Roadside Solar-Hydrogen Layout for Day-Night Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar-based power generation systems are incapable of generating power throughout the day at a high level, necessitating energy storage or dispersion, and there is a growing demand for decentralized energy production and distribution to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized system for producing energy on transportation routes, comprising Photovoltaic Units (PVUs) to convert solar energy to electrical energy, Hydrogen Production Units (HPUs) to convert electrical energy to hydrogen through water hydrolysis, pipes for hydrogen absorption, storage, and transport, Hydrogen Conversion Units (HCUs) to produce electricity from hydrogen, and Electricity Storage and Transport Units (ESTUs) to store and transmit electricity, with components positioned above or adjacent to transportation networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar-based power generation systems operate during daylight hours, then high power generation is achieved, but power cannot be generated throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating and storing energy during daylight hours when solar power is available. Excess solar power is converted to hydrogen through electrolysis and stored in storage tanks, preparing energy for later use during nighttime when solar generation is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and form of energy storage. Solar power is converted from electrical energy to chemical energy in the form of hydrogen through electrolysis, enabling long-term storage and later conversion back to electrical energy when needed.
2Productivity
If centralized power grid provides growing amounts of electrical power, then demand is met, but strain on power grid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the centralized power grid into decentralized distributed energy systems. Solar power generation units are distributed along transportation routes, with local hydrogen production and storage capabilities, reducing dependency on centralized grid infrastructure and improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrogen serves as an intermediary energy carrier between solar power generation and electrical power consumption. Excess solar power is converted to hydrogen for storage, which can later be converted back to electricity or used directly, acting as a buffer that reduces strain on the power grid.
3Quantity of substance
If excess solar power is stored as electricity, then energy is preserved, but storage capacity and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the form of energy storage from electrical to chemical by converting excess solar power into hydrogen through electrolysis. This chemical storage method offers greater storage capacity and longer retention periods compared to electrical battery storage, while maintaining efficient energy preservation.
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 efficiently generates and stores energy, converting solar energy to hydrogen and electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy distribution efficiency, with high energy conversion and storage efficiency during daylight and nighttime periods.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photovoltaic units PVU for converting solar energy to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of hydrogen production units HPU for converting said electrical energy to hydrogen by water hydrolysis
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of hydrogen conversion units HCU for producing electricity from said hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a system and method for for producing energy on transportation routes. A road-based Solar System for production of hydrogen and electricity is provided. This is a novel decentralized system for production, storage, energy collection, conversion is disclosed comprising:a. System and method for converting solar energy to electrical energy;b. Means and methods for storing and/or transporting said electrical energy;c. System and for converting said electrical energy to a gas fuel;d. System and method for storing or transporting said gas fuel;The modules and units for converting solar energy to electrical energy are configured to be positioned above, adjacent on or a transportation network, thereby utilising the pre-existing road system and drastically reducing wasteful land use.