System for amplifying solar heat for concentrated solar-thermal power systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial concentrated solar-thermal power systems (CSPs) face issues such as convection heat losses and low energy collection efficiency, leading to reduced energy production and high construction costs.
Innovation Solution
A linear solar-thermal concentrator system with a curved surface, side walls, and a convection cover that traps heat convection energy, enhancing energy production by amplifying solar heat collection, and incorporating advanced computation and electromechanical controls for safety management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing commercial CSP systems are used, then solar power generation is achieved, but convection heat losses occur and energy collection efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by capturing the harmful convection heat losses that would normally escape from the concentrator and redirecting them back onto the receiver. The side walls and convection cover trap these heat-convection energy flows, converting what was previously a loss into a beneficial heating effect that enhances energy collection efficiency.
2Productivity
If existing commercial CSP systems are used, then power generation is achieved, but construction costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the concentrator structure into distinct functional components: a base concentrator, side walls, and a convection cover. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing overall construction costs while maintaining or improving energy production capabilities through the added heat-trapping components.
3Productivity
If a convection cover is added to trap heat convection energy, then energy production is improved by 10% to 30%, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the convection cover and side walls with the existing concentrator structure to form an integrated heat-trapping system. This combining approach improves energy production by capturing convection losses while avoiding the need for entirely separate, complex systems, thus balancing productivity gains with manageable device complexity.
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 improves energy production by 10% to 30% or 15% to 20% and reduces maintenance costs, while effectively utilizing trapped heat convection energy, and maintains safety through temperature and pressure monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a convection cover disposed over the opening of the linear thermal concentrator that traps heat convection energy within the linear solar-thermal concentrator
Implementation Method 2
a linear solar-thermal concentrator for concentrating solar light
Implementation Method 3
concentrate a large area of sunlight onto a smaller area receiver such that the sunlight is converted into solar-thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enhancing overall energy production of CSPs through amplification of solar heat collection. In one embodiment, the system comprises a linear solar-thermal concentrator for concentrating solar light comprising a curved surface, two side walls, and an opening; a fluid conduit disposed within the linear solar-thermal concentrator that carries a working fluid through the linear solar-thermal concentrator; and a convection cover disposed over the opening of the linear thermal concentrator that traps heat convection energy within the linear solar-thermal concentrator.