Heat and power supply system

Abstract

A thermoelectric power supply system capable of efficiently supplying heat and electricity based on concentrated solar energy is provided. [Solution] A thermoelectric supply system 9 is configured to be able to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light. The thermoelectric supply system 9 includes a tank 2 having a light entrance window 22 and a light exit window 24 and storing a liquid L1 inside, a reflector 3 disposed inside the tank 2, and a solar power generation unit 4 that generates electricity using light exiting the light exit window 24. The reflector 3 has a reflective surface 35 that reflects light that has entered the interior of the tank 2 through the light entrance window 22 and causes it to exit through the light exit window 24.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermoelectric power supply system, and more particularly to a thermoelectric power supply system for supplying heat and power based on concentrated solar radiation. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known technologies for supplying electricity using sunlight (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the conventional technologies, sunlight concentrated by a concentrating means is often irradiated onto the surface of the solar cell mainly through cavities or air layers, making it difficult to use the technology in combination with heat utilization. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-77085 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a thermoelectric power supply system that can efficiently supply heat and electricity based on solar energy concentrated by a concentrating means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A thermoelectric power supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured to be able to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light, and includes: a tank having a light entrance window and a light exit window and configured to store a liquid therein; a reflector disposed inside the tank; and a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light exiting the light exit window. The reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light that has entered the interior of the tank through the light entrance window and causes the light to exit through the light exit window. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present disclosure provides an effect of being able to efficiently supply heat and electricity based on solar energy concentrated by a concentrating means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat and power supply system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tank provided in the heat and power supply system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reflector disposed in the tank. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a heat and power supply system according to a first modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a heat and power supply system according to a second modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a heat and power supply system according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1. One embodiment A heat and power supply system 9 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] The drawings used in the following description of the embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the shape and size ratios of the components do not necessarily reflect the actual ones.

[0010] (overview) As shown schematically in FIG. 1, one embodiment of a thermoelectric power supply system 9 is a system for supplying heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light, and includes a concentrating device 1, a tank 2, a reflector 3, a solar power generation unit 4, a liquid cooling unit 5, and a movable mirror 6.

[0011] The light collecting device 1 is configured to collect sunlight and emit it downward. The light collected by the light collecting device 1 enters the tank 2. The reflector 3 is arranged inside the tank 2 so as to reflect the light. The solar power generation unit 4 is configured to generate electricity using the light emitted downward through the tank 2.

[0012] The liquid cooling unit 5 is configured to cool the solar power generation unit 4. The movable mirror 6 is disposed between the tank 2 and the solar power generation unit 4, and is movable relative to the tank 2.

[0013] In the heat and power supply system 9 of one embodiment, the amount of liquid L1 stored in the tank 2 is changeable, that is, the liquid level of the liquid L1 stored in the tank 2 is changeable depending on the situation.

[0014] Each component of the heat and power supply system 9 according to one embodiment will be described in further detail below.

[0015] (light concentrator) As shown in Fig. 1, the light collecting device 1 has a vertically long cylindrical shape. It is preferable to use a fixed-focus, vertically long light collecting device 1 as disclosed in JP 2024-27421 A. Because the light collecting device 1 is vertically long, it can be installed in a small space effectively, even in places with strict installation conditions such as apartment buildings.

[0016] The light collecting device 1 is configured to collect sunlight, reflect it multiple times inside, and emit it downward. In detail, the light collecting device 1 has an outer shell formed of a vertically long cylindrical reflector, and is configured to introduce sunlight into the inside through a light guiding window provided in part of the circumferential direction of the reflector, and collect the sunlight downward along the central axis extending vertically while reflecting it multiple times inside.

[0017] It is also preferable that the light collecting device 1 includes a motor (not shown) that rotates the reflector around the central axis. By rotating the reflector of the light collecting device 1 around the central axis, it becomes possible to track the sun.

[0018] (tank) The tank 2 is placed below the light collecting device 1. Light emitted downward from the light collecting device 1 is emitted toward the tank 2. The tank 2 and the light collecting device 1 are preferably mechanically connected to each other.

