Solar-Thermochemical Fuel System for Stable Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy thermochemical technologies face limitations due to high temperature requirements, low heat-collecting efficiency, and high costs, making them less applicable for energy generation, especially with issues of output instability and high storage costs.
Innovation Solution
A power generating system combining medium-and-low temperature solar energy with fossil fuel using a thermochemical process, which includes a material supply device, mixing, preheating, and solar energy absorption and reaction devices to convert solar energy into chemical energy, stored as hydrogen-rich fuel, and a fuel bypassing system for efficient energy storage and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high temperature thermochemical process is used to convert solar energy to chemical energy, then the conversion efficiency is improved, but the operation cost and equipment requirement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high temperature (above 600°C) to medium-and-low temperature (below 600°C) range, which fundamentally alters the system requirements. This parameter change allows the use of simpler, less expensive equipment while maintaining effective solar energy to chemical energy conversion through alternative catalytic pathways designed for lower temperature operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs catalysts that operate effectively at medium-and-low temperatures, replacing the need for expensive high-temperature resistant materials and complex heat collection systems. These catalytic systems provide cost-effective alternatives to high-temperature thermochemical processes, achieving similar conversion goals with significantly reduced equipment investment and operational costs.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If individual solar energy storage system is used, then the energy can be stored for later use, but the storage cost is high and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses chemical compounds (such as methanol, ethanol, or other organic compounds) as intermediary carriers to store solar energy. Instead of direct electrical or thermal storage, solar energy is converted to chemical energy through photochemical reactions, then stored in stable chemical bonds. This intermediary approach enables long-term storage at lower costs and with simpler infrastructure compared to battery or thermal storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of chemical substances (liquid, gas, solid phases) to store and release energy. The chemical energy carriers can be stored in various phases and converted back to energy on demand through controlled phase changes and chemical reactions, providing flexible and cost-effective storage solutions without complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If solar energy is used directly for power generation, then the system is simple, but the output is unstable due to low power density and discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary conversion of solar energy to chemical energy during periods of high solar irradiance, storing the energy in chemical bonds. This preliminary action allows the system to build up energy reserves in advance, which can then be used during periods of low or no solar radiation, ensuring stable and continuous power output regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous useful action by coupling the solar energy conversion system with chemical energy storage and a power generation system that operates on demand. The chemical energy carriers serve as a bridge, allowing the system to maintain continuous power generation even when solar input is intermittent, thus ensuring reliable and stable output while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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 enhances solar energy net generating efficiency, reduces operation costs, and stabilizes energy output by converting low-grade solar thermal energy into high-grade chemical energy, overcoming the instability of solar energy generation and enabling efficient chemical energy storage and usage.
Implementation Method 1
a solar energy heat collecting device configured to collect the solar energy with low energy flux density to medium-and-low temperature solar thermal energy with high energy flux density
Implementation Method 2
a solar energy absorption and reaction device configured to drive the fossil fuel vapor received from the material preheating device by using solar thermal energy absorbed to make a decomposition reaction or reforming reaction by catalysts, through which the solar energy is converted to chemical energy of hydrogen-rich fuel
Implementation Method 3
a condenser configured to cool reaction products from the solar energy absorption and reaction device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a power generating system by combining medium-and-low temperature solar energy and fossil fuel with thermochemical process, the system comprising: a material supply device configured to store fossil fuel; a material mixing device configured to mix the fossil fuel with non-reacted reactant; a material metering device configured to control an amount of material fed to a material preheating device in unit time; a material preheating device configured to heat the material; a solar energy absorption and reaction device configured to drive the fossil fuel by using solar thermal energy absorbed to make a decomposition reaction or reforming reaction, through which the solar energy is converted to chemical energy of hydrogen-rich fuel, obtaining solar-energy fuel; a solar energy heat collecting device configured to collect the solar energy with low energy flux density to medium-and-low temperature solar thermal energy with high energy flux density, so as to provide heat to decomposition reaction or reforming reaction; a condenser configured to cool reaction products; a gas-liquid separating device configured to perform gas-liquid separation for the cooled mixture; a fuel bypassing device configured to adjust a proportion of solar-energy fuel for storage to that for generating; a gas storing tank to store solar-energy fuel; a power generating apparatus to burnt the solar-energy fuel to output power. The invention achieves a higher efficiency of usage of solar energy.