Movable Lens Solar Collector for Broad-Temperature Heat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy-based thermal energy storage and retrieval systems have limited ability to store heat over a broad temperature range, restricting their efficiency and effectiveness in commercial PV power plants.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy collector and concentrator system comprising an array of lenses, conduits, and heat transfer elements that move to continuously focus solar energy on heat transfer fluids, allowing for the collection and storage of solar energy across multiple temperature ranges through a thermally conductive medium, and a thermal energy storage and retrieval system that utilizes thermodynamic cycles for efficient heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solar energy-based thermal energy storage systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to store heat over a broad temperature range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector is divided into multiple zones with different optical concentrations, each zone handling a specific temperature range. The collector surface is segmented into high-concentration zones for high-temperature storage and low-concentration zones for low-temperature storage, enabling broad temperature range coverage through spatial segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs movable concentrators that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation to track the sun and optimize the distribution of solar radiation across different zones. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing solar angles and maintain optimal performance throughout the day, expanding the effective temperature range.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple temperature ranges are targeted for energy storage, then the energy storage capacity increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it collects solar radiation, concentrates it to different degrees in different zones, and transfers heat to multiple thermal storage tanks operating at different temperatures. This multi-functionality allows the system to store energy across a broad temperature range using a unified collector structure, increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat transfer fluids serve as intermediaries between the solar collector zones and the thermal storage tanks. Each fluid circulates through specific zones, absorbing heat at appropriate temperatures and transporting it to corresponding storage tanks. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient heat transfer across multiple temperature ranges while simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Temperature
If solar energy is concentrated to high temperatures, then the energy density increases, but the risk of overheating and energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones of the solar collector are designed with different optical concentrations tailored to their specific functions. High-concentration zones focus sunlight to achieve high temperatures for high-temperature storage, while low-concentration zones distribute sunlight more broadly for low-temperature storage. This local differentiation of optical properties prevents overheating in any single zone while maintaining high energy density where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable concentrators can dynamically adjust their concentration ratios by changing their position and orientation. When thermal storage tanks approach their maximum temperature capacity, the system can reduce concentration in those zones and redirect energy to other zones, preventing overheating and optimizing energy distribution in real-time.
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 the storage and retrieval of thermal energy over a broader temperature range than conventional systems, enhancing energy storage capacity and efficiency in commercial PV power plants.
Implementation Method 1
an array of lenses configured to concentrate solar energy
Implementation Method 2
the lenses comprise Fresnel lenses
Implementation Method 3
one or more heat transfer elements on each of the plurality of conduits, configured to receive the concentrated solar energy from at least some of the array of lenses and transfer the concentrated solar energy directly or indirectly to the heat storage or heat transport fluid
Implementation Method 4
one or more thermodynamic cycles configured to exchange heat in each of a relatively low-pressure process and a relatively high-pressure process
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy collector and/or concentrator, a thermal energy storage and retrieval system including the same, and methods of storing and recovering thermal energy are disclosed. The solar energy collector and/or concentrator may include an array of lenses configured to concentrate solar energy, a plurality of conduits through which a heat storage or heat transport fluid flows, and one or more heat transfer elements on each of the conduits, configured to receive the concentrated solar energy from the lenses and transfer the concentrated solar energy to the heat storage/transport fluid. The conduits are configured to move in at least first and second angular dimensions. The thermal energy storage and retrieval system may include the solar energy collector and/or concentrator, a thermodynamic cycle, and a heat storage and retrieval subsystem. Heat is transferred from the heat storage/transport fluid to the heat storage and retrieval subsystem and/or the thermodynamic cycle.