DIRECT SOLAR STEAM GENERATION

摘要

Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.

主权项

1. A solar collection system, comprising:
an enclosure having a transmissive surface positioned between an exterior region of the enclosure and an interior region of the enclosure to transmit solar radiation from the exterior region to the interior region; a receiver having an elongated conduit carrying a working fluid, the elongated conduit including a first portion in which the working fluid travels in a first direction, a second portion in which the working fluid travels in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a connecting portion between the first and second portions; and at least one reflector positioned to receive solar radiation and direct a first portion of the radiation to the first portion of the receiver, and direct a second portion of the radiation to the second portion of the receiver.