Radiating Power Converter Nighttime Thermal Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power conversion systems face challenges in harnessing renewable nighttime power due to the lack of efficient energy storage and the inability of devices operating at ambient temperature to convert radiation from the Earth's surface, as they require a substantial temperature difference with the source for effective power production.
Innovation Solution
An energy conversion device system that includes an energy converter and a narrow-band radiator, where the energy converter generates power from thermal flow and the radiator emits thermal energy in a bandwidth transparent to the Earth's atmosphere, allowing radiation to outer space, thereby maintaining a temperature difference and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If devices operate at ambient temperature to harvest thermal radiation, then device simplicity is improved, but conversion efficiency deteriorates due to Carnot limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling system (fluid-based thermal management system) that acts as a mediator between the ambient environment and the photovoltaic device. This intermediary system actively removes heat from the device, maintaining a temperature gradient without requiring the device itself to be structurally complex. The cooling fluid circulates through heat exchangers attached to the device, providing passive cooling while preserving device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the conversion device by implementing active cooling mechanisms. By maintaining the device at a temperature below ambient temperature through fluid-based cooling systems, the invention creates the necessary temperature differential for efficient thermal radiation harvesting while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic energy conversion is limited to daytime, then daytime power generation efficiency is improved, but nighttime power supply capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the energy conversion system universal by enabling it to function in both daytime and nighttime conditions. The system incorporates both photovoltaic components (for daytime operation) and thermoelectric/thermal radiation harvesting components (for nighttime operation), allowing a single integrated system to provide power generation across the full 24-hour cycle, thus achieving multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by designing a hybrid system that seamlessly transitions between photovoltaic power generation during the day and thermal radiation harvesting at night. The integrated architecture maintains uninterrupted power generation capability, eliminating the gap between daytime and nighttime energy production through coordinated operation of multiple conversion mechanisms.
3Temperature
If nighttime cooling is accomplished through fluid-based systems, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and independence from daytime photovoltaic power deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the nighttime cooling function with the daytime photovoltaic power generation system by integrating fluid-based cooling channels into the existing photovoltaic module structure. The same cooling fluid that provides nighttime cooling also serves to manage heat during daytime operation, combining multiple functions into a unified system that reduces overall complexity rather than increasing it.
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
This system enables the conversion of thermal energy into usable electrical power by radiating thermal flow to outer space, potentially achieving high efficiency by leveraging the temperature difference between the Earth's surface and outer space, addressing the limitations of prior art in renewable nighttime power generation.
Implementation Method 1
an energy converter generates electrical power responsive to a flow of thermal power passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
an output side that is tuned for selectively emitting at least a portion of the thermal flow in a bandwidth at which the atmosphere of Earth is substantially transparent such that the portion of the thermal flow can be radiated to outer space
Data Source
AI summary
An energy conversion device generates electrical power responsive to a flow of thermal power. An energy radiator is in thermal communication with the energy converter and includes an input side for receiving the flow from the energy converter and an output side that is tuned for selectively emitting at least a portion of the thermal flow in a bandwidth at which the atmosphere of Earth is substantially transparent and/or with a sufficiently small radiation angle such that the portion of the thermal flow can be radiated to outer space. In one system, the energy conversion device held at least near an ambient temperature. In another system, the energy conversion device is maintained below an ambient temperature.