Solar Chimney Heat Storage for Day and Night Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar chimneys face limitations in generating power consistently, as they rely on sunlight and are not effective during nighttime, and existing designs lack efficiency in harnessing solar energy for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
The solar chimney system concentrates solar radiation using a reflector and lens to heat air within a chimney, utilizing a heat exchanger to create an updraft, and incorporates a reservoir with compartments to store heat transfer fluid for nighttime operation, allowing the system to function both day and night, with internal and external collectors operating in tandem to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If solar chimneys rely on direct sunlight heating, then power generation is simple and direct, but operation is limited to daytime only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing thermal energy in the form of heated rocks or phase change materials during the day, which then release heat during nighttime to maintain updraft and power generation. This advance preparation of thermal energy storage enables continuous operation beyond daylight hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy storage media (heated rocks, phase change materials, or water tanks) as intermediaries between solar heating during the day and power generation at night. These intermediaries store and release thermal energy, decoupling the direct dependence on sunlight and enabling nighttime operation.
2Productivity
If solar radiation is concentrated into high-intensity beam, then heating efficiency is improved, but risk of overheating and material damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a transparent or translucent cover as an intermediary element that allows solar radiation to pass through while protecting the internal components from direct exposure to concentrated solar beams. This cover acts as a thermal barrier that prevents overheating of structural materials while maintaining heating efficiency of the storage media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by directing concentrated solar radiation specifically onto the thermal storage media (rocks, phase change materials) rather than uniformly heating the entire structure. This localized heating concentrates energy where needed while minimizing thermal stress on structural components through proper material selection and positioning.
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 design enables the solar chimney to generate power both during the day and night, improving efficiency by utilizing stored heat and multiple collectors, ensuring consistent energy production.
Implementation Method 1
Solar radiation from outside the chimney is concentrated by a reflector, or its equivalent, and passes through an aperture in the chimney wall
Implementation Method 2
The aperture may include a lens, or the lens may be omitted
Implementation Method 3
Air in the chimney is heated by convection, due to the temperature difference between the heat exchanger and the surrounding air
Implementation Method 4
Heat transfer fluid is pumped from the reservoir, and into a solar collector, where the fluid absorbs heat from solar radiation
Implementation Method 5
The fluid, which has given up some of its heat to the heat exchanger, but which is still relatively hot, is returned to the reservoir, and is stored in a different compartment from the one from which the fluid was initially withdrawn
Data Source
AI summary
A solar chimney includes a solar collector which heats air in the chimney, producing updrafts which can be harnessed to perform useful work. The solar collector may be located inside or outside the chimney. The device may include a reservoir for storing a heat transfer fluid, thus enabling the device to be used during both day and night. The solar chimney may be equipped with both internal and external solar collectors, operating in parallel. The solar chimney may also be equipped with multiple external solar collectors, connected in parallel to a reservoir. The solar chimney of the invention provides a convenient and practical way to convert solar energy into electrical power.