High efficiency solar power generator for offshore applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems for remote locations, such as offshore platforms, face challenges in efficiency, footprint, and cost due to the limitations of concentrating solar power systems and photovoltaic systems, which either require large areas or have low efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual-type solar power generator system that combines a reflective surface for concentrating solar radiation with an absorbent surface to create a dual capture panel, utilizing a thermal transfer unit and electric conditioning system to convert solar energy into electricity, optimizing power generation with a smaller footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If concentrating solar power systems use mirror arrays to generate electricity, then power output increases, but footprint area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) systems into a single dual capture panel. The CSP portion uses reflective surfaces to concentrate sunlight and generate heat, while the PV portion directly converts sunlight to electricity. This merging allows the system to achieve high power output from CSP while the PV component contributes additional power without requiring proportional additional area, thus improving power density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spectral splitting to divide sunlight into different wavelength components, directing specific wavelengths to CSP and others to PV. This dimensional change in the energy domain (wavelength separation) allows both technologies to operate simultaneously on the same physical area, effectively increasing power output per unit area without expanding the footprint.
2Power
If photovoltaic systems are installed to meet higher electricity needs, then power output increases, but footprint area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CSP and PV systems in a dual capture panel, where CSP handles a portion of power generation through thermal conversion and PV handles another portion through direct photovoltaic conversion. This combination allows the system to meet higher electricity demands without proportionally increasing footprint, as both technologies share the same physical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the solar system by implementing spectral splitting, where different wavelength ranges of sunlight are directed to different conversion technologies. This parameter change allows optimized performance from both CSP and PV on the same area, increasing overall power output per unit area compared to using either technology alone.
3Device complexity
If a single solar power system is used for remote locations, then device complexity is reduced, but efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CSP and PV in a single dual capture panel system, creating a hybrid that leverages the strengths of both technologies. CSP converts sunlight to heat and then electricity through thermal cycles, achieving high efficiency at certain wavelengths, while PV directly converts other wavelengths to electricity. This merging improves overall conversion efficiency without requiring multiple separate systems, thus not significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements spectral splitting to change the operational parameters of the system, directing different wavelength ranges to different conversion mechanisms. This parameter optimization allows each technology to operate in its optimal efficiency range, maximizing overall energy conversion efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.
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-type solar power generator achieves higher efficiency and power output per unit area compared to conventional systems, reducing capital and maintenance costs while providing reliable electricity to remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective surface, where the reflective surface is configured to reflect solar radiation having a reflecting wavelength to create a reflected stream
Implementation Method 2
an absorbent surface, where the absorbent surface is configured to absorb solar radiation having an absorbent wavelength to create a released electron stream
Implementation Method 3
a receiving zone being configured to receive the reflected stream and to absorb heat energy from the reflected stream
Implementation Method 4
a heat engine, the heat engine being in thermal communication with the receiving zone, where the heat engine converts the heat energy absorbed by the receiving zone and converts the heat energy to mechanical work energy
Implementation Method 5
a generator, the generator in mechanical communication with the heat engine, where the generator is configured to convert the mechanical work energy to an electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-type solar power generator comprising a dual capture panel. The dual capture panel comprises a reflective surface configured to reflect solar radiation having a reflecting wavelength and an absorbent surface configured to absorb solar radiation having an absorbent wavelength to create a released electron stream. A thermal transfer unit comprising a receiving zone configured to absorb heat energy, a heat engine that converts the heat energy to mechanical work energy, and a generator configured to convert the mechanical work energy to an electric current, an electric conditioning system comprising an electrical buffer configured to prevent a cross flow of the released electron stream and the electric current, a power converter configured to equalize a released electron stream voltage with an electric current voltage, an electrical connector configured to combine the released stream voltage with the electric current voltage to create a power source.