Fluidized Particle Solar Receiver for High-Temperature Heat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy storage technologies face limitations due to the use of toxic and dangerous heat transfer fluids, such as synthetic oils and molten salts, and suffer from low density and high energy losses in particle suspensions, which restrict efficient heat storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a dense suspension of solid particles fluidized by a gas, with particles sized between 20 and 150 μm, and a porosity of 40-55%, allowing for efficient heat transfer and storage, using inert or reactive particles, and operating within a fluidized-bed system that can supply steam or gas turbines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If suspensions of solid particles are used to absorb solar radiation, then heat absorption capability is improved, but the density of the suspension is low and energy losses are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the particle suspension by optimizing particle size (20-150 μm), volume fraction (40-55%), and fluidization velocity to achieve high heat absorption while minimizing energy losses. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between heat absorption capability and energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gas fluidization to transport and circulate solid particles through the solar receiver system. The fluidized bed technology enables efficient heat transfer and particle circulation, resolving the energy loss issue while maintaining high heat absorption capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If synthetic oils or molten salts are used as heat transfer fluid, then heat transport capability is improved, but the substances are toxic and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inert solid particles (such as sand, silicon carbide, or alumina) that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly as alternatives to toxic synthetic oils and molten salts. These particles can be easily replaced and do not pose environmental hazards, resolving the contradiction between heat transport capability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs chemically inert particles that do not react with the heat transfer gas or equipment, creating a safe operating environment. The inert nature of these particles eliminates the toxicity and chemical reactivity issues associated with synthetic oils and molten salts while maintaining effective heat transport.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If steam is used as heat transfer fluid, then safety is improved, but the operating temperature is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite system combining solid particles with gas fluidization to achieve both safety and high temperature operation. The solid particles can withstand high temperatures without the safety risks of synthetic oils, while the gas fluidization enables efficient heat transfer at temperatures above 600°C, resolving the contradiction between safety and operating temperature.
4Stability of the object's composition
If air compression is used to produce particle suspension, then suspension is formed, but parasitic power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs natural gas flow to fluidize and transport the solid particles without requiring high-pressure compression. The gas flow rate is optimized to maintain suspension stability while minimizing energy consumption, allowing the system to self-regulate particle circulation with low parasitic power input.
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
This solution enables high-temperature operation (above 600°C), reduces energy losses, and uses non-toxic, non-dangerous fluids for efficient heat transport and storage, facilitating the hybridization of solar and biomass energy, while controlling parasitic power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one suspension of solid particles fluidized by a gas
Implementation Method 2
use suspensions of solid particles to absorb the solar radiation
Implementation Method 3
device for collecting solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for collecting solar energy (1), characterized in that it includes at least one solar receiver (2) including at least one suspension of solid particles fluidized by a gas, each suspension circulating between an inlet and an outlet of the receiver (2), wherein the volume of particles is between 40% and 55% of the volume of the suspension, and the average size of the particles is between 20 and 150 μm.