[0019] A liquid L1 for extracting thermal energy from sunlight is stored inside the tank 2. In one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the liquid L1 stored in the tank 2 is water.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2 and other figures, the tank 2 has a cover wall 21, a bottom wall 23, and side peripheral walls 25. The cover wall 21 forms the upper end of the tank 2. The bottom wall 23 forms the lower end of the tank 2. The side peripheral walls 25 are formed to connect the outer peripheral edges of the cover wall 21 and the bottom wall 23 along the entire periphery.

[0021] A light entrance window 22 is formed in the cover wall 21 so as to be located below the light collecting device 1. In one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the light entrance window 22 of the tank 2 is located directly below the portion where light is emitted from the light collecting device 1.

[0022] The cover wall 21 is provided with a heat insulating, light-transmitting material 7 so as to cover the light entrance window 22. The heat insulating, light-transmitting material 7 is a panel-shaped member having heat insulating properties and light transmitting properties. The heat insulating, light-transmitting material 7 is a transparent heat insulating glass panel constituted by a multi-layer glass panel such as a double-glazed panel.

[0023] A light exit window 24 is formed in the bottom wall 23 so as to be located below the light entrance window 22. In one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 is located directly below the light entrance window 22, and the opening area of ​​the light exit window 24 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the light entrance window 22.

[0024] Another heat insulating light-transmitting material 7 is provided on the bottom wall 23 so as to cover the light exit window 24. Hereinafter, the heat insulating light-transmitting material 7 covering the light entrance window 22 will be denoted by reference numeral 72, and the heat insulating light-transmitting material 7 covering the light exit window 24 will be denoted by reference numeral 74. The heat insulating light-transmitting material 74 is a transparent heat insulating glass panel constituted by a multi-layer glass panel such as a double-glazed panel.

[0025] The above-described heat-insulating, light-transmitting materials 72 and 74 are not essential. Instead of the heat-insulating, light-transmitting material 72, a transmissive material having general heat insulation properties may be provided in the tank 2 so as to cover the light-entering window 22. Moreover, instead of the heat-insulating, light-transmitting material 74, a transmissive material having general heat insulation properties may be provided so as to cover the light-exiting window 24.

[0026] (reflector) The reflector 3 has a reflecting surface 35 that reflects light that has entered the interior of the tank 2 through the light entrance window 22 of the tank 2. The reflecting surface 35 is designed to reflect the light that has entered the interior of the tank 2 multiple times inside the tank 2, and then emit it downward through the light exit window 24 at the bottom of the tank 2.

[0027] The reflector 3 has a cylindrical structure that penetrates vertically, and has an inlet 32 ​​that is an upper end opening close to the light entrance window 22 and an outlet 34 that is a lower end opening close to the light exit window 24. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical reflector 3 forms a reflective surface 35.

[0028] The opening area of ​​the outlet 34 of the reflector 3 is set smaller than the opening area of ​​the inlet 32. The opening area in the horizontal cross section of the reflector 3 (i.e., the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the reflector 3) is set so as to gradually decrease from the inlet 32 ​​to the outlet 34 of the reflector 3.

[0029] More specifically, the reflector 3 has a hollow, truncated quadrangular pyramid-shaped structure that runs through along the central axis. The reflector 3 is configured to have a truncated pyramid shape as a whole by combining a plurality of reflecting plates 36.

[0030] In one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the plurality of reflectors 36 are four reflectors 36. The four reflectors 36 have the same shape. Each reflector 36 has a trapezoidal structure having an upper base portion and a shorter lower base portion. In each reflector 36, the upper base portion is located higher than the lower base portion.

[0031] The upper base portions of the four reflectors 36 are combined together to form a rectangular shape in plan view as a whole, thereby forming the rectangular entrance 32 of the reflector 3. Similarly, the lower base portions of the four reflectors 36 are combined together to form a rectangular shape in plan view as a whole, thereby forming the rectangular exit 34 of the reflector 3.

