Solar Concentrator/Research Development: Difference between revisions

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=Overview=
=Overview=
Research pertaining to the '''Solar Concentrator'''.
Research pertaining to the '''Solar Concentrator'''.
=Links to DIY Projects=
*Fresnel Type, circular from the Ukraine - [http://wiki.energytorrent.org/doku.php/concentrator_diversity]


=Research=
=Research=
Line 20: Line 23:
* [http://www.landartgenerator.org/blagi/archives/963 Desert Bloom fresnel lens collectors]
* [http://www.landartgenerator.org/blagi/archives/963 Desert Bloom fresnel lens collectors]


=====Open Source Ecology driven projects=====


In France, We proceeded using the iterated method product development lifecycle, defining the functional requirements, building table models, building the actual project.
We started with a proof of concept developped in August 2015 during POC21 event in France, it was named Solar-OSE
We are moving toward the first "alpha" version, not yet optimized in terms of costs, method of build and quality but full size, named Alpha-Sole it will be built in Autumn 2016.
We will then develop the third and final version of this machine that will be fully optimized, yet to be named and conceptualized based on the findings over Alpha Sole and Solar Ose.


===== Technical Requirements =====
=====Development status=====
this page is the work in progress of the technical requirements we want to satisfy with the final solar concentrator.
as reference there we report the acceptable level of the "proof of concept" demonstrateur that will be presented in the "[[http://www.osefrance.fr/?p=147 | Villages des alternatives]]" in Paris the September 26th 2015.
the French ethercalc version is located [[https://www.ethercalc.org/osef_sc_specreq | here]]
 
====Introduction ====
This is the module breakdown and the technical requirements of each module that will requested for the solar concentrator and its prove of concept.
 
Added to this list of specific requirements, the general [[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications_for_Product_Design | OSE Specification for product design ]] should be also applied during the conception and design.
 
After conception and design are completed, a score will be attributed based on the [[
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications_Assessment_Template | Ose Specifications evaluation Template]] and its adherence to the below set of requirements.
 
the discussions can be carried out on the [[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=5 open forum]]
 
==== General ====
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=2| General on the Forum]]
<HTML>
<table>
 
  <tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must be DIY
  friendly (which gives advantage to the linear fresnel<span style='display:
  none'> reflector type of concentrator)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>50%</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Linear fresnel
  reflector with double concentration CPC</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>50%</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>5KW heat power
  output (about 10m^2)</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>10%</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>able to reach
  more than 250øC</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must allow
  (with additional modules) both N/S and E/W axis of i<span style='display:
  none'>nstallation</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  </tr>
    </table>
</HTML>
 
==== Structure ====
 
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=9| Structure on the Forum]]
<HTML>
<table>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must support
  the whole Solar Concentrator system</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must allow
  mirrors rotation of 270ø with a complete reverse of t<span style='display:
  none'>he mirror in case of bad weather conditions</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>structure and
  design OSE Compatible http://opensourceecology.<span style='display:none'>org/wiki/OSE_Specifications_for_Product_Design</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Ground
  implantation must assure sufficient stability</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Sufficent
  rigidity to assure resistance to vibrations or impacts</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Easily
  assembled with modular-easy to transport components</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Easy optical
  alignment (assured by any mean - ie. Tracks, giudeli<span style='display:
  none'>nes, holes, etc)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Mobile support
  of the mirrors to avoid deformation due to weig<span style='display:none'>ht,
  wind, vibrations, etc</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must be
  designed to reduce any risk concern</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Cost optimized</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Optionally
  without any weldering as much as possible</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 colspan=7 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>optionally
  the concentrator and the absorber have indipendent structures (pro: less
  vibrations, cons: harder to align correctly)</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 colspan=6 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Optionally,
  if N/S oriented, allow to move the mirrors toward south in order to allow
  seasonal optimization</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>with E/W axis,
  must allow 1*focal lenght of mirrors lenght more <span style='display:none'>than
  absorber on both W and E direction</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>
 
