AU2011257255B2

AU2011257255B2 - Module for a thermal absorber of a solar receiver, absorber comprising at least one such module and receiver comprising at least one such absorber

Info

Publication number: AU2011257255B2
Application number: AU2011257255A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Arnaud Bruch; Julien Cigna; Raphael Couturier; Jean-Francois Fourmigue; Guilhem Roux
Original assignee: Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA; Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Current assignee: Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Priority date: 2010-05-27
Filing date: 2011-05-25
Publication date: 2016-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-25
Also published as: EP2577181A1; TR201902410T4; US20130118479A1; FR2960624B1; AU2011257255A1; TN2012000554A1; ES2711835T3; FR2960624A1; EP2577181B1; MA34254B1; WO2011147874A1; BR112012030086A2

Abstract

The invention relates to an absorber (6) for a solar receiver comprising a housing (12) having a longitudinal axis (X) including a first longitudinal end (18.1), a supply collector (20) for supplying a heat transfer fluid to a second longitudinal end (18.2), a discharge collector (22) for discharging said fluid, the housing comprising a first wall (14.1) provided with a surface (6.1) to be exposed to a luminous flux (F), a second wall (14.2) facing the first wall, side walls (16.1, 16.2) connecting said first (14.1) and second walls (14.2), said housing (12) comprising a means (28) which rigidly connects the first and second wall, and is formed by at least one longitudinally extending rib (30) attached to the first (14.1) and to the second (14.2) wall, said rib (30) comprising the windows (32) and the deflectors (34) associated with the windows (32), said deflectors (34) requiring a portion of the fluid to pass through said windows (32) causing a remixing of the fluid.

Description

MODULE FOR A THERMAL ABSORBER OF A SOLAR RECEIVER, ABSORBER COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SUCH MODULE AND RECEIVER COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE SUCH ABSORBER

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates to a thermal absorber for a solar receiver of a solar power plant and to a solar receiver for a solar power plant comprising at least one such absorber, in particular for a Fresnel-type concentrating solar power plant.

Concentrating thermal solar technology consists in using solar radiation to heat a heat transfer fluid used as the heat source in a thermodynamic cycle. Concentration enables relatively high temperatures to be attained, and thus relatively substantial thermodynamic conversion efficiencies to be enjoyed. The developed technologies are distinguished by the means used to concentrate the solar rays, by the means by which heat is transferred, and possibly by the means used to store heat, i.e. the heat transfer fluid used and thermodynamic conversion means which are, for example, steam turbines, gas turbines or Stirling engines .

There are typically four families of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems: - linear-focus parabolic cylinder collectors, - Fresnel linear concentrators, - central receiver tower systems, and - adjustable-focus parabolas.

Each concentrating solar power system comprises a solar receiver the function of which is to transfer to a fluid, such as water, oil or a gas, the heat of the solar radiation. This solar receiver therefore forms a heat exchanger. This exchanger is formed of one or more tubes installed parallel to one another, in which the heat transfer fluid flows.

In the particular case of a Fresnel-type concentrating solar power plant, the solar receiver receives the light rays reflected by mirrors, and transmits them to the heat transfer fluid in the form of heat. A solar receiver typically comprises: - an absorber which receives the solar flux on its lower face, and in which the heat transfer fluid flows, - possibly, a layer of thermal insulating material enabling the heat losses from the absorber to the exterior to be limited, - possibly, a glazed panel enabling the absorber to be insulated from the external environment, and delimiting a closed cavity between the absorber and the glass.

In such a device, the flux received by the absorber varies greatly across the width of the absorber and along the length of the absorber. This variety is notably due: - to the fact that the concentrated flux is obtained by the superimposition of unit fluxes of each mirror either side of the receiver, where each mirror produces a solar patch on the absorber with focusing and flux which vary according to the position of the sun in the course of the day; - to errors of positioning of the mirrors and of focusing relating to the manufacture and drive precision of the mirrors; - to the passage clouds across the solar field, causing sudden variations of flux.

The surface of the absorber which receives the flux is generally covered with a selective surface coating which absorbs the solar energy whilst having a low emissivity in the infrared spectrum, limiting losses by infrared re-emission. This coating is, for example, a black paint. The lifetime of this surface treatment is an important parameter for the performance of the solar power plant. But this selective surface treatment can be heat damaged; it is therefore important to prevent the appearance of hot points.

