Thermal and electric power supply system

Abstract

Provided is a thermal and electric power supply system capable of efficiently supplying heat and electric power on the basis of concentrated solar energy. A thermal and electric power supply system (9) is configured to be capable of supplying heat and electric power on the basis of concentrated sunlight. The thermal and electric power supply system (9) is provided with: a tank (2) that has a light entrance window (22) and a light exit window (24) and in which a liquid (L1) is stored; a reflector (3) disposed inside the tank (29); and a solar power generation unit (4) that generates power using light emitted from the light exit window (24). The reflector (3) has a reflection surface (35) that reflects light entering the inside of the tank (2) through the light entrance window (22) and causes the light to be emitted through the light exit window (24).

Description

Thermoelectric power supply system

[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 sunlight.

[0002] Techniques for supplying power using sunlight have been conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the conventional technique, sunlight concentrated by a condensing means is mainly irradiated onto the surface of a solar cell through a cavity or an air layer, and it has been difficult to use it in combination with heat utilization.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-77085

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a thermoelectric power supply system capable of efficiently supplying heat and power based on sunlight energy concentrated by a condensing means.

[0005] A thermoelectric power supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a thermoelectric power supply system configured to be able to supply heat and power based on concentrated sunlight of the sun, having an incident light window and an exit light window, and a tank configured to store a liquid therein, a reflector disposed inside the tank, and a solar power generation unit that generates power using the light emitted from the exit light window. The reflector has a reflecting surface that reflects the light incident on the inside of the tank through the incident light window and emits it through the exit light window.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a thermoelectric power supply system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tank included in the thermoelectric power supply system of the same. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reflector disposed in the tank of the same. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a thermoelectric power supply system according to a first modification. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a thermoelectric power supply system according to a second modification. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a thermoelectric power supply system according to a third modification.

[0007] 1. One embodiment The thermoelectric power supply system 9 of one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] Each of the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments is a schematic diagram, and the ratio of the shape and size of each component does not necessarily reflect the actual one.

[0009] (Overview) As schematically shown in Figure 1, one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9 is a system for supplying heat and power based on concentrated sunlight, and comprises a light concentrator 1, a tank 2, a reflector 3, a solar power generation unit 4, a liquid cooling unit 5, and a movable mirror 6.

[0010] The light concentrator 1 is configured to concentrate sunlight and emit it downwards. The light concentrated by the light concentrator 1 enters the tank 2. The reflector 3 is positioned inside the tank 2 to reflect the light. The solar power generation unit 4 is configured to generate electricity using the light emitted downwards through the tank 2.

[0011] The liquid cooling unit 5 is configured to cool the solar power generation unit 4. The movable mirror 6 is positioned between the tank 2 and the solar power generation unit 4 and can be repositioned relative to the tank 2.

[0012] In one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the amount of liquid L1 stored in the tank 2 can be changed; that is, the liquid level of the liquid L1 stored in the tank 2 can be changed according to the situation.

[0013] In the following, each component of the heat and power supply system 9 according to one embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0014] (Light-gathering device) As shown in Figure 1, the light-gathering device 1 has a vertically elongated cylindrical shape. It is preferable to use a fixed-focus, vertically elongated light-gathering device 1, such as the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-27421. Because the light-gathering device 1 is vertically elongated, it can be installed in a small space, even in cases where installation conditions are strict, such as in apartment buildings.

[0015] The light-gathering device 1 is configured to concentrate sunlight, reflect it multiple times inside, and emit it downwards. In detail, the light-gathering device 1 has an outer shell formed by a vertically elongated cylindrical reflector, and sunlight is introduced into the interior through a light guide window provided on a part of the circumferential direction of the reflector, and while reflecting it multiple times inside, it is configured to concentrate the sunlight downwards along a vertically extending central axis.

[0016] It is also preferable that the light-gathering device 1 includes a motor (not shown) that rotates the reflector around its central axis. By rotating the reflector of the light-gathering device 1 around its central axis, it becomes possible to track the sun.

