. A method according to claim 32 wherein said placing at least
one projection within said substrate comprises placing said at
least one projection within said substrate wherein a material of
said substrate is unsolidified.
39. A method according to claim 38 wherein said at least one
projection comprises a perforated material.
40. A method according to claim 39 wherein said material of said
substrate penetrates perforations of said perforated material.
41. A solar radiation absorber comprising: at least one solar
radiation absorber element including: a substrate; at least one
projection; and an attachment functionality operative to attach
said projection to said substrate, thus defining said solar
radiation absorber element, said solar radiation absorber being
configured to allow a fluid to flow therein and be heated by solar
radiation impinging upon said projection.
42. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 41 and wherein
said attachment functionality comprises an indentation formed in
said projection and an attachment means designated to engage said
projection with said substrate.
43. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 42 and wherein
said attachment means comprises an adhesive or a clip
44. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 42 and wherein
said indentation is defined by perforations formed within said
projection.
45. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 42 wherein said
indentation is defined by a jagged portion of said projection.
46. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 41 wherein said
projection is formed with perforations therein.
47. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 41, wherein said
solar radiation absorber is included in a solar receiver
comprising: an inlet for allowing said fluid to flow therein and to
be heated within said solar radiation absorber; and an outlet for
egress of heated said fluid therefrom.
48. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 41 wherein said
projection is designed to be placed within said substrate wherein a
material of said substrate is unsolidified and attached to said
substrate following solidification of said material of said
substrate.
49. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 48 and wherein
said projection is formed of a perforated material.
50. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 49 wherein said
material of said substrate penetrates perforations of said
perforated material.
51. A solar radiation absorber according to claim 48, wherein said
solar radiation absorber is included in a solar receiver
comprising: an inlet for allowing said fluid to flow therein and to
be heated within said solar radiation absorber; and an outlet for
egress of heated said fluid therefrom.
Description
REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS
[0001] Applicant hereby claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/152,241, filed on Feb. 12, 2009, entitled
"A Method for Manufacturing a Solar Radiation Absorber"; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/153,656, filed on Feb.
19, 2009, entitled "A Method for Manufacturing a Solar Radiation
Absorber"; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/164,474, filed on Mar. 30, 2009, entitled "A Method for
Manufacturing a Solar Radiation Absorber", all applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing
a solar radiation absorber.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Turbines are commonly used to produce electrical power.
Typically, a fluid, such as air, steam or any other gas, is
compressed and heated before being supplied to the turbine, wherein
the fluid is expanded and some of the energy content of hot,
compressed fluid is converted to mechanical motion which is then
converted to electricity by use of a generator.
[0004] In solar energy systems one device known in the art for
heating the fluid prior to entering the turbine is a solar
receiver. Such a receiver utilizes solar radiation which impinges
upon a solar radiation absorber within the solar receiver. The
fluid is heated by the absorber, and thereafter the fluid transfers
the heat via the turbine for producing electrical power therefrom.
Additionally, the heated fluid may be introduced into any heat
consuming system for utilizing the thermal energy of the heated
fluid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention a method for manufacturing a solar absorber
element forming a solar absorber of a solar receiver including
providing a substrate, placing at least one projection within the
substrate, and attaching the projection to the substrate with an
attachment functionality operative to attach the projection to the
substrate, thus defining the solar absorber element, the solar
absorber being configured to allow a fluid to flow therein and be
heated by solar radiation penetrating the projection of the solar
absorber element. Additionally, the attachment functionality
includes an indentation formed in the projection and an attachment
means designated to engage the projection with the substrate.
Accordingly, the attachment means includes an adhesive.
Alternatively, the attachment means includes a clip.
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the
indentation is defined by perforations formed within the
projection. Additionally, the indentation is defined by a jagged
portion of the projection. Accordingly, the substrate is formed of
a thermal insulating material. Furthermore, the projection is
formed with perforations therein.
