A multi-layer lens-based solar concentration and high-temperature heat utilization hybrid power generation system with built-in cooling channels

Abstract

1. High-efficiency solar concentrating + Plasma: The plasma reaction temperature can be maintained at low power by utilizing the stable, concentrated solar energy provided by the multilayer lens. Achieved cooling water vaporization through rapid heat exchange in extreme high-temperature environments of thousands of degrees Celsius. 2. Various Power Generation and Chemical Processes: Maximize energy efficiency by linking steam turbine, thermoelectric (TEG), and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation in stages. It is possible to produce carbon and hydrogen through high-temperature chemical reactions (methane pyrolysis, CO₂ decomposition), creating added value in parallel with the realization of carbon neutrality. 3. Safety and Continuous Operation: Prevents thermal deformation of the lens material with internal cooling channels, and controls overpressure and overheating in advance through AI control. Combined with a molten salt heat storage system, it can operate stably even at night when there is no solar radiation.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy system that utilizes a multilayer lens (convex and concave lens) to concentrate sunlight with high efficiency and effectively recovers and converts high-temperature heat generated by arranging a cooling water channel inside the lens.

[0002] More specifically, the technology relates to a comprehensive multi-purpose high-temperature heat utilization system in which cooling water inside the lens can be converted into steam and supplied to a steam turbine for power generation when it reaches a certain temperature, and can also be utilized in high-temperature heat treatment processes such as carbon production reactions (methane pyrolysis, etc.), and integrated with additional power generation modules (thermoelectric (TEG), thermal (TPV), MHD power generation, etc.) and heat storage (molten salt). Background Technology

[0003] 1. Solar Concentration Technology:

[0004] Previously, reflective mirrors (heliostats), parabolic troughs, and parabolic dishes were mainly used, and CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) using lenses was applied only on a relatively small scale or for specific purposes (concentrating PV).

[0005] However, by using a multilayer (convex + concave) lens to reduce light distortion and form a constant focus even at various angles of incidence, it is easy to obtain a high-temperature heat source.

[0006] 2. Internal lens cooling structure:

[0007] Since excessively high lens surface temperatures can cause deformation of the material (glass, polymer, ceramic), methods of circulating water or cooling water through cooling channels are being researched.

[0008] If this cooling water itself can be converted into steam and utilized for additional power generation (steam turbines, thermoelectric power generation, etc.), improved efficiency and component protection can be achieved simultaneously.

[0009] 3. Multipurpose High-Temperature Heat Utilization:

[0010] Energy resource utilization can be maximized by integrating various processes such as high-temperature carbon production (methane pyrolysis, CO₂ decomposition, etc.), thermoelectric (TEG), thermophotovoltaic (TPV), MHD, and hydrogen production, rather than simply driving a steam turbine with the generated heat alone.

[0011] The present invention provides a new structural advantage by enabling direct steam production through cooling water inside the lens, thereby reducing the installation of separate heat exchange pipes and preventing lens overheating while securing a high-temperature heat medium. The problem to be solved

[0012] 1. A multilayer lens-based light-concentrating system is provided that prevents lens overheating by utilizing internal lens cooling channels, while simultaneously converting heated cooling water into steam for direct use in steam turbine power generation, etc.

[0013] 2. Establish a complex energy production infrastructure capable of performing high-temperature processes such as carbon (C) production reactions or hydrogen production through medium- and low-temperature heat discharged from the downstream end of the steam turbine and a heat storage system.

[0014] 3. Optimal energy distribution and equipment safety are ensured by real-time monitoring and control of lens cooling water temperature, steam generation amount, reaction unit temperature, etc. through AI-based control and IoT sensors. means of solving the problem

[0015] A. Multilayer lens (convex + concave) and cooling channel structure:

[0016] 1. Lens Design:

[0017] ① Multilayer (Compound) Lens: Combines a convex lens (light concentration) and a concave lens (light distribution correction) to form a relatively uniform focus even at various angles of solar incidence.

[0018] ② Lens Material: Selectable from high-heat-resistant silica glass, clear ceramic, or heat-resistant polymer (polyimide, etc.). Multilayer reflective and heat-dissipating coatings (e.g., ITO, aluminum oxide coating) applied.

[0019] 2. Internal lens cooling channel:

[0020] ① Structure: Heat is absorbed by forming multiple microchannels within the thickness of the lens body or by flowing cooling water through the lens frame path.

