Solar energy utilization device

Abstract

A solar energy utilization device includes a light energy utilization unit and at least one liquid concentrator. The liquid concentrator is filled with a transparent liquid. The liquid concentrator has at least one light receiver capable of transmitting sunlight into the transparent liquid and a reflector for reflecting the incident sunlight. Specifically, the sunlight reflected from the transparent liquid to the light receiver by the reflector in the liquid concentrator undergoes total internal reflection, thereby preventing sunlight from being reflected into the transparent liquid and then refracted back out of the light receiver. This allows more sunlight to converge onto the light energy utilization unit of the light energy utilization device, improving the concentrating efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a light energy conversion and utilization device. Background Technology

[0002] As the cost of photovoltaic panels decreases and their efficiency increases, solar energy systems are being used more and more widely. However, with the widespread application of solar energy systems, related problems have also emerged, such as increased land costs, power station maintenance costs (including dust cleaning and snow removal), and difficulties in recycling photovoltaic panels. Invention Overview

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] This application provides a novel solar energy utilization device to demonstrate a new solar energy utilization structure.

[0006] Solution to the problem

[0007] Technical solutions

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a solar energy utilization device, comprising:

[0009] A light energy utilization device, wherein the light energy utilization device has a light energy utilization unit capable of receiving and converting sunlight for utilization;

[0010] The device includes at least one liquid concentrator filled with a transparent liquid. The liquid concentrator has at least one light receiver capable of transmitting sunlight into the transparent liquid and a reflector capable of reflecting the incident sunlight. The transparent liquid is in contact with the light receiver, and the sunlight incident from the transparent liquid onto the light receiver in the liquid concentrator undergoes total internal reflection to focus the sunlight onto the light energy utilization section of the light energy utilization device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the liquid concentrator has a concentrator made of a light-transmitting material, and the light energy utilization part is located outside the concentrator. In the liquid concentrator, sunlight is focused towards the concentrator to enter the light energy utilization part.

[0012] In one embodiment, the liquid focusing device has a focusing body, the light energy utilization part is part of the liquid focusing device, and the outer wall of the light energy utilization part is the focusing body.

[0013] In one embodiment, the reflector and the light receiver have a structure that enables total internal reflection to occur when the light is reflected from the transparent liquid and directed towards the light receiver.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the reflective surface of the reflector forms an acute angle with the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving body, wherein the acute angle is ≤40°.

[0015] In one embodiment, the liquid focusing device has a closed cavity, the cavity wall of which includes the light receiver, the reflector and the focusing element, and at least a portion of the closed cavity is filled with the transparent liquid.

[0016] In one embodiment, the reflector is a flat plate, an arc-shaped plate, or a folded plate.

[0017] In one embodiment, the light receiver and the reflector are both inclined flat plates, the light concentrator is located below the light receiver and the reflector, the upper ends of the light receiver and the reflector are connected to each other, and the two ends of the light concentrator are respectively connected to the lower ends of the light receiver and the reflector.

[0018] In one embodiment, the light receiver is an arc-shaped panel, the light concentrator is located at one end of the light receiver along its axial direction, the reflector is a folded panel, the other end of the light receiver along its axial direction is connected to the reflector, and the light receiver is tilted such that the end of the light receiver connected to the light concentrator is lower than the other end of the light receiver.

[0019] In one embodiment, the liquid focusing device includes a light guide placed in the transparent liquid, which focuses the sunlight toward the light energy utilization device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the liquid focusing device includes at least one transparent hollow body, which is a closed structure or connected to the atmospheric environment. Part of the wall of the transparent hollow body is attached to or integrated with a reflector to reflect the incoming sunlight. Part of the wall of the transparent hollow body is in contact with a transparent liquid to transmit the sunlight or to achieve total reflection of the sunlight.

[0021] In one embodiment, a portion of the wall of the transparent hollow body is in close contact with the light guide or is an integral structure with the light guide, so as to concentrate the sunlight toward the light energy utilization device through reflection.

[0022] In one embodiment, there are at least two liquid concentrators, which are distributed on the same side of the light energy utilization device to concentrate the sunlight onto the light energy utilization section on the same side of the light energy utilization device; or, the liquid concentrators are distributed on different sides of the light energy utilization device to concentrate the sunlight onto the light energy utilization section on different sides of the light energy utilization device.

[0023] In one embodiment, the liquid concentrator includes a first liquid concentrator and a second liquid concentrator, and the light energy utilization part consists of a first light energy utilization part and a second light energy utilization part arranged opposite to each other. The first liquid concentrator concentrates the sunlight onto the first light energy utilization part, and the second liquid concentrator concentrates the sunlight onto the second light energy utilization part.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first light energy utilization part is disposed upward, the second light energy utilization part is disposed downward, the first liquid light-concentrating device is located above the first light energy utilization part, the second liquid light-concentrating device is located below the second light energy utilization part, and the light-receiving bodies of the first liquid light-concentrating device and the second liquid light-concentrating device are disposed facing the same side.

[0025] In one embodiment, the light-receiving bodies of the first liquid focusing device and the second liquid focusing device are arranged vertically; the reflector of the second liquid focusing device has a first reflector located behind the light-receiving body and a second reflector located below the light-receiving body, and the second reflector is inclined downwards and backwards from the lower end of the light-receiving body.

[0026] In one embodiment, the light-receiving area of ​​the light-receiving body of the first liquid focusing device is larger than the light-receiving area of ​​the light-receiving body of the second liquid focusing device.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least two of the liquid concentrators are internally connected to form the same sealed cavity, and the liquid concentrators guide the sunlight to the same or different sides of the light energy utilization unit of the light energy utilization device.