  </table>
</HTML>


==== Optical Concentration ====
===Demonstrator SolarOSE (proof of concept of 1KW peak power) : '''completed'''===
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=10 |Optical concentration]]
[http://wiki.osefrance.org/doku.php?id=wiki:technical_requirements_english the Functional requirements]
[http://en.wikifab.org/index.php/SolarOSE_-_Solar_concentrator_for_steam_generation Full builduing guide Open Hardware on Wikifab.org]
[http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-OSE-Solar-concentrator-for-steam-generation/ Full builduing guide Open Hardware on instructables]
Complementary to this manual, you can find online more information on:


<HTML>
    Software, Electronics, Modelling (once finalized), documentation, licence details: see [https://github.com/osefrance/SolarConcentrator Github]
<table>
    discussions on our [http://forum.osefrance.org/ Forum]
    the documentation and collaborative writing in French on our [http://wiki.osefrance.org/ Wiki]
    [http://wiki.osefrance.org/doku.php?id=wiki:technical_requirements_english functional requirements] giving a comparison between the present demonstrator and the next prototype
    [http://wiki.osefrance.org/doku.php?id=wiki:concentrateursolaire the project] in French:
    you can subscribe to our newsletter and more on our website: [http://www.opensourceecologie.org osefrance] :)


<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
===AlphaSole (first module of 5KW Peak power) : '''on development'''===
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 colspan=3 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Mirror's
  Geometry to be (to define based on best optical optimization, in progress)</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Mirrors with
  high reflectivity (&gt;90% on wide spectrum)</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>resistant
  mirrors with high lifespan for external usage.</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Mirrors easy to
  clean</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Secondary
  concentration on the absorber higher than 2x</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>total factor of
  concentration 25</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>mirrors easy to
  fix and replace on their support</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must be
  designed to reduce any risk concern</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Cost optimized</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>
  </table>
</HTML>


==== Absorber ====
==Planning==
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=11| Absorber]]
  August 2016: Design, final Functional requirements
  September 2016: BOM + Models
  Octobre/Novembre 2016: Workshop
  December-March 2017: Testing
  March 2017 : on production


<HTML>
<table>


  <tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>specially
  designed for the selected thermal fluid, with passive o<span
  style='display:none'>r forced circulation</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Absorbing
  material with high optical absorbtion rate on wide sp<span style='display:
  none'>ectrum</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>elevated
  thermal exchange Absorber / Fluid</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>high thermal
  insulation (from external air, from the point of con<span style='display:
  none'>tact with the structure, from IR radiations)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>High resistance
  of thermal variation constraints (high temperatu<span style='display:none'>re
  and valiration, high pressure and variation, thermal expansions and
  contractions)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Specially
  designed for the secondary concentrator</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must be
  designed to reduce any risk concern</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Cost optimized</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>


  </table>
[http://cloud.osefrance.org/public.php?service=files&t=d738a3aa778cb112a6592d36a199c5d5 Gantt ] chart (need ganttproject)
</HTML>


==== Motors, Tracker, Programs ====
==Functional requirements of Alphasole Prototype==
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=12| Motors, trackers, programs]]
English version  [http://wiki.osefrance.org/doku.php?id=wiki:alphasoletechrequirements-en here ]
<HTML>
  French version  [http://wiki.osefrance.org/doku.php?id=wiki:cahier_des_charges_2016 here ]
<table>
  Spanish version [http://wiki.osefrance.org/doku.php?id=wiki:alphasoletechrequirements-sp here ]


  <tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
==== Design requirements ====
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must allow for
  a real time follow &amp; programmed sun follow base<span style='display:none'>d
  on Lat/long</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Automatically
  detect and self protect in case of bad weather</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must be able to
  track the sun and send the correct angle in order<span style='display:none'>
  to optimize concentration</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must be able to
  sense temperature and pressure at fluid input a<span style='display:none'>nd
  output</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>programmable to
  stop automatically</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must provide an
  easy GUI control interface (optionally handled t<span style='display:none'>hrough
  cloud, with data collection)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>


  </table>
Within the scope of collaborative research, we work on the requirements of each element developped thereafter in the following sections. The discussion history between contributors is available through the links to the forum (in French):
</HTML>


==== Modelling and studies ====
  * Structure forum [http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=9] ,
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=13| Modeling and studies]]
  * Concentrator optic forum [http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=10] ,
  * Engines, Program, Captors forum [http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=12] ,
  * Absorber forum [http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=11] .


