CSP Thermal Absorber Preheating Startup Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Concentrated solar power (CSP) thermal absorbers face inefficiencies due to prolonged startup times and reduced usable hours when operating in cold environments or without sunlight, as they require reaching a sufficient temperature for efficient energy production.

Innovation Solution

The integration of heating units within the CSP thermal absorbers, which preheat the system by using heating devices and fins to heat the liquid alkali metal, expediting startup and enhancing energy production efficiency by creating a thermal gradient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If CSP thermal absorbers operate without heating units, then the system structure remains simple, but the startup time is prolonged and usable hours are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestartup timeVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating units perform preliminary heating of the liquid alkali metal before solar energy conversion begins, pre-establishing the thermal conditions necessary for efficient operation. This preliminary action reduces the time required to reach operational temperature and extends the usable operating window of the CSP system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If heating units are integrated into the CSP thermal absorber, then energy production efficiency increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy production efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating units are merged with the thermal absorber structure, with heating elements integrated into the housing that contacts the liquid alkali metal. This combination allows the system to perform both heating and solar energy conversion functions within a unified structure, improving energy production efficiency while managing complexity through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the CSP system operates in cold environments, then adaptability is tested, but the temperature threshold for efficient operation is not met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecold environment operationVSAvoidoperating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heating units provide preliminary anti-action against cold environmental conditions by pre-heating the liquid alkali metal to the required operational temperature threshold. This counteracts the adverse thermal effects of cold environments, enabling the CSP system to maintain efficient operation across a broader range of environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 solution reduces system downtime and increases the number of usable hours for CSP systems by allowing energy production to begin earlier and maintaining efficiency even in non-sunny conditions, thereby increasing kilowatt-hour production.

Implementation Method 1

One end of the fin is connected to an end of the heating device and the opposite end of the fin is submerged into the liquid alkali metal, thereby allowing the heating device to heat the liquid alkali metal via the fin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a light-transparent reservoir located in the hot chamber of the housing. In addition, the light-transparent reservoir contains a liquid alkali metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption of electromagnetic radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

at least one alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell disposed within the thermal barrier such that one end of the AMTEC cell is located in the cold chamber and the other end of the AMTEC cell is located in the hot chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal-to-electric conversion: Thermionic Energy Conversion

Data Source

PatentUS11563160B2Internally heated concentrated solar power (CSP) thermal absorber

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A system and method are disclosed for internally heated concentrated solar power (CSP) thermal absorbers. The system and method involve an energy-generating device having at least one heating unit. At least one heating unit preheats the energy-generating device in order to expedite the startup time of the energy-generating device, thereby allowing for an increase in efficiency for the production of energy. In some embodiments, the energy-generating device is a CSP thermal absorber. The CSP thermal absorber comprises a housing, a thermal barrier, a light-transparent reservoir containing a liquid alkali metal, at least one alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter (AMTEC) cell, an artery return channel, and at least one heating unit. Each heating unit comprises a heating device and a metal fin. The metal fin is submerged into the liquid alkali metal, thereby allowing the heating device to heat the liquid alkali metal via the fin.