SOLAR LAVA HEAT EXCHANGER

Abstract

Our solar lava heat exchanger invention uses a solar concentrator (1) mounted on an automated solar tracking system. The solar concentrator heats obsidian beyond its melting temperature, forming a lava bath (2). A very high temperature resistant thermal conductive tube (3) is placed near or in the lava bath (2), thereby allowing a heat transfer fluid (4) to pass through it. The heat transfer fluid heated by the lava bath (2) is used to produce heat at extremely advantageous efficiencies for multiple applications such as industrial drying, low pressure pumping, desalination, steam production, electricity generation, heating, etc. Figure for abstract [Fig 1]

Description

Title of the invention: SOLAR LAVA HEAT EXCHANGER

[0001] This invention relates to the field of solar heat exchangers for industrial applications.

[0002] Solar heat exchanger engineering focuses on the design, optimization, and performance of devices for efficient heat transfer. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the state of the art in solar heat exchangers: a. Solar plate heat exchangers: These often consist of metal or ceramic plates with a black surface that absorbs solar energy. A heat transfer fluid circulates through channels between the plates to transfer heat. b. Evacuated tube solar heat exchangers: These consist of evacuated glass tubes that contain a heat transfer fluid. The heat is absorbed by the fluid circulating through the tubes. c. Parabolic trough solar heat exchangers: These use parabolic troughs to concentrate sunlight onto a tube inside the concentrator. A heat transfer fluid circulates through the tube to absorb the heat. d. Solar tower heat exchangers: These use a tower with mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver inside the tower. The heat transfer fluid circulates through the receiver to absorb the heat.

[0003] In comparison, our lava bath solar heat exchanger can offer several advantages. First of all, a very high temperature heat production (above 1300°C), much higher than previous solar heat exchangers, with extremely advantageous efficiencies. In addition, our exchanger uses black obsidian whose color optimizes the absorption of solar energy. In addition, maintaining the obsidian in the liquid state allows a more efficient and continuous heat transfer to the heat transfer fluid (thermal convection of the liquid medium). Finally, the use of a tube made of thermally conductive materials and resistant to very high temperatures (necessary to maintain the obsidian in the liquid state), can offer a longer service life than other materials commonly used in solar heat exchangers.

[0004] The invention consists of a solar heat exchanger with a lava bath. This system uses a solar concentration device with automated solar tracking to heat and then maintain obsidian above its melting temperature, thus forming a lava bath that is maintained as long as the sun is present. A tube made of thermally conductive material resistant to very high temperatures is placed near or in the lava bath, allowing a heat transfer fluid to pass through it. The heat transfer fluid is heated by the lava bath and can then be used to transport this heat for multiple applications.

[0005] [Fig. 1] shows a cross-section of the lava bath solar heat exchanger. A solar concentration device (1) is used to heat obsidian to a temperature above its melting point, thereby forming a lava bath (2). The thermal conductive tube (3) is placed in the lava bath (2), thereby allowing a heat transfer fluid (4) to pass through it. The heat transfer fluid (4) is heated by the lava bath (2) and can then be used to produce high-temperature heat for industrial applications.

[0006] The solar concentration device (1), for example a Fresnel lens or a parabolic mirror, is mounted on an automated solar tracker, for example a Dobson mount controlled by an automaton in order to follow the path of the sun. The obsidian heated by the solar concentration device (1) is kept molten forming the lava bath (2) contained in a thermally insulating container (5), for example a foundry crucible. The tube made of thermally conductive and high-temperature resistant materials (3), for example tungsten, is fixed to a support and passes through the container (5) to be immersed in the lava bath (2). The heat transfer fluid (4), liquid or gas, passes through the thermally conductive tube (3) and is then directed either directly to its place of use or to a thermal storage device.

[0007] Considering the advantages of using this invention, such as its low energy consumption, durability, low maintenance cost and reduced environmental impact. Our invention can be used to replace or hybridize industrial applications such as, industrial drying, low pressure pumping, desalination, steam generation, electricity generation, heating, etc.

Claims

Claims

1. Solar lava bath heat exchanger device characterized in that it comprises the following elements: a. A device characterized by a solar concentration system (1) mounted on an automated mount designed to follow the path of the sun; b. A device characterized by a container (5) in which obsidian is heated and maintained at a temperature above its melting temperature to form a lava bath (2); c. Device characterized by a tube made of thermally conductive material (3) passing near or through the lava bath (2) and designed to allow heat transfer while resisting high temperatures; d. Device characterized by a heat transfer fluid heated and transported by the lava bath solar heat exchanger device.

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