[0017] (Tank) Tank 2 is installed below the light concentrator 1. Light emitted downward from the light concentrator 1 is emitted towards Tank 2. Preferably, Tank 2 and the light concentrator 1 are mechanically connected.

[0018] Inside tank 2, a liquid L1 is stored for extracting thermal energy from sunlight. In one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the liquid L1 stored in tank 2 is water.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, etc., the tank 2 has a lid wall 21, a bottom wall 23, and side circumferential walls 25. The lid wall 21 forms the upper end of the tank 2. The bottom wall 23 forms the lower end of the tank 2. The side circumferential walls 25 are formed to connect the outer peripheral edge of the lid wall 21 and the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 23 around their entire circumference.

[0020] A light-receiving window 22 is formed in the lid wall 21 so as to be located below the light-concentrating device 1. In one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the light-receiving window 22 of the tank 2 is located directly below the part from which light is emitted from the light-concentrating device 1.

[0021] The lid wall 21 is provided with a heat-insulating, light-transmitting material 7 so as to cover the light-ingress window 22. The heat-insulating, light-transmitting material 7 is a panel-shaped member that has heat-insulating and light-transmitting properties. The heat-insulating, light-transmitting material 7 is a transparent heat-insulating glass panel composed of, for example, a double-glazed glass panel or other multi-layered glass panel.

[0022] A light-emitting window 24 is formed in the bottom wall 23 so as to be located below the light-incoming window 22. In one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2 is located directly below the light-incoming window 22, and the opening area of ​​the light-emitting window 24 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the light-incoming window 22.

[0023] The bottom wall 23 is provided with another heat-insulating, light-transmitting material 7 so as to cover the light-emitting window 24. Hereafter, the heat-insulating, light-transmitting material 7 covering the light-incoming window 22 will be denoted by reference numeral 72, and the heat-insulating, light-transmitting material 7 covering the light-emitting window 24 will be denoted by reference numeral 74. The heat-insulating, light-transmitting material 74 is a transparent heat-insulating glass panel made of a multi-layer glass panel such as a double-glazed panel.

[0024] The above-mentioned heat-insulating light-transmitting materials 72 and 74 are not essential. Instead of the heat-insulating light-transmitting material 72, a general heat-insulating transparent member may be provided in the tank 2 to cover the light-incoming window 22. Alternatively, instead of the heat-insulating light-transmitting material 74, a general heat-insulating transparent member may be provided to cover the light-outcoming window 24.

[0025] (Reflector) The reflector 3 has a reflective surface 35 that reflects light that enters the tank 2 through the light-incoming window 22 of the tank 2. The reflective surface 35 is designed to reflect the light that enters the tank 2 multiple times inside the tank 2 and then emit it downwards through the light-outcoming window 24 at the bottom of the tank 2.

[0026] The reflector 3 has a cylindrical structure that extends vertically through it, and has an inlet 32, which is an upper opening close to the light-inlet window 22, and an outlet 34, which is a lower opening close to the light-outlet window 24. The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical reflector 3 constitutes the reflective surface 35.

[0027] The opening area of ​​the exit 34 of the reflector 3 is 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 to gradually decrease as it approaches the exit 34 from the inlet 32.

[0028] More specifically, the reflector 3 has a hollow, truncated square pyramidal structure with a central axis running through it. The reflector 3 is constructed in a truncated pyramidal shape by combining multiple reflectors 36.

[0029] In one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the plurality of reflectors 36 are four reflectors 36. The four reflectors 36 have the same shape as each other. Each reflector 36 has a trapezoidal structure with an upper base portion and a lower base portion that is shorter than the upper base portion. In each reflector 36, the upper base portion is located above the lower base portion.

[0030] The upper base portions of the four reflectors 36 are combined in such a way that they form a rectangular shape when viewed from above, thereby forming a rectangular entrance 32 of the reflector 3. Similarly, the lower base portions of the four reflectors 36 are combined in such a way that they form a rectangular shape when viewed from above, thereby forming a rectangular exit 34 of the reflector 3.