An absorber for a solar receiver of the Fresnel type is described, for example, in documents US 2009/0056703 A1 and US2009/0084374 A1 . The absorber is formed by multiple tubes positioned next to one another in order to transfer the energy of the concentrated solar flux to the fluid. The tubes are particularly suitable for pressurised fluids such as steam. However, since the concentrated solar flux varies greatly over the width of the absorber and, possibly, along the length of the tubes, the fluid is heated differently in different tubes. Since the fluids exiting the different tubes are not at the same temperature a reblending zone is then required.

In addition, the zones located between the tubes which also receive the concentrated solar flux are not used to heat the fluid, and the efficiency of the receiver is therefore not optimal.

In addition, in the zones of the absorber where the solar flux is potentially very concentrated, for example due to a mirror focusing error, the temperature of the wall of the tube increases suddenly and the selective surface treatment applied to the tube may be damaged rapidly, and there may therefore be a drop in performance of the solar receiver.

It can be advantageous for at least one embodiment of the present invention to provide a solar absorber the efficiency of which, even in the case of a varied luminous flux, is increased, and having reduced risks of the appearance of hot points.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure provides a module for the production of an absorber for a solar receiver of a thermal power plant comprising a wall which is roughly flat, and the outer face of which is intended to receive the luminous flux, a wall opposite said wall, and side walls, where said walls define a single channel for the flow of a pressurised heat transfer fluid, and where the wall the face of which is intended to receive the luminous flux and the wall opposite the latter are connected mechanically by means installed in the flow of the fluid, so as to keep the absorber pressurised. The module may also comprise means for reblending the fluid in the single channel, homogenising the temperature of the fluid, and preventing the appearance of hot points.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the elements mechanically connecting the two walls may also form deflectors for the fluid, so as to reblend the fluid within the module.

The two mechanically connected walls may be preferentially connected by a single central element which is roughly aligned with the lengthways axis of the absorber, in which windows may be made to cause the fluid to flow from one side to the other of the central element. Even more preferentially, vanes are installed to force the fluid to flow through the windows, and thus to change direction.

The disclosure provides in one form one or more modules placed end-to-end, and collectors upstream and downstream for connection to a liquid supply circuit or to other absorbers.

In other words, the absorber may be provided as a heat exchanger having a single duct, used to collect a concentrated solar energy flux on a single one of its faces, which is particularly suitable for a flow of great variability across the width and along the length of the exposed face. This exchanger may transfer this flux to a heat transfer fluid, undertaking an internal blending in order to homogenise the output temperature of the fluid and the wall temperature, which may prevent thermal degradation of the fluid and of the surface coating on the face exposed to the flux. A first aspect provides a module for the production of a thermal absorber for a solar receiver of a solar power plant of the Fresnel type, with a lengthways axis, comprising a single duct delimited by a first roughly flat wall having a face intended to be subjected to a luminous flux, a second wall opposite the first wall and side walls connecting said first and second walls, where said module is delimited at its lengthways ends by transverse end planes at which points said module is intended to be connected to upstream and/or downstream modules, and/or to collectors for the supply and/or evacuation of a heat transfer fluid intended to flow under pressure in the module, and where said module comprises means for rigidly connecting the first and second walls, where said means are positioned in the flow of the heat transfer fluid, and means to enable the heat transfer fluid to flow in directions which are inclined relative to the lengthways axis, in such manner that an internal blending of the heat transfer fluid is ensured in order to homogenise the output temperature of the heat transfer fluid and the temperature of the first wall.

The heat transfer fluid may be a liquid.

The pressure of the heat transfer fluid in the module is preferably between 2 Bar and 6 Bar.

For example, the means to enable flows in directions which may be inclined relative to those of the lengthways axis comprise deflectors which may be distributed throughout the volume of the module, and which may cause the fluid to change direction.

In an advantageous example, the module according to an embodiment of the invention comprises at least one rib extending in a lengthways direction, attached to the first and to the second walls, where said rib comprises windows and deflectors associated with the windows, and where said deflectors may cause a portion of the fluid to flow through said windows.

According to an additional characteristic, said at least one rib may extend in a lengthways direction along the entire length of said module, delimiting two half-channels which are in fluid communication .

