Foamed ceramic filling type thermochemical reactor with bionic leaf structure

Abstract

The utility model discloses a foamed ceramic filling type thermochemical reactor with a bionic leaf structure, and belongs to the field of solar thermochemical energy storage. The reactor comprises a reactor cavity, a foamed ceramic base body, a heat preservation layer, a shell, a light incidence window, an air inlet pipe and an air outlet pipe, the reactor cavity is installed in the shell, the heat preservation layer is filled between the reactor cavity and the shell, the light incidence window is arranged on the top of the reactor cavity, the foamed ceramic base body is arranged in the reactor cavity, and the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are arranged in the shell. An air inlet pipe communicated with the outside is arranged at the top of the reactor cavity, and an air outlet pipe communicated with the outside is arranged at the bottom of the reactor cavity, so that the common problems of large radiation heat loss, large temperature gradient and mismatching of energy and flow of the existing reactor are solved, and the reactor cavity following the principle that the energy released by a bullet penetrating an object is maximized is provided. And meanwhile, the foamed ceramic matrix with a bionic leaf type foam porous structure is filled, so that more light rays can enter the reactor cavity and are efficiently absorbed, transmitted and converted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a foam ceramic-filled thermochemical reactor with a biomimetic leaf structure, belonging to the field of solar thermochemical energy storage. Background Technology

[0002] Solar thermochemical reactors can significantly influence the performance of methane reforming. The principle is based on the mechanism of solar heat transfer to the reaction fluid. Reactors can be broadly classified into indirect and direct reactors. The most direct and effective method is to directly heat the fluid by concentrating sunlight, thereby reducing heat loss during intermediate processes. Direct reactors, due to the high concentration of solar radiation, typically reach temperatures above 1000K, placing high demands on the reactor. Direct reactors based on ceramic foam structures are currently the most reported type, attracting increasing attention due to their superior heat and mass transfer performance.

[0003] Highly concentrated solar radiation is absorbed by the solid medium within a foam ceramic-filled solar thermochemical reactor and converted into high-temperature heat energy, which then drives a thermochemical reaction to convert solar energy into the chemical energy of fuel. Since the operating temperature within the solar thermochemical reactor is high, reaching approximately 1000K, radiative heat transfer is the primary energy transfer method in this high-temperature solar-thermal conversion. Therefore, the radiative transfer process within the reactor is the primary factor affecting the spatial temperature distribution and energy conversion efficiency within the high-temperature thermochemical reactor. However, existing high-temperature photo-thermal-chemical conversion processes suffer from spatial imbalances in the radiation field, leading to a mismatch between the spatial temperature distribution within the high-temperature solar reactor and the temperature required for thermochemical conversion. Furthermore, effective control methods cannot be established to significantly improve energy conversion efficiency.

[0004] The geometry of the reactor influences the absorption, transfer, and conversion of solar radiation energy, as well as the distribution of the flow field. Simultaneously, the geometry of the porous foam ceramic matrix significantly impacts physical fields such as the radiation field and temperature field. Both factors affect the overall energy conversion efficiency of the system. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the design of the foam ceramic reactor cavity to improve the solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency by controlling the radiation transfer characteristics.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a foam ceramic-filled thermochemical reactor with a biomimetic leaf structure to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to address the problems of large radiative heat loss, large temperature gradient, and energy-fluid mismatch commonly found in existing reactors. A brief overview of the utility model is provided below to offer a basic understanding of certain aspects of it. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive one. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the utility model, nor is it intended to limit its scope.

[0007] Technical solution of utility model:

[0008] A foam ceramic-filled thermochemical reactor with a biomimetic leaf structure includes a reactor cavity, a foam ceramic matrix, an insulation layer, an outer shell, a light incident window, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. The reactor cavity is installed inside the outer shell, and the insulation layer is filled between the reactor cavity and the outer shell. A light incident window is provided at the top of the reactor cavity, and a foam ceramic matrix is ​​provided inside the reactor cavity. An inlet pipe communicating with the outside is provided at the top of the reactor cavity, and an outlet pipe communicating with the outside is provided at the bottom of the reactor cavity.

[0009] Preferably, the reactor cavity has a light funnel structure.

[0010] Preferably, the insulation layer is an alumina lightweight fiber layer.

[0011] Preferably, the light incident window is a high-transmittance quartz glass window.

[0012] Preferably, the air inlet pipes are arranged on the left and right sides of the reactor cavity, entering the interior from both sides of the reactor cavity and forming an annular opposing airflow inside.