[0031] The inner surfaces of the four reflectors 36 are each flat reflective surfaces 365. The reflective surfaces 365 of each reflector 36 are arranged to face the central axis of the reflector 3. The reflective surfaces 365 of the four reflectors 36 are arranged in the circumferential direction surrounding the central axis of the reflector 3 and combined to form the reflective surface 35 of the reflector 3. The four reflective surfaces 365 that make up the reflective surface 35 are composed of a pair of reflective surfaces 365 that face each other and another pair of reflective surfaces 365 that face each other.

[0032] The cross-section of the reflective surface 35, which is the inner circumferential surface of the reflector 3, is rectangular and is designed to gradually become smaller as it approaches the exit 34 from the entrance 32 of the reflector 3. Here, the cross-section of the reflective surface 35 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the reflector 3, in other words, it is a horizontal cross-section.

[0033] It is preferable that the reflector 3 has a gap that allows the liquid L1 to flow in and out. Specifically, it is preferable that a gap that allows the liquid L1 to flow is formed between two adjacent reflectors 36 of the four reflectors 36.

[0034] Light that enters the interior of the reflector 3 through the inlet 32 ​​is reflected multiple times by the reflective surface 35 inside the reflector 3, and then exits downward through the outlet 34 at the bottom of the reflector 3, and further exits downward through the light exit window 24 of the tank 2.

[0035] As light incident on the inside of the reflector 3 is reflected multiple times by the reflective surface 35, the density of light increases closer to the exit 34 inside the reflector 3, and the liquid L1 becomes more likely to absorb heat in this area. In other words, the liquid L1 tends to get hotter in the lower part of the inside of the reflector 3, so convection occurs, making it less likely for the temperature of the liquid L1 to vary inside the tank 2.

[0036] (Solar power generation unit) The solar power generation unit 4 is installed below the tank 2. In one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the solar power generation unit 4 is located at a distance directly below the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2.

[0037] The solar power generation unit 4 includes a light receiving unit 41. The light receiving unit 41 is configured to generate electricity by receiving light emitted downward through the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2.

[0038] The light-receiving unit 41 is installed below the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2, and more specifically, it is installed at a distance directly below the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2. In other words, the light-receiving unit 41 is installed below the outlet 34 of the reflector 3, and more specifically, it is installed at a distance directly below the outlet 34 of the reflector 3.

[0039] (Liquid Cooling Section) The liquid cooling section 5 is configured to cool the solar power generation section 4 via a coolant, which is a liquid L2. In one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the liquid L2 is water, and the liquid cooling section 5 is water-cooled.

[0040] The liquid cooling section 5 includes heat dissipation fins 52 connected to the solar power generation section 4, and a piping section 54 through which liquid L2 flows so as to cool the fins 52.

[0041] The fins 52 are thermally and mechanically connected to the solar power generation unit 4 so as to dissipate the heat generated in the solar power generation unit 4. The fins 52 are located on the side of the light receiving unit 41 of the solar power generation unit 4 that is opposite to the side where the tank 2 is located.

[0042] The piping section 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 whose temperature has risen due to the heat dissipated from the fins 52 into the interior of the tank 2. Note that it is not essential to supply the liquid L2 into the interior of the tank 2 through the pipe 56, and the method of cooling the solar power generation section 4 is not limited to the water cooling type either.

[0043] (Liquid level changing means) The thermoelectric power supply system 9 of one embodiment includes a liquid level changing means for changing the liquid level of the liquid L1 inside the tank 2.

[0044] The liquid level changing means includes, for example, a liquid supply hole 27 provided in the tank 2 and a plurality of drain holes 28 provided at different heights in the tank 2 (see FIG. 2). The plurality of drain holes 28 are, as an example, three drain holes 28, but the number of drain holes 28 is not particularly limited.

[0045] Further, the liquid level changing means includes a drain path 81 connected to each drain hole 28, an on-off valve 82 provided in each drain 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.

