Membrane dish analysis: A summary of structural and optical analysis capabilities
Research at SERI within the Department of Energy's Solar Thermal Technology Program has focused on the development of membrane dish concentrators for space and terrestrial power applications. As potentially lightweight, inexpensive, high-performance structures, they are excellent candidates for space-deployable energy sources as well as cost-effective terrestrial energy concepts. A thorough engineering research treatment of these types of structures consists primarily of two parts: (1) structural mechanics of the membrane and ring support and (2) analysis and characterization of the concentrator optical performance. It is important to understand the effects of the membrane's structure and support system on the optical performance of the concentrator. This requires an interface between appropriate structural and optical models. Until recently, such models and the required interface have not existed. This report documents research that has been conducted at SERI in this area. It is a compilation of several papers describing structural models of membrane dish structures and optical models used to predict dish concentrator optical and thermal performance. The structural models were developed under SERI subcontract by Dr. Steele and Dr. Balch of Stanford University. The optical model was developed in-house by SERI staff. In addition, the interface between the models is described. It allows easy and thorough characterization of membrane dish systems from the mechanics to the resulting optical performance. The models described herein have been and continue to be extremely useful to SERI, industry, and universities involved with the modeling and analysis of lightweight membrane concentrators for solar thermal applications.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-83CH10093
- OSTI ID:
- 5962133
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/TP-253-3432; ON: DE91002162
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
PARABOLIC DISH REFLECTORS
OPTICS
STRUCTURAL MODELS
MECHANICS
SOLAR RECEIVERS
SOLAR THERMAL CONVERSION
STRESS ANALYSIS
SUPPORTS
CONVERSION
ENERGY CONVERSION
EQUIPMENT
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
PARABOLIC REFLECTORS
SOLAR CONCENTRATORS
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR REFLECTORS
SOLAR THERMAL
MEMBRANE DISH CONCENTRATORS
140702* - Solar Thermal Power Systems- Central Receiver
141000 - Solar Collectors & Concentrators