[0021] ② Cooling water: Injected at an initial temperature of approximately 2,040℃ (room temperature water) → Heated in the condensing area → Converted into steam (temperature range of 100,300℃, pressure 1~10 bar possible)

[0022] ③ Function:

[0023] - Prevents lens overheating and thermal deformation

[0024] - Cooling water is converted into steam and directly supplied to additional power generation units (steam turbines / TEGs, etc.)

[0025] - Uniform lens surface temperature through heat control

[0026] 3. Dynamic Control:

[0027] ① Securing optimal lens temperature and steam generation by regulating cooling water flow rate, pressure, and temperature through AI control

[0028] ② Temperature sensors are placed on the lens surface / internal channel to increase flow rate and distribute supply in the event of local overheating

[0029] B. Steam Turbine Power Generation and Heat Exchange:

[0030] 1. Steam generating section:

[0031] ① Produce supercritical steam directly through the cooling water inside the lens or in an additional boiler (condensing heat exchanger), and drive the turbine.

[0032] ② In the case of small-scale facilities, low-pressure (110 bar) steam can be obtained using only lens cooling water to operate small turbines (several kW to several hundred kW).

[0033] ③ In the case of large-scale facilities, supercritical steam is generated using heat secured by additional condensers (heliostats, etc.) in addition to lens cooling.

[0034] 2. Turbine downstream waste heat recovery:

[0035] ① Exhaust heat in the range of approximately 100–200°C may remain at the turbine exit (condenser exit), and this is recycled for the preheating stage (medium temperature range) of the carbon production reaction or hydrogen production reaction.

[0036] ② If necessary, utilize temperature gradients at each stage by separating into combined heat exchangers (1st, 2nd, and 3rd).

[0037] C. Carbon production reaction (utilizing high-temperature heat):

[0038] 1. Thermal decomposition of methane (CH₄): CH₄ → C + 2H₂CH₄ → C + 2H₂

[0039] ① Temperature range: 800~1,200℃

[0040] ② Heat source:

[0041] - Ultra-high temperature heat partially extracted from the steam turbine shear, or

[0042] - Combination of waste heat remaining from the turbine outlet + auxiliary heating (electric heater, MHD residual heat, etc.)

[0043] ③ Catalysts: Ni / Al₂O₃, Fe / Al₂O₃, Ni-Cu alloys, etc.

[0044] ④ Product: Solid carbon (carbon black, etc.) + Hydrogen (H₂)

[0045] 2. CO₂ Decomposition / Boudouard Reaction:

[0046] ① Direct decomposition of CO₂: CO₂ → CO₂ + 1 / 2 O₂ (requires 1,200℃ or higher)

[0047] ② Boudouard: 2CO → C + CO₂ (900 ~ 1,100℃)

[0048] ③ Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) Effect when Linking External CO₂ (Industrial Emissions)

[0049] 3. Carbon Production Department:

[0050] ① Designed as a tubular reactor or fluidized bed reactor, controlling reaction temperature and gas flow rate via AI control

[0051] ② Carbon: Recovered in the form of carbon black, graphite powder, nano carbon, etc.

[0052] D. Additional Power Generation Module:

[0053] 1. Thermoelectric Generator (TEG): Generates DC power from the temperature difference between the internal cooling channels of the lens and the ambient temperature.

[0054] 2. Thermoluminescence (TPV): Converts high-temperature radiation (infrared) into light-absorbing semiconductor cells (InGaAs, etc.)

[0055] 3. MHD Power Generation: Introduction when ultra-high temperature gas / plasma above 2,000℃ is available

[0056] 4. Hydrogen Fuel Cell: Supplies hydrogen (H₂) generated during the methane pyrolysis process to SOFCs, PEMFCs, etc.

[0057] E. Thermal Storage System:

[0058] 1. Molten salt heat storage:

[0059] ① Select NaNO₃-KNO₃ mixed salt (melting point 220℃) or high-temperature carbonate (400~700℃)

[0060] ② Since it may be difficult to store a large amount of heat using only lens cooling water, heat obtained from additional light condensation (heliostat) is primarily accumulated.

[0061] ③ Supply steam and reaction heat even at night and on cloudy days

[0062] 2. Cooling water and steam recycling:

[0063] ① The cooling water inside the lens can evaporate, condense, and be reinjected (closed loop).

