Solar Energy
SDSU Masters Theses: Onkar Mande
Onkar Mande
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Candidate)
San Diego State University
Specialization in Thermal Sciences
2008 - 2010 (expected graduation)
B.S.-Mechanical Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Engineering College (2007)
The main scope of the Master’s Thesis is the design & shape of a solar thermal central receiver for use in the Google project. The design will mainly concentrate on the creation of a quartz window that can withstand the extreme conditions it will be placed under during testing. Analysis of the window will be conducted using finite element analysis with the aid of computer aided software, Comsol and Hypermesh. The programs will test for stress on the quartz window as well the receiver. The receiver will be designed to allow for a power output of approximately 3 to 4 MW.
(simulated quartz glass design)
So far I have studied three window designs for a small particle solar receiver and come up with an right material present in the market that can be used to create a window out of it. Studied how these mirror blanks were produced. Then I have also overcame with an optimized window geometry.
An additional challenge to my project is a better sealing arrangement of the spherical cap with the Small particle solar receiver. The seals play an important role in the generation of stresses on to the window. The receiver window will be designed to allow for a power output of approximately 3 to 4 MW and able to withstand a 10 bar pressure. In addition to that anti reflective coatings were also studied to increase the optical properties of the window.
Seal design for a Small particle solar receiver window