<HTML>
==== General====
<table>


  <tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
{| class="wikitable"
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
! scope="col"| Requirement
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
! scope="col"| Demonstrator
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
! scope="col"| Prototype
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
! scope="col"| Comments for protototype
  </tr>
|-
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
| Reduce risks
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Optimisation of
| Pay attention to parasitic reflexions
  Solar concentrator design</td>
| * optical risks ; * risks related to high pressure and high temperature hydraulic circuit
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
|-
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
|Cost (material, production, manufacturing, assembling)  
</tr>
| Minimum
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
| Minimum: <300€/m²
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Self pilot of
| Savings possible with respect to demonstrator but not yet optimized
  the solar concentrator (must perform a logical analy<span style='display:
|}
  none'>sis of current solar concentrator of JB)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>40%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Tools to
  predict energetical production based on geography</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 colspan=4 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Model
  of economical and technical conditions for optimal usage of the solar
  concentrator</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Finalize
  localized business case</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>40%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Identify
  technical modifications needed to adapt to new usage</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>40%</td>
</tr>
<![if supportMisalignedColumns]>
<tr height=0 style='display:none'>
  </tr>
<![endif]>
</table>


=== Concentrator optic===
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=10|lien forum]]


</HTML>
{| class="wikitable"
! scope="col"| Requirement
! scope="col"| Demonstrator
! scope="col"| Prototype
! scope="col"| Comments for protototype
|-
| Optical efficiency
| Reflectivity (at normal angle) 0.9
| 60-70%
| To finetune: relevant/optimized geometry, cf cf [[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2920#p3353|discussion/forum]] ; reflectivity of mirrors >= 0.9 ; other parameters : fouling, cleaning frequency, evolution through lifetime
|-
| Robustness and lifetime
| no requirement
| 3 to 5 years
| To be studied : * time? * warranty? * what efficiency loss? * renewal point, maintenance frequency. * economic balance? * also to be written in other sections : structure, optic. *to define: expensive elements, frame elements last longer: 20 years or more
|-
| Accesibility for cleaning and maintenance
| no requirement
| yes
| *easy cleaning of the mirrors; *maintenance and tuning of the facets once mounted; *access to receptor once mounted
|-
| Thermal efficiency of the receptor
| secondary concentration on the receptor > 1.5
| 70-80% efficiency as a goal
|
|-
| Total concentration factor
| between 15 and 30
| between 15 and 30
| With 20 mirrors, it reaches about 15
|-
| Secondary reflector (CPC) : design coordinated with absorber
| 60%
| yes
|
|}


====Introduction ====
=== Structure===
This is the module breakdown and the technical requirements of each module that will requested for the solar concentrator and its prove of concept.
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=9|lien forum]]


Added to this list of specific requirements, the general [[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications_for_Product_Design | OSE Specification for product design ]] should be also applied during the conception and design.


After conception and design are completed, a score will be attributed based on the [[
==Frame of mirrors set and receptor==
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/OSE_Specifications_Assessment_Template | Ose Specifications evaluation Template]] and its adherence to the below set of requirements.


the discussions can be carried out on the [[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=5 open forum]]
{| class="wikitable"
! scope="col"| Requirement
! scope="col"| Demonstrator
! scope="col"| Prototype
! scope="col"| Comments for protototype
|-
|Independant structure: mirror, receptor
| yes
| No
| Fixed relative position, to be set in accordance with latitude
|-
|Resistance to ambiant environment
| yes, punctually
|yes, permanently
| wind speed, hail, rain, snow, dust
|-
|Sufficient stiffness against vibrations and deformation
| yes
| yes
|
|-
|Ground fixing
| Adjustable feet
| Fixed
| Concrete base to be planned or fixation to an existing structure, roof... Study carefully stiffness, stability...
|-
|Assembling easiness
| yes
| yes
| kit possible
|-
|Transport easiness
| yes
| no
|
|-
|Welding
| the least possible
| Ok
| No requirement initially, compromise between : building complexity and assembling easiness
|
|-
|Limitation of accident risks
| yes
| yes
| at all stages : manufacturing, assembling
|}


==== General ====
== Structure of mirrors facets==
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=2| General on the Forum]]
<HTML>
<table>