[0064] ② If necessary, replenish with regular water

[0065] F. AI Control and Safety System:

[0066] 1. Real-time monitoring by placing temperature, pressure, and flow rate sensors in internal lens channels, turbines, carbon reactors, etc.

[0067] 2. AI-based automatic control of solar radiation prediction, lens cooling requirements, steam generation timing, carbon reaction temperature, etc.

[0068] 3. Safety device:

[0069] ① Instantly increase the cooling water flow rate when a high-temperature area is detected on the lens.

[0070] ② Operate the discharge valve when steam pressure exceeds the limit. Effects of the invention

[0071] 1. Lens Overheating Protection + Steam Generation:

[0072] While preventing lens damage caused by overheating through internal cooling channels, it is possible to naturally convert cooling water into high-temperature, high-pressure steam to enable additional power generation.

[0073] 2. High-efficiency heat utilization:

[0074] Maximizing energy utilization compared to single power generation by sequentially splitting and supplying heat to various processes such as steam turbines, carbon production, thermoelectric generators (TEG), thermoelectric power (TPV), and MHD.

[0075] 3. Simultaneous production of carbon and hydrogen:

[0076] It is possible to simultaneously secure carbon (carbon black) and hydrogen through methane pyrolysis or CO₂ decomposition, contributing to eco-friendly resource utilization and the realization of carbon neutrality.

[0077] 4. 24-hour operation:

[0078] Continuous power generation is possible even at night when combined with molten salt thermal storage, ensuring operational stability for steam production and carbon reactions.

[0079] 5. Reduction in maintenance costs:

[0080] High light concentration can be achieved through the optical design without a lens tracking device (additional mechanical drive), and the cooling channel system has a relatively simple structure (pump + piping), resulting in low maintenance burden. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0081] 1. Cooling Water: The coolant absorbs heat inside the lens and converts it into steam. 2. Steam Generation: The steam generated from the cooling water is converted to a high-temperature state. 3. Turbine: Steam drives a turbine to produce electricity. 4. Heat Recovery: Heat released from the turbine is utilized for high-temperature processes or storage. 5. Heat Storage: Store waste heat and utilize it when needed 6. AI Control System: Optimize the heat and energy flow of the entire system Specific details for implementing the invention

[0082] 1. Multilayer Lens-Plasma Coupled Concept:

[0083] ① Multilayer lens structure:

[0084] It is designed using a multilayer optical system combining convex and concave lenses so that sunlight can be highly concentrated even when entering at various angles of incidence.

[0085] Each lens is manufactured from heat-resistant glass (silica) or transparent ceramic material, and an appropriate reflective or heat-dissipating coating (e.g., ITO, aluminum oxide) is applied to the surface or interior.

[0086] Micro cooling channels (flow paths) are formed inside the lens, which prevents the lens from overheating and can simultaneously collect high-temperature heat.

[0087] ② Plasma reaction zone:

[0088] The sunlight concentrated from the lens is combined with a plasma generating part (electric discharge, microwave, etc.) to form an extremely high temperature of 2,000°C or higher (5,000°C or higher if necessary).

[0089] By supplementing the plasma, which is typically maintained using only electricity or microwaves, with solar concentrated energy as an additional heat source, power consumption is reduced and it becomes easier to maintain a higher temperature.

[0090] A heat-resistant quartz tube or ceramic tube is installed inside the plasma torch to enable simultaneous transmission of sunlight and plasma discharge.

[0091] ③ Cooling water (water) heating and steam generation:

[0092] The water circulating in the internal cooling channels of the multilayer lens absorbs heat from sunlight and radiant and conductive heat emitted from the plasma, causing its temperature to rise rapidly.

[0093] If sufficient pressure (e.g., 530 bar) is maintained, water is heated to 200–300°C (or higher) while passing through the channel and reaches a saturated steam or supercritical state.

[0094] The generated steam is collected through piping into a separate header (steam distribution device) and subsequently utilized for steam turbines, thermoelectric generators (TEG), magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power generation, etc.

[0095] 2. Example 1: Steam generation using a small multilayer lens + plasma assist:

[0096] ① Lens and Plasma Device Section:

[0097] Install five convex-concave composite lenses with a diameter of approximately 1 m and a thickness of 2 cm.

[0098] A spiral cooling channel with a width of 2 mm and a height of 2 mm is provided inside each lens.

[0099] A simple plasma torch (microwave output 2kW, using a heat-resistant quartz tube) is placed behind the lens to generate plasma near the solar light concentration point.