[0028] In one embodiment, two adjacent liquid concentrators are arranged horizontally on the same side of the light energy utilization device, and the transparent liquids of the two adjacent liquid concentrators are connected to form a liquid concentrator group. The light receivers of the two adjacent liquid concentrators are connected to each other, and the cross-section of the connection is V-shaped. Each liquid concentrator group focuses the sunlight onto the same light energy utilization part.

[0029] In one embodiment, the light energy utilization section is a first light energy utilization section and a second light energy utilization section arranged opposite to each other, and the liquid concentrating device group is at least two, namely a first liquid concentrating device group and a second liquid concentrating device group. The first liquid concentrating device group concentrates the sunlight to the first light energy utilization section, and the second liquid concentrating device group concentrates the sunlight to the second light energy utilization section.

[0030] In one embodiment, the light energy utilization device is arranged vertically, and the first liquid focusing device group and the second liquid focusing device group are arranged in an X-shape, with the upper ends of the first liquid focusing device group and the second liquid focusing device group forming a cavity with an opening at the top.

[0031] In one embodiment, the upper end of the light energy utilization device extends into the cavity, and a portion of the upper ends of both the first and second light energy utilization parts are located within the cavity. The opening of the cavity is covered with a transparent sealing cover, forming a second sealed cavity. The second sealed cavity is filled with a transparent liquid, and sunlight is transmitted from the transparent sealing cover into the transparent liquid. At least a portion of the cavity wall is a reflective surface to converge the sunlight towards the first and second light energy utilization parts.

[0032] In one embodiment, an external reflecting device is further included. The external reflecting device is disposed outside the overall structure of the light energy utilization device and the liquid concentrator. The external reflecting device has a reflective surface to concentrate the sunlight toward the light energy utilization device and the liquid concentrator. The external reflecting device has a concave structure or a Fresnel lens reflective surface.

[0033] In one embodiment, the transparent liquid includes water or an antifreeze transparent liquid.

[0034] In one embodiment, a bottom groove is provided at the bottom of the liquid focusing device, which together with the bottom of the liquid focusing device forms a closed cavity, the closed cavity being empty or containing a second liquid.

[0035] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0036] Beneficial effects

[0037] The solar energy utilization device according to the above embodiment includes a light energy utilization device and at least one liquid concentrator. The liquid concentrator is filled with a transparent liquid. The liquid concentrator has at least one light receiver capable of transmitting sunlight into the transparent liquid and a reflector that reflects the incident sunlight. In the liquid concentrator, sunlight incident from the transparent liquid onto the light receiver undergoes total internal reflection, thereby preventing sunlight from being reflected back into the transparent liquid and then refracted away from the light receiver, allowing more sunlight to converge onto the light energy utilization section of the light energy utilization device, thus improving the concentrating efficiency.

[0038] Brief description of the accompanying drawings Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the solar energy utilization device in Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the solar energy utilization device in Embodiment 2 of this application.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the solar energy utilization device in Embodiment 3 of this application.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the solar energy utilization device in Embodiment 4 of this application.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the solar energy utilization device in Embodiment 5 of this application.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the solar energy utilization device in Embodiment Six of this application.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the solar energy utilization device in Embodiment 7 of this application.

[0046] Invention Embodiments

[0047] Embodiments of the present invention

[0048] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0049] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0050] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0051] This embodiment provides a solar energy utilization device for receiving and utilizing sunlight to convert sunlight into electrical energy, heat energy, and other forms of energy for people's use.

[0052] The solar energy utilization device shown in this embodiment includes a light energy utilization device and at least one liquid concentrator.

[0053] This solar energy utilization device has a solar energy utilization section capable of receiving and converting sunlight for utilization. In one embodiment, the solar energy utilization section can be one or more of a photovoltaic panel, a solar thermal utilization device, a photovoltaic and thermal energy integrated utilization device, or a concentrating solar energy utilization device. The photovoltaic panel broadly refers to any device that directly converts light energy into electrical energy, including various semiconductor photovoltaic panels, photovoltaic thin films, quantum dot photoelectric conversion devices, etc. In other embodiments, the solar energy utilization section can also be other forms of solar energy utilization and conversion structures.

[0054] The liquid concentrator is filled with a transparent liquid through which sunlight can pass. The device may have a housing that forms a sealed cavity, into which the transparent liquid can be directly filled. Alternatively, the transparent liquid may be filled in a liquid container located within the sealed cavity. This liquid container may be enclosed by a separate wall or may share a portion of the wall with the housing.

[0055] The liquid concentrator has at least one light-receiving element capable of transmitting sunlight into a transparent liquid and a reflector for reflecting the incident sunlight. The light-receiving element is made of a light-transmitting material and is in contact with the transparent liquid. The light-receiving element can be part of the liquid container to store the transparent liquid.

[0056] This solar energy utilization device is typically configured with the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving body facing the sun. Sunlight can be projected from the light-receiving surface into a transparent liquid within the liquid concentrator. Sunlight entering the transparent liquid passes through it, with some sunlight entering a reflector and being reflected back into the transparent liquid. The liquid concentrator is structured such that sunlight traveling from the transparent liquid to the light-receiving body undergoes total internal reflection (or total internal reflection). This means that most or no sunlight reflected into the transparent liquid does not escape from the light-receiving surface but continues to propagate within the liquid concentrator under the influence of total internal reflection, ultimately converging onto the light-utilizing unit. In this application, the light undergoing total internal reflection primarily comes from the light reflected by the reflector; however, the light can potentially be reused through total internal reflection throughout its entire optical path within the liquid concentrator.

[0057] In this embodiment, a transparent liquid is used as the light propagation medium. The contact between the transparent liquid and the light receiver, along with the difference in refractive index between the light receiver and the external air, creates total internal reflection. This prevents sunlight transmitted through the light-receiving surface from being reflected back into the transparent liquid and then refracted out again, allowing more sunlight to converge onto the light-utilizing part of the light-energy utilization device, thus improving the focusing efficiency. In this embodiment, the light receiver serves both as a light-transmitting element and as a total internal reflection element. Compared to existing technologies, under the same light-receiving conditions, this liquid focusing device can gather more sunlight onto the light-utilizing part, increasing the focusing ratio.