[0046] In the thermoelectric power supply system 9 of one embodiment, by controlling the opening and closing etc. of these on-off valves 82 and 84 by a control section (not shown), the liquid level of the liquid L1 inside the tank 2 is easily controlled in multiple stages. However, the configuration of the above liquid level changing means is merely an example, and it is also preferable to configure the liquid level changing means by other means including a liquid level sensor or the like as long as the liquid level of the liquid L1 inside the tank 2 can be changed.

[0047] (Movable mirror) As shown in FIG. 1, the movable mirror 6 is configured to be able to block light between the light emitting window 24 of the tank 2 and the light receiving section 41 of the solar power generation section 4.

[0048] The movable mirror 6 is provided so as to be movable, for example, in the horizontal direction with respect to the tank 2 so that the ratio of blocking the light emitted from the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2 can be changed. Here, the "ratio of blocking the light" may include the case where the ratio is 100% (that is, when the light is completely blocked) and the case where the ratio is 0% (that is, when the light is not blocked at all). The position of the movable mirror 6 is appropriately changed within a predetermined range by a motor (not shown) controlled by the control unit.

[0049] In other words, the movable mirror 6 is movable between a non-blocking position where it does not block the light emitted from the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2 and a blocking position where it blocks at least a part of the light emitted from the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2.

[0050] It is preferable that the above-described blocking position be set in multiple stages. The blocking positions in multiple stages include a first blocking position and a second blocking position that are different from each other. The ratio of the light emitted from the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2 that is blocked by the movable mirror 6 is different when the movable mirror 6 is at the first blocking position and when it is at the second blocking position.

[0051] In the thermoelectric power supply system 9 of one embodiment, the light reflected by the movable mirror 6 is returned to the inside of the tank 2 through the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2. Therefore, according to the position of the movable mirror 6 with respect to the tank 2, the ratio of the light that directly enters the solar power generation unit 4 among the light emitted from the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2 and the ratio of the light that is returned to the inside of the tank 2 through the light-emitting window 24 can be adjusted.

[0052] (Effects) According to the heat and power supply system 9 of the above-described embodiment, sunlight focused by the vertically elongated cylindrical light concentrator 1 is emitted toward the tank 2 located below it, and while repeatedly reflected by the reflector 3 inside the tank 2, it moves toward the light-emitting window 24 formed at the bottom of the tank 2. In this process, of the light irradiated into the tank 2, the wavelength component corresponding to the absorption characteristics of the liquid L1 inside the tank 2 is absorbed by the liquid L1 as heat. Specifically, of the light irradiated into the tank 2, the infrared region component corresponding to the absorption characteristics of the water, which is the liquid L1, is mainly absorbed by the water inside the tank 2 as heat. The infrared region component is easily absorbed by water as heat, but it is a component that is difficult to generate electricity with in general photovoltaic power generation elements. For example, the liquid L1 heated to a temperature in the range of 42 to 45 degrees is supplied to the heat storage tank 89 via the pump 88, and then supplied to a bathroom or the like via the heat storage tank 89.

[0053] Light emitted from the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2 generates electricity in the solar power generation unit 4 below it. In this case, the wavelength component of sunlight suitable for generating electricity in the solar power generation unit 4 is the component that excludes the region that causes performance degradation and shortens the lifespan of the solar power generation unit 4. According to one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the infrared region component of the solar energy concentrated by the light concentrator 1 is absorbed as heat by water, and solar power generation can be performed with the remaining component after removing the component absorbed by the water (i.e., the infrared region component that is not suitable for solar power generation). Therefore, it is possible to utilize the entire solar energy with high efficiency.

[0054] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the proportion of solar energy concentrated by the light concentrator 1 that is used for heat can be changed by changing the liquid level of 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 judgment of the household's use of heat and electrical energy, the season, the time of day, etc., the ratio of solar energy used for heat and power generation can be easily changed according to the situation.

[0055] For example, when the liquid level L1 in tank 2 is high, the proportion of solar energy concentrated by the concentrator 1 that is used for heat generation is relatively high, and the proportion used for power generation is relatively low. When the liquid level L1 in tank 2 is low, the proportion of solar energy concentrated by the concentrator 1 that is used for heat generation is relatively low, and the proportion used for power generation is relatively high.

