Low cost high efficiency solar power plant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar power systems face inefficiencies and high costs, limited by radiation losses, maintenance requirements, and the need for extensive infrastructure, making them unsuitable for widespread adoption as a cheap and sustainable energy source.
Innovation Solution
A solar power system utilizing a parabolic dish with a reflective surface made from a lightweight metal composite, supported by a dual piping structure with vacuum insulation and a heat storage unit using sand, designed for minimal re-radiation losses and low maintenance, capable of operating at high temperatures and storing energy for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If parabolic trough systems use long pipes to transfer heat, then the system can transport thermal energy over distance, but radiation losses increase significantly due to the fourth power of temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the heat transfer medium by using molten salt instead of conventional oil, enabling operation at temperatures above 1000°F. This parameter change fundamentally alters the thermal properties and radiation characteristics of the system, reducing relative radiation losses at elevated temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver tube employs a composite structure with selective coating materials that absorb solar radiation efficiently while emitting minimal thermal radiation. The tube itself is a composite of multiple layers including absorptive coating, protective coating, and structural material, optimizing both heat absorption and radiation reduction.
2Temperature
If power tower systems use high central towers to achieve concentrated sunlight, then higher temperatures and efficiency are achieved, but the tower height increases with solar array size which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is segmented into multiple independent linear Fresnel reflector units that can be distributed across the site. Each unit operates independently with its own receiver and heat transfer system, eliminating the need for a single high central tower while achieving comparable temperature levels through concentrated solar heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical dimension (high tower) to a horizontal dimension (distributed linear reflectors). The linear Fresnel reflectors are arranged in rows across the site, concentrating sunlight horizontally onto receivers positioned at ground level or low elevation, thereby achieving high temperatures without vertical height increases.
3Device complexity
If photovoltaic systems directly convert light to electricity, then the conversion process is simple, but the starting cost is high and electricity storage is difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic/thermal system using molten salt as the heat transfer and storage medium. The molten salt circulates through the receivers, absorbs concentrated solar heat, and transports it to storage tanks and heat exchangers. This fluid-based thermal system provides flexible energy storage and transfer capabilities at lower cost than direct electrical storage solutions.
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 achieves high efficiency and cost-effectiveness by minimizing radiation losses and maintenance needs, enabling continuous power generation with minimal water usage and no fossil fuel backup, suitable for remote desert locations.
Implementation Method 1
parabolic concentrator to focus sunlight onto a receiver
Implementation Method 2
reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
dual piping structure with vacuum insulation
Implementation Method 4
minimizing radiation losses
Implementation Method 5
uses a coolant to carry the heat to the heat storage unit
Implementation Method 6
heat storage unit using sand, designed for minimal re-radiation losses and low maintenance, capable of operating at high temperatures and storing energy for extended periods
Implementation Method 7
A secondary loop using water as the coolant draws heat from the heat storage unit and is used to run a turbine
Implementation Method 8
run a turbine to generate electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and apparatus which is designed to use parabolic concentrator to focus sunlight onto a receiver which uses a coolant to carry the heat to the heat storage unit. The system comprises a primary loop comprising at least one solar array and at least one heat storage unit. The system further comprises a secondary loop operatively communicating with said primary loop. The solar array comprises plurality of reflector dish assemblies comprising reflector dish means whereby said dish means are arranged in close proximity to each other wherein said dish means being such that high sunlight concentration ratio is obtained for providing high conversion efficiency from heat to electricity.