Hybrid solar system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems face inefficiencies in simultaneously generating electricity and high-temperature dispatchable heat, as they often prioritize one over the other and struggle with thermal energy storage and management.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid solar system integrating non-imaging optics and photovoltaic components with a heat transfer and storage system using particle-laden gas as thermal media, which splits the solar spectrum to maximize exergy output, utilizing Gallium Arsenide cells for efficient energy conversion and storage up to high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional solar power systems prioritize electricity generation, then electrical output is improved, but thermal energy storage and high-temperature heat generation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solar spectrum into different energy ranges, directing high-energy photons to PV cells for electricity generation while allowing lower-energy photons to reach the thermal receiver for heat generation. This spectral segmentation enables simultaneous optimization of both electrical and thermal outputs without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges photovoltaic electricity generation and solar thermal heat generation into a single hybrid system architecture. The PV module and thermal receiver are integrated such that they share the same optical path and structural support, enabling both functions to operate simultaneously from the same solar input.
2Device complexity
If conventional solar systems use standard thermal media, then system simplicity is maintained, but thermal conductivity and heat transfer efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite thermal media consisting of solid particles suspended in a gas carrier. This composite formulation combines the high heat capacity and thermal conductivity of solid particles with the fluidity and ease of handling of gases, achieving superior heat transfer and storage performance while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the thermal media by using particle-laden gas instead of conventional single-phase fluids. This parameter change enables operation at much higher temperatures (up to 1000°C) while improving thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficients, directly addressing the energy loss problem.
3Ease of manufacture
If solar systems operate at lower temperatures, then material constraints are simplified, but exergy efficiency and energy output deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating temperature parameter from conventional low-temperature operation to high-temperature operation (up to 1000°C). This parameter change dramatically improves exergy efficiency and energy output, while the use of particle-laden gas as thermal media provides the necessary thermal stability and material compatibility at these elevated temperatures.
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
Achieves high exergy efficiency of over 40% by effectively generating both electricity and dispatchable heat, with the potential to operate at temperatures up to 1000°C, enhancing existing solar power systems through improved thermal conductivity and storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The HS collector preferably transforms a parabolic trough, commonly used in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, into an integrated spectrum-splitting device. This places a spectrum-sensitive topping element on a secondary reflector that is registered to the thermal collection loop. The secondary reflector transmits higher energy photons for PV topping while diverting the remaining lower energy photons to the thermal media.
Implementation Method 2
The subject invention preferably further utilizes the spectral selectivity property of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) cells to maximize the exergy output of the system.
Implementation Method 3
The subject invention preferably further utilizes the spectral selectivity property of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) cells to maximize the exergy output of the system.
Implementation Method 4
The particle laden thermal media not only increases direct solar radiation absorption when used in a transparent receiver, but may also allow operation up to the melting point of the solid particles.
Implementation Method 5
It simultaneously increases thermal conductivity and heat transfer coefficient, and allows for effective storage of excess heat in hot solid particles for later on-demand use.
Implementation Method 6
The thermal media is preferably comprised of fine particles of high melting point, high thermal conductivity and, if desired, high radiation absorptive material in a gas.
Implementation Method 7
allows for effective storage of excess heat in hot solid particles for later on-demand use
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid solar system including a hybrid solar collector using non-imaging optics and photovoltaic components and a heat transfer and storage system in thermal communication with the hybrid solar collector, the heat transfer and storage system using particle laden gas as thermal media to simultaneously generate and store electricity and high temperature dispatchable heat.