High energy-efficient device, system and method for the use of thermal energy of solar origin
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar thermal energy accumulation and exchange devices face inefficiencies due to thermal gradients, durability issues, and maintenance challenges, leading to high energy production costs and thermal losses.
Innovation Solution
A device with a fluidized bed of particles directly irradiated by concentrated solar radiation, eliminating intermediate structures like windows or cavities, and utilizing a fluidization system for effective heat transfer and particle recirculation, along with an optical system for concentrated radiation delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a metal cavity is used to receive concentrated solar radiation, then thermal energy can be accumulated, but the cavity surface is exposed to high temperatures and thermal gradients causing durability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent window as an intermediary element between the concentrated solar radiation and the fluidized bed particles. This window allows radiation to pass through while protecting the particles from direct exposure, preventing soiling and opacification that would otherwise occur with direct particle exposure to radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical system with heliostats and reflectors to create a concentrated image of the solar radiation at a specific focal point. This optical copying approach directs the radiation precisely onto the transparent window and fluidized bed assembly, maximizing thermal energy transfer while maintaining system durability.
2Reliability
If a transparent window is used to protect particles from direct radiation, then particle durability is improved, but the window is subject to soiling and opacification reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent window as an intermediary element between the concentrated solar radiation and the fluidized bed particles. This window allows radiation to pass through while protecting the particles from direct exposure, preventing soiling and opacification that would otherwise occur with direct particle exposure to radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidized bed system provides self-cleaning functionality through the continuous motion and mixing of particles. The fluidization process prevents dust and contaminants from settling on the transparent window by maintaining particle movement that prevents deposition, thereby maintaining radiation transmission efficiency over time.
3Area of stationary object
If quartz windows of larger size are used for industrial systems, then radiation reception area is increased, but thickness must increase for structural support reducing transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the transparent window assembly, combining quartz or other transparent materials with supportive structural elements. This allows large-area windows to maintain adequate thickness for structural integrity while optimizing the transparent portion for maximum radiation transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the large transparent window into multiple smaller panes or segments arranged in an array. This segmentation allows each individual pane to be thinner and more transparent while the overall assembly provides the required large area for radiation reception, avoiding the need for any single thick pane that would reduce transmission.
4Productivity
If the fluidized bed is directly irradiated without intermediate structures, then thermal absorption efficiency is improved, but particle exposure to radiation causes soiling and opacification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent window as an intermediary element between the concentrated solar radiation and the fluidized bed particles. This window allows radiation to pass through while protecting the particles from direct exposure, preventing soiling and opacification that would otherwise occur with direct particle exposure to radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the operational parameters of the fluidized bed, specifically controlling the particle size distribution, fluidization velocity, and residence time. These parameter changes optimize thermal absorption efficiency while the continuous particle motion prevents contaminant deposition, maintaining surface cleanliness despite direct radiation exposure.
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 configuration achieves higher thermal performance, increased durability, and reduced thermal losses, allowing for more efficient solar energy accumulation and transfer.
Implementation Method 1
heliostats which concentrate the radiation on reflector mirrors. The latter, in turn, convey the radiation onto devices for thermal accumulation and exchange
Implementation Method 2
collect solar energy by means of heliostats which concentrate the radiation
Implementation Method 3
fluidized bed of particles directly irradiated by concentrated solar radiation
Implementation Method 4
device for the accumulation and exchange of thermal energy of solar origin
Implementation Method 5
the bed of particles of the accumulation and exchange device receives the concentrated solar radiation through a window of transparent material
Implementation Method 6
the solar radiation is received upon the walls of a metal cavity of the device... The fluidized bed of particles takes from the walls of the cavity the thermal energy deriving from the solar radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A device for accumulation and exchange of thermal energy of solar origin is provided. The device includes: a casing which defines an internal compartment and has an irradiation opening configured to allow the entry of concentrated solar radiation, the opening puts in direct communication the inner compartment with the external environment being devoid, in use, of closure or screen means; a bed of fluidizable solid particles, received within the inner compartment of the casing, the bed has an operative region directly exposed to the concentrated solar radiation that enters through the opening, in such a way that the particles of the operative region absorb thermal energy from solar radiation; and fluidization means of the bed of particles, configured to adduce a fluidizing gas into the compartment at the operative region.