[0058] In addition, the transparent liquid can form a heat transfer structure with the light energy utilization part directly or indirectly, thereby cooling or absorbing heat for the light energy utilization part and improving the light energy utilization rate.

[0059] Furthermore, in the process of forming the above-mentioned total internal reflection phenomenon, the reflector and the light receiver have a structure that enables sunlight from the transparent liquid to be totally internalized when it reaches the light receiver. For example, the above-mentioned total internal reflection phenomenon can be achieved by designing the shape and structure of the reflector and the light receiver, as well as the angle between them.

[0060] When achieving total internal reflection, the reflector and the light receiver can form a very small acute angle. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the reflective surface of the reflector forms an acute angle with the light-receiving surface of the light receiver, with the acute angle ≤ 40°. This reduces the overall height of the liquid focusing device, making it more adaptable to the environment and applicable to more scenarios. The reflective surface of the reflector refers to the side of the reflector used to reflect sunlight entering from the transparent liquid. The light-receiving surface of the light receiver refers to the side of the light receiver into which sunlight enters.

[0061] This liquid solar concentrator typically has a concentrator that gathers all or most of the transmitted sunlight onto it. To receive this sunlight, the energy-utilizing component can be attached to the concentrator or be an integral part of it; for example, the energy-utilizing component may be located on the outside of the concentrator. The concentrator is usually made of a light-transmitting material and has a concentrating surface through which sunlight enters the concentrator.

[0062] Specifically, in one embodiment, the light concentrator is made of a light-transmitting material, and the light energy utilization part is attached to the outer side of the light concentrator, for example, the light energy utilization part is fixedly connected to the outer side of the light concentrator. In the liquid light concentrator, sunlight is focused towards the light concentrator to enter the light energy utilization part.

[0063] In another embodiment, the liquid concentrator has a concentrator, and the light energy utilization section is part of the liquid concentrator. The outer wall of the light energy utilization section (the side surface for receiving sunlight) is the concentrator. That is, the outer surface of the light energy utilization section and the concentrator are an integral structure.

[0064] The light-concentrating element can serve as part of the wall containing the aforementioned transparent liquid, or it can be in direct contact with the transparent liquid.

[0065] In one embodiment, the liquid focusing device has a closed cavity. The cavity wall includes a light receiver, a reflector, and a focusing element. That is, the closed cavity can be formed by the light receiver, reflector, and focusing element, or it can be formed by the light receiver, reflector, focusing element, and other walls. At least a portion of the closed cavity is filled with a transparent liquid. Typically, in one embodiment, the transparent liquid completely fills the closed cavity.

[0066] In one embodiment, the reflector primarily serves to reflect sunlight, and it can be a flat plate, a curved plate, a folded plate, or other shapes that meet the aforementioned requirements for reflecting sunlight. Furthermore, in variations based on this concept, the reflector can be single-sided or double-sided, depending on the specific embodiment.

[0067] When utilizing this liquid concentrator, one or more liquid concentrators can be used for light concentration. Correspondingly, the light energy utilization device can have one or more light energy utilization units, or one or more light energy utilization devices can be provided for combined use with the liquid concentrator. Alternatively, the light energy utilization device can be a light energy utilization device with a built-in concentrator.

[0068] In one embodiment, to improve the light-concentrating effect, the liquid light-concentrating device may further include a light guide. The light guide is placed in a transparent liquid and focuses sunlight toward the light energy utilization device. The light guide may use reflection or refraction to guide sunlight, facilitating the focusing of sunlight toward the location of the light energy utilization device.

[0069] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the liquid focusing device includes at least one transparent hollow body. The transparent hollow body is a closed structure or communicates with the atmospheric environment. Part of the wall of the transparent hollow body is attached to or integrally formed with a reflector to reflect incoming sunlight. Part of the wall of the transparent hollow body is in contact with a transparent liquid to transmit sunlight or to achieve total internal reflection of sunlight. The main function of this transparent hollow body is to better direct light to the light energy utilization device, thereby increasing the focusing ratio.

[0070] The light guide and the transparent hollow body can be used alone or in combination. In one embodiment, when the light guide and the transparent hollow body are used in combination, a portion of the wall of the transparent hollow body is in close contact with the light guide or is an integral structure with the light guide, so as to concentrate sunlight toward the light energy utilization device through reflection.

[0071] In one embodiment, at least two liquid concentrators are used. These liquid concentrators are distributed on the same side of the light energy utilization device to concentrate sunlight onto the light energy utilization section on the same side of the device. Alternatively, the liquid concentrators are distributed on different sides of the light energy utilization device to concentrate sunlight onto the light energy utilization sections on different sides of the device.

[0072] In one embodiment, the transparent liquid may be a liquid capable of transmitting sunlight and forming total internal reflection with a light-receiving object. For example, in one embodiment, the transparent liquid includes water or an antifreeze transparent liquid. The antifreeze transparent liquid may be, but is not limited to, a mixture of water and glycerin, a mixture of water and propylene glycol, a mixture of water and diethylene glycol, etc.

[0073] Based on the above inventive concept, the following describes several different embodiments to better demonstrate the invention.

[0074] Example 1:

[0075] Please refer to Figure 1 In the solar energy utilization device 1000 shown in Embodiment 1, both the light receiver 110 and the reflector 120 are inclined flat plates. The light concentrator 130 is located below the light receiver 110 and the reflector 120. The upper ends of the light receiver 110 and the reflector 120 are connected to each other, and the two ends of the light concentrator 130 are respectively connected to the lower ends of the light receiver 110 and the reflector 120.

