Solar electrical grid with distributed solar generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical grids face inefficiencies in power delivery and fuel delivery challenges due to fluctuations in solar irradiation, leading to inconsistent electricity generation from solar heating devices.
Innovation Solution
A solar power plant system utilizing a parabolic trough collector with a helical pipe for water circulation, a sand-filled pipe for heat storage, and a solenoid valve to control steam generation, integrated with a turbine and dynamo for consistent electricity production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar heating devices are used for electricity generation, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but inconsistent electricity generation occurs due to fluctuations in solar irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing thermal energy in the sand-filled insulation layer during periods of high solar irradiation. The sand absorbs and stores excess heat when solar energy is abundant, preparing stored thermal energy for later use when irradiation decreases, thus ensuring continuous and consistent electricity generation regardless of solar fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by leveraging the phase transition properties of water in the helical pipe. Water undergoes phase change from liquid to steam when heated by solar energy, and this phase transition is controlled to maintain consistent steam supply to the turbine. The system adjusts operational parameters based on solar irradiation levels to ensure reliable electricity generation.
2Power
If a parabolic trough collector is used to focus solar radiation, then heating efficiency is improved, but complex structural design is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the helical pipe containing water inside the sand-filled insulation layer, which itself is contained within the parabolic trough collector structure. This nested arrangement allows the system to achieve high heating efficiency through focused solar radiation while maintaining a compact and integrated structural design that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sand-filled insulation layer serves as an intermediary between the solar radiation focus point and the water in the helical pipe. The sand absorbs and distributes thermal energy uniformly, mediating the heat transfer process and simplifying the thermal management design while maintaining high heating efficiency.
3Productivity
If water is continuously circulated through the helical pipe, then steam generation is improved, but energy loss increases during non-solar periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling water circulation through the helical pipe based on solar irradiation conditions. During solar periods, water circulates continuously to maximize steam generation. During non-solar periods, circulation is reduced or stopped, and stored thermal energy in the sand layer maintains steam supply, thereby minimizing energy loss while sustaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and utilizes stored thermal energy from the sand-filled insulation layer during non-solar periods. By separating the heat storage function (sand layer) from the steam generation function (helical pipe), the system can maintain steam production without continuous water circulation, reducing energy loss during periods when solar input is unavailable.
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 provides a reliable and efficient generation of electricity by converting solar energy into steam for mechanical energy, enhancing power delivery and reducing fluctuations in electricity output.
Implementation Method 1
The parabolic trough is configured to focus solar radiation upon the absorber tube to heat the water in the helical pipe
Implementation Method 2
a solar power plant includes an absorber tube, a glass pipe which extends from a first end to a second end of a parabolic trough, a helical pipe enclosed within the glass pipe
Implementation Method 3
a sand filled pipe surrounded by the helical pipe, wherein the sand filled pipe extends from the first end to the second end of the parabolic trough along the central axis of the glass pipe
Implementation Method 4
convert the water in the helical pipe to steam when the solenoid valve is closed
Implementation Method 5
The turbine is fluidly connected to the solar power plant to receive the steam from the solar power plant and product mechanical energy
Implementation Method 6
a turbine and a dynamo that are mechanically connected. The turbine is fluidly connected to the solar power plant to receive the steam from the solar power plant and product mechanical energy which rotates the dynamo to generate electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed electricity grid that includes solar powered energy producing facilities, substations, and electricity transmission lines. The solar powered energy producing facilities are in electrical connection with the substations through one or more of the electricity transmission lines. Each solar powered energy producing facility includes an electricity generating plant having a turbine and a dynamo that are mechanically connected, and a parabolic trough solar power plant that contains a glass pipe in a parabolic trough, a helical pipe enclosed within the glass pipe configured to hold water, a sand filled pipe surrounded by the helical pipe, an inner pipe centered within the sand filled pipe, and a solenoid valve connected between the helical pipe and the inner pipe.