Solar Thermal Piston Expander for Decentralized Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decentralized solar heat utilization systems lack mechanical power generation capabilities, while central systems are costly, space-intensive, and maintenance-intensive, making them unsuitable for decentralized use and efficient electrical power generation.
Innovation Solution
A solar thermal utilization system incorporating thermal solar collectors that heat a medium, which is then used to drive a piston expansion machine to generate mechanical work and electrical power, with the option of a secondary circuit for enhanced energy transfer and a pump driven by the piston expander or an electric motor, allowing for flexible operation with different heating media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If decentralized solar heat utilization systems are used, then the system is suitable for decentralized use with low investment costs, but mechanical power generation capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermal solar collector system with a piston expansion machine and electrical generator to merge heat collection and mechanical power generation into a single integrated system, enabling decentralized electricity production without requiring separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The solar thermal system is designed to perform multiple functions: heating the heating medium, driving the piston expansion machine for mechanical work, and generating electrical energy through the connected generator, making it suitable for both thermal and power needs
2Power
If central solar heat utilization systems are used, then mechanical power and electrical energy can be generated, but the system requires high investment costs and large space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar power generation system into modular components (thermal solar collectors, heating medium circuit, piston expansion machine, generator) that can be scaled and configured for decentralized applications, reducing the need for large centralized installations while maintaining power generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a piston expansion machine that can operate with varying pressures and temperatures, allowing flexible adaptation to different solar energy inputs and enabling efficient operation at smaller scales compared to traditional steam turbine systems
3Power
If central solar heat utilization systems are used, then electrical power can be generated, but maintenance effort and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piston expansion machine is designed to be driven directly by the heated expansion medium from the solar collectors, eliminating the need for separate complex drive mechanisms and reducing maintenance requirements compared to traditional turbine systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a closed-loop hydraulic circuit with heating medium that circulates through the solar collectors and piston expansion machine, providing smooth continuous operation and reducing mechanical wear compared to systems with multiple moving parts
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 cost-effective, compact, and flexible means to generate mechanical and electrical power, reducing maintenance needs and enabling decentralized use with low material demands, allowing for efficient energy conversion and storage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermal solar collector (1), which absorbs solar energy and heats a heating medium by means of the absorbed solar energy
Implementation Method 2
heats a heating medium by means of the absorbed solar energy
Implementation Method 3
The solar energy absorbed by the at least one thermal solar collector is transferred to the expansion medium by means of the heating medium via a heat exchanger between the heating medium circuit and the secondary circuit
Implementation Method 4
the expansion medium is partially or completely vaporized
Implementation Method 5
The expansion medium then flows into the piston expansion machine arranged in the secondary circuit and expands there while performing mechanical work
Implementation Method 6
the expansion medium is partially or completely vaporized. The expansion medium then flows into the piston expansion machine
Implementation Method 7
The piston expander can then drive an electrical generator or other unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for utilising solar heat, comprising at least one thermal solar collector which uses absorbed solar energy to heat up a thermal medium circulated in a thermal medium circuit. The invention is characterised in that a piston expansion machine is provided, arranged directly in said thermal medium circuit and having the thermal medium flow through it, or arranged in a secondary circuit and having an expansion medium flow through it, which expansion medium is circulated in said secondary circuit and is in thermally-transferring contact, via a heat exchanger, with the thermal medium, and said thermal medium or expansion medium expanding in the piston expansion machine, with mechanical work being performed.