Solar Receiver Cavity Using Gas Volumetric Heat Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar thermal power generation systems face inefficiencies due to large heat absorbing areas and low heat absorption efficiency in existing solar receivers, particularly in indirect receivers, which are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
The method employs gas volumetric heat absorption based on characteristic absorption spectra, where a radiation energy conversion device with a three-layer stacked structure absorbs and emits radiation energy near the working gas's absorption peak, directly heating the gas within a receiver cavity, reducing the need for extensive heat exchange surfaces and simplifying the receiver design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If indirect solar receivers with heat exchange pipes are used, then the structure is simple and technology is mature, but the heat absorbing area is large and heat absorption efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical heat exchange pipe system with a chemical absorption system. Instead of using physical heat conduction through walls and pipes, the invention uses chemical bond absorption where molecules directly absorb radiation energy through chemical bond vibrations and rotations, eliminating the need for extensive heat exchange surfaces and mechanical heat transfer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of heat absorption from surface-based thermal conduction to volumetric chemical absorption. By utilizing the characteristic absorption spectra of molecules at specific wavelengths, the system transforms how energy is captured - from gradual thermal conduction across large surfaces to direct volumetric absorption throughout the gas medium, dramatically improving efficiency.
2Temperature
If direct solar receivers with porous radiation absorbing medium are used, then high outlet temperature is achieved, but the structure is complex and technical difficulty is great
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of radiation absorption from complex porous solid structures and transfers it to simple gaseous molecules. By removing the need for porous matrices, solid absorbers, and complex internal structures, the invention achieves high temperature output through straightforward chemical absorption in the gas phase, dramatically simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Temperature
If surface heat absorption method is used, then the heat absorbing surface temperature is increased, but the heat absorbing area is large and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface heat absorption to three-dimensional volumetric chemical absorption. Instead of concentrating energy on a surface area, the invention distributes absorption throughout the volume of the gas medium, allowing energy capture in all spatial dimensions simultaneously. This dimensional transition eliminates the need for large surface areas while maintaining effective heat absorption.
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 approach significantly reduces the heat absorption and exchange areas, leading to higher efficiency, lower costs, and longer receiver lifetimes, with the working gas efficiently absorbing radiation energy through a chemical bond process, enhancing power generation efficiency by 5-10% compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation energy conversion device absorbs concentrated solar radiation on one side and converts radiation energy into thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
the working gas flowing into a solar receiver absorbs radiation energy volumetrically, which is emitted from the radiation energy conversion device in the receiver cavity
Implementation Method 3
the working gas efficiently absorbing radiation energy through a chemical bond process
Implementation Method 4
the working gas flowing through a recuperator transfers the heat while the temperature of the working gas is increased
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a method and an apparatus for solar power generation through gas volumetric heat absorption based on characteristic absorption spectrum. A radiation energy conversion device absorbs concentrated solar radiation and converts radiation energy into thermal energy; the thermal energy is transferred to the other side of the radiation energy conversion device and then is converted into radiation energy; and the energy is transferred in a receiver cavity. The working gas from the outlet of a recuperator flows into the receiver cavity and absorbs the radiation energy. The heated working gas with high temperature flows into a turbine, doing shaft work through expansion. The expanded working gas flows through the recuperator to exchange heat. The working gas flows into a cooler, a compressor and the recuperator in sequence, and then flows into a receiver cavity to be heated volumetrically, completing a thermal power cycle.