The rib may be produced for example from a metal alloy strip from which the deflectors are cut, where said deflectors may be folded such that they are inclined relative to the lengthways axis and open up the windows .

Two successive deflectors are preferably located either side of the plane of the rib.

The rib can be welded on one side to the internal face of the first wall, where said rib may comprise tabs on its side which is welded to the second wall which are inserted into notches made in said second wall.

The module can be of a roughly rectangular parallelepipedic shape, where the first and second walls can have the largest areas.

The face intended to be subjected to a luminous flux may advantageously comprises a coating improving the absorption of the luminous flux. The coating preferably has low infrared emissivity properties . A second aspect provides a thermal absorber for a solar receiver of a solar power plant comprising one or more modules according to the first aspect, where the modules are connected in series in sealed fashion, and where said absorber comprises, at a first lengthways end, a heat transfer fluid supply collector and, at a second lengthways end, a heat transfer fluid evacuation collector. A third aspect provides a solar receiver comprising at least one absorber according to the first aspect, and a skirt formed from two inclined panels at some distance from the lengthways axis, positioned either side of the absorber relative to the lengthways axis, where said skirt redirects the luminous flux on to the absorber.

The receiver may comprise thermal insulation means positioned outside the absorber on the second wall and on the sides of the latter.

The receiver is preferably of the Fresnel type . A forth aspect provides a method for manufacturing an absorber according to the second aspect, comprising the following steps: - manufacture of one or more modules, - attachment of the means for rigidly connecting the first and second walls means to the first and second walls, and installation of the means to enable flows in directions which are inclined relative to the lengthways axis, - installation of the supply and evacuation collectors at the ends of the assembly formed by the module or modules.

The means for rigidly connecting the first and second walls and the means to enable flows in directions which are inclined relative to that of the lengthways axis may be produced, for example, from a metal alloy strip: - by cutting vanes from the strip, where said vanes are attached on one side to the strip, and - by folding said vanes such that they form an angle with the plane of the strip, where the production of said vanes simultaneously forms windows in the strip.

The means for rigidly connecting the first and second walls may be attached, for example, by welding .

The manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the invention may advantageously comprise a step of surface treatment of the outer face of the first wall. Said surface treatment can be accomplished by applying a layer of paint on to said face after the module or modules are manufactured.

Another aspect provides a method for manufacturing a solar receiver, where said method comprises : - the step of manufacturing multiple absorbers by the manufacturing method according to the forth aspect, - the step of sealed connection by welding of said absorbers by their collectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS

Embodiments of the present invention will be better understood by way of example only using the description which follows and the appended non-limiting illustrations, in which: - figure 1 is a perspective cutaway view of an example embodiment of an absorber according to the present invention, - figure 2 is a transverse section view of the absorber of figure 1, - figure 3A is a view of an isolated element of the absorber of figure 2, - figure 3B is an enlarged view of figure 3A, - figure 3C is a top view of the detail of figure 3B, - figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a variant embodiment of an absorber according to the present invention, - figure 5 is a diagrammatic transverse section view of an example embodiment of a solar receiver according to the present invention, - figure 6 is a partial diagrammatic representation of a Fresnel-type solar power plant according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED ACCOUNT OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

We shall firstly briefly describe a solar receiver in which a solar absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed. Such a solar receiver is represented in figure 5.

Solar receiver 2 comprises a skirt 4 formed by two panels 4.1, 4.2 which define, seen as a transverse section, a trapezoid space, in the base of which an absorber 6 is positioned. Skirt 4 advantageously redirects the luminous flux from mirrors 42 (in figure 6) to absorber 6, and more specifically to an outer face 6.1 of a lower wall of the absorber. The luminous flux is represented symbolically by arrows F .

The solar receiver forms part of a thermal power plant and transfers the heat from the luminous flux to the liquid.

Absorber 6 delimits a channel 8 in which a heat transfer fluid is intended to flow in a direction roughly perpendicular to the plane of the sheet of paper in the representation of figure 5.

Thermal insulation means 10 are advantageously installed on the other wall and on the sides of absorber 6 to limit the heat losses from the absorber to the exterior, and more specifically from the heat transfer fluid heated by the luminous flux towards the exterior. A transparent plate 11 may be installed, for example made of glass, positioned upstream from the absorber in the direction of the luminous flux, to create a sealed cavity and to limit losses by convection. We shall now describe in detail an example embodiment of an absorber 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention represented in figure 1.

