Multi-chamber solar collector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collectors often fail to heat fluids to sufficiently high temperatures due to limitations in absorber size, suboptimal heat transfer properties, or low solar radiation levels, necessitating supplementary heating sources that increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A solar collector apparatus featuring multiple heating chambers, where fluid is heated in one chamber and then transferred to another under controlled conditions, allowing thermal energy stratification to achieve higher temperatures without increasing solar radiation input, using one-way valves and sensors to manage fluid flow and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the absorber size is increased to capture more solar radiation, then the temperature of the heat transfer medium can be increased, but the cost and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber is divided into multiple discrete zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) along the flow path, each zone being a separate heating chamber that can be independently optimized. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high temperatures without requiring a single large absorber area, as each zone contributes incrementally to the temperature rise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension heating approach to a multi-zoned sequential heating approach along the flow path. By arranging heating zones in series along the fluid flow direction, the system achieves cumulative temperature increase without proportionally increasing the lateral absorber area, effectively utilizing the length dimension.
2Temperature
If the absorber size is increased to capture more solar radiation, then the temperature of the heat transfer medium can be increased, but the fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber is divided into multiple discrete zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) along the flow path, each zone being a separate heating chamber that can be independently optimized. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high temperatures without requiring a single large absorber area, as each zone contributes incrementally to the temperature rise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension heating approach to a multi-zoned sequential heating approach along the flow path. By arranging heating zones in series along the fluid flow direction, the system achieves cumulative temperature increase without proportionally increasing the lateral absorber area, effectively utilizing the length dimension.
3Temperature
If the flow rate of the heat transfer medium is slowed to increase heating efficiency, then the temperature can be increased, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber is divided into multiple discrete zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) along the flow path, each zone being a separate heating chamber that can be independently optimized. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high temperatures without requiring a single large absorber area, as each zone contributes incrementally to the temperature rise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension heating approach to a multi-zoned sequential heating approach along the flow path. By arranging heating zones in series along the fluid flow direction, the system achieves cumulative temperature increase without proportionally increasing the lateral absorber area, effectively utilizing the length dimension.
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 apparatus effectively increases fluid temperature without additional solar radiation, achieving higher output temperatures than traditional collectors, reducing the need for supplementary heating and lowering operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first and second chambers is configured as a solar collector to heat a fluid therein
Implementation Method 2
the absorber is typically metallic and dark in colour such that thermal energy is captured and conveyed to the medium passing through the lumen
Implementation Method 3
upon thermal expansion of the fluid, the fluid is moved in a controlled manner substantially one-way from the first chamber to the second chamber
Implementation Method 4
the first chamber donates a portion of the heat energy held by the fluid therein to the second chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for heating a fluid using solar energy. The apparatus comprises: a fluid source, a first chamber comprising a fluid inlet to allow one-way movement of a fluid from the fluid source to the first chamber, a second chamber comprising a fluid outlet to allow the controlled movement of a fluid internal the second chamber to a further chamber or external the apparatus, and a fluid connection between the first and second chambers to allow substantially one-way movement of a fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber. Each of the chambers is fluid tight and configured as a solar collector to heat a fluid therein. The apparatus as a whole operates such that under even incident solar radiation a fluid is heated in each of the chambers and upon thermal expansion of the fluid, the fluid is moved in a controlled manner substantially one-way from the first chamber to the second chamber, and from the second chamber to a further chamber or to the outside the apparatus. By the movement of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber, the first chamber donates a portion of the heat energy held by the fluid therein to the second chamber, the second chamber becomes enriched in heat energy by the gain of fluid and the first chamber becomes deprived in energy by the loss of fluid such that the second chamber contains fluid that is hotter than the first chamber.