[0076] In this embodiment, the liquid focusing device has a housing that encloses a sealed cavity. The housing includes a light receiver 110, a reflector 120, a focusing element 130, and other necessary walls. A transparent liquid 200 fills this sealed cavity, for example, completely filling the entire cavity.

[0077] In other embodiments, the transparent liquid 200 may also be filled in a liquid container, which is then completely immersed in the closed cavity formed by the housing. The liquid container may share only a portion of the wall with the housing, for example, sharing the light-receiving element 110.

[0078] Figure 1 In this context, L represents the incident light. Figure 1The arrows illustrate the process by which incident light, after being reflected back to the light receiver 110 by the reflector 120, is totally reflected back by the light receiver 110 and finally reaches the light energy utilization device 300. This embodiment fully utilizes the total internal reflection function of the transparent liquid 200 in the liquid focusing device 100 to increase the focusing ratio. That is, the light receiver 110 has two functions simultaneously: transmitting external incident light and totally reflecting reflected light (reflected by the reflector 120) that enters from the transparent liquid 200. Conventional focusing troughs never utilize this function of total internal reflection formed by the light receiver 110 and the transparent liquid 200. To utilize this function, the deflection range of sunlight and the refractive index of the transparent liquid 200 need to be considered when designing the angle between the light receiver 110 and the reflector 120.

[0079] Because this application utilizes the principle of total internal reflection, the angle between the reflecting surface of the reflector 120 and the light-receiving surface of the light receiver 110 can be an acute angle less than or equal to 40°. This structure can reduce the height of the liquid focusing device 100, making it more adaptable to the environment and applicable to more scenarios. Existing focusing tanks find it difficult to achieve this because they do not utilize the total internal reflection function of the light receiver 110 when filled with transparent liquid.

[0080] In some embodiments, the liquid focusing device 100 can also be used to cool the light energy utilization device 300 to improve the light energy utilization efficiency.

[0081] In this embodiment, both the light receiver 110 and the reflector 120 are flat. In other embodiments, the light receiver 110 and the reflector 120 can be curved panels, folded panels, or other shapes that meet functional requirements. The light-receiving surface can be a smooth surface, or it can be partially or entirely a Fresnel lens. Similarly, the reflecting surface can also be a smooth surface or a Fresnel lens reflecting surface. In one embodiment, the Fresnel lens can be constructed using a transparent liquid 200, thereby significantly reducing costs.

[0082] In this embodiment, depending on the implementation method and application requirements, the light concentrator 130 can be a standalone transparent body, or the light energy utilization device 300 can perform the function of the light concentrator 130. The outer surface of the light energy utilization device 300 (such as the light energy utilization part 310) and the light concentrator 130 can be designed as an integral structure. For example, the outer wall of the light energy utilization device 300 (such as the light energy utilization part 310) can be integrated with the light concentrator 130, or the outer wall of the light energy utilization device 300 (such as the light energy utilization part 310) can be used as the light concentrator 130.

[0083] In this embodiment, the transparent liquid 200 can be pure water, antifreeze liquid (a mixture of water and ethylene glycol), or other environmentally friendly transparent liquids 200 (such as a mixture of water and propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and glycerin). In this embodiment, the light energy utilization device 300 can be any form of light energy utilization, including but not limited to single-sided or double-sided photovoltaic panels, photothermal utilization devices, photovoltaic and photothermal integrated utilization devices, and single-sided or double-sided concentrating light energy utilization devices 300.

[0084] The liquid concentrator 100 of this embodiment has many advantages over ordinary side-mounted concentrators, including converging sunlight from the side onto the concentrator 130, thus achieving a better incident angle, a larger concentration ratio, and higher concentration efficiency. Furthermore, the transparent liquid 200 can also be used for heat transfer connection with the light energy utilization device 300, absorbing and even utilizing the heat of the light energy utilization device 300 to improve its light energy utilization efficiency. If necessary, external heat circulation can also be implemented to utilize the heat absorbed by the transparent liquid 200.

[0085] Example 2:

[0086] This second embodiment provides another solar energy utilization device 1000.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 2 In this embodiment, the light receiver 110 is an arc-shaped panel. The light concentrator 130 is located at one end of the light receiver 110 along its axial direction. The reflector 120 is a folded panel, and the other end of the light receiver 110 along its axial direction is connected to the reflector 120. The light receiver 110 is tilted, such that the end of the light receiver 110 connected to the light concentrator 130 is lower than the other end of the light receiver 110.

[0088] The light receiver 110 is arranged in an arc along one direction, which can expand the range of sunlight received in that direction to accommodate a certain angle of sunlight deflection. Simultaneously, the light receiver 110 is also inclined along its axial direction, further expanding the range of sunlight received along that axial direction. Therefore, the light receiver 110 in this embodiment has the ability to adapt to certain deflections of sunlight in two directions. For example, its tilt direction can be used to adapt to the latitudinal angle and the angles of the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, while its curvature direction can adapt to the east-west deflection of sunlight.

[0089] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2In this embodiment, the reflector 120 is divided into three reflectors 120 with a folded structure, namely a first reflector 121, a second reflector 122, and a third reflector 123. The first reflector 121 is disposed opposite to the light-concentrating body 130, and the second reflector 122 and the third reflector 123 are connected and integrally connected between the first reflector 121 and the light-concentrating body 130. The reflector 120, the light-receiving body 110, and the light-concentrating body 130 are enclosed into a closed cavity to form the housing of the liquid light-concentrating device 100 (which can also be regarded as a liquid container for storing transparent liquid 200). The transparent liquid 200 is filled in the closed cavity. Of course, in other embodiments, the housing may also be supplemented with other walls besides the reflector 120, the light-receiving body 110, and the light-concentrating body 130 to form the closed cavity.