[0007] There is thus provided in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention a solar radiation absorber including at
least one solar radiation absorber element defining the solar
radiation absorber, a substrate, at least one projection, and an
attachment functionality operative to attach the projection to the
substrate, thus defining the solar radiation absorber element, the
solar absorber being configured to allow a fluid to flow therein
and be heated by solar radiation penetrating the projection of the
solar radiation absorber element. Accordingly, the attachment
functionality includes an indentation formed in the projection and
an attachment means designated to engage the projection with the
substrate. Additionally, the attachment means includes an adhesive.
Alternatively, the attachment means includes a clip.
[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
the indentation is defined by perforations formed within the
projection. Accordingly, the indentation is defined by a jagged
portion of the projection. Additionally, the substrate is formed of
a thermal insulating material. Furthermore, the projection is
formed with perforations therein.
[0009] There is thus provided in accordance with yet another
embodiment of the present invention a solar receiver including the
solar radiation absorber, an inlet for allowing the fluid to flow
therein and to be heated within the solar radiation absorber, and
an outlet for egress of the heated fluid therefrom.
[0010] There is thus provided in accordance with still another
embodiment of the present invention a solar radiation absorber
manufacturing assembly including a receptacle for receiving a
substrate material therein, and a plurality of projections
operative to be embedded within the substrate material wherein the
substrate material is in an unsolidified state. Accordingly, the
projections are partially embedded within the substrate material.
Additionally, the assembly includes an aligning element.
Furthermore, the assembly includes a cover. Accordingly, an
aperture is provided for suction of the substrate material.
[0011] There is thus provided in accordance with a further
embodiment of the present invention a solar receiver including a
solar radiation absorber assembly manufactured in the solar
radiation absorber manufacturing assembly, an inlet for allowing a
fluid to flow therein and to be heated within the solar radiation
absorber assembly, and an outlet for egress of the heated fluid
therefrom.
[0012] There is thus provided in accordance with yet a further
embodiment of the present invention a method for manufacturing a
solar absorber element forming a solar absorber of a solar receiver
including providing a substrate wherein a substrate material is
unsolidified, placing a plurality of projections within the
unsolidified substrate material, and solidifying the substrate
material thereby embedding the projections within the substrate and
thus defining the solar absorber element. Accordingly, the
solidifying is performed by heat. Additionally, the projections are
formed of a perforated material. Furthermore, the substrate is
formed of a thermal insulating material. Additionally, a solar
receiver includes a solar radiation absorber formed of at least one
projection placed in a substrate, the projection being formed of a
perforated material for allowing solar radiation to penetrate
therein and thereby heat the absorber, an inlet for allowing a
fluid to flow therein and to be heated within the solar radiation
absorber, and an outlet for egress of the heated fluid
therefrom.
[0013] There is thus provided in accordance with still a further
embodiment of the present invention a solar radiation absorber
including at least one solar radiation absorber element including a
substrate, and at least one projection projecting from the
substrate, the projection being placed within the substrate wherein
a material of the substrate is unsolidified and thereafter the
projection being embedded within the substrate following
solidification of the material of the substrate, the solar absorber
element being configured to allow a fluid to flow therein and be
heated by solar radiation penetrating the projection of the solar
absorber element. Accordingly, the projection is formed of a
perforated material. Additionally, a solar receiver includes the
solar radiation absorber an inlet for allowing the fluid to flow
therein and to be heated within the solar radiation absorber, and
an outlet for egress of the heated fluid therefrom.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The present invention will be understood and appreciated
more fully from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a simplified partially pictorial, partially
sectional illustration of a solar receiver constructed and
operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIGS. 2A-2C are simplified pictorial illustrations of a
solar radiation absorber manufacturing assembly at an initial
manufacturing stage, an intermediate manufacturing stage and a
final manufacturing stage, respectively, constructed and operative
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a simplified exploded view pictorial illustration
of a disassembled solar radiation absorber manufacturing assembly
constructed and operative in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the solar
radiation absorber manufacturing assembly of FIG. 3 in a partially
