Concentrating Solar Mirror Layout With Direct Thermal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power devices face inefficiencies due to refraction losses and heat transfer losses, resulting in low energy collection and storage efficiency, with some devices achieving only 28% efficiency and limited operational hours.
Innovation Solution
A concentrating solar power device comprising a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a thermal storage device without thermal transfer fluids, pumps, or valves, which reflects solar rays from the primary mirror to the secondary mirror and then to the thermal storage device, allowing energy collection and storage with multiple Stirling engines for extended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single primary mirror focuses solar rays onto a single Stirling engine, then the device structure is simple, but refraction losses occur resulting in only approximately twenty-eight percent efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single mirror system into multiple mirrors (primary mirror array and secondary mirror array) that work together to focus solar radiation. This segmentation allows the system to reduce refraction losses by distributing the focusing function across multiple reflective surfaces, thereby improving overall efficiency while maintaining structural feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal storage device between the mirror system and the energy conversion mechanism. This thermal storage device acts as a mediator that receives concentrated solar energy, stores it thermally, and then releases it to drive multiple Stirling engines, thereby reducing direct refraction losses and enabling extended operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a parabolic trough concentrates solar radiation onto a glass tube with thermal transfer fluid, then solar radiation is collected, but substantial heat transfer loss occurs during transfer causing substantial decreases in efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal transfer fluid from the system by using direct thermal storage devices that absorb and store solar energy directly without requiring fluid circulation. This eliminates the need for pumps, valves, and heat transfer fluids, thereby removing the source of heat transfer losses while maintaining effective solar energy collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical thermal transfer fluid circulation system with a direct thermal storage approach. Instead of using fluid dynamics to transfer heat, the system uses direct thermal conduction and radiation absorption in solid thermal storage materials, eliminating mechanical complexity and associated energy losses.
3Productivity
If existing solar power devices are used, then energy collection is achieved, but operational hours are limited to five to seven hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using thermal storage devices that pre-absorb and store solar energy during daylight hours. This stored thermal energy is then released during nighttime or periods of low solar irradiance, enabling the Stirling engines to continue operating for ten to fourteen hours or more, thereby extending operational duration beyond the limitations of direct solar-only systems.
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 configuration enhances energy collection efficiency by reducing refraction and heat transfer losses, enabling the device to operate for ten to fourteen hours, significantly improving upon existing devices that typically operate for five to seven hours.
Implementation Method 1
The primary mirror is reflecting solar rays from the sun towards the secondary mirror
Implementation Method 2
The secondary mirror is reflecting the solar rays towards the thermal storage device
Implementation Method 3
the energy may be collected with the thermal storage device using the solar rays
Data Source
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AI summary
A concentrating solar power device (10) includes a primary mirror (16), a secondary mirror (18), and a thermal storage device (20). The primary mirror (16) reflects solar rays from the sun towards the secondary mirror (18). The secondary mirror (18) reflects the solar rays reflected from the primary mirror (16) towards the thermal storage device (20). The thermal storage device (20), which comprises a thermal medium such as salt, collects/absorbs energy from the solar rays which may be used to run multiple Stirling engines, and/or an energy storing or an energy expending device.