Energy collector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panels are expensive and have short lifespans, necessitating a cost-effective and durable mechanism for capturing and utilizing solar heat.
Innovation Solution
An energy collector system with a base, absorber, and radiation penetrable cover, featuring a vacuum-sealed fluid cavity that absorbs solar radiation, causing a phase change in a working fluid, which is then collected and reused, minimizing temperature increases and energy losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar panels are used to capture solar energy, then energy absorption efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change of working fluid (liquid to vapor and back) to transfer and store solar thermal energy. The absorber heats the working fluid to its boiling point, causing phase change to vapor, which then condenses back to liquid, releasing energy. This phase transition mechanism enables efficient energy capture while using durable, simple components that can last decades.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar panels are used to capture solar energy, then energy absorption efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs phase change of a simple working fluid (water or alternative fluids) to capture solar thermal energy. This approach replaces expensive photovoltaic materials with inexpensive fluids and simple heat transfer components, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high energy absorption efficiency through the latent heat of vaporization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere) to minimize heat loss from the absorber to the surrounding air. This vacuum insulation eliminates the need for expensive thermal management systems and allows the use of simple, inexpensive materials for the absorber and heat exchanger components, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Loss of energy
If vacuum insulation is used to reduce heat losses, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a vacuum environment within the energy collector housing to eliminate convective and conductive heat losses. This vacuum insulation layer is integrated into the collector design between the absorber and the external environment, providing excellent thermal insulation with minimal additional complexity. The vacuum seal is maintained using simple gaskets and sealing mechanisms at the collector edges.
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 efficiently captures solar energy, reduces heat losses, and extends the lifespan of the collector by using inexpensive materials and vacuum insulation, while maintaining high energy absorption efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An absorber absorbs solar radiation
Implementation Method 2
The base manifold is under vacuum
Implementation Method 3
the working fluid experiences a phase change
Data Source
AI summary
An energy collector is disclosed. The energy collector contains an absorber and a working fluid. The working fluid is held in a state of two-phase equilibrium to minimize sensible heating and thus heat losses to the environment. The energy collector may be held under a vacuum to further prevent heat losses to the ambient environment. One or more energy collectors may be connected to other energy collectors, end uses, or thermal energy storage.