assembled state;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a solar
radiation absorber manufacturing assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4 at an
initial manufacturing stage;
[0020] FIGS. 6A & 6B are oppositely facing simplified pictorial
illustrations of the solar radiation absorber manufacturing
assembly of FIGS. 3-5 in an intermediate manufacturing stage;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a simplified pictorial illustration of the solar
radiation absorber manufacturing assembly of FIGS. 3-6B at a final
manufacturing stage, shown in the orientation of FIG. 6B;
[0022] FIGS. 8A-8C are simplified pictorial illustrations of a
solar radiation absorber manufacturing assembly at an initial
manufacturing stage, an intermediate manufacturing stage and a
final manufacturing stage, respectively, constructed and operative
in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIGS. 9A and 9B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a
solar radiation absorber manufacturing assembly at an initial
manufacturing stage and a final manufacturing stage, respectively,
constructed and operative in accordance with still another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIGS. 10A and 10B are simplified pictorial illustrations of
a solar radiation absorber manufacturing assembly at an initial
manufacturing stage and a final manufacturing stage, respectively,
constructed and operative in accordance with a further embodiment
of the present invention; and
[0025] FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are simplified pictorial
illustrations of a solar radiation absorber manufacturing assembly
at an initial manufacturing stage, a final manufacturing stage and
a bottom view of the assembly at the final manufacturing stage,
respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with yet a
further embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following description, various aspects of the present
invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific
configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will
also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without the specific details presented
herein. Furthermore, well known features may be omitted or
simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.
[0027] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified
pictorial illustration of a solar receiver constructed and
operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. As seen in FIG. 1, a solar receiver 100 comprises a
solar radiation absorber 110 for absorbing solar radiation
penetrating therein and thereby heating a fluid flowing therein.
The fluid may flow into the solar radiation absorber 110 via an
inlet 120 and heated fluid may egress the solar radiation absorber
110 via an outlet 124.
[0028] The solar radiation absorber 110 may comprise a plurality of
solar absorber elements 130, which are pressed together so as to
form solar radiation absorber 110. Each of the solar absorber
elements 130 may be comprised of a substrate 140 supporting a
multiplicity of projections 150 protruding therefrom.
[0029] The substrate 140 may be formed of any suitable material,
preferably a thermal insulating material such as silicon oxide or
aluminum silicon or a compound comprising silicon oxide and
aluminum silicon, for example.
[0030] Projections 150 may be formed of any suitable material.
Preferably, the projections 150 are formed of a material operative
to allow solar radiation and the fluid to pass therethrough.
[0031] It is a particular feature of the present invention that the
projections 150 are structured so as to allow the projections 150
to securely sit within substrate 140, as will be further described
in reference to FIGS. 2A-11C.
[0032] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-2C, which are simplified
pictorial illustrations of a solar radiation absorber manufacturing
assembly at an initial manufacturing stage, an intermediate
manufacturing stage and a final manufacturing stage, respectively,
constructed and operative in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. As seen in FIG. 2A, a substrate 152 is placed in
a receptacle such as a mold 180 at an initial stage of
manufacturing wherein the substrate material is pliable and
unsolidified.
[0033] Turning to FIG. 2B it is seen that projections 182 are
placed within the unsolidified material of the substrate 152 in any
suitable arrangement. Placement of the projections 182 within
substrate 152 may be performed in any suitable manner, such as
manually.
[0034] As seen in FIG. 2B, the projections 182 are preferably
formed with indentations therein. For example, projections 182 may
be formed of a perforated material thereby defining perforations
184 therein. The perforated material may be any suitable material,
such as foam made of a ceramic material operative to withstand
relatively high temperatures, for example. The ceramic material may
be a silicon carbide foam or silicon infiltrated silicon carbide
foam, for example. The projections 182 may be formed in any
suitable configuration.
[0035] Perforations 184 allow the substrate material to penetrate
therein. A jig (not shown) may be provided so as to prevent the
dislocation of projections 182 within substrate 152.
[0036] It is noted that alternatively projections 182 may be formed
of a solid material with apertures defined therein so as to allow
the substrate material to penetrate therein.