[0090] Example 3:

[0091] This third embodiment provides another solar energy utilization device 1000, especially a method of using two or more liquid concentrators 100 in combination.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 3 ,Should Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a solar energy utilization device 1000 is shown. In this embodiment, at least two liquid concentrators 100 are provided. These at least two liquid concentrators 100 are internally connected, forming a single sealed cavity. A transparent liquid 200 fills this sealed cavity. The liquid concentrators 100 guide sunlight to the light energy utilization section 310 on the same or different sides of the solar energy utilization device 300. Figure 3 As shown, the liquid concentrator 100 directs sunlight to the same side of the light energy utilization device 300, for example, concentrating sunlight onto a light energy utilization unit 310 or different light energy utilization units 310 located on the same side.

[0093] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 In one embodiment, two adjacent liquid concentrators 100 are arranged horizontally on the same side of the light energy utilization device 300, and the transparent liquids 200 of the two adjacent liquid concentrators 100 are connected to form a group of liquid concentrators 100. The light receivers 110 of the two adjacent liquid concentrators 100 are connected to each other, and the cross-section of the connection is V-shaped. Each group of liquid concentrators 100 focuses sunlight onto the same light energy utilization unit 310.

[0094] In this embodiment, the two liquid focusing devices 100 can be arranged symmetrically (mirror image) or asymmetrically. The two liquid focusing devices 100 partially overlap, and the light-receiving bodies 110 can be connected together, integrated using a continuous surface. The transparent liquids 200 of the two liquid focusing devices 100 are mixed together. Similarly, in other embodiments, the reflectors 120 of the two liquid focusing devices 100, arranged on the same side or different sides, can also be connected together.

[0095] In other embodiments, the two liquid concentrators 100 can be disposed on different sides of the light energy utilization device 300. In this case, the light energy utilization device 300 can have the ability to absorb light energy on both sides, for example, a double-sided light energy utilization device 300. Of course, two single-sided light energy utilization devices 300 can also be provided, and the two can be disposed together with their light energy utilization sections 310 facing away from each other, so as to receive sunlight from both sides.

[0096] Example 4:

[0097] This fourth embodiment provides another solar energy utilization device 1000, in particular a scheme of adding a transparent hollow body into a liquid concentrator 100.

[0098] Please refer to Figure 4 ,Should Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a solar energy utilization device 1000 is shown. In this embodiment, the liquid concentrator 100 includes at least one transparent hollow body 140. The transparent hollow body 140 is either a closed structure or connected to the atmospheric environment. For example, the transparent hollow body 140 can be completely enclosed within the housing of the liquid concentrator 100, or it can have some openings to connect with the external atmospheric environment.

[0099] Part of the wall 141 of the transparent hollow body 140 is attached to or integrated with the reflector 120 to reflect incoming sunlight. Part of the wall 142 of the transparent hollow body 140 is in contact with the transparent liquid 200 to allow sunlight to pass through or to achieve total reflection of sunlight.

[0100] The primary function of the transparent hollow body 140 is to better direct light to the solar energy utilization device 300, thereby increasing the light concentration ratio. Another additional function is to compensate for the solidification or expansion of the transparent liquid 200 when the solar energy utilization device 1000 is used in cold regions by compressing the volume of the transparent hollow body 140.

[0101] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 4In one embodiment, the liquid concentrator 100 includes a first liquid concentrator 100a and a second liquid concentrator 100b. The first liquid concentrator 100a and the second liquid concentrator 100b each have a corresponding transparent hollow body 140. The light energy utilization unit 310 is divided into a first light energy utilization unit and a second light energy utilization unit arranged opposite to each other. The first liquid concentrator 100a concentrates sunlight onto the first light energy utilization unit, and the second liquid concentrator 100b concentrates sunlight onto the second light energy utilization unit.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 4 In one embodiment, the first light energy utilization unit is positioned upwards, and the second light energy utilization unit is positioned downwards. The first liquid focusing device 100a is located above the first light energy utilization unit, and the second liquid focusing device 100b is located below the second light energy utilization unit. The light receivers 110 of the first liquid focusing device 100a and the second liquid focusing device 100b are positioned facing the same side. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the first liquid focusing device 100a and the second liquid focusing device 100b may also be positioned horizontally from left to right.

[0103] Figure 4 Although two liquid focusing devices 100 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, the transparent hollow body 140 structure shown in this embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments having one or more liquid focusing devices 100.

[0104] Furthermore, in one embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The light-receiving bodies 110 of the first liquid concentrator 100a and the second liquid concentrator 100b are vertically arranged. The reflector 120 of the second liquid concentrator 100b has a first reflector 121 located behind the light-receiving body 110 and a second reflector 122 located below the light-receiving body 110. The second reflector 122 is inclined downwards and backwards from the lower end of the light-receiving body 110. This design is significantly different from conventional concentrators, in which the second reflector 122 is usually arranged from back to front (in this application, the direction of sunlight incidence is defined as front) downwards to better concentrate sunlight towards the light energy utilization device 300. In this embodiment, because total internal reflection is used, the second reflector 122 is inclined downwards and backwards from the lower end of the light-receiving body 110, which can further increase the concentration ratio.

[0105] For details, please refer to Figure 4In the two stacked liquid focusing devices 100 (first liquid focusing device 100a and second liquid focusing device 100b), each liquid focusing device 100 constitutes a closed cavity filled with transparent liquid 200. A double-sided light energy utilization device 300 with double-sided light energy absorption capability is sandwiched between the two liquid focusing devices 100. The first liquid focusing device 100a and the second liquid focusing device 100b are respectively provided with corresponding transparent hollow bodies 140.