  <tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
{| class="wikitable"
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
! scope="col"| Requirement
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
! scope="col"| Demonstrator
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
! scope="col"| Prototype  
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
! scope="col"| Comments for protototype
  </tr>
|-
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
|Fresnel mirror: area
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must be DIY
| 2x2 m$^2$ with 20 facets 10 cm wide|defined by the power need (5KW )
  friendly (which gives advantage to the linear fresnel<span style='display:
|
  none'> reflector type of concentrator)</span></td>
|-
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
|Mirror deformation limitation
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>50%</td>
| deflection lower than 5 mm / 0.1° facet orientation, respectively 1cm on the receptor
  </tr>
| (a priori) depends on receptor height, valid for 1.5m height
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
|-
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Linear fresnel
|Sun tracking (east west)  
  reflector with double concentration CPC</td>
| >120° respectively 8h tracking
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
| 12h tracking
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>50%</td>
| respective rotation of 90° in 12h
  </tr>
|-
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
|Bad weather protection
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>5KW heat power
| yes
  output (about 10m^2)</td>
| yes
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
| for instance: 180° range (mirrors down)
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>10%</td>
|-
  </tr>
|Optical alignment possible through a tuning needless of special tools
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
| yes
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>able to reach
| yes
  more than 250øC</td>
| Better: procedure to be updated for calibration
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
|-
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
| Easy switching of mirror facets
</tr>
| yes
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
| yes
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must allow
| more generally: easy maintenance
  (with additional modules) both N/S and E/W axis of i<span style='display:
|}
  none'>nstallation</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  </tr>
    </table>
</HTML>


==== Structure ====
===6) tracking system (engines, program, sensors)===
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=12|lien forum]]
{| class="wikitable"
! scope="col"| Requirement
! scope="col"| Demonstrator
! scope="col"| Prototype
! scope="col"| Comments for protototype
|-
|Real time accurate tracking of the sun motion
| yes
| yes
| Plan a failsoft mode in case of a failure of the tracking system
|-
|Motorisation of mirrors
| yes
| yes
|
|-
|Electricity consumption
| -
| Minimum achievable
| Plan an autonomous working mode (no connection to electical grid)? (photovoltaic pannel?)
|-
|Number of engines
| Minimum
| One per module or one for all the system
| To be validated regarding the other technical choices (structure)
|-
|Sun tracking to get the right angle
| yes
| yes, with necessary accuracy
| Goal: send all the beams of each mirror on the width of the recptor (CPC width)
|-
|Sensors (weather condition detection)
| -
| yes
| * ambiant temperature, direct sun radiation. (as a complement of process sensors (boiler and use))
|-
|Fluid temperature and pressure measurements
| yes
| drive the circulating pump controlled by pressure and/or temperature (according to use). Steam flow rate sensor? Liquid water level sensor? => depends on type of use
|-
|System automatic shutdown
| Optional
| Safety in case of electrical outage (circulating pump stopped => temperature increase) + in case of a storm (mirrors down (if possible)). (Resistance to hail?)
|-
|Simple controlling panel
| yes
| Programming expert mode when needed, but simple to use
| ideas: remote access ? consultation des informations de fonctionnement (et historique ?)To be scheduled
|}


