Linear concentrating solar collector in an air-supported enclosure preliminary design study. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1979

OSTI ID:5951170

Laakso, J H; Zimmerman, D K

A preliminary design for a low-cost linear parabolic concentrating solar collector in a pneumatically stabilized cylindrical plastic film enclosure and analyses of its theoretical performance and projected costs are described. Potential applications for the concentrator are in heating fluids to the mid-temperature range for use in industrial process heating. The study objective was to develop an inovative design concept having pneumatically stabilized plastic film enclosure as an approach to achieving low collector cost. Both circular film and rigid parabolic reflector concepts were investigated; the concept fulfulling the study objective has a lightweight aluminum honeycomb sandwich parabolic trough reflector with an aluminized polyester film reflective surface. The reflector panels and a block-chrome plated carbon steel absorber tube are supported at intervals by rings with spokes. Cylindrical film enclosure sections are attached to the rings which are supported by rollers; this assembly rotates about the fixed absorber tube and is driven by an electric gearmotor and microprocessor-based control system. Key design features for a collector with a weatherized polyester enclosure 2.8 m diameter by 30.5 m long (9.33 by 100 ft.) and an aperture area of 69.3m/sup 2/ (745.9 ft/sup 2/) are given. For this collector configuration, structural analyses, thermal performance modeling, mass-produced component costs, field assembly methods and maintenance requirements are discussed. Daily efficiencies in excess of 45% are predicted with estimated installed field collector costs of $90/m/sup 2/ ($8.34/ft/sup 2/). Results of cost and performance studies indicate that the collector has potential for low cost and offers attractive cost/performance figures-of-merit with further development.

• Research Organization: Boeing Engineering and Construction Co., Seattle, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-04-0789
• OSTI ID: 5951170
• Report Number(s): SAND-78-7022
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
ALUMINIUM
CONCENTRATING COLLECTORS
CONSTRUCTION
CONTROL SYSTEMS
COST
COVERINGS
DESIGN
ELEMENTS
ENERGY
FABRICATION
FILMS
HEAT
MAINTENANCE
METALS
PARABOLIC COLLECTORS
PARABOLIC TROUGH COLLECTORS
PERFORMANCE
PROCESS HEAT
SOLAR ABSORBERS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR PROCESS HEAT
SOLAR REFLECTORS
SOLAR TRACKING