[0032] The inner surfaces of the four reflecting plates 36 are each a flat reflecting surface 365. The reflecting surface 365 of each reflecting plate 36 is arranged to face the central axis of the reflector 3. The reflecting surfaces 365 of the four reflecting plates 36 are combined together in a circumferential direction surrounding the central axis of the reflector 3 to form the reflecting surface 35 of the reflector 3. The four reflecting surfaces 365 that make up the reflecting surface 35 are each made up of a pair of reflecting surfaces 365 facing each other and another pair of reflecting surfaces 365 facing each other.

[0033] The cross section of the reflecting surface 35, which is the inner peripheral surface of the reflector 3, is rectangular and is gradually reduced from the entrance 32 to the exit 34 of the reflector 3. The cross section of the reflecting surface 35 here is a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the reflector 3, in other words, a horizontal cross section.

[0034] It is preferable that a gap that allows the liquid L1 to flow between the inside and outside of the reflector 3 is formed in the reflector 3. Specifically, it is preferable that a gap that allows the liquid L1 to flow between two adjacent reflectors 36 out of the four reflectors 36 is formed.

[0035] Light that enters the interior of the reflector 3 through the entrance 32 of the reflector 3 is reflected multiple times by the reflecting surface 35 inside the reflector 3, and then emitted downward through the exit 34 at the bottom of the reflector 3, and further emitted downward through the light exit window 24 of the tank 2.

[0036] As the light incident on the interior of the reflector 3 is reflected multiple times by the reflecting surface 35, the light density increases in the portion of the interior of the reflector 3 closer to the outlet 34, and the liquid L1 in this portion is more likely to absorb heat. In other words, the liquid L1 is more likely to become hotter in the lower portion inside the reflector 3, and so convection occurs, making it less likely that the temperature of the liquid L1 will vary inside the tank 2.

[0037] (Solar Power Generation Department) The solar power generation unit 4 is installed below the tank 2. In the thermoelectric power supply system 9 of one embodiment, the solar power generation unit 4 is located directly below the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 at a distance.

[0038] The solar power generation unit 4 includes a light receiving unit 41. The light receiving unit 41 is configured to receive light emitted downward through the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 and generate electricity.

[0039] The light receiving unit 41 is installed below the light exit window 24 of the tank 2, more specifically, it is installed directly below the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 at a distance. In other words, the light receiving unit 41 is installed below the outlet 34 of the reflector 3, more specifically, it is installed directly below the outlet 34 of the reflector 3 at a distance.

[0040] (liquid cooling section) The liquid cooling unit 5 is configured to cool the solar power generation unit 4 via a liquid L2 that is a coolant. In one embodiment, the liquid L2 is water, and the liquid cooling unit 5 is of a water-cooled type.

[0041] The liquid cooling unit 5 includes heat dissipation fins 52 connected to the solar power generation unit 4, and a piping unit 54 through which the liquid L2 flows so as to come into contact with the fins 52 and cool them.

[0042] The fins 52 are thermally and mechanically connected to the solar power generation unit 4 so as to dissipate heat generated by the solar power generation unit 4. The fins 52 are located on the opposite side of the light receiving unit 41 of the solar power generation unit 4 from the side on which the tank 2 is located.

[0043] The piping unit 54 includes a pipe 56 connected to the tank 2. The pipe 56 is connected to the tank 2 so as to supply the liquid L2, the temperature of which has been increased by the heat dissipated from the fins 52, to the inside of the tank 2. Note that it is not essential to supply the liquid L2 to the inside of the tank 2 through the pipe 56, and the method for cooling the solar power generation unit 4 is not limited to water cooling.

[0044] (Liquid level changing means) The thermoelectric power supply system 9 in one embodiment includes a liquid level changing means for changing the liquid level of the liquid L1 inside the tank 2.

[0045] The liquid level changing means includes, for example, a liquid supply hole 27 provided in the tank 2 and a plurality of liquid drain holes 28 provided at different heights in the tank 2 (see FIG. 2). As an example, the plurality of liquid drain holes 28 are three liquid drain holes 28, but the number of liquid drain holes 28 is not particularly limited.

[0046] Furthermore, the liquid level changing means includes a drainage path 81 connected to each drainage hole 28, an on-off valve 82 provided in each drainage path 81, a liquid supply path 83 connected to the liquid supply hole 27, and an on-off valve 84 provided in the liquid supply path 83.