Absorber 6 comprises a casing 12 of roughly parallelepipedic shape extending in a lengthways axis X. The casing comprises two lengthways walls 14.1, 14.2 of greater area, where two side lengthways walls 16.1, 16.2 connect both lengthways walls 14.1, 14.2 of greater area. The casing is delimited at its lengthways ends by two transverse end planes 18.1, 18.2.

The casing can comprise one or more modules; in the represented example it contains two such modules. The absorbers are generally very long, for example several hundred metres; they therefore usually comprise several modules. This type of production in the form of modules enables manufacture to be simplified.

One of the lengthways walls of greater area 14.1 is intended to be illuminated by luminous flux F. This wall is located in the lower portion in order to receive the luminous flux reflected by the mirrors; this wall will be designated below by the description "lower wall"; the opposite wall, for its part, will be designated the "upper wall".

The absorber also comprises a collector 20 for the supply of "cold" heat transfer fluid connected to the casing at one of the transverse end planes, and a collector 22 for evacuating the heated heat transfer fluid, after it has traversed the entire absorber connected to the casing at the opposite transverse plane. Collectors 20, 22 are connected to a fluid network of the solar power plant.

The heat transfer fluid flows along lengthways axis X, from supply collector 20 to evacuation collector 22, in the direction represented symbolically by arrow 24. The heat transfer fluid is a liquid.

In the example represented in figure 1 the section of the casing is rectangular; however, this shape is in no way restrictive. Indeed, the section could, for example, be trapezoid, where both side walls would then be inclined and where the base would be formed by wall 14.1. Walls 14.1 and 14.2 could be nonparallel, or at least have non-parallel portions. It could even be envisaged that the transverse section of the casing could be not a quadrilateral, but instead a triangle or a polygon having at least five sides. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the casing of absorber 6 delimits channel 8, one outer face 6.1 of which is subjected to luminous flux F. Mechanical connection means 28 between the lengthways walls 14.1, 14.2 of greater areas are designed to ensure that they are able to withstand the pressure of the casing.

In the represented example these mechanical connection means 28 are formed by a rib 30 positioned roughly along lengthways axis X and attached to the side walls 14.1 14.2 of greater area. The rib is more specifically visible in figures 3A to 3C.

Rib 30 is perforated to allow fluid to pass from one side to the other of the rib, and to allow the fluid to be reblended.

The absorber advantageously comprises means improving the blend by causing the fluid to change its direction of flow relative to the lengthways direction, such that the temperature of the fluid within the channel is roughly uniform, and such that the appearance of hot points is prevented. A hot point is understood to mean, in particular in the context of this invention, a zone subjected to a greater solar flux over an area extending lengthways along the absorber .

In the represented example, and advantageously, the rib is pierced with windows 32, and has fluid deflectors 34 such that they cause the fluid flow to change from one side to the other of rib 30.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the deflectors are formed by vanes cut from the rib simultaneously producing windows 32.

In addition, in the represented example, the deflectors' direction of inclination is such that it deflects the stream towards the opposite face of the rib. The change of direction of the stream is represented symbolically by arrows 36 in figure 3B.

As can be seen in figures 3A and 3B, two succeeding vanes are each advantageously located on one side of rib 30, such that the fluid is alternately directed to one side and then to the other side of the rib, thus causing the reblending.

The effect of the presence of the rigidification rib is not therefore to divide channel 8 into two independent channels, but is to allow the fluid to flow between the two subchannels, and therefore allows homogenisation of the temperature. If one side of plate 14.1 opposite one of the subchannels is more illuminated than the other, therefore potentially implying a greater heating of the fluid flowing in this subchannel, the blending thus prevents the appearance of this temperature differential. The temperature of the walls is also homogenised, reducing the deformations of the casing by expansion.

The absorber's casing is preferably made of metal plate, as is the rib, which is then welded on to both lengthways walls of greater area.

In the represented example, rib 30 has protruding tabs 37 on its upper edge on the side of wall 14.2 of the casing; these tabs are inserted into notches made in upper wall 14.2 to anchor the rib satisfactorily.