[0106] In one embodiment, due to Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view. Figure 4 The hollow quadrilateral and hollow triangular transparent hollow bodies 140 in the diagram correspond to a quadrilateral sleeve and a triangular sleeve, respectively, in a three-dimensional structure. Air or other gases, or a vacuum, can be placed inside the transparent hollow body 140.

[0107] In one embodiment, the bottom surface 141 of the upper transparent hollow body 140 overlaps with the bottom of the reflector 120. The transparent hollow body 140 has a side wall 142b near the light energy utilization device 300 and a side wall 142a away from the double-sided light energy utilization device 300. The side wall 142a away from the double-sided light energy utilization device 300 mainly functions as a transmitter, while the side wall 142b near the double-sided light energy utilization device 300 either transmits light or performs total internal reflection for light at different incident angles.

[0108] For a side-concentrating solar energy device with only one liquid concentrator 100, a transparent hollow body 140 can also be provided. The transparent hollow body 140 can be closed or open at both ends, communicating with the outside atmosphere.

[0109] The surface of the transparent hollow body 140 does not need to be flat. In other embodiments, the transparent hollow body 140 can also be a pentagonal sleeve or a sleeve of other shapes. Since the transparent hollow body 140 is closely attached to and fixed to the reflector 120, they can be implemented as a single unit. Therefore, in another embodiment, the transparent hollow body 140 and the reflector 120 are integrated together in a single unit.

[0110] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the light-receiving area of ​​the light-receiving body 110 of the first liquid focusing device 100a is larger than the light-receiving area of ​​the light-receiving body 110 of the second liquid focusing device 100b. Specifically, Figure 4In the diagram, C represents the center of the side-mounted solar concentrator. Clearly, the solar energy utilization device 300 is not on the center line; the area of ​​the upper light receiver 110 is larger than that of the lower light receiver 110. This is to accommodate the phenomenon of sunlight entering from an oblique angle above, allowing the upper light receiver 110 to receive more sunlight more easily. Figure 4 The illustration shows an asymmetrical implementation, but in other embodiments, the two liquid focusing devices 100 may also be configured as vertically symmetrical structures.

[0111] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the two liquid focusing devices 100 and the double-sided light energy utilization device 300 can be made into modules, which facilitates transportation, installation and maintenance, and can reduce waste during recycling.

[0112] Example 5:

[0113] This fifth embodiment provides another solar energy utilization device 1000, especially a scheme that uses a light guide to enhance the light concentration effect.

[0114] Please refer to Figure 5 ,Should Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a solar energy utilization device 1000 is shown. This liquid concentrator 100 includes a light guide 150 placed in a transparent liquid 200, which concentrates sunlight toward the solar energy utilization device 300. The light guide 150 can concentrate sunlight through reflection or refraction.

[0115] In one embodiment, the light guide 150 reflects sunlight. The light guide 150 is disposed at an angle in the transparent liquid 200 of the liquid focusing device 100, with the end of the light guide 150 away from the light energy utilization device 300 being higher than the end of the light energy utilization device 300, so as to facilitate the focusing of sunlight in the direction of the light energy utilization device 300.

[0116] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 The liquid concentrator 100 includes a first liquid concentrator 100a and a second liquid concentrator 100b. The light energy utilization unit 310 is divided into a first light energy utilization unit and a second light energy utilization unit arranged opposite to each other. The light energy utilization unit 300 is vertically arranged, with the first liquid concentrator 100a and the second liquid concentrator 100b located on the left and right sides of the light energy utilization unit 300, respectively. The first liquid concentrator 100a concentrates sunlight onto the first light energy utilization unit, and the second liquid concentrator 100b concentrates sunlight onto the second light energy utilization unit. The light receivers 110 of both the first and second liquid concentrators 100a are arranged upwards to better receive sunlight incident from above.

[0117] Figure 5Although two liquid focusing devices 100 are shown, the light guide 150 can be applied to solutions having one or more liquid focusing devices 100, and is not limited to such solutions. Figure 5 The structure shown.

[0118] For details, please refer to Figure 5 The first liquid concentrator 100a and the second liquid concentrator 100b are arranged symmetrically (mirror image) and parallel to each other, and the light energy utilization device 300 is set on the center line of the solar energy utilization device 1000. Figure 5 (C) Above. Of course, in other embodiments, an asymmetrical arrangement is also possible.

[0119] The first liquid focusing device 100a and the second liquid focusing device 100b are each provided with a double-sided reflective light guide 150 (such as a double-sided reflective light guide plate).

[0120] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the light receiver 110 of the first liquid focusing device 100a and the second liquid focusing device 100b can be implemented using a larger transparent panel, and the focusing body 130 and reflector 120 of the first liquid focusing device 100a and the second liquid focusing device 100b are sealed and connected to the light receiver 110, thereby forming a large closed cavity, in which the double-sided light energy utilization device 300 is immersed in the transparent liquid 200 of this large closed cavity.

[0121] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 The two reflectors 120 are each composed of two plates 121 and 122 forming a folded shape. Due to the structural characteristics of this embodiment, the two plates 121 located at the bottom can be implemented using a larger plate. Furthermore, in this embodiment, this larger plate 121 can have a Fresnel lens reflecting surface or other reflecting surfaces.

[0122] To further reduce reflection loss, in one embodiment, the light guide 150 employs a double-sided reflective light guide plate, thereby enabling the embodiment to achieve a high light concentration ratio at a lower height.

[0123] This embodiment shows a highly integrated implementation in which two liquid focusing devices 100 form a large closed cavity filled with transparent liquid 200, and a double-sided light energy utilization device 300 is immersed in the liquid.

[0124] Example 6:

[0125] This sixth embodiment provides another solar energy utilization device 1000, which is a further improvement on the basis of the fifth embodiment.

