Solar Thermal Storage for On-Demand Electricity and Hot Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar energy generation is intermittent due to varying solar radiation and has low conversion efficiency, with a significant amount of energy wasted as heat, making it challenging to generate electricity on demand and efficiently utilize thermal energy.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy collection and storage system that uses a solar radiation concentrator to generate electricity via a thermoelectric generator, with a thermal storage medium to store excess heat for later use in thermoelectric generation and hot water production, allowing for on-demand electricity and heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar energy is used for electricity generation, then renewable energy supply increases, but intermittency of solar radiation causes unreliable electricity supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing thermal energy in a thermal storage medium during periods of high solar radiation availability. This stored thermal energy is then utilized during periods of low or no solar radiation to maintain electricity generation through a heat engine, thereby ensuring reliable electricity supply independent of immediate solar conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar photovoltaic generation is used, then scalability to residential locations is improved, but conversion efficiency is low and excess solar energy is wasted as heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful waste heat from photovoltaic cells into a beneficial resource by directing it to a thermal storage medium. This thermal energy is then utilized to drive a heat engine for electricity generation, transforming the previously wasted thermal energy into useful power and improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by combining photovoltaic electricity generation with thermal energy capture and heat engine power generation. The photovoltaic array serves both to generate electricity directly and to provide thermal energy for the heat engine, while the thermal storage medium serves both storage and heat source functions, maximizing utility from solar input.
3Ease of manufacture
If solar thermal generation is used, then cost per watt is reduced, but system scalability to distributed power generation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solar energy conversion process into distinct functional modules: photovoltaic cells for direct electricity generation, thermal storage medium for heat capture and storage, and heat engine for thermal-to-electrical conversion. This modular segmentation enables the system to be scaled and distributed to various locations including residential applications while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
4Loss of energy
If thermal energy storage is implemented, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal storage function with the heat engine operation by integrating the thermal storage medium directly into the heat engine's thermal input system. This integration reduces the need for separate, complex thermal management systems while improving energy conversion efficiency by ensuring continuous thermal supply to the heat engine.
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 system addresses the intermittency of solar energy by storing thermal energy for later use, increasing energy conversion efficiency and enabling electricity and heat generation when solar radiation is low, while minimizing material costs and system size.
Implementation Method 1
concentrating solar radiation on a first side of a first energy converter
Implementation Method 2
generating electricity via the first energy converter
Implementation Method 3
heating a thermal storage medium with the heated first fluid
Implementation Method 4
storing the heated first fluid in a thermal storage medium
Implementation Method 5
heating a second fluid by pumping the second fluid through the thermal storage medium
Implementation Method 6
electricity can be generated via the second energy converter
Implementation Method 7
heating a third fluid by pumping the third fluid through a third heat exchanger that is attached to a second side of the second energy converter
Data Source
AI summary
Solar energy collection and storage systems and processes of using such systems. Non-direct solar energy collection and storage systems can generate electricity from solar radiation using a solar thermoelectric generator and at the same time capture solar thermal energy in a working fluid. The working fluid can then transfer the heat to a thermal storage medium where the heat can be retrieved on demand to generate electricity and heat a fluid. Direct solar energy collection and storage systems can store solar thermal energy in a thermal storage medium directly from solar radiation and the heat from the thermal storage medium can be used on demand to generate electricity and heat a fluid.