Rib 30 is then welded on to the internal face of lower wall 14.1, which does not damage its outer face 6.1 subjected to the luminous flux, and tabs 37 traverse upper wall 14.2 and are welded to this wall in sealed fashion. It should be noted that the surface condition of outer face 6.1 of upper wall 14.2 is not a factor for the operation of the absorber.

The interval of windows 32 and angle of inclination of vanes 34 are chosen in accordance with the flow conditions of the fluid in absorber 6.

In the represented example there is a single rib 30 in channel 8. It may be envisaged to have n parallel ribs, where n is a positive integer, extending along the entire length of the channel, and defining n + 1 subchannels in communication. The pressure resistance of the absorber is thus increased further .

In addition, in the represented example the rib extends along the entire length of the lengthways axis. Conversely, it is possible to have several ribs of lesser length positioned parallel to the lengthways axis, and distributed throughout the volume of the duct so as to form rigidification and blending elements throughout the entire volume. These elements are, for example, distributed uniformly. Multiple single deflectors 134 can also be distributed throughout the entire volume of duct 8, as is represented diagrammatically in figure 4. The deflectors are then, for example, formed by metal plates welded on to both lengthways walls of greater area, and inclined relative to lengthways axis X.

It can also be envisaged to separate the mechanical connection means and the deflection means. To this end rods which mechanically connect both lengthways walls of greater area may be used, since the latter have little effect on the flow of the liquid. The deflector means would be formed, for example, by plates inclined relative to the lengthways axis. The plates could then be attached only to one or other of the lengthways walls of greater area. A perforated rib, such as the one represented in figure 3A, but having no vanes, could also be envisaged, the vanes then being attached separately in the volume of the channel, and aligned to cause the fluid to flow through the windows of the rib.

According to an embodiment of the invention, face 6.1 of absorber 6 receiving the luminous flux is flat; a surface treatment can then easily be applied to it to ensure that it collects the luminous flux satisfactorily, the goal being to obtain total absorption of the incident luminous flux, i.e. emissivity in the visible spectrum close to 1, and zero re-emission in the infrared spectrum, i.e. emissivity in the infrared spectrum close to 0. The treatment is, for example, applied to the lower face of the casing after the latter has been assembled, by applying a layer of selective paint, or then before assembling the casing, by accomplishing a bath deposition, for example of the Black Chromium type on the metal plate intended to form lower wall 14.1. The absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention is particularly suitable for operation at a pressure of less than 10 bar, and more specifically at an absolute pressure of between 2 Bar and 6 Bar, for example between 3 Bar and 6 Bar at maximum temperatures of 400 °C, and even more particularly for operation at a pressure of the order of 3 Bar and at a temperature of the order of 300°C.

The heat transfer fluid can be water or, more advantageously, thermal oil commonly used in concentrating solar power plants, such as Therminol 66® or Therminol VP1®. The heat transfer fluid can flow in the absorber at a speed of the order of 0.2 m/s to 2 m/s.

The casing of the absorber is made, for example, with metal alloy plates of roughly 1 millimetre thick, welded in sealed fashion. Such alloys can be stainless steel 304 or stainless steel 316, or again a pressure-resistant steel such as P265GH and P295GH.

As mentioned previously, solar receivers of high-power solar power plants are generally several hundreds of metres in length. To this end, the casings are preferably manufactured from multiple modules, which are positioned end-to-end, and which are assembled by a seal weld 40 (figure 1) . For example, each module may measure 2.5 m in length. Each module comprises a rib, which after assembly is aligned with those of the other modules.

By virtue of an embodiment of the invention it may then be possible to manufacture standard modules and then to connect them in order to form a casing on to which supply and evacuation collectors are attached, forming an absorber. This production in the form of standard modules may enable manufacturing to be automated, and the manufacturing cost prices to be reduced.

As an example, an absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention may measure 50 m in length .

It may be decided to connect several absorbers in series, where the evacuation collector of the upstream absorber is then connected to the supply connector of the downstream absorber. Changing from one absorber to the next may, for example, enable the downstream absorber to be positioned in a direction different to the upstream absorber.