[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=9| Structure on the Forum]]  
===7) Receiver unit (absorber)===
<HTML>
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=11|lien forum]]  
<table>
{| class="wikitable"
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
! scope="col"| Requirement
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
! scope="col"| Demonstrator
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
! scope="col"| Prototype  
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
! scope="col"| Comments for protototype
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
|-
  </tr>
|Specific design for the working fluid, natural or forced circulation
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
| 100%  
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must support
| yes
  the whole Solar Concentrator system</td>
|
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
|-
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
|Selective material: High absorption qualities through all the solar spectrum : 100% , Absorbance 90%, infrared emissivity 15% : material intrinsically absorbant (or absorptive coating)
  </tr>
| = high absorbance through all the solar spectrum and low infrared emissivity
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
|
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must allow
|-
  mirrors rotation of 270ø with a complete reverse of t<span style='display:
|High thermal exchange between absorber and fluid
  none'>he mirror in case of bad weather conditions</span></td>
| 60%  
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
| yes
</tr>
| material and conduction-convection in the fluid
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
|-
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>structure and
|The system should be thermally insulated (with respect to ambiant air, infrared radiation)  
  design OSE Compatible http://opensourceecology.<span style='display:none'>org/wiki/OSE_Specifications_for_Product_Design</span></td>
| 60%  
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
| yes
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
| see requirement for the overall thermal efficiency (insulation material above and glass below)
</tr>
|-
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
|Good resistance to temperature variation (material expansion, tightness)  
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Ground
| 60%
  implantation must assure sufficient stability</td>
| yes
</tr>
| In particular, risks related to high temperatures and pressure of fluid
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
|}
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Sufficent
  rigidity to assure resistance to vibrations or impacts</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Easily
  assembled with modular-easy to transport components</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Easy optical
  alignment (assured by any mean - ie. Tracks, giudeli<span style='display:
  none'>nes, holes, etc)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Mobile support
  of the mirrors to avoid deformation due to weig<span style='display:none'>ht,
  wind, vibrations, etc</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must be
  designed to reduce any risk concern</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Cost optimized</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Optionally
  without any weldering as much as possible</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 colspan=7 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>optionally
  the concentrator and the absorber have indipendent structures (pro: less
  vibrations, cons: harder to align correctly)</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 colspan=6 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Optionally,
  if N/S oriented, allow to move the mirrors toward south in order to allow
  seasonal optimization</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>with E/W axis,
  must allow 1*focal lenght of mirrors lenght more <span style='display:none'>than
  absorber on both W and E direction</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>


  </table>
Ideas:
</HTML>
* modularity is hardly compatible with the high constraints of the absorber (pressure, temperature variation etc.)
* In case of frost, the absorber should be emptied (or the frost might destroy it). =>Ambiant temperature sensor + electric valve? =>design of the absorber enabling the complete emtying.


==== Optical Concentration ====
===Usage===
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=10 |Optical concentration]]


<HTML>
Requirements to be better defined with user
<table>


<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
Functioning
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 colspan=3 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Mirror's
  Geometry to be (to define based on best optical optimization, in progress)</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Mirrors with
  high reflectivity (&gt;90% on wide spectrum)</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>resistant
  mirrors with high lifespan for external usage.</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Mirrors easy to
  clean</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Secondary
  concentration on the absorber higher than 2x</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>total factor of
  concentration 25</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>mirrors easy to
  fix and replace on their support</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>70%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must be
  designed to reduce any risk concern</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Cost optimized</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>
  </table>
</HTML>


==== Absorber ====
{| class="wikitable"
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=11| Absorber]]
! scope="col"| Requirement
! scope="col"| Demonstrator
! scope="col"| Prototype
! scope="col"| Comments for protototype
|-
|Position: avoid building shadow and other masks
| -
| ?
|-
|Running range
| -
| ?
| *for a sun exposure not in first hour nor in last hour, *for which hour range in the day, in the season, * for which latitude
|-
|Temperature level
| -
| ?
| Optic and best technology may be different with respect to temperature. Example: *Hot water production at 80°C; *Steam production at 130°C from liquid water; *Steam Superheating from 150°C to 250°C
|}


<HTML>
==Hydraulic circuit==
<table>


  <tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
{| class="wikitable"
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
! scope="col"| Requirement
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
! scope="col"| Demonstrator
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
! scope="col"| Prototype
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
! scope="col"| Comments for protototype
  </tr>
|-
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
|Pressure losses
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>specially
| -
  designed for the selected thermal fluid, with passive o<span
| Minimum
  style='display:none'>r forced circulation</span></td>
| Limit pressure losses, above all for light fluids : air, steam
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
|-
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
|Open/closed circuit
</tr>
| -
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
| ?
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Absorbing
|
  material with high optical absorbtion rate on wide sp<span style='display:
|-
  none'>ectrum</span></td>
|Mineral scale risks
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
| -
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>100%</td>
| ?
</tr>
| Gives good reason to run in a closed circuit...
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
|-
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>elevated
|Fluid
  thermal exchange Absorber / Fluid</td>
| -
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
| ?
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
|
</tr>
|}
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>high thermal
  insulation (from external air, from the point of con<span style='display:
  none'>tact with the structure, from IR radiations)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>High resistance
  of thermal variation constraints (high temperatu<span style='display:none'>re
  and valiration, high pressure and variation, thermal expansions and
  contractions)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Specially
  designed for the secondary concentrator</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must be
  designed to reduce any risk concern</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Cost optimized</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>