[0047] In one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the liquid level of the liquid L1 inside the tank 2 is easily controlled in multiple stages by controlling the opening and closing of these on-off valves 82, 84 using a control unit (not shown). However, the configuration of the liquid level changing means described above is merely an example, and it is also preferable to configure the liquid level changing means with other means, including a liquid level sensor, as long as it is possible to change the liquid level of the liquid L1 inside the tank 2.

[0048] (movable mirror) As shown in FIG. 1, the movable mirror 6 is configured to be able to block light between the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 and the light receiving section 41 of the solar power generation section 4.

[0049] The movable mirror 6 is provided so as to be movable, for example, horizontally relative to the tank 2, so that the proportion of light that is blocked from the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 can be changed. Here, the "proportion of light that is blocked" can include a proportion of 100% (i.e., when light is completely blocked) and a proportion of 0% (i.e., when no light is blocked at all). The position of the movable mirror 6 is changed appropriately within a predetermined range by a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit.

[0050] In other words, the movable mirror 6 is movable between a non-blocking position in which it does not block the light emitted from the light exit window 24 of the tank 2, and a blocking position in which it blocks at least a portion of the light emitted from the light exit window 24 of the tank 2.

[0051] The blocking position is preferably set in multiple stages. The multiple stages of blocking positions include a first blocking position and a second blocking position that are different from each other. The proportion of light that the movable mirror 6 blocks from the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 differs when the movable mirror 6 is in the first blocking position from when it is in the second blocking position.

[0052] In one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the light reflected by the movable mirror 6 is returned to the inside of the tank 2 through the light exit window 24 of the tank 2. Therefore, depending on the position of the movable mirror 6 relative to the tank 2, it is possible to adjust the proportion of light that enters the solar power generation unit 4 directly and the proportion of light that is returned to the inside of the tank 2 through the light exit window 24.

[0053] (Action and effect) In the thermoelectric power supply system 9 according to the embodiment described above, sunlight concentrated by the vertically long cylindrical solar collector 1 is emitted toward the tank 2 located below it, where it is repeatedly reflected by the reflector 3 inside the tank 2 and directed toward the light exit window 24 formed at the bottom of the tank 2. During this process, the light irradiated into the tank 2 includes wavelength components corresponding to the absorption characteristics of the liquid L1 inside the tank 2, which are absorbed as heat by the liquid L1. Specifically, the infrared components of the light irradiated into the tank 2 correspond to the absorption characteristics of water (the liquid L1), and are primarily absorbed as heat by the water in the tank 2. While infrared components are easily absorbed as heat by water, they are components that are difficult to generate electricity from using a typical solar power generation element. For example, the liquid L1 heated to a temperature between 42°C and 45°C is supplied to a thermal storage hot water tank 89 via a pump 88, and then supplied to a bathroom or other facility via the thermal storage hot water tank 89.

[0054] Light emitted from the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 generates electricity in the solar power generation unit 4 below. Here, the wavelength components of sunlight suitable for generating electricity in the solar power generation unit 4 are components excluding the infrared and ultraviolet regions. In other words, according to one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the infrared region components of the solar energy concentrated by the light collector 1 are absorbed as heat by water, and solar power generation can be performed with the remaining components excluding the components absorbed by the water (i.e., the infrared region components unsuitable for solar power generation), making it possible to utilize all of the solar energy with high efficiency.

[0055] Moreover, according to one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the proportion of solar energy concentrated by the solar collector 1 that is used for heat can be changed by changing the level of the liquid L1 in the tank 2 (i.e., the amount of liquid L1). Therefore, by changing the liquid level inside the tank 2 based on a comprehensive determination of the usage status of heat and electric energy in the home, the season, the time of day, etc., the proportion of solar energy that is used for heat and electricity can be easily changed according to the situation.

[0056] For example, when the level of the liquid L1 in the tank 2 is high, the proportion of the solar energy collected by the light collecting device 1 that is used for heat is relatively high, and the proportion that is used for power generation is relatively low. When the level of the liquid L1 in the tank 2 is low, the proportion of the solar energy collected by the light collecting device 1 that is used for heat is relatively low, and the proportion that is used for power generation is relatively high.

