Concentrated solar thermal reactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen extraction methods from lunar and Martian regolith are inefficient, require high energy input, and lack versatility in handling different extraction processes, particularly for high-temperature reactions like vapor phase pyrolysis.
Innovation Solution
A vertically oriented concentrated solar reactor system, known as SCORCHER, uses concentrated solar energy to heat particles in flight, enabling continuous processing and efficient oxygen extraction through carbothermal reduction and vapor phase pyrolysis, with a falling particle receiver design and continuous slag extrusion for byproduct utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional oxygen extraction methods are used, then the process can be performed with existing technology, but the energy requirements are high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by using concentrated solar energy to achieve extremely high temperatures (2,000-6,000°C) required for vapor phase pyrolysis, transforming the thermal conditions to enable more efficient oxygen extraction from regolith compared to conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional thermal delivery systems with direct solar concentration, substituting mechanical heating systems with optical concentration to achieve the required temperatures more efficiently
2Ease of manufacture
If vapor phase pyrolysis is used, then single-step simplicity and multiple material extraction are achieved, but extremely high temperatures (2,000-6,000°C) are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system multi-functional by enabling extraction of multiple materials (oxygen, metals, non-metals) simultaneously through vapor phase pyrolysis, allowing a single process to produce various valuable resources from regolith
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses concentrated solar energy to achieve and maintain the extremely high temperature parameters (2,000-6,000°C) required for vapor phase pyrolysis, enabling this simple single-step process to proceed at the necessary thermal conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If molten regolith handling is implemented, then multiple pure metals and non-metals can be produced, but significant advancements are needed for handling molten materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water-cooled crucible as an intermediary component that can withstand direct contact with molten regolith at extremely high temperatures, mediating between the thermal process and the structural support system to enable molten material handling
4Temperature
If concentrated solar energy is used, then high temperatures are achieved with solar thermal efficiency, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: solar concentration subsystem, particle delivery subsystem, reaction chamber with water-cooled crucible, and product collection subsystem, making the complex system more manageable and analyzable
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
The system achieves high solar thermal efficiency, reduces electrical power requirements, increases oxygen yields, and enables thermal energy storage, with adaptable design for various extraction processes and secondary resource utilization of extruded slag.
Implementation Method 1
a solar concentrator operating to concentrate sunlight onto a stream of particles to heat the particles to a selected temperature
Implementation Method 2
heating the particles to a selected temperature sufficient to enable a desired thermochemical process
Implementation Method 3
continuous oxygen extraction through carbothermal reduction and vapor phase pyrolysis
Implementation Method 4
continuous oxygen extraction through carbothermal reduction and vapor phase pyrolysis
Implementation Method 5
a heat exchanger coupled to the particle stream and operating to transfer thermal energy from the particle stream
Implementation Method 6
enables thermal energy storage and secondary resource utilization
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically oriented solar concentrator reactor system and method of use for high temperature thermochemical processes and/or electrical power generation. In one embodiment, the vertically oriented solar concentrator reactor system produces a thermochemical reaction of a stream of irradiated particles arranged concentrically with a concentrated light cone. In one aspect, the vertically oriented solar concentrator reactor system collects an irradiated particle stream within a hot particle containment vessel which communicates thermal energy to a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger in turn driving an electrical power generator. In one embodiment, the particles are a lunar regolith.