[0100] ② Driving conditions:

[0101] The initial coolant is supplied at room temperature (approx. 20℃) and a pressure of 2 bar.

[0102] Flow rate 0.3L / min per lens.

[0103] When solar irradiance exceeds 800W / m², the lens surface temperature rises to 150–200℃, and the water passing through the channel heats up to a maximum of 120–150℃.

[0104] When the plasma (2kW power) operates simultaneously, the local focal point is maintained at over 2,000°C, and the radiant heat transferred from it causes the cooling water temperature to rise even more rapidly, converting some into saturated steam (approximately 130°C, 2.5 bar level).

[0105] ③ Steam Utilization and Output:

[0106] About 40 to 50 kg of saturated steam is generated per hour through 5 lenses.

[0107] This is supplied to a small steam turbine (output of about 20 kW) to produce electricity, and the turbine discharge steam (temperature around 100°C) is reduced to water in a separate condenser.

[0108] The reduced coolant is returned to the lens channel to operate in a closed-loop manner.

[0109] ④ Stability and Control:

[0110] To prevent overheating, the AI ​​control system detects the lens surface and channel internal temperatures in real time.

[0111] When the temperature rises above 200℃, the cooling water flow rate is increased instantaneously.

[0112] By variably controlling the plasma power (1~2kW), a certain level of ultra-high temperature range is maintained even when solar irradiance is low, or conversely, the power input is reduced when solar irradiance is very high to improve efficiency.

[0113] 3. Example 2: Medium multilayer lens + supercritical steam + carbon production reaction combination :

[0114] ① Lens Array and Cooling Design:

[0115] Twenty multilayer lenses with a diameter of 2m are arranged in a matrix to secure a total light-gathering area of ​​approximately 60 to 70 m².

[0116] Each lens is designed to expand the internal channel width to 5mm and the height to 4mm, and to pressurize the cooling water pressure up to 50 bar to generate supercritical steam (300~400℃, over 22.1 bar).

[0117] ② Plasma reaction section and MHD:

[0118] Two high-output (10kW class) plasma torches are configured in parallel to form a plasma region of 2,500–3,000℃ centered on the solar light concentration point.

[0119] At this time, some of the ultra-high temperature gas generated is first fed into an MHD generator to produce electricity (possible in tens of kW), and then the residual heat (approx. 1,200~1,500℃) is supplied to the carbon reaction section.

[0120] ③ Carbon production reaction:

[0121] Install a methane (CH₄) pyrolysis reactor (temperature 900–1,200℃).

[0122] Plasma residual heat is transferred into a tubular reactor filled with a nickel-iron-based catalyst.

[0123] When there is sufficient solar radiation, it is possible to maintain a temperature of over 900℃ without a separate electric heater due to the heat flowing into the reactor.

[0124] When driving for 10 hours a day, approximately 50–100 kg of carbon (carbon black, etc.) and 300–500 Nm³ of hydrogen are emitted.

[0125] Can produce. (Based on example)

[0126] ④ Steam turbine combined cycle:

[0127] Supercritical steam (300~400℃, 30~40 bar) generated in the internal channel of the lens is supplied to a first or second stage turbine to generate hundreds of kW of power.

[0128] The steam at the downstream end of the turbine drops to a temperature of 120–180°C and is recycled into a thermoelectric generator (TEG) or carbon reactor preheating stage.

[0129] ⑤ Heat storage and 24-hour operation:

[0130] During the day, excess heat (heat absorbed by lens cooling water, plasma waste heat) is stored in a NANO₃-KNO₃ mixed salt thermal storage tank.

[0131] At night, continuous operation for 24 hours is possible by using this thermal storage to maintain the basic steam production temperature or by partially replacing the plasma torch power (auxiliary heating).

[0132] ⑥ AI Control and Safety Management:

[0133] It receives hourly solar radiation predictions from the light intensity sensor (linked to weather data) and pre-adjusts the plasma power, cooling water flow rate, and pressure.

[0134] When the lens surface temperature or steam pressure exceeds a critical value, the automatic valve operates to prevent overheating and overpressure.

[0135] When the MHD power generation temperature drops below 2,000℃, the heating status of the methane pyrolysis reactor is checked, and the insufficient heat is compensated with an electric heater.

