Rotating Solar Desalination Grid with Compound Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desalination systems and solar energy generation methods are not optimized for efficient use of solar energy to simultaneously produce fresh water and electricity, and they lack a mechanism to maintain high efficiency by adapting to changing sun angles.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered desalination system using a rotating platform with compound magnifying lenses to vaporize salt water, driving a steam turbine for electricity generation and condensing vapor to produce fresh water, with a motor-driven platform that adjusts to maximize solar energy capture and recycles salt water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed solar desalination system is used, then the structure is simple and inexpensive, but the solar energy capture efficiency decreases when sun angles change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotating platform that allows the magnifying lens to change its orientation dynamically throughout the day. The platform rotates to keep the lens perpendicular to the sun's rays, maximizing solar energy capture efficiency while maintaining system simplicity through a single rotational degree of freedom.
2Productivity
If a rotating platform with motor is added to maintain optimal sun tracking, then solar energy utilization efficiency is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a motor-driven rotating platform that provides one degree of freedom for tracking the sun. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains optimal energy capture throughout the day while keeping the overall system relatively simple through standardized mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system's orientation is continuously adjusted based on sun position. The motor rotates the platform to maintain the magnifying lens in the optimal position for capturing solar energy, creating a closed-loop control system that maximizes efficiency.
3Reliability
If conventional desalination systems are used, then the design is proven and reliable, but they cannot simultaneously generate electricity efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a system that performs multiple functions simultaneously: desalinating water and generating electricity. The steam produced from solar-heated saltwater drives both the condensation process for fresh water production and the turbine for electricity generation, creating a multi-functional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the desalination process with electricity generation by integrating the steam turbine within the same solar thermal system. The steam that would otherwise be wasted is now utilized to drive the turbine, combining two separate functions into one unified system.
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 electricity and produces fresh water while maintaining high solar energy utilization efficiency by rotating to adapt to sun angles, providing a reliable and inexpensive means of water desalination and energy production.
Implementation Method 1
at least one large magnifying lens, expected to be 15 to 20 feet in diameter and which may be a compound magnifying lens, focusing concentrated sunlight energy directly onto the grid
Implementation Method 2
utilize solar energy in order to heat the salt water to a vaporized or steam state
Implementation Method 3
the vapor from the grid system is transmitted to a steam turbine wherein electricity is generated
Implementation Method 4
the vapor from the steam turbine is conducted to a condenser wherein the vapor is cooled and clean fresh water is provided from the condensate
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for desalinization wherein a heating grid containing a fluid is used to heat the fluid to a vaporized state using energy provided by compound magnifying lens focusing solar energy directly onto the grid wherein the vapor from the grid system is transmitted to a steam turbine wherein electricity is generated to charge a battery while the vapor from the steam turbine is conducted to a condenser wherein the vapor is cooled and fresh water is provided from the condensate. The remaining fluid from the condenser is pumped back into a reservoir for storage while waiting to be conducted into the heating grid. The magnifying lens and grid is rotated for alignment with the sun.