Non-imaging non-tracking solar concentrator based combined CSP and wave energy and wind energy conversion hybrid thermal energy and electric power cogeneration system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy technologies face challenges such as low efficiency, high cost, and intermittency, and ocean-based systems lack integration of solar, wave, and wind energy conversion, failing to produce freshwater and store energy effectively.
Innovation Solution
A non-imaging non-tracking solar concentrator based system combines CSP, wave energy, and wind energy conversion, using a divergent Fresnel lens and non-imaging concentrator to enhance solar collection, serve as a floating platform, and integrate wind turbines, producing electricity, thermal energy, and freshwater through thermal energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If vast land is used to collect solar radiation, then solar energy generation capacity is improved, but land use conflict worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions solar energy collection from terrestrial (2D land surface) to marine (3D ocean space) environment. The floating platform system utilizes ocean surface area instead of land, and incorporates vertical stacking with wind turbines above and wave energy converters below, effectively using three-dimensional space for multi-energy generation while preserving land for other purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a support structure for photovoltaic panels, a buoyant platform for wave energy conversion, a base for wind turbines, and a platform for freshwater production. This multi-functionality maximizes energy generation per unit area while avoiding land use conflicts.
2Power
If flat plate photovoltaic panels are mounted on buoyant platform, then electricity generation is achieved, but conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology with the floating platform structure. The CPC concentrators focus sunlight onto photovoltaic cells, significantly increasing the energy density and conversion efficiency compared to flat plate panels. This combination allows high-efficiency electricity generation while maintaining the floating platform's buoyancy and stability.
3Device complexity
If buoyant platform is used only for generating buoyant lifting force, then structural simplicity is maintained, but area for solar collection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floating platform is designed to serve dual purposes: maintaining buoyancy for wave energy conversion and providing a large-area support structure for photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. The platform's surface area is optimized to simultaneously accommodate solar collection arrays and mechanical energy conversion equipment, maximizing space utilization without compromising structural simplicity.
4Area of stationary object
If solar system operates on ocean, then land use conflict is resolved, but system reliability deteriorates due to harsh environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective measures against harsh ocean environments from the design stage. The floating platform uses corrosion-resistant materials, sealed enclosures for electrical equipment, and protective coatings for structural components. Wave energy converters are designed with shock absorption mechanisms to withstand storm conditions, ensuring system reliability despite the challenging marine environment.
5Adaptability or versatility
If current solar energy technologies are used, then technology availability is maintained, but intermittency worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three complementary energy sources: photovoltaic panels for solar energy, wind turbines for wind energy, and wave energy converters for wave energy. These sources exhibit different generation patterns - when solar energy is unavailable, wind or wave energy can compensate, and vice versa. This diversification reduces overall intermittency and provides more consistent power generation throughout the day and across different weather conditions.
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, low cost, and stable power generation, addressing land use conflicts and providing a solution for freshwater production, while synergistically harnessing multiple energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a divergent Fresnel lens and non-imaging concentrator enabled large concentration ratio solar concentrator based CSP system
Implementation Method 2
non-imaging non-tracking stationary solar concentrators of CSP systems
Implementation Method 3
converting an upward and downward motion of a buoyant platform into a rotational motion of a shaft
Implementation Method 4
wave energy converter system with the CSP system as the floating platform
Implementation Method 5
a wind turbine power generation system; the wind turbine power generation system is mounted on the top of the CSP system
Implementation Method 6
The cogenerated thermal energy is used to store energy and the stored thermal energy is extracted out for electric power regeneration
Implementation Method 7
Sea water is purified to produce fresh water during the thermal power generation process
Data Source
AI summary
A combined stationary solar CSP, wave motion, and wind power generation and fresh water production system that deploys close structure non-imaging non-tracking solar concentrator array as buoy for wave motion converter system and floating platform for wind mills comprises a divergent Fresnel lens and non-imaging concentrator enabled non-imaging non-tracking solar concentrator based hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic CSP system, a wave energy converter system, and a vertical axis wind energy system. Wherein, the stationary solar CSP system realizes ultra-high efficiency through solar thermal and photovoltaic cogeneration, substantially-low cost through stationary high concentration ratio concentration, and super-stable power generation through electrothermal energy storage. The system produces fresh water through thermal power generation and uses swappable battery modules to address power transportation and utilization issues.