Development and Application of Test System for Ball Joints of Parabolic Trough Solar Collector
Ball joint is the key component of parabolic trough solar collector.In view of the problems that the ball joint is prone to operation sticking and heat conduction oil leakage,a performance test system of ball joint was developed.It can realize the accelerated life test of ball joints in rotational,angular or rotational-angular motion and at temperature up to 393℃and pressure up to 4.1 MPa.Using the thermal conductivity oil as heat transfer fluid,the performance test research of ball joints was carried out under the working conditions of thermal conductivity oil temperature of 393℃and pressure of 2.3 MPa,as well as under the conditions of temperature and pressure variation.The torque characteristics and sealing performance of the ball joint during the simulated 12-year life period were analyzed.Furthermore,the stability and reliability of the test system were verified through the test process,and the control accuracy and measurement accuracy of key technical parameters met the operational requirements.The test system provides technical support for the performance assessment of ball joints.
solar thermal power generationparabolic trough solar collectorball jointtest systemtorque characteristicseal performanceaccelerated lifeperformance testing