[0037] The mold 180 may be introduced into a vacuum oven and
thereafter into to a furnace, such as a high temperature furnace,
for drying and solidifying the substrate material. In a
non-limiting example the temperature of the furnace may be in the
range of 1000-1500.degree. C. Alternatively the substrate material
may be solidified by any heat source or in any suitable manner.
[0038] Following removal of the mold 180 from the furnace, the mold
180 and the jig, if provided, are removed from the substrate 152.
As seen in FIG. 2C, the substrate material is solidified with the
projections 182 embedded therein thus forming an absorber element
190. Wherein the projections are formed of a perforated material it
is noted that the substrate material is utilized as an attachment
means when it solidifies within perforations 184, thereby providing
attachment functionality for enhanced stability of the projections
182 embedded within the substrate 152.
[0039] It is appreciated that in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention projections 182 may be formed in any suitable
manner allowing any suitable attachment functionality to facilitate
securing projections 182 to substrate 152 thereby forming absorber
element 190.
[0040] It is noted that substrate 152 of FIGS. 2A-2C may be
identical to substrate 140 of FIG. 1. Projections 182 of FIGS.
2A-2C may be identical to projections 150 of FIG. 1. Absorber
element 190 of FIG. 2C may be identical to absorber element 130 of
FIG. 1.
[0041] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3 and 4, which are a
simplified exploded view pictorial illustration of a disassembled
solar radiation absorber manufacturing assembly constructed and
operative in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
and a simplified pictorial illustration of the solar radiation
absorber manufacturing assembly of FIG. 3 in a partially assembled
state, respectively. As seen in FIG. 3, a solar radiation absorber
manufacturing assembly 200 comprises a base 202 formed of stainless
steel or any other suitable material. Base 202 may comprise a top
portion 206 defining an array of apertures 210 in a central
location 212 thereof. Underlying central location 212 is a bottom
portion 214 protruding from top portion 206 and forming a support
location for a plurality of projections 220 to be inserted within
apertures 210 and placed within bottom portion 214.
[0042] An aligning element 230 is formed with a generally planar
surface 232 defining an array of apertures 234 therein, which
apertures 234 are arranged to overlie apertures 210. Apertures 234
are preferably shaped substancially similar to a shape of a bottom
surface 236 of projections 220 so as to ensure projections 220
stand substancially erect within apertures 210 and bottom portion
214, wherein aligning element 230 is placed on base 202, as seen in
FIG. 4. Aligning element 230 may be formed of any suitable
material, such as stainless steal for example.
[0043] It is appreciated that aligning element 230 may be
obviated.
[0044] A receptacle formed as an enclosure subassembly 250
comprises an external enclosure element 252 preferably configured
as a rectangular-like shaped frame. A top peripheral recess 258 is
defined on an upper surface 260 thereof and a bottom peripheral
recess is defined on a bottom surface thereof (not shown) for
allowing O-rings 262 to be placed therein. External enclosure
element 252 may be formed of any suitable material, such as
stainless steal for example.
[0045] An aperture 264 may be defined within a wall 268 forming
external enclosure element 252. It is noted that aperture 264 may
be defined within any suitable location within the absorber
manufacturing assembly 200.
[0046] An internal enclosure element 270 of enclosure subassembly
250 may be formed in any suitable manner such as by placing
inclined surfaces 272 of two opposite facing bars 274 on an
inclined surface 276 of a wedge 278. Internal enclosure 270 is
preferably placed within external enclosure 252 thereby defining a
receiving volume 280 (FIG. 4) therein.
[0047] External enclosure element 252 and internal enclosure
element 270 of enclosure subassembly 250 may be formed of any
suitable material, such as stainless steel, for example.