The absorber according to an embodiment of the present invention may be particularly suitable for the production of a Fresnel-type solar receiver. In figure 6 a plant of the Fresnel type can be seen, having at least one solar receiver. Multiple absorbers 6 connected in series are, for example, suspended by means of metal rods (not visible) which are roughly normal to lengthways axis X and distributed regularly to bear the load of the absorbers. The means of attachment of absorbers 6 are such that they allow the absorbers to expand lengthways and widthways without applying any stress, or applying the least possible stress, to them. For a solar power plant having a power rating of between 1 MWe and 10 MWe, the solar field consists of several lines of receivers, the characteristic length of which is between 50 and 200 metres .

As a non-restrictive illustration, we shall give a practical example embodiment of a casing according to an embodiment of the present invention, as represented in figure 1. The casing of the absorber of figure 1 has two modules I, II. A module is 2550 mm in length, and has been manufactured from 316L stainless steel plates 2 mm thick. Two modules forming a casing are welded to delimit a parallelepipede, the external dimensions of which are as follows: length 5,100 mm, width 202 mm and thickness 15 mm. However, it should be noted that the casing may be between 5 mm and 50 mm thick, for example between 10 mm and 25 mm, and may be between 100 mm and 500 mm wide. In the example of figure 2, the lower plate is arched, forming in a single piece lower wall 14.1 and the side walls, and the upper plate, forming the upper wall, is flat.

Central rib 30 is 2 mm thick, and is welded to the lower and upper plates. Central rib 6 is initially welded to the lower plate. The upper plate has cut notches into which thickened portions of the rib fit. Rib 30 is then welded to the upper plate by melting the thickened portions.

The central rib comprises vanes obtained by folding after pre-cutting the rib using a laser. The vanes are 30 mm in length; they are positioned every 150 mm and are inclined by 30° relative to axis X of the module. The vanes were produced before the central rib was attached.

We shall now describe the operation of a solar power plant comprising a solar receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention. We shall consider a receiver having a single absorber.

The plant comprises a receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention, mirrors 42 to reflect the solar rays towards the absorber, a system for supplying the receiver with liquid, a system for collecting heated liquid at the outlet of the receiver, and thermodynamic conversion means which comprise, for example, steam turbines, gas turbines, etc.

The solar receiver is suspended above mirrors 42 represented in figure 6. These mirrors reflect the solar radiation in the direction of solar receiver 2, and more specifically in the direction of absorber 6. Skirt 6 of receiver 2 redirects luminous flux F to outer face 6.1 of lower wall 14.1 of the casing of absorber 6.

Luminous flux F heats lower wall 14.1, particularly if a suitable coating has been applied to it. Since the fluid flowing in the casing of absorber 6 is in contact with the internal face of lower wall 14.1, the latter is heated. On exiting the absorber the heated fluid is conveyed towards the thermodynamic conversion means.

The solar receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention may provide improved efficiency compared to receivers of the state of the art, since the luminous flux collector area is increased. Indeed, the surface is flat and continuous, and has no empty spaces. The receivers of the state of the art, conversely, have "gaps" between the pipes. In addition to having a maximum area exposed to the flux, an embodiment of the invention may also avoid the need for heat exchanges in the rear of the absorber, as in the case of tubes, where the flux passing in the spaces between tubes heats a surface which then exchanges with the rear face of the tubes. In addition, by virtue of the flat surface, re-emissions in the infrared spectrum are reduced compared to the case of the developed area of tubes of the same width.

The absorber is, furthermore, very efficient in managing varied luminous fluxes on the exposed surface, due to the reblending which takes place within the absorber.

Homogenisation reduces the risks of appearance of hot points, which can appear in zones with very high flux; this homogenisation of the absorber's wall temperature prevents degradation of the thermal oil, which has a limiting film temperature; if this limit is exceeded this causes impaired performance, together with a risk of increased viscosity and the formation of deposits.

It enables a fluid having a uniform temperature to be delivered.

In addition, the lifetime of the surface treatment is increased, since the maximum temperature values are lower.

In addition, the reblending of the heat transfer fluid also allows homogenisation of the temperature of the metal walls, the effect of which is to reduce the deformations and the stresses related to expansion. The lifetime of the absorber, and therefore that of the solar receiver, are increased, since they are subjected to less thermal fatigue, reducing the risks of leakage and failure.

Embodiments of the present invention apply principally to solar receivers of the Fresnel type.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the module, thermal absorber, solar receiver and their methods of manufacture.

