Integrated Solar-Hydrogen Thermal System for Continuous Renewable Heat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in generating continuous heat using only renewable energy sources, often requiring integration with non-renewable sources to maintain heat generation 24/7, which contributes to environmental issues like increased carbon dioxide and atmospheric temperature.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hydrogen generator connected to a photovoltaic panel and a thermal loop, including a solar thermal system, heat load, and radiator, utilizing a heat exchange fluid to produce and store thermal energy for continuous heat supply, with hydrogen generation and combustion providing heat both during sunlight hours and at night.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If only renewable energy sources are used for continuous heat generation, then environmental impact is reduced, but heat generation cannot be maintained 24/7
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating and storing hydrogen during daytime when solar energy is available. The hydrogen generator uses solar power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, storing hydrogen for later use. This preliminary hydrogen production enables continuous heat generation at night without requiring non-renewable energy sources, thus resolving the contradiction between environmental protection and continuous operation reliability.
2Reliability
If non-renewable energy sources are paired with renewable sources, then continuous heat generation is maintained, but carbon dioxide emissions and atmospheric temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the intermittent nature of solar energy, which would normally be a disadvantage, into a benefit by using it to produce and store hydrogen during daytime. This stored hydrogen then serves as a clean fuel source for nighttime heat generation, replacing non-renewable sources and eliminating carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining continuous operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar thermal system operates without sunlight, then heat generation stops, but heat load requires continuous heat supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces hydrogen as an intermediary energy carrier between solar energy and heat load. During daytime, solar energy is converted to hydrogen through electrolysis. At night, when solar thermal energy is unavailable, the stored hydrogen is combusted to generate heat, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between intermittent solar input and continuous heat demand.
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
Enables continuous heat generation for 24 hours a day without relying on non-renewable energy sources, reducing environmental impact by using renewable energy sources exclusively for heat production.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic panel electrically connected to the hydrogen generator
Implementation Method 2
a solar thermal system to generate heat
Implementation Method 3
the hydrogen generator comprises a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer
Implementation Method 4
the reactor is a catalytic combustion reactor
Implementation Method 5
The thermal loop includes a solar thermal system to generate heat, a heat load, and a radiator to release heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems for a continuous generation of a heat supply from renewable energy. The systems generally comprise a hydrogen generator to be electrically connected to a photovoltaic panel and to be thermally connected to a thermal loop, the thermal loop including a solar thermal system, a heat load, and a radiator.