Device, plant and method for the storage and transfer of thermal energy of solar origin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar thermal energy conversion systems for electric power generation are inefficient and costly, particularly in achieving grid parity, and require complex steam generation systems.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a bed of fluidizable solid particles thermally coupled with thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells to directly convert stored thermal energy into electricity, eliminating the need for steam generation and heat exchangers, with TPV cells positioned within or adjacent to the particle bed for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If heat exchangers and steam generation systems are used to convert solar thermal energy to electricity, then electric power generation is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex steam generation system, heat exchangers, and turbine machinery from the solar thermal energy conversion system. Instead, it directly couples thermophotovoltaic cells to the solar thermal receiver, creating a simplified solid-state conversion pathway that maintains power generation capability while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical steam turbine system with a solid-state thermophotovoltaic conversion system. The mechanical energy conversion chain (thermal→mechanical→electrical) is substituted with a direct thermal-radiative-electrical conversion process, eliminating moving parts and mechanical complexity while maintaining electrical power output
2Productivity
If heat exchangers and steam turbines are implemented for solar thermal energy conversion, then electricity production is enabled, but maintenance costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermophotovoltaic system operates with minimal intervention required. The solid-state nature of TPV cells eliminates the need for routine maintenance associated with mechanical components such as lubrication, sealing, and alignment adjustments. The system essentially maintains itself through passive operation, with only periodic cleaning and inspection required
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the steam turbine, condenser, pump, and associated mechanical infrastructure, the patent eliminates all components that would require maintenance. The system reduces to essentially two active components: the solar thermal receiver and the TPV cell array, both of which have significantly lower maintenance requirements than conventional thermal power cycle equipment
3Power
If conventional solar thermal systems with multiple conversion stages are used, then electric energy is produced, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar thermal energy reception and electrical energy conversion functions into a single integrated system. The TPV cells are directly coupled to the thermal receiver, eliminating the intermediate thermal transport and heat exchange stages that cause energy losses in conventional systems. This direct coupling maximizes the conversion efficiency from solar thermal energy to electrical energy
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of multi-stage thermal-mechanical conversion with direct thermophotovoltaic conversion eliminates energy losses associated with heat exchanger inefficiencies, steam cycle limitations, and mechanical friction. The solid-state conversion process operates at higher theoretical efficiency limits defined by the TPV cell bandgap matching with the thermal radiation spectrum
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 production efficiency, low maintenance costs, and operational safety with simplified modular design, enabling round-the-clock power generation and potential supplementary power from conventional photovoltaic systems.
Implementation Method 1
devices for the storage and transfer of said thermal energy based upon a bed of fluidizable solid particles exposed, directly or indirectly, to solar radiation
Implementation Method 2
the fluidized bed device collects and stores solar power as sensible heat of the bed solid particles
Implementation Method 3
thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells which produce electric energy... the fluidized bed device collects and stores solar power as sensible heat of the bed solid particles. Such sensible heat, in turn, is converted directly into electricity, thanks to the TPV technology
Implementation Method 4
thermal energy is conveyed to the TPV means by thermal conduction through the casing wall(s) and/or by radiation and/or convection
Implementation Method 5
the TPV means are exposed to thermal emitters, i.e. the fluidized bed particles, at high temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The object of the present invention is to use the high temperature thermal power stored in the fluid bed in conjunction with thermophotovoltaic (TPV) technology. TPV technology requires thermal emitters at high temperature (>600°C) to produce electricity from thermal radiation. TPV thermal emitters are located immersed in or exposed to a hot particles fluidized bed, protected by suitable layers of high temperature resistant material, like ceramic or refractory walls. Such high temperature fluidized bed, will provide thermal power to the TPV cells, to produce electricity.