Device and method for collecting solar energy

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for collecting heat from a solar concentrator has an isothermal body defining an elongated cavity with a circular opening having a diameter equal to a diameter of a focus of the solar concentrator, the cavity having a reflective walls such that solar rays contacting the walls are substantially reflected. The circular opening is located at the focus of the solar concentrator and perpendicular to a principal axis of the solar concentrator, and the axis of the cavity is aligned with the principal axis of the solar concentrator. The heat generated in the isothermal body is absorbed by the heat sink. The length of the cavity is sufficient to absorb a desired proportion of the energy in the solar rays entering the cavity and is about 5 to 9 times the diameter of the opening of the cavity. Depending on material used, the isothermal body can be enclosed in a reducing atmosphere to maintain reflectivity of the cavity walls.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention is in the field of solar energy and, in particular, of the collection of concentrated solar radiation for the purpose of advancing thermochemical, thermomechanical, or other thermal processes. Background technique [0002] Today, there is considerable interest in developing renewable solar thermal energy for many thermally driven processes. These treatments may include thermomechanical treatments in sterling engine or steam turbine power generation systems, thermochemical reforming, thermal cracking, engineered heating, combined heating, material processing, and the like. Solar energy collection systems are generally placed in places where sunlight is easily available. In a typical system, mirrors (either flat or curved) are arranged in a parabolic or trough configuration to concentrate incident solar radiation onto a predetermined target. As the sun moves across the sky, a tracking control system or a pre-programmed algorithm m...

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Problems solved by technology

Vapor systems can operate at moderate temperatures less than 800K, however in some endothermic reactions thermochemistry when trying to obtain high equilibrium constants may require considerably higher temperatures

Unfortunately, as the process temperature increases, the parasitic radiation loss follows Stefan's law (Pr = σεAT 4 ), so that for every doubling of the absolute temperature of the target, the losses due to thermal radiation at the processing temperature increase by a factor of 16

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