  </table>
</HTML>


==== Motors, Tracker, Programs ====
Ideas: Could we have a feedback from the user? Which power (mini, maxi average) does he need? During how many hours? And for which season. At my parents', lavander distillery: July. Canned food and Jam from June to september.
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=12| Motors,
  trackers, programs]]
<HTML>
<table>
 
  <tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must allow for
  a real time follow &amp; programmed sun follow base<span style='display:none'>d
  on Lat/long</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Automatically
  detect and self protect in case of bad weather</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must be able to
  track the sun and send the correct angle in order<span style='display:none'>
  to optimize concentration</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Must be able to
  sense temperature and pressure at fluid input a<span style='display:none'>nd
  output</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>programmable to
  stop automatically</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>must provide an
  easy GUI control interface (optionally handled t<span style='display:none'>hrough
  cloud, with data collection)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
</tr>
 
  </table>
</HTML>
 
==== Modelling and studies ====
[[http://forum.osefrance.org/viewforum.php?f=13| Modeling and studies]]
 
<HTML>
<table>
 
  <tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 style='height:15.0pt'></td>
  <td class=xl641189 align=left>Prototype<span style='display:none'> A size 1
  Solar concentrator</span></td>
  <td class=xl641189 colspan=4 align=left>Proof of concept / Demonstrateur</td>
  </tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Optimisation of
  Solar concentrator design</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>60%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Self pilot of
  the solar concentrator (must perform a logical analy<span style='display:
  none'>sis of current solar concentrator of JB)</span></td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>40%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Tools to
  predict energetical production based on geography</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 colspan=4 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Model
  of economical and technical conditions for optimal usage of the solar
  concentrator</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Finalize
  localized business case</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>40%</td>
</tr>
<tr height=20 style='height:15.0pt'>
  <td height=20 class=xl151189 align=left style='height:15.0pt'>Identify
  technical modifications needed to adapt to new usage</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>80%</td>
  <td class=xl631189 align=right>40%</td>
</tr>
<![if supportMisalignedColumns]>
<tr height=0 style='display:none'>
  </tr>
<![endif]>
</table>
 
 
</HTML>


=See Also=
=See Also=
Line 857: Line 376:
*[[Solar Collector Calculations]]
*[[Solar Collector Calculations]]
*[[Linear Fresnel Solar Concentrator]]
*[[Linear Fresnel Solar Concentrator]]
[[Category: Optics]]






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Latest revision as of 02:30, 30 August 2023


Solar Concentrator
   Home  |  Research & Development  |  Bill of Materials  |  Manufacturing Instructions  |  User's Manual  |  User Reviews    Solar Concentrator.png

Overview

Research pertaining to the Solar Concentrator.

Links to DIY Projects

  • Fresnel Type, circular from the Ukraine - [1]

Research

http://openframeworks.cc could have some useful code and application to this. It would probably only use one of these systems displayed. Also generally an amazing resource for realtime 3d, robotics, arduino control.

SolarTrackingCodeExample.png

Open Source Ecology driven projects

In France, We proceeded using the iterated method product development lifecycle, defining the functional requirements, building table models, building the actual project. We started with a proof of concept developped in August 2015 during POC21 event in France, it was named Solar-OSE We are moving toward the first "alpha" version, not yet optimized in terms of costs, method of build and quality but full size, named Alpha-Sole it will be built in Autumn 2016. We will then develop the third and final version of this machine that will be fully optimized, yet to be named and conceptualized based on the findings over Alpha Sole and Solar Ose.

Development status

Demonstrator SolarOSE (proof of concept of 1KW peak power) : completed

the Functional requirements
Full builduing guide Open Hardware on Wikifab.org
Full builduing guide Open Hardware on instructables
Complementary to this manual, you can find online more information on:

   Software, Electronics, Modelling (once finalized), documentation, licence details: see Github
   discussions on our Forum
   the documentation and collaborative writing in French on our Wiki
   functional requirements giving a comparison between the present demonstrator and the next prototype
   the project in French:
   you can subscribe to our newsletter and more on our website: osefrance :)

AlphaSole (first module of 5KW Peak power) : on development

Planning

  August 2016: Design, final Functional requirements
  September 2016: BOM + Models
  Octobre/Novembre 2016: Workshop
  December-March 2017: Testing 
  March 2017 : on production


Gantt chart (need ganttproject)

Functional requirements of Alphasole Prototype

English version  here 
 French version  here 
 Spanish version here

Design requirements

Within the scope of collaborative research, we work on the requirements of each element developped thereafter in the following sections. The discussion history between contributors is available through the links to the forum (in French): 

 * Structure forum [2] ,
 * Concentrator optic forum [3] ,
 * Engines, Program, Captors forum [4] ,
 * Absorber forum [5] .