[0013] The utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] 1. The utility model proposes a reactor cavity that follows the principle of maximizing the release of energy when a bullet penetrates an object. At the same time, it is filled with a foam ceramic matrix with a biomimetic leaf-shaped porous foam structure, which can enable more light to enter the reactor cavity and be efficiently absorbed, transferred and converted by the body. This provides a new technology and method for solving the problems of large radiative heat loss, large temperature gradient and energy-flow mismatch in reactors.

[0015] 2. The utility model enables the heat-absorbing front end of the reactor chamber to have a strong solar light absorption rate and a strong forward scattering effect, as well as a strong back scattering effect at the outlet tail end of the reactor chamber, achieving an ideal synergy between the temperature field distribution inside the reactor chamber and the thermodynamic temperature requirements. This effectively enhances the absorption, transmission, and conversion of incident sunlight, and also has a positive impact on improving the thermochemical performance of the foam ceramic reactor. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a foam ceramic packed thermochemical reactor with a biomimetic leaf structure.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the leaf-level hole structure according to a specific embodiment of the utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the foam ceramic matrix described in a specific embodiment of the utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the biomimetic leaf-shaped porous foam structure described in a specific embodiment of the utility model.

[0020] In the diagram, 1-reactor cavity, 2-foam ceramic matrix, 3-insulation layer, 4-outer shell, 5-light incident window, 6-inlet pipe, 7-outlet pipe, 8-high-convergence solar radiation. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the utility model clearer, the utility model is described below with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the utility model.

[0022] The connections mentioned in this utility model are divided into fixed connections and detachable connections. Fixed connections, also known as non-detachable connections, include but are not limited to conventional fixed connection methods such as folded connections, riveted connections, adhesive connections, and welded connections. Detachable connections include but are not limited to conventional disassembly methods such as threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, pin connections, and hinged connections. When a specific connection method is not explicitly defined, it is assumed that at least one existing connection method can always be found to achieve the function, and those skilled in the art can choose according to their needs. For example, a welded connection can be chosen for fixed connections, and a hinged connection can be chosen for detachable connections.

[0023] Example 1: Combining Figures 1-4 This embodiment describes a foam ceramic-filled thermochemical reactor with a biomimetic leaf structure, comprising a reactor cavity 1, a foam ceramic matrix 2, an insulation layer 3, an outer shell 4, a light incident window 5, an air inlet pipe 6, and an air outlet pipe 7. The reactor cavity 1 is installed inside the outer shell 4, and the insulation layer 3 is filled between the reactor cavity 1 and the outer shell 4. The top of the reactor cavity 1 is provided with a light incident window 5, the inside of the reactor cavity 1 is provided with a foam ceramic matrix 2, the top of the reactor cavity 1 is provided with an air inlet pipe 6 communicating with the outside, and the bottom of the reactor cavity 1 is provided with an air outlet pipe 7 communicating with the outside.

[0024] The basic working principle of this implementation method is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the solar-driven methane reforming process is mainly divided into three stages: absorption, transfer, and conversion. Specifically, high-concentration solar radiation 8 enters the reactor cavity 1 through the light incident window 5, is absorbed by the foam ceramic matrix 2, and undergoes thermal radiation transfer under the multiple scattering of the foam ceramic matrix 2, so that it reaches the reaction temperature. Gas enters the reactor cavity 1 from the inlet pipe 6, and undergoes a chemical reaction under the action of the reaction temperature, converting solar energy into chemical energy. The gas after the reaction is discharged from the outlet pipe 7.

[0025] The foam ceramic matrix 2 is used to support the catalyst for absorbing, transferring, and converting highly concentrated solar radiation 8. The foam ceramic matrix 2 has a porous foam structure, specifically a biomimetic leaf-shaped porous foam structure, part of which is shown in the schematic diagram below. Figure 3 As shown, the biomimetic leaf-shaped foam porous structure has a unique hierarchical pore structure, which has certain advantages in increasing optical penetration depth and reducing side reactions. The thermochemical performance is optimized by expanding the high-temperature region.

