Abstract:
Novel glass compositions and method for producing a glass/metal join, in which the novel glass comprises: depending on the necessary requirements, owing to the significance thereof the thermal expansion coefficient, such that this thermal expansion coefficient is adjusted to match that of the metal part or alloy with which the glass/metal weld is to be achieved, which makes it possible to satisfactorily produce said weld which results in a strong glass/metal join, that is free from tensile stresses and that is durable over time and may be used, inter alia, to obtain parts that form part of solar collectors.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a spectrophotometer for the automated optical characterization of solar collector tubes and to a method for the operation thereof, that measures the coefficient of transmission of the glass tube (13) and of reflection of the metal tube (15). The device includes all the necessary components for taking said measurement, such as the optical bench (1) supporting the tube (2), the standard or framework (3), and the optical modules for the device, a main module (5) that generates the light bundles, a measuring module (4) that measures the coefficient of transmission of the outer glass tube (13) and the coefficient of reflection of the inner metal tube (15), a mechanical system of tube rotation (9), an electronic system of data acquisition and processing (6), an external computer (7) for controlling the device and processing the data measured, and a system of communication (8) between the device and the computer (7).
Abstract:
Portable spectrophotometer and method for characterizing solar collector tubes for simultaneously and on-field characterizing reflection and transmission coefficients. This device includes all the components needed to take this measurement, such as a module that takes the measurement of the reflection coefficient (R) of the inner tube (1'), a module that takes the measurement of transmission coefficient (T) of the outer tube (1"), an electronic data acquisition and processing system (12), an external computer (13) for controlling the device and sending the measured data (17) and a communication system (15) between device and the computer (13).
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for producing a solar power receiving tube and to the resulting tube, which is of the type that includes: an outer glass tube, an inner metal absorber through which a heat-transfer fluid flows, and an intermediate area in which the vacuum is produced. The method comprises the following steps: i. Production of the metal tubes ii. Production of the glass tubes: namely a longer central glass tube and two shorter glass tubes for the ends. iii. Process for the production of the Kovar rings or glass-metal transition elements iv. Process for the welding of the Kovar rings to the tubes v. Process for the production of the bellows or expansion compensating devices assemblies vi. Assembly of the products obtained in the preceding operations vii. Creation of the vacuum and anodising of the welds
Abstract:
Air- and steam-technology combined solar plant for use in the fields of electricity production, process heat, and solar fuels, as well as thermo-chemical processes, produced from the combination of a non-pressurised-air solar receptor, a saturated-steam solar receptor and a heat exchanger separate from the solar input that is used to produce overheated steam.
Abstract:
Novel expansion compensation device and method for manufacture thereof, of those used in solar power absorber tubes featuring a dual bellows design where the height of the waves of the bellows is not regular, but the second wave is greater (where it supports more load) and diminishes towards the ends. With this design improving the performance of the receiver is achieved because it shortens the length of the device and consequently there is more surface area receiving solar radiation as well as it decreases the necessary diameter of glass tube and therefore its cost.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for in situ coating a tower solar receiver in order to protect the surface of the receiver from corrosion and to increase absorptivity of same, which is carried out in several steps: surface preparation, application of the coating, curing, optional vitrification, and controlled cooling. The surface preparation is done by zones depending on the size of the receiver, a methodology that enables an intercalated application of the coating in order to minimize the risk of corrosion. The curing stage is carried out by supplying steam to the inside of the receiver tubes, and temperature requirements above the operating limits of the boiler are adjusted with the solar field as support system. Vitrification is done using saturated steam traveling through the receiver tubes and concentrating solar radiation on the surface of the receiver from the solar field.
Abstract:
System for supporting an evaporable getter, which can be installed in any type of solar power receiving tube and which is mounted using a method that is much more automated than that used until now. Unlike the known prior art, this system consists of a clip-type supporting element having a substantially thin profile and an S-shaped base, the upper part thereof including a ring in which the pellet of evaporable getter is housed. Said pellet is supported by the pins of the supporting element, dispensing with the need for an additional contact part in order to secure the pellet. The clip is secured to the bellows-type expansion compensator, such that it remains inside the vacuum zone of the solar power receiving tube.
Abstract:
Insulating element for expansion compensation device and method for manufacture thereof, of the type used in solar energy collector absorber tubes, being formed by a single piece in the form of a ring and with a bellows-like end portion, which is filled with rock wool or other equivalent insulating material, so as to create a hot air chamber which minimizes heat losses.
Abstract:
Selective solar absorbent coating and manufacturing method, with solar absorption and low emissivity properties. The coating comprises a substrate (1) of metal, dielectric or ceramic material, at least one highly reflective metal layer (2) in mid-far infrared applied to the substrate itself which provides low emissivity properties, a multi-layer structure of alternating dielectric and metallic layers (3) of subnanometric thickness applied to the reflective metal layer and at least one dielectric layer (4) that acts as an anti-reflective layer for the solar spectrum. The coating is applicable as a selective absorbent coating in absorbent tubes for parabolic-trough solar collectors, in solar panels for hot water, heating or domestic cooling, both in the form of absorbent tubes and absorbent sheets, in capture systems in tower solar thermoelectric power plants, and in capture systems in Stirling disk systems.