[0126] Please refer to Figure 6 ,Should Figure 6A cross-sectional view of a solar energy utilization device 1000 is shown. In this embodiment, based on the light guide 150, the liquid light concentrator 100 further includes at least one transparent hollow body 140. The transparent hollow body 140 is a closed structure or connected to the atmospheric environment. Part of the wall 141 of the transparent hollow body 140 is attached to or integrated with the reflector 120 to reflect the incoming sunlight, and part of the wall 142 of the transparent hollow body 140 is attached to or integrated with the light guide 150 to concentrate sunlight towards the light energy utilization device 300 through reflection.

[0127] In this embodiment, the transparent hollow body 140 and the light guide 150 (such as a double-sided reflective light guide plate) are used together. When they are used together, such as Figure 6 As shown, the light guide 150 is disposed on the top surface of the transparent hollow body 140.

[0128] In one embodiment, due to Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view. Figure 6 The hollow pentagonal transparent hollow body 140 in the middle corresponds to a pentagonal sleeve in the three-dimensional structure.

[0129] Another difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 5 is that:

[0130] A bottom groove 400 is also provided at the bottom of the liquid focusing device 100, forming a closed cavity with the bottom of the liquid focusing device 100. The closed cavity is filled with a second liquid 410, and the liquid focusing device 100 and the light energy utilization device 300 are completely immersed in the second liquid 410. The second liquid 410 may be the same as or different from the transparent liquid 200 in the liquid focusing device 100, and does not necessarily need to be transparent.

[0131] In addition, the enclosed cavity may not contain a second liquid; it may be a closed or hollow cavity structure that is connected to the external environment.

[0132] For details, please refer to Figure 6 In one embodiment, two liquid focusing devices 100 are disposed in a large enclosed cavity of a bottom tank 400, and both the liquid focusing device 100 and the double-sided light energy utilization device 300 are immersed in a second liquid 410.

[0133] In this embodiment, a transparent hollow body 140 replaces the Fresnel lens in Embodiment 5, thereby simplifying manufacturing. In other embodiments, the transparent hollow body 140 can be combined with the Fresnel lens 121 of the reflector 120 (see...). Figure 5 They can be used simultaneously to further increase the light concentration ratio.

[0134] This embodiment also demonstrates flexibility in implementation: the liquid focusing device 100 may simply be disposed on some surfaces within a closed cavity, or some of its surfaces (such as the light receiver 110) may overlap with a portion of the surface of a closed cavity.

[0135] Example 7

[0136] This seventh embodiment provides another solar energy utilization device 1000, which is a further improvement on the basis of the third embodiment.

[0137] Please refer to Figure 7 ,Should Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a solar energy utilization device 1000 is shown. In this embodiment, the light energy utilization unit 310 is divided into a first light energy utilization unit 310a and a second light energy utilization unit 310b, which are arranged opposite to each other. The liquid concentrator 100 group includes a first liquid concentrator group and a second liquid concentrator group. The first liquid concentrator group concentrates sunlight to the first light energy utilization unit 310a, and the second liquid concentrator group concentrates sunlight to the second light energy utilization unit 310b.

[0138] In this embodiment, the two side-concentrating solar energy devices from Embodiment 3 are arranged back-to-back, while sharing the same light energy utilization device 300.

[0139] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the light energy utilization device 300 is vertically arranged, and the first liquid focusing device group and the second liquid focusing device group are arranged in an X-shape (e.g., Figure 7 (The cross-sectional view shows a four-pointed star-shaped strip). In this embodiment, the two upper liquid focusing devices 100 and the two lower liquid focusing devices 100 may be the same or different.

[0140] Furthermore, to further utilize light energy, in one embodiment, the upper ends of the first liquid concentrating device group and the second liquid concentrating device group form a cavity with an open top. The upper end of the light energy utilization device 300 extends into the cavity, and a portion of the upper ends of both the first light energy utilization part 310a and the second light energy utilization part 310b are located within the cavity. At least a portion of the cavity wall is a reflective surface to concentrate sunlight towards the first light energy utilization part 310a and the second light energy utilization part 310b.

[0141] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the opening of the cavity is covered with a transparent sealing cap 500, forming a second sealed cavity. The second sealed cavity is filled with a transparent liquid 200, and sunlight is transmitted from the transparent sealing cap 500 into the transparent liquid 200. The transparent sealing cap 500 can be planar, folded, curved, or other shapes.

[0142] To maximize the use of ambient light energy, in one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 7 It also includes an external reflector 600, a light energy utilization device 300 and a liquid concentrator 100, which are integrally mounted on the external reflector 600. The external reflector 600 has a reflective surface 610 to concentrate sunlight toward the light energy utilization device 300 and the liquid concentrator 100.

[0143] In one embodiment, the external reflecting device 600 has a concave structure, in which the light energy utilization device 300 and the liquid focusing device 100 are disposed, and the reflecting surface 610 is located on the inner wall of the concave structure.

[0144] For details, please refer to Figure 7 The reflecting surface of the external reflecting device 600 can be a regular mirror or a Fresnel lens reflecting surface. The external reflecting device 600 is disposed at the bottom or other location of the light energy utilization device 300 and the liquid focusing device 100, such as on the side. The external reflecting device 600 can be of any shape.

[0145] Please refer to Figure 7 The solar energy utilization device 1000 of this embodiment can achieve almost 360° light concentration. This solar energy utilization device 1000 can be installed in a north-south or east-west direction, thus greatly expanding the applicability of this embodiment.

[0146] The above examples illustrate this application only to aid understanding and are not intended to limit its scope. Those skilled in the art can make variations to the specific embodiments described above based on the principles of this application.