[0057] Additionally, in one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the proportion of light emitted from the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 that enters the solar power generation unit 4 and the proportion of light that is reflected by the movable mirror 6 and returned to the inside of the tank 2 can be adjusted depending on the relative position of the movable mirror 6 with respect to the tank 2. Therefore, by moving the movable mirror 6 based on a comprehensive assessment of the household's heat and electrical energy usage, the season, time of day, etc., the proportion of solar energy used for heat and power generation can be easily changed according to the situation.

[0058] For example, when the area blocked by the movable mirror 6 is large, the proportion of the solar energy collected by the light collecting device 1 that is used for heat generation is relatively high, and the proportion that is used for power generation is relatively low. When the area blocked by the movable mirror 6 is small, the proportion of the solar energy collected by the light collecting device 1 that is used for heat generation is relatively low, and the proportion that is used for power generation is relatively high.

[0059] 2. Variations The above embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations. In the following description of the modifications, the same reference numerals are used to designate components similar to those of the above embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] (First Modification) 4 schematically shows a thermoelectric power supply system 9 of a first modified example. In the first modified example, the thermoelectric power supply system 9 further includes a light guide path 85 that guides a portion of the sunlight concentrated by the light collecting device 1 to the outside.

[0061] The light guide path 85 can be configured using appropriate means such as optical fibers, a reflector, etc. In the first modification, the light guide path 85 includes two light guide paths 852 and 854 that are different from each other.

[0062] The light guide path 852 is configured to guide a portion of the light irradiated from the light collector 1 toward the tank 2 to the outside before the light enters the tank 2 through the light entrance window 22. The light guide path 854 is configured to guide a portion of the light emitted from the tank 2 through the light exit window 24 to the outside before the light is irradiated onto the solar power generation unit 4.

[0063] The light guided through the light guide path 852 has a different wavelength from the light guided through the light guide path 854 after passing through the liquid L1 inside the tank 2. Therefore, by using the light guided through both the light guide paths 852 and 854 separately or by overlapping the light guided through both the light guide paths 852 and 854, the light guided to the outside can be used for a variety of purposes.

[0064] It is not essential that the light guide path 85 includes both the light guide path 852 and the light guide path 854, and it is also preferable that the light guide path 85 includes only the light guide path 852 or that the light guide path 85 includes only the light guide path 854.

[0065] The light guided to the outside through the light guide path 85 is preferably used as a light source for lighting indoors or underground spaces, for example. Using sunlight as a light source for lighting is expected to have various health-promoting effects, such as preventing depression, in addition to energy-saving effects.

[0066] (Second Modification) A thermoelectric power supply system 9 according to a second modified example is shown schematically in Fig. 5. In the second modified example, the thermoelectric power supply system 9 includes a light guide path 85 similar to that of the first modified example.

[0067] However, in the second modified example, the light guide path 85 is configured as a light guide path 854 configured to guide a part of the light emitted from the tank 2 through the light exit window 24 to the outside.

[0068] Additionally, in the second modified example, the movable mirror 6 is provided at an angle so as to reflect a portion of the light emitted through the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 toward the outside of the tank 2. The light reflected by the movable mirror 6 at an angle is guided to the outside through the light guide path 854 and is used as a light source for lighting, for example, indoor or underground spaces.

[0069] In the second variant, depending on the position of the movable mirror 6 relative to the tank 2, it is possible to adjust the proportion of light emitted from the light exit window 24 of the tank 2 that enters the solar power generation unit 4 directly and the proportion of light that is guided to the outside through the light guide path 854.

[0070] (Third Modification) A thermoelectric power supply system 9 according to a third modified example is shown schematically in Fig. 6. In the third modified example, the thermoelectric power supply system 9 includes a light guide path 85 similar to that of the first modified example.

[0071] However, in the third modified example, the light guide path 85 is configured with a light guide path 852 that guides a part of the light irradiated from the light collecting device 1 toward the tank 2 to the outside.