[0026] The biomimetic leaf-shaped porous foam structure is based on the principle of Gibbs free energy minimization and inspired by the hierarchical structure of biomimetic leaves. It is optimized from the perspective of enhancing the forward scattering capability at the front end and the backward scattering capability at the rear end of the porous structure. The leaf-hierarchical porous structure is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, leaves have a unique layered structure that allows for excellent management and control of photons, creating conditions for efficient solar energy utilization. Specifically, the biomimetic leaf-shaped porous foam structure of this embodiment mimics the palisade cells in a leaf, guiding light transmission, while also mimicking the cavities between the palisade cells to strongly scatter light. Figure 4 As shown, this improves light absorption efficiency. Furthermore, the hierarchical porous structure of leaves, as a naturally selected efficient nutrient transport system, possesses unique advantages in material transport and energy transfer. Inspired by the hierarchical porous structure of leaves, the foam ceramic matrix 2 of this embodiment introduces a biomimetic leaf-shaped foam porous structure to regulate radiative transmission characteristics, meeting the dual requirements of efficient light capture and rapid component diffusion in solar thermochemical conversion, and optimizing the temperature field within the reactor cavity 1 to achieve efficient solar-to-chemical energy conversion.

[0027] Because the front end of reactor cavity 1 is directly irradiated by highly concentrated solar radiation 8, the uneven radiation distribution leads to a large temperature gradient. Therefore, a biomimetic leaf-shaped porous foam ceramic matrix 2 is proposed to meet the dual requirements of efficient light capture and rapid component diffusion in solar thermochemical conversion. By utilizing a combination of three-dimensionally interconnected, non-uniform channels to regulate multiple scattering and absorption of photons, the heat-absorbing front end of the foam ceramic matrix 2 exhibits strong solar light absorption and a strong forward scattering effect, while the outlet tail end of the foam ceramic matrix 2 exhibits a strong backscattering effect. This achieves an ideal synergy between the temperature field distribution within the reactor and the required thermodynamic temperature (obtained using the Gibbs free energy minimization method, ~1050K), effectively enhancing the absorption, transmission, and conversion of incident sunlight. The biomimetic leaf-shaped porous foam structure has a front porosity of 60% and a rear porosity of 45%.

[0028] The reactor cavity 1 is a light funnel structure, used for methane gas flow, guiding radiation rays, and mounting the foam ceramic matrix 2.

[0029] The insulation layer 3 is an alumina lightweight fiber layer, which uses alumina lightweight fibers with low thermal conductivity to reduce heat loss.

[0030] The outer casing 4 is made of 316L stainless steel with a polished surface.

[0031] The light incident window 5 is a high-transmittance quartz glass window.

[0032] The air inlet pipes 6 are arranged on the left and right sides of the reactor cavity 1, entering the interior from both sides and forming an annular opposing airflow inside. This side-annular air inlet method ensures uniform airflow. The air outlet pipes 7 are used for the outflow of gas after the reaction. The high-convergence solar radiation 8 is used to provide the energy required for the methane reforming reaction.

[0033] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, as long as the technical solutions are not contradictory, they can be permuted and combined. Those skilled in the art can exhaust all possibilities based on the mathematical knowledge of permutation and combination. Therefore, the utility model will not describe the technical solutions after permutation and combination one by one, but it should be understood that the technical solutions after permutation and combination have been disclosed by the utility model.

[0034] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to the utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the utility model should be included within the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A foam ceramic packed thermo-chemical reactor with biomimetic leaf structure, characterized by: It includes reactor cavity (1), foam ceramic matrix (2), heat preservation layer (3), shell (4), light incident window (5), air inlet pipe (6) and air outlet pipe (7), the shell (4) is internally mounted with reactor cavity (1), the reactor cavity (1) and shell (4) are filled with heat preservation layer (3), the reactor cavity (1) top is equipped with light incident window (5), the reactor cavity (1) inside is equipped with foam ceramic matrix (2), the reactor cavity (1) top is provided with the air inlet pipe (6) that communicates with the outside, the reactor cavity (1) bottom is provided with the air outlet pipe (7) that communicates with the outside, The foam ceramic matrix (2) is a bionic leaf type foam porous structure, which simulates the fence cells in the leaf and the cavity therebetween for guiding and scattering incident light, and the front porosity of the foam ceramic matrix (2) is 60%, and the rear porosity is 45%.

2. The foam ceramic packed thermo-chemical reactor with bionic leaf structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reactor cavity (1) is a light funnel structure.

3. The foam ceramic packed thermo-chemical reactor with bionic leaf structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat preservation layer (3) is an alumina light fiber layer.

4. The foam ceramic packed thermo-chemical reactor with bionic leaf structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light incident window (5) is a high-transmittance quartz glass window.

5. The foam ceramic packed thermo-chemical reactor with bionic leaf structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet pipe (6) is arranged on the left and right sides of the reactor cavity (1), enters the inside of the reactor cavity (1) from both sides of the reactor cavity (1), and forms annular counter air flow inside.

Images