Dual-Stage Parabolic Concentrator for Multi-Reflection Solar Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concentrating Solar Power (CSP), Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV), and Concentrating Hybrid Thermo-Photovoltaic (CHTPV) systems face limitations in efficiency and cost due to high energy loss in existing concentrator and absorber designs, which fail to achieve complete absorption of solar radiation, leading to reduced solar-to-electrical conversion efficiency and increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A Dual-Stage Parabolic Concentrator system with two parabolic mirrored reflectors facing each other, where absorber tubes on the non-reflecting side carry heat transfer fluid and are covered with thermal insulation, and PV panels on the reflectors convert light energy to electricity, allowing for slow and complete absorption of heat and light energy, enhancing energy conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-stage parabolic concentrators are used, then the system structure is simple, but the solar radiation absorption is incomplete and conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrator is divided into two separate parabolic reflectors (primary and secondary stages) instead of using a single reflector. Each stage independently contributes to concentrating solar radiation, allowing the system to achieve higher conversion efficiency by capturing and redirecting sunlight through multiple reflection paths, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and conversion efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional absorber designs are used, then the system occupies less space, but thermal losses are high and complete absorption of solar radiation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber is positioned within the focal region where both primary and secondary parabolic reflectors concentrate solar radiation. This nested arrangement allows the absorber to receive concentrated energy from multiple reflection paths while occupying minimal space, thereby reducing thermal losses through incomplete absorption while maintaining compact system footprint.
3Productivity
If high efficiency MJ PV cells are used in CPV systems, then solar to electric conversion efficiency increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-stage parabolic concentrators serve as an intermediary optical system that pre-concentrates solar radiation before it reaches the PV cells. This reduces the required PV cell area while maintaining high conversion efficiency, thereby lowering manufacturing costs associated with high-efficiency MJ PV cells while still achieving superior overall system efficiency.
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 Dual-Stage Parabolic Concentrator design achieves higher solar-to-electrical conversion efficiency by minimizing thermal losses and allowing multiple reflections for energy absorption, potentially exceeding 80% solar irradiation absorption, thereby reducing system costs and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
two parabolic mirrored reflectors facing each other
Implementation Method 2
concentrates solar radiation towards an absorber/receiver which produces an intense heat energy
Implementation Method 3
A Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) is made to circulate through the absorber/receiver to absorb this intense heat energy
Implementation Method 4
absorber tubes on the non-reflecting side carry heat transfer fluid and are covered with thermal insulation
Implementation Method 5
PV panels on the reflectors convert light energy to electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An improvised Solar Concentrator and Absorber/Receiver Subsystem using a Dual-Stage Parabolic Concentrator for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) (Thermal) system comprises of two parabolic mirrored reflectors wherein their apertures face each other with their focal point/line and axes coincides with each other, a plurality of absorber tubes/cavities placed on the non-reflecting side of the primary and/or secondary reflectors to carry heat transfer fluid, combined with relevant mechanisms to prevent/minimize thermal loss, mounted on a Sun tracking mechanism. For Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) and Concentrating Hybrid Thermo-Photovoltaic (CHTPV) Systems, all or a portion of the reflectors' reflecting and/or exterior surfaces would be covered or substituted with suitable photovoltaic panels.