General

Requirement Demonstrator Prototype Comments for protototype
Reduce risks Pay attention to parasitic reflexions * optical risks ; * risks related to high pressure and high temperature hydraulic circuit
Cost (material, production, manufacturing, assembling) Minimum Minimum: <300€/m² Savings possible with respect to demonstrator but not yet optimized

Concentrator optic

[forum]

Requirement Demonstrator Prototype Comments for protototype
Optical efficiency Reflectivity (at normal angle) 0.9 60-70% To finetune: relevant/optimized geometry, cf cf [[6]] ; reflectivity of mirrors >= 0.9 ; other parameters : fouling, cleaning frequency, evolution through lifetime
Robustness and lifetime no requirement 3 to 5 years To be studied : * time? * warranty? * what efficiency loss? * renewal point, maintenance frequency. * economic balance? * also to be written in other sections : structure, optic. *to define: expensive elements, frame elements last longer: 20 years or more
Accesibility for cleaning and maintenance no requirement yes *easy cleaning of the mirrors; *maintenance and tuning of the facets once mounted; *access to receptor once mounted
Thermal efficiency of the receptor secondary concentration on the receptor > 1.5 70-80% efficiency as a goal
Total concentration factor between 15 and 30 between 15 and 30 With 20 mirrors, it reaches about 15
Secondary reflector (CPC) : design coordinated with absorber 60% yes

Structure

[forum]


Frame of mirrors set and receptor

Requirement Demonstrator Prototype Comments for protototype
Independant structure: mirror, receptor yes No Fixed relative position, to be set in accordance with latitude
Resistance to ambiant environment yes, punctually yes, permanently wind speed, hail, rain, snow, dust
Sufficient stiffness against vibrations and deformation yes yes
Ground fixing Adjustable feet Fixed Concrete base to be planned or fixation to an existing structure, roof... Study carefully stiffness, stability...
Assembling easiness yes yes kit possible
Transport easiness yes no
Welding the least possible Ok No requirement initially, compromise between : building complexity and assembling easiness
Limitation of accident risks yes yes at all stages : manufacturing, assembling

Structure of mirrors facets

Requirement Demonstrator Prototype Comments for protototype
Fresnel mirror: area defined by the power need (5KW )
Mirror deformation limitation deflection lower than 5 mm / 0.1° facet orientation, respectively 1cm on the receptor (a priori) depends on receptor height, valid for 1.5m height
Sun tracking (east west) >120° respectively 8h tracking 12h tracking respective rotation of 90° in 12h
Bad weather protection yes yes for instance: 180° range (mirrors down)
Optical alignment possible through a tuning needless of special tools yes yes Better: procedure to be updated for calibration
Easy switching of mirror facets yes yes more generally: easy maintenance

6) tracking system (engines, program, sensors)

[forum]

Requirement Demonstrator Prototype Comments for protototype
Real time accurate tracking of the sun motion yes yes Plan a failsoft mode in case of a failure of the tracking system
Motorisation of mirrors yes yes
Electricity consumption - Minimum achievable Plan an autonomous working mode (no connection to electical grid)? (photovoltaic pannel?)
Number of engines Minimum One per module or one for all the system To be validated regarding the other technical choices (structure)
Sun tracking to get the right angle yes yes, with necessary accuracy Goal: send all the beams of each mirror on the width of the recptor (CPC width)
Sensors (weather condition detection) - yes * ambiant temperature, direct sun radiation. (as a complement of process sensors (boiler and use))
Fluid temperature and pressure measurements yes drive the circulating pump controlled by pressure and/or temperature (according to use). Steam flow rate sensor? Liquid water level sensor? => depends on type of use
System automatic shutdown Optional Safety in case of electrical outage (circulating pump stopped => temperature increase) + in case of a storm (mirrors down (if possible)). (Resistance to hail?)
Simple controlling panel yes Programming expert mode when needed, but simple to use ideas: remote access ? consultation des informations de fonctionnement (et historique ?)To be scheduled