[0056] In addition, in one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the ratio of light emitted from the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2 that enters the solar power generation unit 4 and the ratio of light reflected by the movable mirror 6 and returned to the inside of the tank 2 can be adjusted according to 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 judgment of the usage of heat and electrical energy in the home, the season, the time of day, etc., the ratio of solar energy used for heat and electricity generation can be easily changed according to the situation.

[0057] For example, when the shielding area by the movable mirror 6 is large, the proportion of solar energy concentrated by the light concentrator 1 that is used for heat generation becomes relatively high, and the proportion used for power generation becomes relatively low. When the shielding area by the movable mirror 6 is small, the proportion of solar energy concentrated by the light concentrator 1 that is used for heat generation becomes relatively low, and the proportion used for power generation becomes relatively high.

[0058] 2. Modifications The above embodiments are merely one of many embodiments of the present disclosure. The above embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of the present disclosure are achieved. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate. In the following descriptions of modifications, components similar to those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0059] (First Modification) Figure 4 schematically shows the first modification of the heat and power supply system 9. In the first modification, the heat and power supply system 9 further includes a light guide path 85 that guides a portion of the sunlight focused by the light concentrator 1 to the outside.

[0060] The light guide path 85 can be constructed using appropriate means such as optical fibers and reflectors. In the first modified example, the light guide path 85 includes two different light guide paths 852 and 854.

[0061] The light guide path 852 is configured to guide a portion of the light irradiated from the light concentrator 1 toward the tank 2 to the outside before it enters the tank 2 through the light ingress window 22. The light guide path 854 is configured to guide a portion of the light emitted from the tank 2 through the light emission window 24 to the outside before it irradiates the solar power generation unit 4.

[0062] The light guided through the light guide path 852 and the light guided through the light guide path 854 after passing through the liquid L1 inside the tank 2 have different wavelengths. Therefore, by using the light guided through both light guide paths 852 and 854 separately, or by using the light guided through both light guide paths 852 and 854 in combination, the light guided to the outside can be utilized for a variety of purposes.

[0063] It is not essential that the light guide path 85 includes both the light guide path 852 and the light guide path 854; 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.

[0064] The light guided to the outside through the light guide path 85 is preferably used as a light source for lighting indoors or in underground spaces. 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.

[0065] (Second Modification) Figure 5 schematically shows the second modification of the heat and power supply system 9. In the second modification, the heat and power supply system 9 is equipped with the same light guide path 85 as in the first modification.

[0066] However, in the second modified example, the light guide path 85 is configured as a light guide path 854 that guides a portion of the light emitted from the tank 2 through the light-emitting window 24 to the outside.

[0067] In addition, in the second modified example, the movable mirror 6 is positioned at an angle so as to reflect some of the light emitted through the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2 toward the outside of the tank 2. The light reflected by the angled movable mirror 6 is guided to the outside through the light guide path 854 and used, for example, as a light source for lighting indoors or underground spaces.

[0068] In the second modified example, depending on the position of the movable mirror 6 relative to the tank 2, the proportion of light emitted from the light-emitting window 24 of the tank 2 that directly enters the solar power generation unit 4 and the proportion of light that is guided to the outside through the light guide path 854 can be adjusted.

[0069] (Third Modification) Figure 6 schematically shows the third modification of the heat and power supply system 9. In the third modification, the heat and power supply system 9 is equipped with the same light guide path 85 as in the first modification.

[0070] However, in the third modified example, the light guide path 85 is composed of a light guide path 852 that guides a portion of the light irradiated from the light concentrator 1 toward the tank 2 to the outside.

[0071] In addition, in the third modified example, the movable mirror 86 is positioned at an angle so as to reflect a portion of the light irradiated from the light concentrator 1 toward the tank 2 toward the outside of the tank 2. The light reflected by the angled movable mirror 86 is guided to the outside through the light guide path 852 and used, for example, as a light source for lighting indoors or underground spaces. The movable mirror 86 is positioned between the light concentrator 1 and the light-ingress window 22 of the tank 2 so as to be movable horizontally at an angle by, for example, a motor (not shown).

