Ceramic Heating Element Solar Collector for Direct Conduction Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power collection systems face challenges such as high thermal losses, damage from high temperatures, and inefficiencies due to the use of parabolic mirrors and heat transfer fluids, which limit their ability to produce high heating temperatures and are hazardous to passersby and birds.
Innovation Solution
A solar power collection system using a collimated beam of solar radiation focused onto a high heat capacity ceramic heating element, such as porcelain, which transfers heat directly to a thermal storage medium by conduction, minimizing reflection losses and avoiding the use of mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If parabolic mirrors or dish shaped mirrors are used to focus solar energy, then solar energy concentration is improved, but reflection losses and hazards to passersby and birds increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a lens to refract and concentrate sunlight directly onto the absorber, rather than using mirrors to reflect sunlight. This inversion of the optical path eliminates reflection losses and removes the hazard of concentrated reflected light, while achieving the same energy concentration effect through refraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror-based reflection system with an optical lens-based refraction system. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mirror alignment and reduces energy losses associated with reflection, while maintaining effective solar energy concentration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heat transfer fluids are used to transfer heat from collectors to thermal storage media, then heat transfer is achieved, but thermal losses and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the heat transfer fluid from the system by implementing direct thermal contact between the solar absorber and the thermal storage medium. This removal of the intermediate fluid eliminates the associated thermal losses and simplifies the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the solar absorber and thermal storage medium into direct thermal contact, combining functions that were previously separated by heat transfer fluids and heat exchangers. This direct coupling improves thermal efficiency and reduces system complexity.
3Productivity
If large heliostat mirrors are used to focus solar radiation on a central absorber tower, then solar energy collection is improved, but safety hazards and energy reflection losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional heliostat mirror approach by using a lens to refract sunlight. This produces a concentrated beam that can be directed precisely onto the absorber without creating the safety hazards associated with large reflective surfaces that scatter light in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical heliostat mirror system with an optical lens system that achieves solar concentration through refraction rather than reflection, eliminating the safety hazards associated with large reflective surfaces.
4Temperature
If conventional solar collectors are used to heat thermal storage media, then heat transfer is achieved, but high temperature production is limited due to collector damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized solar absorber made of high-temperature resistant materials as an intermediary between the lens and thermal storage medium. This mediator can withstand temperatures exceeding 400°C, enabling high-temperature heat transfer without damaging the collector components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the solar absorber to withstand extreme temperatures. By using materials with high melting points and thermal stability, the system can operate at temperatures above 400°C without compromising collector durability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system achieves high temperature heat storage with minimal radiation loss, making it suitable for residential use and efficient energy conversion, while avoiding hazards and inefficiencies associated with traditional mirror-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
said heating element transfers solar energy to the thermal storage medium directly by conduction
Implementation Method 2
directly heats said heating element through contact with a conical or concave depression on the element
Implementation Method 3
produced by a Fresnel lens in conjunction with a converging or diverging lens
Implementation Method 4
a collimated or substantially collimated or otherwise substantially concentrated beam of solar radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Solar power collection systems characterized by using a collimated or otherwise concentrated beam (201) of solar radiation to directly heat a porcelain or other high-heat capacity ceramic heating element (202) by contact with an absorption surface on the element, which element in turn heats a thermal storage medium (205) by conduction, methods of using the systems for collecting solar energy, and applications of the systems are disclosed.