Solar receiver tube support
AssigneeCorning Glass Works
InventorsCraig M. Lemrow, Arthur H. Wilder
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a support for a solar receiver element which is adapted to carry the element and accommodate cyclical thermal expansion and contraction by use of roller bearings.
Claims14
In a solar energy collector having a solar window portion and a thermally cyclical solar energy receiver element located therewithin, a support for the receiver element adapted to locate same in spaced relation with respect to the window and to accommodate linear expansion and contraction of the receiver element relative to the window due to thermal cycles thereof, the support comprising;
- a bearing adapted to engage opposed surfaces of the receiver element and the window including a plurality of roller bearings being selectively located between the opposed surfaces of said window and said receiver for spacing one from the other and being free to rollably carry the receiver element as it expands and contracts during thermal cycles, and a frame member located between said opposed surfaces of said window and said receiver including retainer means for associatively accommodating one each of the roller bearings therein and securing each to a limited path of rotation relative to the window and the receiver element during each thermal cycle.
An evacuated solar tubular collector wherein a tubular receiver element is axially surrounded and sealed within a tubular glass envelope or solar window, a support for the receiver element comprising:
- a bearing adapted to accommodate linear expansion and contraction of the receiver element relative to the window due to thermal cycles thereof, said bearing adapted to engage opposed substantially concentric surfaces of the receiver element and window including an annular frame member adapted to be fitted about the receiver element and loosely within the window, said frame having retainer apertures circumferentially located therein and a roller bearing located within each of the apertures adapted to closely engage the receiver element to space it from the window and rollably accommodate axial movement thereof, means associated with the window adapted to engage the frame and axially locate same within the envelope to inhibit axial creep of the bearing during thermal cycling of the receiver.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.