Device for collecting solar energy by means of a concentrator of the nonimaging type
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonimaging solar energy concentrators, such as CPCs, face inefficiencies in energy transmission when rays approach or exceed the acceptance angle, leading to energy loss and high costs for precise pointing systems.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a number of solid particles inside the concentrator volume, made of high solar absorption and low emissivity materials, to intercept and absorb sun radiation from various angles, enhancing energy absorption and heat exchange for a thermodynamic cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If nonimaging concentrators are used to concentrate solar radiation, then energy transmission efficiency is improved for rays within the acceptance angle, but rays with angles higher than the acceptance angle are rejected and cause energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a temporal dimension to the concentrator system by implementing a tracking mechanism that moves the concentrator to follow the sun's movement across the sky. This allows the system to maintain rays within the acceptance angle throughout the day, converting rejected energy losses into usable energy by dynamically adjusting the concentrator's orientation to match the changing solar position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static concentrator with fixed acceptance angle to a dynamic system that continuously adjusts its orientation. The tracking mechanism enables the concentrator to adapt its position in real-time, maintaining optimal alignment with the sun and ensuring that incoming rays remain within the acceptance angle, thereby eliminating energy loss from rejected rays.
2Loss of energy
If pointing systems are used to convey solar rays within the acceptance angle limits, then energy transmission is improved, but system costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrator system performs its own tracking function through a simple mechanical mounting structure that enables movement along the sky path. Instead of requiring complex external pointing systems with sensors and control mechanisms, the system uses a straightforward tracking mount that passively follows the sun's arc, significantly reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining energy transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking mechanism may utilize pneumatic or hydraulic components to enable smooth, continuous movement of the concentrator along the sky path. This approach provides a cost-effective alternative to complex mechanical pointing systems, using fluid pressure to drive the tracking motion and maintain optimal solar alignment without requiring expensive sensors or control systems.
3Productivity
If solid particles are introduced inside the concentrator volume, then energy absorption is improved across wider angles, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solid particles serve a dual function: they absorb solar energy during the day and store it as thermal energy. At night or during periods of low solar input, the stored thermal energy in the particles is released to maintain system operation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external particle transport mechanisms, as the particles remain in place within the concentrator volume and provide both absorption and storage functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers thermal energy from solid particles that have absorbed solar radiation. The particles are heated during the day and then their stored thermal energy is recovered and utilized when solar input is unavailable. This recovery mechanism allows the system to maintain productivity during nighttime or cloudy periods without requiring complex transport or regeneration systems.
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 solution significantly improves energy harvesting by intercepting and absorbing sun radiation across a wider range of angles, increasing energy efficiency and reducing system costs by utilizing a spouted bed or gas-based particle transport mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
solid particles are heated by means of exposure to concentrated sun radiation
Implementation Method 2
concentrator of the nonimaging type... having the task of increasing the density of concentration
Implementation Method 3
the hot particles are withdrawn and sent to a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
inside the receiver is originated a fluidised bed of solid particles
Implementation Method 5
sent to a heat exchanger for pre-heating of the same gas fed to the fluidised bed
Implementation Method 6
fluidisation gas is withdrawn separately from the solid particles and sent to a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 7
subsequently returning, by gravity, into said receiver
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention concerns a device for collecting solar energy by means of a concentrator (12) of the nonimaging type and a receiver (3) for the transfer of energy by heat exchange with a fluid which operates, independently, a thermodynamic cycle for the exploitation of energy, said concentrator (12) comprising an inlet area (1), an underlying outlet area (2) and an inner space between said inlet area (1) and said outlet area (2); said receiver (3) being positioned under said concentrator (12) and said inner space of the concentrator (12) and said receiver (3) being connected by said outlet area (2), characterised in that said inner space of the concentrator (12) and said receiver (3) are in fluid communication through said outlet area (2), a plurality of solid particles (11) are present inside said receiver (3), and said device for collecting solar energy comprises means (6) apt to take a part of said solid particles (11) from said receiver (3) and to put them from below inside said inner space of said concentrator (12), said solid particles (11) subsequently returning, by gravity, into said receiver (3), passing through said outlet area (2).