Solar Heat Storage Containers With Three-Mirror Energy Concentration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy collection and storage systems face challenges such as high costs, low efficiency, unpredictable power output, and logistical issues, particularly in providing reliable heat sources for applications like cooking and heating, especially in military and industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a three-level mirror reflector array to concentrate solar energy onto heat storage containers made of an aluminum alloy mixture, which can be rotated and transported for efficient energy absorption, storage, and release, enabling various applications like cooking, powering heat engines, and refrigeration, with an automatic insulating lid to minimize heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar heating systems are used, then solar energy can be collected, but the systems suffer from low efficiency and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides solar energy collection into discrete modular containers, each independently heated and stored. Multiple containers can be processed in sequence through the heating zone, allowing parallel operation and improved overall efficiency without requiring a single complex large-scale system.
Solution Approach 2:
Containers are pre-positioned on a conveyor system and sequentially moved into the heating zone where they are rapidly heated to high temperatures before being transported to storage or application points. This preliminary heating action enables efficient energy transfer and reduces thermal losses.
2Reliability
If solar energy is collected for later use, then energy storage is achieved, but the power output becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses containers with phase change materials that undergo specific parameter changes at defined temperature thresholds. When containers reach their design temperature and begin phase change, they maintain stable thermal output over extended periods, providing predictable and reliable power delivery regardless of variable solar input conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system continuously moves containers through heating, storage, and application zones, ensuring uninterrupted energy availability. Multiple containers in different stages of the process pipeline guarantee continuous supply, eliminating gaps in power output and enhancing reliability.
3Temperature
If heat storage containers are heated to high temperatures, then useful thermal energy is produced, but heat loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Containers are equipped with insulating materials and reflective surfaces applied before heating. The conveyor system also provides shielding during transport, and storage zones are designed with thermal insulation barriers. These preemptive measures cushion against heat loss before and during the heating process, maintaining high temperatures more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system rapidly transports containers through the heating zone, minimizing the time containers spend at high temperatures during transit. This rushing through the process reduces cumulative heat loss while still achieving the required temperature levels for useful energy production.
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 effectively captures and stores high-grade thermodynamic solar energy for diverse uses, providing a reliable, non-toxic, and reusable heat source, adaptable to changing solar conditions and offering expanded applications for solar energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a solar radiation collection mirror array to heat the heat storage containers
Implementation Method 2
The invention absorbs, stores, transports, and releases high-grade thermodynamically useful solar energy
Implementation Method 3
storage containers are rotated in and out of a solar energy collection point... to heat the heat storage containers, which have cores that are partially composed of an aluminum alloy mixture
Implementation Method 4
the storage containers are rotated in and out of a solar energy collection point by a conveyor system and can then be transported to different storage areas
Implementation Method 5
The resulting heat source is non-toxic, non-explosive, and reusable... The uses of the heat storage containers vary as the temperature levels change
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for storing, transporting, and releasing high grade, thermodynamically useful energy for a wide variety of uses. Solar energy is collected and reflected onto a heat storage container using a three-mirror reflecting system. This invention involves a method of heating the heat storage container using a primary, secondary, and tertiary system, which has a core that is partially comprised of an aluminum alloy and a metallic shell with a higher melting point than the aluminum alloy contained within. Once heated, the storage containers can then be transported to different storage areas in order to heat secondary storage containers or can be used in processes such as cooking, powering heat engines, water heating, absorption refrigeration, or drying garbage, waste, or biomass.