[0048] A cover 284 is formed of a generally planer surface 286 and
is arranged to be placed upon enclosure subassembly 250 and engaged
with external enclosure element 252 of enclosure subassembly 250
and base 202 in any suitable manner, such as by threads 288
inserted within bores 292, 294 and 296 of cover 284, external
enclosure element 252 and base 202, respectively. Cover 284 may be
engaged with internal enclosure element 270 and base 202 in any
suitable manner, such as by pins 298 inserted within bores 300, 302
and 304 of cover 284, internal enclosure element 270 and base 202,
respectively. Cover 284 may be formed of any suitable material,
such as stainless steel.
[0049] Each of projections 220 may be inserted within an aperture
210 of base 202 and partially placed within bottom portion 214. As
seen in FIG. 3, a single projection, designated by reference
numeral 318 is shown to be inserted within an aperture 210 and
placed within bottom portion 214, thus defining a portion 320
thereof situated within bottom portion 214 and a remaining portion
322 protruding upwardly from aperture 210. A sealing material, such
as wax or oil, may be introduced within apertures 210 so as to
prevent displacement of projections 220 within apertures 210 and
additionally to prevent other materials from penetrating projection
portion 320, as will be further described hereinbelow. Insertion of
the projections 220 within apertures 210 and introduction of the
sealing material therein may be performed in any suitable manner,
such as manually.
[0050] Projections 220 may be formed of any suitable material.
Preferably, the projections 220 are formed of a material operative
to allow solar radiation and the fluid to pass therethrough. The
projections 220 are preferably formed with indentations therein.
For example, projections 220 may be formed of a perforated material
thereby defining perforations 330 therein. The perforated material
may be any suitable material, such as foam made of a ceramic
material operative to withstand relatively high temperatures, for
example. The ceramic material may be silicon carbide foam or
silicon infiltrated silicon carbide foam, for example. The
projections 220 may be formed in any suitable configuration.
[0051] Aligning element 230 may be thereafter placed over base 202
and projections 220 so as to prevent displacement of projections
220 within apertures 210 and to ensure projections 220 stand erect
therein. External enclosure element 252 of enclosure subassembly
250 may be placed upon base 202 and house two opposite facing bars
274 and wedge 278 of internal enclosure element 270 therein,
thereby defining receiving volume 280 (FIG. 4) therein. O-rings 262
may be placed within top peripheral recess 258 and bottom
peripheral recess so as to ensure that the manufacturing assembly
200, when closed, is a tight sealed enclosed assembly.
[0052] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a simplified
pictorial illustration of a solar radiation absorber manufacturing
assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4 at an initial manufacturing stage. As
seen in FIG. 5, a substrate material 340 may be introduced into
receiving volume 280 wherein the substrate material is pliable and
unsolidified. The substrate material may be any suitable material,
preferably a thermal insulating material such as silicon oxide or
aluminum silicon or a compound comprising silicon oxide and
aluminum silicon, for example.
[0053] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-7, which are oppositely
facing simplified pictorial illustrations of the solar radiation
absorber manufacturing assembly of FIGS. 3-5 in an intermediate
manufacturing stage and at a final manufacturing stage,
respectively. As seen in FIG. 6A, cover 284 is placed upon
enclosure subassembly 250 and the substrate material 340 and is
threadably engaged thereto via threads 288 inserted within bores
292, 294 and 296 of cover 284, external enclosure element 252 and
base 202, respectively and pins 298 inserted within bores 300, 302
and 304 of cover 284, internal enclosure element 270 and base 202,
respectively. It is appreciated that cover 284 may be obviated and
the enclosure subassembly 250 may be enclosed in any suitable
manner.
[0054] The enclosed absorber manufacturing assembly 200 may be
introduced into a vacuum oven and thereafter into to a furnace,
such as a high temperature furnace, for drying and solidifying the
substrate material 340. In a non-limiting example the temperature
of the furnace may be in the range of 1000-1500.degree. C.
Alternatively, the substrate material may be solidified in any
suitable manner.
[0055] Suction may be performed prior to introduction into the
vacuum oven or furnace via aperture 264 (FIGS. 3 & 4) so as to
minimize formation of air bubbles within the substrate
material.