[0072] Preferably, the movable mirror 86 is movable between a non-blocking position in which it does not block a portion of the light before it enters the tank 2 from the concentrating device 1, and a blocking position in which it blocks a portion of the light before it enters the tank 2 from the concentrating device 1.

[0073] (Other variations) In other configurations of the heat and power supply system 9 of one embodiment, the design can be modified as appropriate, as described below.

[0074] For example, in one embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system 9, the system is designed so that light is reflected multiple times (in other words, many times) by the reflective surface 35 of the reflector 3 before reaching the light-emitting window 24. However, the number of times light is reflected by the reflective surface 35 of the reflector 3 is not particularly limited and may be just once.

[0075] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, means for changing the liquid level in the tank 2 are provided, but such means may not be provided.

[0076] Furthermore, while one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9 includes a movable mirror 6 whose relative position to the tank 2 can be changed, it is also possible that such a movable mirror 6 is not included.

[0077] In addition, in one embodiment of the heat and power supply system 9, the liquid L1 inside the tank 2 is supplied to the bathroom or the like through the heat storage tank 89, but it is also possible to use the liquid L1 for other purposes.

[0078] Furthermore, in the heat and power supply system 9 of one embodiment, both liquid L1 and liquid L2 are water, but it is also possible to use a liquid other than water for at least one of liquid L1 and liquid L2.

[0079] 3. Summary As described above based on embodiments and modifications thereof, the first embodiment of the thermoelectric power supply system (9) is a thermoelectric power supply system (9) configured to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated sunlight, and comprises a tank (2) having an ingress window (22) and an egress window (24) and configured to store liquid (L1) inside, a reflector (3) disposed inside the tank (2), and a solar power generation unit (4) that generates electricity with light emitted from the egress window (24). The reflector (3) has a reflective surface (35) that reflects light incident into the tank (2) through the ingress window (22) and emits it through the egress window (24).

[0080] In this embodiment, as the concentrated sunlight is reflected by the reflector (3) inside the tank (2), wavelength components corresponding to the absorption characteristics of the liquid (L1) are absorbed by the liquid (L1) as heat. The light that has passed through the tank (2) generates electricity in the solar power generation unit (4). Therefore, in this embodiment, heat and electricity can be efficiently supplied based on the concentrated solar energy, and solar energy can be utilized efficiently.

[0081] In the second embodiment of the heat and power supply system (9), in the first embodiment, the reflective surface (35) of the reflector (3) is configured such that light incident through the light-incoming window (22) is reflected multiple times before reaching the light-outcoming window (24).

[0082] According to this embodiment, the path distance of light is set to be long within the limited space of the tank (2), and the wavelength component of the light corresponding to the absorption characteristics of the liquid (L1) is efficiently absorbed by the liquid (L1) as heat.

[0083] The third embodiment of the heat and power supply system (9) further comprises a liquid level changing means for changing the liquid level (L1) inside the tank (2) in the first or second embodiment.

[0084] According to this embodiment, by changing the liquid level (L1) inside the tank (2), the ratio of heat utilization to power generation utilization of the concentrated light energy can be changed according to the situation.

[0085] In the fourth embodiment of the heat and power supply system (9), in any one of the first to third embodiments, at least one of the light-ingress window (22) and light-outgress window (24) of the tank (2) is covered with a heat-insulating light-transmitting material (7).

[0086] According to this embodiment, the heat-insulating light-transmitting material (7) enhances the heat insulation of the tank (2), preventing heat absorbed by the liquid (L1) from escaping to the outside of the tank (2).

[0087] The fifth embodiment of the heat and power supply system (9) further includes a movable mirror (6) that can be repositioned relative to the tank (2) in any one of the first to fourth embodiments. Depending on the position of the movable mirror (6), the proportion of light emitted from the light-emitting window (24) of the tank (2) that is incident on the solar power generation unit (4) can be adjusted.