Claims

1. A solar energy utilization device, characterized in that, include: A light energy utilization device, wherein the light energy utilization device has a light energy utilization unit capable of receiving and converting sunlight for utilization; And at least one liquid concentrator, the liquid concentrator having a closed cavity filled with a transparent liquid, the cavity wall including at least one light receiver capable of transmitting sunlight into the transparent liquid and a reflector for reflecting the incident sunlight, wherein the transparent liquid is in contact with the light receiver, and the sunlight incident from the transparent liquid to the light receiver in the liquid concentrator undergoes total internal reflection to concentrate the sunlight onto the light energy utilization section of the light energy utilization device.

2. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid concentrator has a concentrator made of a light-transmitting material. The light energy utilization part is located outside the concentrator. In the liquid concentrator, sunlight is focused towards the concentrator so as to enter the light energy utilization part.

3. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid focusing device has a focusing body, and the light energy utilization part is part of the liquid focusing device, with the outer wall of the light energy utilization part being the focusing body.

4. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector and the light receiver have a structure that enables total internal reflection of sunlight that is reflected from the transparent liquid and directed towards the light receiver.

5. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, At least a portion of the reflective surface of the reflector forms an acute angle with the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving body, wherein the acute angle is ≤40°.

6. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transparent liquid fills the sealed cavity.

7. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector is a flat plate, an arc-shaped plate, or a folded plate.

8. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Both the light receiver and the reflector are inclined flat plates. The light concentrator is located below the light receiver and the reflector. The upper ends of the light receiver and the reflector are connected to each other, and the two ends of the light concentrator are respectively connected to the lower ends of the light receiver and the reflector.

9. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The light receiver is an arc-shaped panel, the light concentrator is located at one end of the light receiver along its axial direction, the reflector is a folded panel, and the other end of the light receiver along its axial direction is connected to the reflector. The light receiver is tilted so that the end of the light receiver connected to the light concentrator is lower than the other end of the light receiver.

10. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid light-concentrating device includes a light guide element placed in the transparent liquid, which concentrates the sunlight toward the light energy utilization device.

11. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid focusing device includes at least one transparent hollow body, which is a closed structure or connected to the atmospheric environment. Part of the wall of the transparent hollow body is attached to or integrated with a reflector to reflect the incoming sunlight. Part of the wall of the transparent hollow body is in contact with a transparent liquid to transmit the sunlight or to achieve total reflection of the sunlight.

12. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Part of the wall of the transparent hollow body is in close contact with the light guide or is an integral structure with the light guide, so as to concentrate the sunlight to the light energy utilization device through reflection.

13. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid concentrator is at least two, and the liquid concentrator is distributed on the same side of the light energy utilization device to concentrate the sunlight onto the light energy utilization section on the same side of the light energy utilization device; or, the liquid concentrator is distributed on different sides of the light energy utilization device to concentrate the sunlight onto the light energy utilization section on different sides of the light energy utilization device.

14. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The liquid concentrator includes a first liquid concentrator and a second liquid concentrator. The light energy utilization part consists of a first light energy utilization part and a second light energy utilization part arranged opposite to each other. The first liquid concentrator concentrates the sunlight onto the first light energy utilization part, and the second liquid concentrator concentrates the sunlight onto the second light energy utilization part.

15. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The first light energy utilization unit is arranged upward, the second light energy utilization unit is arranged downward, the first liquid light-concentrating device is located above the first light energy utilization unit, the second liquid light-concentrating device is located below the second light energy utilization unit, and the light-receiving bodies of the first liquid light-concentrating device and the second liquid light-concentrating device are arranged facing the same side.

16. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The light-receiving area of ​​the light-receiving body of the first liquid focusing device is greater than the light-receiving area of ​​the light-receiving body of the second liquid focusing device.

17. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 13, characterized in that, At least two of the liquid concentrators are internally connected to form the same sealed cavity, and the liquid concentrators guide the sunlight to the same or different sides of the light energy utilization unit of the light energy utilization device.

18. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 17, characterized in that, Two adjacent liquid concentrators are arranged horizontally on the same side of the light energy utilization device, and the transparent liquids of the two adjacent liquid concentrators are connected to each other to form a liquid concentrator group. The light receivers of the two adjacent liquid concentrators are connected to each other, and the cross-section of the connection is V-shaped. Each liquid concentrator group focuses the sunlight onto the same light energy utilization part.

19. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The light energy utilization section consists of a first light energy utilization section and a second light energy utilization section arranged opposite to each other. The liquid concentrating device group consists of at least two groups, namely a first liquid concentrating device group and a second liquid concentrating device group. The first liquid concentrating device group concentrates the sunlight to the first light energy utilization section, and the second liquid concentrating device group concentrates the sunlight to the second light energy utilization section.

20. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The light energy utilization device is arranged vertically, and the first liquid focusing device group and the second liquid focusing device group are arranged in an X shape. The upper ends of the first liquid focusing device group and the second liquid focusing device group form a cavity with an opening at the top.

21. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The upper end of the light energy utilization device extends into the cavity, and a portion of the upper ends of both the first and second light energy utilization parts are located within the cavity. The opening of the cavity is covered with a transparent sealing cover, forming a second sealed cavity. The second sealed cavity is filled with a transparent liquid, and sunlight is transmitted from the transparent sealing cover into the transparent liquid. At least a portion of the cavity wall is a reflective surface to converge the sunlight towards the first and second light energy utilization parts.

22. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an external reflecting device, which is located on the outside of the light energy utilization device and the liquid concentrator as a whole. The external reflecting device has a reflecting surface to concentrate the sunlight toward the light energy utilization device and the liquid concentrator. The external reflecting device has a concave structure or a Fresnel lens reflecting surface.

23. The solar energy utilization device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transparent liquid includes water or an antifreeze transparent liquid.

24. The solar energy utilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that, A bottom groove is also provided at the bottom of the liquid focusing device, which together with the bottom of the liquid focusing device forms a closed cavity, the closed cavity being either empty or containing a second liquid.

Images