Hybrid solar concentrator apparatus

Abstract

A hybrid solar concentrator apparatus consists of a rotary supporting device (4, 5), a concentrator (1) and a solar energy converter in the form of a vacuum heat pipe (2), which is situated at the focus of the concentrator (1). The apparatus also comprises additional solar energy converters in the form of solar panels (3). The solar panels (3) are situated outside of both the focus and the opening diameter of the concentrator (1) and are connected to an azimuthal rotation assembly (5).

Description

[0001] Hybrid Solar Concentrator Installation

[0002] Utility model hybrid solar energy concentrator installation The proposed model relates to solar engineering, in particular to solar energy conversion devices (SE) and can be used for designing and manufacturing installations for the simultaneous generation of thermal and electrical energy.

[0003] Installations for obtaining only electrical energy by converting non-concentrated sunlight using solar panels, stationary or adjustable in elevation, facing south, are widely known.

[0004] They do not have a system for tracking the movement of the Sun, so the direction of incidence of solar radiation on the working surface of the panel constantly changes, which causes a decrease in the efficiency of the panel.

[0005] There are known models of different concentrators for the simultaneous production of electrical and thermal energy, namely:

[0006] - A bowl-like solar concentrator from IBM Research-Zurich, which has a parabolic antenna with mirror reflectors that automatically moves with the Sun. Sunlight is concentrated on a multi-junction solar cell located at the focus of the concentrator;

[0007] - Concentrating photovoltaics (CPV), which use lenses and reflectors to collect solar radiation and direct its concentration onto solar cells (see information on the Internet);

[0008] - Solar hybrid photovoltaic - thermal (PV-T) collectors and systems (article "Overview of solar hybrid photovoltaic - thermal

[0009] SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26) (PV-T) collectors and systems" published in Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, volume 97, July 2023).

[0010] They all have solar energy converters into electrical energy in the form of highly efficient solar cells located in the high-temperature focus area of ​​the concentrator, and thermal energy is obtained by cooling the solar cells.

[0011] Their common disadvantage is the mandatory presence and complexity of the cooling system of elements from temperatures above 1000°C, at least up to 85°C.

[0012] The closest to the proposed model is:

[0013] - A conical solar energy concentrator [patent for utility model UA No. 151455 published on 27.07.2022. Bulletin No. 30], which is movable in two coordinates to track the movement of the Sun and has a converter of concentrated solar energy into thermal energy located at the focus of the concentrator [patent for utility model UA No. 145702 published on 28.12.2020. Bulletin No. 24].

[0014] Its disadvantage is the dependence of the power supply of electric drives and the automatic control system on the external general power supply network due to the lack of elements for converting solar energy into electrical energy, i.e. there is no autonomous operation of the installation.

[0015] The basis of the declared utility model is the task of additionally, in addition to thermal energy, obtaining electrical energy and creating conditions for autonomous operation of the installation by installing additional solar energy converters, which are located behind the focus of the concentrator, outside the diameter of its opening. The specified difference ensures autonomous, independent from the general power grid, power supply of electric drives and the automatic control system of all units of the installation.

[0016] Fig. 1 General view of the model, front view.

[0017] Fig. 2 General view of the model, side view.

[0018] Fig. 3 Front view of the model (photo).

[0019] Fig. 4 Side view of the model (photo).

[0020] The model (Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4) has a conical concentrator 1, a vacuum heat pipe 2, solar panels 3, a mechanism for rotating the concentrator in elevation 4, and a mechanism for rotating the concentrator in azimuth 5.

[0021] The model operates as follows. In the mode of automatic tracking of the Sun's movement in azimuth 5 and elevation angle 4, the mirror conical concentrator 1 creates a focal concentration zone in which the solar energy (SE) converter into heat energy, vacuum heat pipe 2, is located. Solar panels 3, which produce electrical energy, are installed as additional SE converters, are located behind the focus of the concentrator, outside the diameter of its opening, are connected to the azimuth rotation unit 5 and rotate together with it, oriented toward the Sun. The elevation angle a, of the solar panel unit 4, is set constant within the limits of 32-35° (Fig. 2, 4).

[0022] All this allows the panels to provide the installation with electrical energy.

[0023] The utility model has been manufactured and tests have been conducted, which have shown its effectiveness and the possibility of wide use.

[0024] Thus, the proposed technical solution satisfies the “Novelty” criterion and is suitable for production.

Claims

The AMENDED CLAUSE OF THE INVENTION was received by the International Bureau on January 29, 2025 (01 / 29 / 2025) Utility model formula A hybrid solar concentrator installation that includes a rotating support device, a solar concentrator, and solar energy converters, which is characterized in that the solar energy converter is mounted on a movable part of the rotating support device and is movable together with the concentrator. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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