[0088] According to this embodiment, by changing the position of the movable mirror (6), the ratio of heat utilization to power generation utilization of the concentrated light energy can be changed according to the situation.

[0089] The sixth embodiment of the heat and power supply system (9) further comprises, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, a liquid cooling unit (5) that cools the solar power generation unit (4) via a liquid (L2), and piping (56) that supplies the liquid (L2), whose temperature has risen in the liquid cooling unit (5), into the tank (2).

[0090] According to this embodiment, the heat generated during solar power generation can be supplied to the tank (2) via the liquid (L2). Therefore, thermal energy can be extracted more efficiently from the concentrated sunlight.

[0091] The seventh embodiment of the heat and power supply system (9) further includes, in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, a light guide path (85) that guides at least one of the light before it enters the light-incoming window (22) and the light that has been emitted from the light-outcoming window (24) to the outside.

[0092] According to this embodiment, 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 diverse uses of solar energy.

[0093] 1. Light concentrator 2. Tank 22. Light inlet window 24. Light outlet window 3. Reflector 35. Reflective surface 4. Solar power generation unit 5. Liquid cooling unit 56. Piping 6. Movable mirror 7. Insulating light-transmitting material 85. Light guide path 9. Heat and power supply system L1. Liquid L2. Liquid

Claims

1. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated sunlight, comprising: a tank having an inlet window and an outlet window and configured to store liquid inside; a reflector disposed inside the tank; and a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the outlet window, wherein the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light incident into the tank through the inlet window and emits it through the outlet window, and the ratio of heat utilization to power generation utilization of the concentrated solar energy is freely adjustable based on the liquid level inside the tank.

2. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated sunlight, comprising: a tank having an inlet window and an outlet window and configured to store liquid inside; a reflector disposed inside the tank; and a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the outlet window, wherein the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light incident into the tank through the inlet window and emits it through the outlet window, and the reflective surface of the reflector is configured such that light incident through the inlet window is reflected multiple times before reaching the outlet window, and the density of light is higher in the part of the reflector closer to the outlet at the bottom, causing convection in the liquid.

3. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated sunlight, comprising: a tank having an inlet window and an outlet window and configured to store liquid inside; a reflector disposed inside the tank; a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the outlet window; and a liquid level changing means for changing the liquid level inside the tank, wherein the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light incident into the tank through the inlet window and emits it through the outlet window, and the ratio of heat utilization to power generation utilization of concentrated solar energy can be changed by changing the liquid level by the liquid level changing means.

4. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated sunlight, comprising: a tank having an inlet window and an outlet window and configured to store liquid inside; a reflector disposed inside the tank; and a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the outlet window, wherein the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light incident into the tank through the inlet window and emits it through the outlet window, and at least one of the inlet window and the outlet window of the tank is covered with a heat-insulating light-transmitting material.

5. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated sunlight, comprising: a tank having an inlet window and an outlet window and configured to store liquid inside; a reflector disposed inside the tank; a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the outlet window; and a movable mirror whose position can be changed relative to the tank, wherein the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects light incident into the tank through the inlet window and emits it through the outlet window, and the proportion of light incident on the solar power generation unit from the light emitted from the outlet window of the tank can be adjusted according to the position of the movable mirror.

6. A thermoelectric power supply system configured to supply heat and electricity based on concentrated sunlight, comprising: a tank having an inlet window and an outlet window and configured to store liquid inside; a reflector disposed inside the tank; a solar power generation unit that generates electricity using light emitted from the outlet window; and a light guide path that guides at least one of a portion of the light before it enters the inlet window and a portion of the light emitted from the outlet window to the outside, wherein the reflector has a reflective surface that reflects the light that enters the inside of the tank through the inlet window and emits it through the outlet window.

7. A heat and power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: a liquid cooling section for cooling the solar power generation section via a liquid; and piping for supplying the liquid, whose temperature has risen in the liquid cooling section, into the interior of the tank.

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