[0072] Additionally, in the third modified example, the movable mirror 86 is provided at an angle so as to reflect a portion of the light emitted from the light collecting device 1 toward the tank 2 toward the outside of the tank 2. The light reflected by the movable mirror 86 in an angled position is guided to the outside through a light guide path 852 and is used, for example, as a light source for lighting indoor or underground spaces. The movable mirror 86 is provided between the light collecting device 1 and the light entrance window 22 of the tank 2 so as to be movable horizontally in an angled position, for example, by a motor (not shown).

[0073] The movable mirror 86 is preferably movable between a non-blocking position in which it does not block a portion of the light from the light collector 1 before it enters the tank 2, and a blocking position in which it blocks a portion of the light from the light collector 1 before it enters the tank 2.

[0074] (Other variations) In other configurations of the heat and power supply system 9 according to one embodiment, the design can be modified as appropriate, as described below.

[0075] For example, in one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the light is designed to be reflected multiple times (in other words, many times) by the reflecting surface 35 of the reflector 3 before reaching the light exit window 24, but the number of times that the light is reflected by the reflecting surface 35 of the reflector 3 is not particularly limited, and may be reflected once.

[0076] Furthermore, although the heat and power supply system 9 of one embodiment is provided with a means for changing the liquid level in the tank 2, such a means may not be provided.

[0077] Furthermore, although the thermoelectric power supply system 9 of the embodiment includes the movable mirror 6 whose position relative to the tank 2 can be changed, such a movable mirror 6 may not be included.

[0078] Furthermore, in the thermoelectric power supply system 9 of one embodiment, the liquid L1 inside the tank 2 is supplied to a bathroom or the like through the thermal hot water storage tank 89, but the liquid L1 can also be used for other purposes.

[0079] Furthermore, in the heat and power supply system 9 of one embodiment, both the liquid L1 and the liquid L2 are water, but at least one of the liquid L1 and the liquid L2 may be a liquid other than water.

[0080] 3. Summary As described above based on the embodiments and their modifications, the thermoelectric supply system (9) of the first aspect is a thermoelectric supply system (9) configured to be able to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light, and includes a tank (2) having a light entrance window (22) and a light exit window (24) configured to store a liquid (L1), a reflector (3) disposed inside the tank (2), and a solar power generation unit (4) that generates electricity using light exiting the light exit window (24). The reflector (3) has a reflective surface (35) that reflects light that has entered the tank (2) through the light entrance window (22) and causes the light to exit through the light exit window (24).

[0081] According to this embodiment, while the concentrated sunlight is reflected by the reflector (3) inside the tank (2), wavelength components according to the absorption characteristics of the liquid (L1) are absorbed as heat by the liquid (L1). The light that passes through the tank (2) generates electricity in the solar power generation unit (4). Therefore, according to this embodiment, heat and electricity can be efficiently supplied based on the concentrated solar energy, and solar energy can be efficiently utilized.

[0082] In the thermoelectric power supply system (9) of the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, the reflecting surface (35) of the reflector (3) is configured so that light incident through the light entrance window (22) is reflected multiple times before reaching the light exit window (24).

[0083] According to this embodiment, the path distance of the light is set long within the limited interior of the tank (2), and the components of the light having wavelengths corresponding to the absorption characteristics of the liquid (L1) are efficiently absorbed by the liquid (L1) as heat.

[0084] The heat and power supply system (9) of the third aspect is the same as that of the first or second aspect, and further includes a liquid level changing means for changing the liquid level of the liquid (L1) inside the tank (2).

[0085] According to this embodiment, by changing the liquid level of the liquid (L1) inside the tank (2), the ratio of the energy of the concentrated light used for heat generation and the energy used for power generation can be changed according to the situation.

[0086] The thermoelectric power supply system (9) of the fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, wherein at least one of the light entrance window (22) and the light exit window (24) of the tank (2) is covered with a heat-insulating translucent material (7).

[0087] According to this embodiment, the heat insulating property of the tank (2) is improved by the heat insulating and translucent material (7), and the heat absorbed by the liquid (L1) is prevented from escaping to the outside of the tank (2).

[0088] The thermoelectric power supply system (9) of a fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, further including a movable mirror (6) whose position is changeable with respect to the tank (2). Depending on the position of the movable mirror (6), the proportion of light that enters the solar power generation unit (4) out of the light that exits from the light exit window (24) of the tank (2) can be adjusted.