[0136] 4. Example 3: Use of direct plasma decomposition CO₂:

[0137] ① Purpose:

[0138] To achieve carbon neutrality, CO₂ generated from external industrial processes is supplied and decomposed (CO₂ → CO + 1 / 2O₂) in a high-temperature, high-energy plasma environment, or carbon is recovered through a Boundouard reaction (2CO → C + CO₂).

[0139] ② Structure and Operation:

[0140] A medium-sized lens plasma system identical to that in Example 2 is used, but CO₂ or a mixed gas is introduced into the plasma reactor instead of methane.

[0141] The reaction temperature requires 1,200℃ or higher, and utilizing combined solar energy + plasma can increase the CO₂ decomposition rate per unit of power.

[0142] CO and O₂ from the generated gas are recovered and purified through separate separation devices (membrane separation, adsorption separation, etc.) and used as raw materials for synthetic fuels (Fischer-Tropsch process, etc.) or provided for industrial use.

[0143] ③ Effect:

[0144] It converts carbon dioxide into high-value-added materials (carbon, CO, etc.) and creates synergy with power generation, significantly contributing to carbon dioxide reduction and resource utilization. Explanation of the symbols

[0146] 1. Sun: Energy from the sun is concentrated in a multilayer lens system. 2. Multilayer lens system (convex + concave lenses, built-in cooling channel): Convex lenses concentrate sunlight, while concave lenses correct light distribution. Cooling water circulates through micro-cooling channels formed inside the lens, preventing the lens from overheating while simultaneously recovering heat. 3. Steam Turbine Power Generation Unit: Steam generated from the lens is converted into supercritical steam, either directly or through a boiler, to drive a turbine and produce electricity. 4. Emission Heat Recovery and Recycling, Carbon Production Reactor: The waste heat remaining after turbine operation is recovered through condensers or multi-stage heat exchangers, and some of it is used in methane pyrolysis or CO₂ decomposition reactions to produce carbon (carbon black) and hydrogen. 5. Additional power generation modules and thermal storage systems: Various power generation modules such as TEG, TPV, and MHD are applied to contribute to additional power production, and thermal energy is stored through a molten salt thermal storage system so that it can be utilized even at night or on cloudy days. 6. AI-based Control and IoT Sensor Networks: It monitors various parameters of the entire system, such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate, in real time, and performs optimal operating conditions and safety management through AI control.

Claims

Claim 1 A lens module comprising: a multilayer lens that combines a convex lens and a concave lens to concentrate sunlight; and a cooling water channel formed integrally within the thickness of the multilayer lens while maintaining the light transmission function of the lens, through which cooling water flows; wherein the cooling water channel is formed in the form of a microchannel with a width of 2 mm to 5 mm and a height of 2 mm to 4 mm within a lens made of heat-resistant glass or transparent ceramic material, and a steam turbine power generation unit that generates steam or supercritical steam at 100°C to 400°C by maintaining the cooling water pressure at 1 bar to 50 bar and heating the incoming cooling water with solar concentration heat, and drives a turbine using the generated steam. A lens internal cooling channel-based photovoltaic concentrating composite power generation system comprising: a carbon production reaction unit that performs at least one reaction selected from the thermal decomposition of methane (CH4) and the decomposition of carbon dioxide (CO2) at a temperature of 800°C to 1,200°C using at least one selected from ultra-high temperature heat extracted from the front of the steam turbine power generation unit and a separate concentrating heat source; wherein a plasma generation unit is further provided at the rear of the lens module to form a high-temperature region of 2,000°C or higher near the solar concentrating point, thereby performing at least one of assisting the heat source of the carbon production reaction unit and promoting the steam conversion of the cooling water. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A system according to claim 1, wherein the carbon production reaction unit comprises a reactor filled with a nickel (Ni) or iron (Fe)-based catalyst, and is characterized by producing solid carbon and hydrogen (H2) through the methane pyrolysis reaction or producing carbon monoxide (CO) through the carbon dioxide decomposition reaction. Claim 4 A system according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a heat storage unit using a NaNO3-KNO3 mixed salt or carbonate as a heat storage medium, characterized in that it stores heat obtained during the day and supplies heat to the steam turbine power generation unit or carbon production reaction unit at night. Claim 5 The system according to claim 1, wherein the system further includes an AI-based control system, and the AI-based control system is characterized by performing safety logic that increases the cooling water flow rate when the lens surface temperature exceeds a set threshold and operates a discharge valve when the steam pressure exceeds a set value. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete

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