Dual-use solar energy conversion system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar-cell-based energy conversion systems face high costs due to expensive solar cells, low energy conversion efficiency, and site-specific design costs, along with inefficient land use and complex maintenance requirements in existing CSP systems.
Innovation Solution
A novel structural framework that interconnects parabolic trough reflectors with solar cell arrays and cooling apparatus, allowing for accurate alignment and rotation to track the sun, reducing solar cell costs, enhancing energy utilization by storing waste heat, and optimizing land use through a modular, scalable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If parabolic trough reflectors are used to concentrate solar energy onto solar cells, then the area and cost of solar cells required is reduced by a factor of 20 to 50, but the system creates the need for active cooling of the cells and presents very demanding orientation and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling apparatus with the structural support framework into an integrated system. The cooling channels are incorporated into the truss structure that supports the solar cells and parabolic troughs, merging thermal management with mechanical support functions. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining the required active cooling for concentrated solar energy applications.
2Productivity
If conventional solar cell systems are used, then electricity can be generated, but at least 75 to 80% of the solar energy incident on the cells is not converted to useful energy and is lost as waste heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat that would normally be discarded into a useful resource by implementing a thermal energy storage system. The cooling apparatus captures the heat from solar cells and concentrated solar energy, stores it in thermal storage media (such as rocks or gravel beds), and makes it available for later use in low-temperature applications. This transforms the harmful waste heat into a beneficial byproduct that can satisfy heating demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dual-use system that simultaneously generates electricity and provides thermal energy storage. The same solar energy input serves two purposes: converting electricity through solar cells and storing thermal energy for later heating applications. This multi-functional approach increases overall energy utilization efficiency by addressing both electrical and thermal energy needs from a single solar energy source.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar-cell-based installations are designed individually for specific sites, then they can be customized for homes, businesses, and airports, but this leads to site-specific design costs and high per-kilowatt installation and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modular design where the system is divided into standardized, interchangeable components including truss sections, parabolic trough segments, solar cell arrays, and thermal storage units. These modular modules can be configured in different arrangements to suit various site requirements while maintaining standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation enables customization for different applications (homes, businesses, airports) without requiring custom design for each installation, thereby reducing design and installation costs.
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 significantly reduces solar cell costs, improves energy conversion efficiency by utilizing waste heat, and enables efficient land use and deployment proximity to energy demand centers, addressing the limitations of existing CSP systems.
Implementation Method 1
parabolic trough reflectors focus solar radiation onto solar cells positioned in or near the focal planes of the reflectors
Implementation Method 2
energy concentration ratios (ratio of trough reflector width to solar image width) in the range from 20 to 50 easily achieved
Implementation Method 3
Solar cells are photovoltaic devices which convert sunlight directly into electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
The cooling apparatus, which is an integral part of the aforementioned structural framework, removes low-grade waste heat (sensible fluid temperatures less than roughly 60° C.) from the solar cells
Implementation Method 5
The system causes the cooling fluid to pass through, and discharge thermal energy to, a storage medium
Implementation Method 6
The accumulated thermal energy may be reclaimed from the storage medium as needed—after days, weeks, or even months of storage
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-use solar energy conversion system has an innovative structural framework which accurately maintains the relative position and alignment of functional system components. The system has parabolic trough reflectors which focus solar radiation onto arrays of solar cells. The cells convert a portion of the incident radiation into electrical energy and the rest is collected in a cooling fluid and subsequently discharged as low-grade thermal energy to an energy storage medium. During operation, the entire system rotates about a vertical axis to track the azimuthal position of the sun.