[0089] According to this embodiment, by changing the position of the movable mirror (6), the ratio of the energy of the collected light used for heat generation and the energy used for power generation can be changed according to the situation.

[0090] The thermoelectric power supply system (9) of the sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, and further includes a liquid cooling section (5) that cools the solar power generation section (4) via a liquid (L2), and a pipe (56) that supplies the liquid (L2) whose temperature has been increased in the liquid cooling section (5) to the inside of the tank (2).

[0091] According to this embodiment, the heat generated during solar power generation can be supplied to the tank (2) via the liquid (L2), so that thermal energy can be extracted more efficiently from concentrated solar light.

[0092] The thermoelectric power supply system (9) of the seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, and further includes a light guide path (85) that guides to the outside at least a portion of the light before entering the light entrance window (22) and a portion of the light that has exited from the light exit window (24).

[0093] According to this aspect, in addition to converting concentrated solar energy into heat and electricity for use, it can also be used for lighting using natural light, thereby realizing a variety of uses for solar energy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Concentrator 2 Tanks 22 Light entrance window 24 Idemitsu window 3 reflector 35 Reflective surface 4. Solar power generation section 5 Liquid cooling section 56 Piping 6 Movable mirror 7. Heat-insulating and translucent material 85 Light guide path 9. Heat and power supply system L1 liquid L2 liquid

Claims

1. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to be able to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light, a tank having a light entrance window and a light exit window and configured to store a liquid therein; a reflector disposed inside the tank; a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the light exit window, the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light that has entered the interior of the tank through the light entrance window and causes the light to exit through the light exit window, The ratio of heat utilization and power generation utilization of the concentrated solar energy can be freely set based on the liquid level inside the tank. Heat and power supply system.

2. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to be able to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light, comprising: a tank having a light entrance window and a light exit window and configured to store a liquid therein; a reflector disposed inside the tank; a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the light exit window, the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light that has entered the interior of the tank through the light entrance window and causes the light to exit through the light exit window, The reflecting surface of the reflector is configured so that light incident through the light entrance window reaches the light exit window after being reflected multiple times, and the density of light increases toward the outlet at the bottom of the reflector, causing convection in the liquid. Heat and power supply system.

3. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to be able to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light, a tank having a light entrance window and a light exit window and configured to store a liquid therein; a reflector disposed inside the tank; a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the light exit window; a liquid level changing means for changing the liquid level inside the tank, the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light that has entered the interior of the tank through the light entrance window and causes the light to exit through the light exit window, The liquid level changing means changes the liquid level, thereby changing the ratio of the concentrated solar energy used for heat generation to the energy used for power generation. Heat and power supply system.

4. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to be able to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light, a tank having a light entrance window and a light exit window and configured to store a liquid therein; a reflector disposed inside the tank; a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the light exit window, the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light that has entered the interior of the tank through the light entrance window and causes the light to exit through the light exit window, At least one of the front entry window and the exit window of the tank is covered with a heat-insulating, light-transmitting material. Heat and power supply system.

5. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to be able to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light, comprising: a tank having a light entrance window and a light exit window and configured to store a liquid therein; a reflector disposed inside the tank; a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the light exit window; a movable mirror whose position is changeable relative to the tank; the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light that has entered the interior of the tank through the light entrance window and causes the light to exit through the light exit window, The proportion of light that is incident on the solar power generation unit out of the light that is emitted from the light exit window of the tank can be adjusted depending on the position of the movable mirror. Heat and power supply system.

6. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to be able to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated solar light, a tank having a light entrance window and a light exit window and configured to store a liquid therein; a reflector disposed inside the tank; a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the light exit window; a light guide path that guides at least one of a portion of the light before entering the light entrance window and a portion of the light that has exited from the light exit window to the outside, The reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light that has entered the interior of the tank through the light entrance window and causes the light to exit through the light exit window. Heat and power supply system.

7. A liquid cooling unit that cools the solar power generation unit through a liquid; a pipe that supplies the liquid whose temperature has been increased in the liquid cooling unit to the inside of the tank, The heat and power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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