Solar Collector With Porous Ceramic Insulation for Heat Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar collectors experience significant heat loss due to inadequate insulation, limiting their ability to maintain high temperatures and store energy effectively during periods of low solar radiation.
Innovation Solution
A solar collector with a thermally insulated core enveloped by a seamless layer of porous ceramic material, combined with a reflector to redirect infrared radiation and a vacuum-sealed housing to minimize heat loss, along with a high-thermal-capacity core and radiation conductor using quartz and glass fibers to efficiently conduct and store solar energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a core with high thermal capacity is used to store heat, then energy storage capability is improved, but heat loss increases due to inadequate insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested insulation layers where an inner insulation layer and an outer insulation layer are positioned concentrically around the heat storage core. The inner layer is directly adjacent to the core while the outer layer surrounds the inner layer, creating a nested structure that maximizes insulation effectiveness while minimizing space usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite insulation structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The inner insulation layer uses a material optimized for high-temperature resistance directly contacting the core, while the outer insulation layer uses a different material optimized for thermal barrier properties, creating a composite system that addresses both heat retention and thermal protection requirements.
2Loss of energy
If insulation layers are added to reduce heat loss, then energy retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system is segmented into distinct functional layers: an inner insulation layer directly contacting the heat storage core, an outer insulation layer surrounding the inner layer, and a reflective layer positioned between them. Each segment performs a specific thermal management function, allowing the system to achieve superior insulation performance through modular, manageable components rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective layer acts as an intermediary element positioned between the inner and outer insulation layers. This intermediate layer reflects thermal radiation back toward the heat storage core, reducing radiative heat loss without requiring the insulation materials themselves to be excessively thick or complex. The intermediary layer simplifies the overall insulation design by addressing a specific heat transfer mechanism.
3Loss of energy
If the core is completely enveloped by insulation to prevent heat leakage, then heat retention is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complete insulation system is divided into separable modules: an inner insulation layer, an outer insulation layer, and a reflective layer. These segmented components can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, then assembled around the heat storage core in a systematic sequence. This segmentation enables easier manufacturing and quality control compared to producing a single monolithic insulation structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation layers are designed to nest concentrically around the heat storage core, with each layer fitting within the spatial envelope of the previous layer. This nested arrangement provides a clear assembly sequence (inner layer first, then reflective layer, then outer layer) and simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex integration of multiple non-concentric components.
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 reduces heat loss, allowing the solar collector to maintain high temperatures and provide a prolonged energy buffer during low solar radiation periods, ensuring continuous energy generation with minimal environmental heat loss.
Implementation Method 1
the insulated casing comprises a layer of porous ceramic material
Implementation Method 2
the layer of ceramic material is porous
Implementation Method 3
the reflector body with a radiation-reflecting side pointing towards the core. The reflector body shall only reflect the infrared radiation escaping through the insulated casing back to the core
Implementation Method 4
means are provided for creating a virtual vacuum within the housing around the core and insulated casing
Implementation Method 5
a radiation conductor for conducting solar radiation
Implementation Method 6
lens means for concentrating the solar radiation onto a first extremity of the radiation conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A solar collector 1 for the temporary storage of heat from solar radiation comprising a radiation conductor 8, 9 for conducting the solar radiation, and lens means 7 for concentrating solar radiation onto a first extremity of the radiation conductor. A thermally-insulated core 2 is provided on an opposite second extremity of the radiation conductor 8, 9 in order to be heated by the solar radiation released from the radiation conductor and temporarily storing the heat. For this purpose, the core is provided with an insulated casing 4, virtually completely enveloping the core, which insulated casing 4 comprises a layer of porous ceramic material.