Solid-State Solar Thermal Collector with Integrated Aggregate Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar thermal energy systems face challenges such as high costs, complexity, and inefficiencies due to the use of exotic materials and the need for large, expensive infrastructure, particularly in utility-scale CSP systems, which struggle with heat transfer, storage, and energy generation, and lack portability and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar thermal energy system that integrates sun tracking, light focusing, and energy storage within a single module, using a bed of solid aggregate materials like basalt sand or graphite for thermal energy storage, with concentrating solar thermal energy collectors positioned proximal to the storage material to directly absorb and store heat, reducing the need for long-distance heat transport and exotic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If molten salt is used as heat transfer fluid and storage material in CSP systems, then energy storage capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to expensive pumps, valves, tanks, and plumbing required to handle high-temperature molten salt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat transfer function from the storage system by using separate heat transfer fluid pathways, eliminating the need for complex pumping and valve systems required by molten salt. The solid thermal storage material directly absorbs solar energy without requiring fluid circulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive molten salt with inexpensive solid thermal storage materials such as rocks, sand, or ceramic particles that can be handled passively without requiring costly specialized equipment for pumping and containment.
2Use of energy by moving object
If molten salt is used as heat transfer fluid, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but material cost increases due to requirement for exotic high-temperature resistant materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive molten salt with inexpensive solid thermal storage materials such as rocks, sand, or ceramic particles that can be handled passively without requiring costly specialized equipment for pumping and containment.
3Quantity of substance
If large arrays of mirrors are used in CSP systems, then solar energy collection is improved, but land use efficiency decreases and infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal storage material directly with the solar collector assembly, eliminating the need for separate large-scale mirror arrays and long heat transport pathways. This integration dramatically reduces land requirements while maintaining energy collection capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If long-distance heat transport is implemented in CSP systems, then energy distribution flexibility is improved, but heat loss increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat transfer function from the storage system by using separate heat transfer fluid pathways, eliminating the need for complex pumping and valve systems required by molten salt. The solid thermal storage material directly absorbs solar energy without requiring fluid circulation systems.
5Adaptability or versatility
If portable solar thermal systems are developed, then system versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solar thermal system into modular units where each module contains its own solid thermal storage material and collector components, enabling easy deployment and relocation without complex assembly requirements.
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 reduces costs and complexity, enhances efficiency, and allows for portable and scalable energy storage and generation, improving land use efficiency and safety while enabling higher temperature operation for more effective energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a concentrating solar energy collector; wherein the transfer conduit is coupled to the energy storage material in such a way that the energy from the concentrating solar energy collector is substantially transferred to the energy storage material
Implementation Method 2
a thermal energy storage material for absorbing and storing the received energy as heat
Implementation Method 3
an insulation layer to help retain the stored energy
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A system for receiving, transferring, and storing solar thermal energy. The system includes a concentrating solar energy collector, a transfer conduit, a thermal storage material, and an insulated container. The insulated container contains the thermal storage material, and the transfer conduit is configured to transfer solar energy collected by the solar energy collector to the thermal storage material through a wall of the insulated container.