[0056] Turning to FIG. 7 it is seen that following removal of the
absorber manufacturing assembly 200 from the furnace, the base 202,
aligning element 230, enclosure assembly 250, cover 284 and sealing
material are removed and thus a solar radiation absorber element
350 is formed. The substrate material 340 is solidified to form a
substrate 360 with the projections 220 embedded therein thus
forming the absorber element 350.
[0057] Wherein the projections are formed of a perforated material
it is noted that the substrate material 340 is utilized as an
attachment means when it solidifies within perforations 330 in
portion 320 of projections 220, thereby providing attachment
functionality for enhanced stability of the projections embedded
within the substrate 360.
[0058] It is appreciated that in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention projections 220 may be formed in any suitable
form allowing any suitable attachment functionality to facilitate
securing projections 220 to substrate 360 thereby forming absorber
element 350.
[0059] It is noted that substrate 360 of FIG. 7 may be identical to
substrate 140 of FIG. 1. Projections 220 of FIGS. 3-7 may be
identical to projections 150 of FIG. 1. Absorber element 350 of
FIG. 7 may be identical to absorber element 130 of FIG. 1.
[0060] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-8C, which are simplified
pictorial illustrations of a solar radiation absorber manufacturing
assembly at an initial manufacturing stage, an intermediate
manufacturing stage and a final manufacturing stage, respectively,
constructed and operative in accordance with yet another embodiment
of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 8A, a substrate 400 is
provided at an initial stage of manufacturing. Substrate 400 may be
formed of any suitable material, preferably a thermal insulating
material such as silicon oxide or aluminum silicon or a compound
comprising silicon oxide and aluminum silicon, for example. As seen
in FIG. 8A, the substrate material may be in an unsolidified state
or in a solidified state. An array of apertures 420 may be defined
within substrate 400 for allowing a plurality of projections 450 to
be inserted therein, as seen in FIG. 8B.
[0061] Apertures 420 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as a
rectangular-like shape or a circular-like shape, for example, or
any suitable shape operative to accommodate projections 450
therein.
[0062] Projections are preferably formed of a material operative to
allow solar radiation and fluid to pass therethrough. For example,
projections 450 may be formed of a perforated material thereby
defining perforations 460 therein (FIGS. 8B & 8C). The
perforated material may be any suitable material, such as foam made
of a ceramic material operative to withstand relatively high
temperatures, for example. The ceramic material may be a silicon
carbide foam or silicon infiltrated silicon carbide foam, for
example. The projections 450 may be formed in any suitable
configuration. Apertures 420 may be formed in any suitable
configuration.
[0063] Turning to FIG. 8B it is seen that the projections 450 are
placed within the apertures 420 in any suitable arrangement.
Placement of the projections 450 within apertures 420 may be
performed in any suitable manner, such as manually. The projections
450 are preferably formed with the perforations 460 for allowing
any suitable attachment means, such as an adhesive 470 to be
introduced within apertures 420 and penetrate perforations 460
thereby adhering projections 450 to substrate 400. The adhesive 470
may be any suitable adhesive. A jig (not shown) may be provided so
as to prevent the dislocation of projections 450 within substrate
400 during placement of projections 450 therein.
[0064] The adhesive 470 is typically introduced into apertures 420
in an unsolidified form and is thereafter solidified in any
suitable manner, such as air-dried or by heat, for example
[0065] As seen in FIG. 8C, the adhesive 470 is solidified with the
projections 450 placed in substrate 400 thus forming an absorber
element 480.
[0066] It is appreciated that in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention projections 450 may be formed in any suitable
manner allowing any suitable attachment functionality to facilitate
securing projections 450 to substrate 400 thereby forming absorber
element 480.
[0067] It is noted that substrate 400 of FIGS. 8A-8C may be
identical to substrate 140 of FIG. 1. Projections 450 of FIGS. 8B
& 8C may be identical to projections 150 of FIG. 1. Absorber
element 480 of FIG. 8C may be identical to absorber element 130 of
FIG. 1.