Claims

1. A module for the production of a thermal absorber for a solar receiver of a solar power plant of the Fresnel type, with a lengthways axis, comprising a single duct delimited by a first roughly flat wall having a face intended to be subjected to a luminous flux, a second wall opposite the first wall, side walls connecting said first and second walls, where said module is delimited at its lengthways ends by transverse end planes at which points said module is configured to be connected to upstream and/or downstream modules, and/or to collectors for the supply and/or evacuation of a heat transfer fluid intended to flow in the module, said heat transfer fluid being pressurised, said module comprising means for rigidly connecting the first and second walls, said means being positioned in the flow of the heat transfer fluid, and means to enable the heat transfer fluid to flow in directions which are inclined relative to the lengthways axis, in such manner that an internal blending of the heat transfer fluid is ensured in order to homogenise the output temperature of the heat transfer fluid and the temperature of the first wall.

2. A module according to claim 1, in which the pressure of the heat transfer fluid in the module is between 2 Bar and 6 Bar.

3. A module according to claim 1 or 2, in which the means to enable flows in directions which are inclined relative to the lengthways axis comprise deflectors which are distributed throughout the volume of the module, and which cause the fluid to change direction .

4. A module according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one rib extending lengthways, attached to the first and to the second wall, said rib comprising windows and deflectors associated with the windows, said deflectors causing a portion of the fluid to flow through said windows.

5. A module according to claim 4, in which said at least one rib extends in a lengthways direction along the entire length of said module, delimiting two half-channels which are in fluid communication.

6. A module according to claim 4 or 5, in which the rib is produced from a metal alloy strip from which the deflectors and windows are cut, said deflectors being folded such that they are inclined relative to the lengthways axis and open up the windows .

7. A module according to any one of claims 4 to 6, in which two deflectors in succession are located on either side of a plane of the rib.

8. A module according to any one of claims 4 to 7, in which the rib is welded on one side to the internal face of the first wall, said rib comprising on its side welded to the second wall tabs inserted into notches made in said second wall.

9. A module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, having a roughly rectangular parallelepipedic shape, the first and second walls being of larger areas .

10. A module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the face intended to be subjected to the luminous flux comprises a coating improving absorption of the luminous flux.

11. A module according to claim 10, in which the coating has low infrared emissivity properties .

12. A thermal absorber for a solar receiver of a solar power plant comprising one or more modules according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the modules being connected in series in sealed fashion, and said absorber comprising, at a first lengthways end, a heat transfer fluid supply collector and, at a second lengthways end, a heat transfer fluid evacuation collector .

13. A solar receiver comprising at least one absorber according to claim 12 and a skirt formed from two inclined panels at some distance from the lengthways axis, positioned either side of the absorber relative to the lengthways axis, said skirt redirecting the luminous flux on to the absorber.

14. A solar receiver according to claim 13, comprising thermal insulation means positioned outside the absorber on the second wall and on the side walls.

15. A solar receiver according to claim 13 or 14, which is of the Fresnel type.

16. A method of manufacturing an absorber according to claim 12, comprising the following steps: - manufacture of one or more modules, - attachment of the means for rigidly connecting the first and second walls to the first and second walls, and installation of the means to enable flows in directions which are inclined relative to the lengthways axis, - installation of the supply and evacuation collectors at the ends of the assembly formed by the module or modules.

17. A manufacturing method according to claim 16 when dependent on claim 4, in which the means for rigidly connecting the first and second walls and the means to enable flows in directions inclined relative to that of the lengthways axis are made from a metal alloy strip: - by cutting vanes from the strip, where said vanes are attached on one side to the strip, and - by folding said vanes such that they form an angle with the plane of the strip, where the production of said vanes simultaneously forms windows in the strip.

18. A manufacturing method according to claim 16 or 17, in which the means for rigidly connecting the first and second walls are attached by welding .

19. A manufacturing method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, comprising a step of surface treatment of the outer face of the first wall.

20. A manufacturing method according to the claim 19, in which said surface treatment is accomplished by painting said face after manufacturing the module or modules.

21. A method of manufacturing a solar receiver, where said method comprises: - the step of manufacturing multiple absorbers by the manufacturing method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, - the step of sealed connection by welding of said absorbers by their collectors.