Salinity Gradient Power Device Using Solar Distillate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy storage systems relying on external power and fresh water face issues with mineral deposition, require external heat, and have limitations in generating power during peak demand hours due to intermittency and self-discharge.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize solar power to treat non-potable water into distillate and concentrate, storing energy in salinity gradients, allowing for independent power generation using a salinity gradient power device, which operates solely on solar energy and non-potable water, reducing mineral deposition and self-discharge issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external electric power and fresh water are used to operate the salinity gradient power device, then the device can generate electric power, but mineral deposition occurs in pipes and equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidmineral deposition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own produced distillate water to operate the water treatment device and salinity gradient power device, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external fresh water supply that would cause mineral deposition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses distillate water (produced concentrate-free water) throughout the entire system instead of fresh water, ensuring homogeneity in water purity and preventing mineral deposition in all pipes and equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

2Reliability

If external heat is supplied through heat exchange lines to heat high-density saline water and cool fresh water, then the system can operate, but the system requires external power and heat input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem operationVSAvoidexternal power and heat input

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses solar energy to heat distillate water and produces electric power through the salinity gradient device, making the system self-sufficient for both heat and power needs without external input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature parameter of distillate water by heating it using solar energy, enabling the water treatment device to operate efficiently while storing energy in the heated water

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If solar power is used intermittently to generate electric power, then the system can operate on solar energy, but power is not available during peak demand hours or periods with less solar activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy utilizationVSAvoidcontinuous power supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores distillate and concentrate water in storage tanks during periods when solar power is abundant, preparing these materials in advance for later use when power is needed but solar activity is low

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by using stored distillate and concentrate in the salinity gradient power device during periods when solar power is insufficient, ensuring uninterrupted power supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If electrochemical batteries are used to store solar energy, then power can be stored for later use, but self-discharge occurs and the batteries may be damaged by instabilities from intermittent solar activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storageVSAvoidself-discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses passive thermal insulation on storage tanks to maintain stored water temperature without active heating or cooling, eliminating energy loss while preventing self-discharge of stored energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the storage medium from electrochemical batteries to thermal energy stored in insulated water tanks, fundamentally altering how energy is stored and eliminating self-discharge issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a reliable and efficient means to generate electric power at any time, utilizing solar energy stored in salinity gradients, eliminating the need for external power and fresh water, and minimizing self-discharge and mineral deposition, thus ensuring a stable power supply.

Implementation Method 1

converting in the water treatment device the non-potable water into distillate and concentrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The distillate (4) being distilled water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistillation: Distillation

Implementation Method 3

using a solar power system to generate electric power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 4

to heat distillate from a water treatment device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 5

feeding the distillate from the distillate storage tank and the concentrate from the concentrate storage tank to a salinity gradient power device to generate electric power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSalinity gradient power (osmotic power): Osmosis

Implementation Method 6

Power is being produced using the density difference between the high-density saline water and fresh water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDensity difference: Density Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11629068B2Method for storing energy and generating electric power and a device for storing solar energy and generating electric power

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 DESOLENATOR

AI summary

A method for storing solar energy and generating electric power comprising the steps of utilizing a solar powered water treatment device (2) to convert non-potable water (3) into distillate (4) and concentrate (5), storing the distillate and the concentrate in a distillate storage tank (104) and a concentrate storage tank (105) respectively and feeding the distillate from the distillate storage tank and the concentrate from the concentrate storage tank to a salient gradient power device (106) to generate electric power.