[0068] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which are
simplified pictorial illustrations of a solar radiation absorber
manufacturing assembly at an initial manufacturing stage and a
final manufacturing stage, respectively, constructed and operative
in accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention. As seen in FIG. 9A, a substrate 500 is provided at an
initial stage of manufacturing. Substrate 500 may be formed of any
suitable material, preferably a thermal insulating material such as
silicon oxide or aluminum silicon or a compound comprising silicon
oxide and aluminum silicon, for example. As seen in FIG. 9A, the
substrate material may be in an unsolidified state or in a
solidified state. An array of apertures 520 may be defined within
substrate 500 for allowing a plurality of projections 550 to be
inserted therein, as seen in FIG. 9B.
[0069] Apertures 520 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as a
rectangular-like shape or a circular-like shape, for example, or
any suitable shape operative to accommodate projections 550
therein.
[0070] Projections 550 are preferably formed of a material
operative to allow solar radiation and fluid to pass therethrough
and may be formed in any suitable configuration. As seen in FIG. 9B
projections 550 are formed without perforations.
[0071] Turning to FIG. 9B it is seen that the projections 550 are
placed within the apertures 520 in any suitable arrangement.
Placement of the projections 550 within apertures 520 may be
performed in any suitable manner, such as manually. A single
projection 552 is shown prior to insertion within aperture 520.
[0072] Projections 550 are engaged with substrate 500 by any
suitable attachment means, such as an adhesive 570. Adhesive 570 is
typically introduced into apertures 520 in an unsolidified form and
is thereafter solidified in any suitable manner, such as air-dried
or by heat, for example. A single projection 572 is shown inserted
within aperture 520 with adhesive 570 surrounding projection 572,
thereby securing projection 572 within substrate 500.
[0073] As seen in FIG. 9B, the projections 550 are secured in
substrate 500 thus forming an absorber element 580.
[0074] It is appreciated that in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention projections 550 may be formed in any suitable
manner allowing any suitable attachment functionality to facilitate
securing projections 550 to substrate 500 thereby forming absorber
element 580.
[0075] It is noted that substrate 500 of FIGS. 9A & 9B may be
identical to substrate 140 of FIG. 1. Projections 550 of FIGS. 9A
& 9B may be identical to projections 150 of FIG. 1. Absorber
element 580 of FIG. 9B may be identical to absorber element 130 of
FIG. 1.
[0076] Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A and 10B, which are
simplified pictorial illustrations of a solar radiation absorber
manufacturing assembly at an initial manufacturing stage and a
final manufacturing stage, respectively, constructed and operative
in accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention.
[0077] As seen in FIG. 10A, a substrate 600 is provided at an
initial stage of manufacturing. Substrate 600 may be formed of any
suitable material, preferably a thermal insulating material such as
silicon oxide or aluminum silicon or a compound comprising silicon
oxide and aluminum silicon, for example. As seen in FIG. 10A, the
substrate material may be in an unsolidified state or in a
solidified state. An array of apertures 620 may be defined within
substrate 600 for allowing a plurality of projections 650 to be
inserted therein, as seen in FIG. 10B.
[0078] Apertures 620 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as a
rectangular-like shape or a circular-like shape, for example, or
any suitable shape operative to accommodate projections 650
therein.
[0079] Projections 650 are preferably formed of a material
operative to allow solar radiation and fluid to pass therethrough
and may be formed in any suitable configuration. On a lower portion
652 of projections 650 may be defined an indented structure 656.
Indented structure 656 may be configured with any form of
indentations 658 for allowing an attachment functionality
comprising an attachment means, such as an adhesive 670, to engage
with indentations 658 so as to secure lower portion 652 to
substrate 600. As seen in FIG. 10B, indented structure 656 is
formed with a jagged configuration with adhesive 670 inserted
within indentations 658.
[0080] Projections 650 are placed within the apertures 620 in any
suitable arrangement. Placement of the projections 650 within
apertures 620 may be performed in any suitable manner, such as
manually. A single projection 672 is shown prior to insertion
within an aperture 620.