7) Receiver unit (absorber)

[forum]

Requirement Demonstrator Prototype Comments for protototype
Specific design for the working fluid, natural or forced circulation 100% yes
Selective material: High absorption qualities through all the solar spectrum : 100% , Absorbance 90%, infrared emissivity 15% : material intrinsically absorbant (or absorptive coating) = high absorbance through all the solar spectrum and low infrared emissivity
High thermal exchange between absorber and fluid 60% yes material and conduction-convection in the fluid
The system should be thermally insulated (with respect to ambiant air, infrared radiation) 60% yes see requirement for the overall thermal efficiency (insulation material above and glass below)
Good resistance to temperature variation (material expansion, tightness) 60% yes In particular, risks related to high temperatures and pressure of fluid

Ideas:

  • modularity is hardly compatible with the high constraints of the absorber (pressure, temperature variation etc.)
  • In case of frost, the absorber should be emptied (or the frost might destroy it). =>Ambiant temperature sensor + electric valve? =>design of the absorber enabling the complete emtying.

Usage

Requirements to be better defined with user

Functioning

Requirement Demonstrator Prototype Comments for protototype
Position: avoid building shadow and other masks - ?
Running range - ? *for a sun exposure not in first hour nor in last hour, *for which hour range in the day, in the season, * for which latitude
Temperature level - ? Optic and best technology may be different with respect to temperature. Example: *Hot water production at 80°C; *Steam production at 130°C from liquid water; *Steam Superheating from 150°C to 250°C

Hydraulic circuit

Requirement Demonstrator Prototype Comments for protototype
Pressure losses - Minimum Limit pressure losses, above all for light fluids : air, steam
Open/closed circuit - ?
Mineral scale risks - ? Gives good reason to run in a closed circuit...
Fluid - ?


Ideas: Could we have a feedback from the user? Which power (mini, maxi average) does he need? During how many hours? And for which season. At my parents', lavander distillery: July. Canned food and Jam from June to september.

See Also



The Global Village Construction Set
Habitat CEB Press Cement Mixer Sawmill Bulldozer Backhoe
Agriculture Tractor Seeder Hay Rake Well-Drilling Rig
Microtractor Soil Pulverizer Spader Hay Cutter Trencher
Bakery Oven Dairy Milker Microcombine Baler
Industry Multimachine Ironworker Laser Cutter Welder Plasma Cutter
CNC Torch Table Metal Roller Rod and Wire Mill Press Forge Universal Rotor
3D Printer 3D Scanner CNC Circuit Mill Industrial Robot Chipper Hammermill
Drill Press Induction Furnace
Energy Power Cube Gasifier Burner Solar Concentrator Electric Motor Generator Hydraulic Motor
Steam Engine Heat Exchanger Wind Turbine Pelletizer Universal Power Supply
Nickel-Iron Battery
Materials Aluminum Extractor Bioplastic Extruder
Transportation Car Truck

Imprimante 3D Scanner 3D Extracteur d'Aluminum Pelleteuse Four à Pain Presse à balles de paille Extrudeuse à bioplastiques Bulldozer Voiture Presse BTC Betonnière Broyeur à marteaux Imprimante de circuits électroniques Table de découpe numérique Trayeuse Perçeuse à colonne Moteur électrique Gazogène Faucheuse Râteau à foin Moteur hydraulique Fourneau à induction Bras robotisé Poinçonneuse Découpeur Laser Laminoir à plaques Microcombine Microtracteur Multimachine Batterie Ni-Fe Machine à granulés Torche plasma Power Cube Presse hydraulique Laminoir à barres et fils de fer Pulvérisateur de terre Scierie Semoir Concentrateur solaire Roto-bêche Moteur à vapeur Echangeur de chaleur Tracteur Fraiseuse de tranchée Camion Alimentation électrique universelle Rotor universel Poste de soudure à l'arc Plateforme de forage de puits Eolienne

Key Design Planning Prototype Almost done Full Release
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