Thermoelectric Array Solar Concentration for Space Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current space-grade photovoltaics, such as III-V multi-junction solar cells, are radiation and temperature sensitive, with low operating temperatures and high costs, making them inefficient and expensive for converting solar energy into electrical energy.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric array composed of semiconductor thermoelectric couples connected in series and parallel, utilizing a concentrator lens to focus solar heat onto a hot plate, with a cold plate for efficient heat dissipation, and materials like tin selenide for efficient thermal-to-electrical energy conversion, reducing costs and improving temperature tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photovoltaics are used to convert solar energy into electrical energy, then electrical energy generation is achieved, but the system has low tolerance to radiation and temperature, requiring low operating temperatures, and incurs high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using thermoelectric materials that operate efficiently at high temperatures (up to 700°C) compared to photovoltaics that require low temperatures (40-60°C). This parameter change enables the system to tolerate extreme temperature variations and radiation environments in space applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the photovoltaic effect (optical-to-electrical conversion) with the Seebeck effect (thermal-to-electrical conversion). This substitution allows the system to directly convert heat flux into electrical energy, eliminating the temperature sensitivity and radiation tolerance issues inherent in photovoltaic systems.
2Reliability
If photovoltaics are used to convert solar energy into electrical energy, then electrical energy generation is achieved, but the cost is extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermoelectric couples made from relatively inexpensive materials such as tin selenide, bismuth telluride, and lead telluride, which can be manufactured at lower costs compared to space-grade III-V multi-junction solar cells. The modular nature of thermoelectric couples allows for easier replacement and lower overall system cost.
3Productivity
If a lens is used to concentrate heat from the sun onto the hot plate, then heat concentration efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens serves multiple functions: it concentrates solar heat onto the hot plate to maximize thermal energy capture, and its positioning structure provides mechanical support and alignment for the entire thermoelectric generator assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 thermoelectric array effectively converts heat flux into electrical energy with increased efficiency and reduced costs, achieving higher power generation and weight savings while withstanding high temperatures, offering a more reliable and economical alternative to traditional solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
The lens is configured to concentrate heat from the sun and onto the hot plate
Implementation Method 2
The thermoelectric couples are semiconductor materials (PN) configured to convert heat flux directly into electrical energy by way of a phenomenon called a Seebeck effect
Implementation Method 3
the heat is dissipated into space at a faster rate
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a thermoelectric generator and a lens. The thermoelectric generator includes a hot plate, and is configured to convert heat directly into electrical energy. The lens faces the sun on one side and faces the hot plate on the other side. The lens is configured to concentrate heat from the sun and onto the hot plate.