[0081] Adhesive 670 is typically introduced into apertures 620 in
an unsolidified form and is thereafter solidified in any suitable
manner, such as air-dried or by heat, for example. A single
projection 676 is shown inserted within aperture 620 with adhesive
670 inserted within indentations 658, thereby securing projection
676 within substrate 600.
[0082] As seen in FIG. 10B, the projections 650 are secured in
substrate 600 thus forming an absorber element 680.
[0083] It is appreciated that in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention projections 650 may be formed in any suitable
manner allowing any suitable attachment functionality to facilitate
securing projections 650 to substrate 600 thereby forming absorber
element 680.
[0084] It is noted that substrate 600 of FIGS. 10A & 10B may be
identical to substrate 140 of FIG. 1. Projections 650 of FIGS. 10A
& 10B may be identical to projections 150 of FIG. 1. Absorber
element 680 of FIG. 10B may be identical to absorber element 130 of
FIG. 1.
[0085] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C, which are
simplified pictorial illustrations of a solar radiation absorber
manufacturing assembly at an initial manufacturing stage, a final
manufacturing stage and a bottom view of the assembly at the final
manufacturing stage, respectively, constructed and operative in
accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present
invention.
[0086] As seen in FIG. 11A, a substrate 700 is provided at an
initial stage of manufacturing. Substrate 700 may be formed of any
suitable material, preferably a thermal insulating material such as
silicon oxide or aluminum silicon or a compound comprising silicon
oxide and aluminum silicon, for example. As seen in FIG. 11A, the
substrate material may be in an unsolidified state or in a
solidified state. An array of apertures 720 may be defined within
substrate 700 for allowing a plurality of projections 750 to be
inserted therein, as seen in FIGS. 11B and 11C.
[0087] Apertures 720 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as a
rectangular-like shape or a circular-like shape, for example, or
any suitable shape operative to accommodate projections 750
therein.
[0088] Projections 750 are preferably formed of a material
operative to allow solar radiation and fluid to pass therethrough
and may be formed in any suitable configuration. Along the
projections 750 may be defined an indented portion 756 configured
to receive any suitable attachment means, such as a clip 770,
thereby forming an attachment functionality. Clip 770 may be formed
in any suitable manner and may define a semi-annular portion 774
with a protrusion 776 protruding therefrom. Semi-annular portion
774 is shown in FIG. 11C to encircle indented portion 756 and to be
attached thereto via protrusion 776 thus securing projections 750
to substrate 700 thus forming an absorber element 780.
[0089] Projections 750 are placed within the apertures 720 in any
suitable arrangement. Placement of the projections 750 within
apertures 720 may be performed in any suitable manner, such as
manually. A single projection 790 is shown prior to insertion
within aperture 720.
[0090] It is appreciated that in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention projections 750 may be formed in any suitable
manner allowing any suitable attachment functionality to facilitate
securing projections 750 to substrate 700 thereby forming absorber
element 780.
[0091] It is noted that substrate 700 of FIGS. 11A, 11B. and 11C
may be identical to substrate 140 of FIG. 1. Projections 750 of
FIGS. 11A, 11B. and 11C may be identical to projections 150 of FIG.
1. Absorber element 780 of FIGS. 11B and 11C may be identical to
absorber element 130 of FIG. 1.
[0092] It is noted that the projections described with reference to
FIGS. 1-11C may be engaged with the substrate by any suitable means
employing any suitable attachment functionality. For example, the
projections may be engaged with the substrate by heating a portion
of the projections so as to melt a portion of the projection into
the substrate, thereby embedding the projections within said
substrate.
[0093] It is appreciated that the substrates of FIGS. 1-11C may be
formed in any suitable manner so as to form the absorber element.
For example, the absorber element may be configured in an annular
shape or any configuration operative to allow a fluid flowing
within the solar receiver 100 to be heated with the absorber
element.
[0094] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the present
invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the
various features described hereinabove as well as variations and
modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon
reading the specifications and which are not in the prior art.
* * * * *