Windows for producing electricity from solar energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy systems, such as Photo Voltaic (PV) panels, are costly when combined with the need for hot water production, and there is a need for a more cost-effective system that can efficiently generate electricity and thermal energy from solar radiation.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating a window pane with a heat receiving element, a gas line, and a turbine to convert thermal energy into electricity using a liquid gas that shifts between liquid and gaseous states, utilizing a copper plate and a pipeline for heat transfer, with a closed loop for energy accumulation and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If PV panels are used to produce electricity from solar energy, then electricity generation cost is reduced, but the system becomes less cost-effective when hot water production is also needed
Solution Approach 1:
The window pan system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electricity through the turbine mechanism, produces hot water through the heat receiving element and gas evaporation system, and provides solar energy conversion. This multi-functionality makes the system more cost-effective compared to separate PV panels and water heating systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines electricity generation and hot water production into a single integrated window pan system. The heat receiving element, gas line, turbine, and water container are merged into one unified structure that converts solar energy into both electrical and thermal energy
2Productivity
If a heat receiving element and gas line system is integrated into the window pan, then thermal energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a nested structure where the heat receiving element is disposed within the window pan, the gas line is integrated within the window pan structure, and the turbine mechanism is contained within the same assembly. This nesting approach improves thermal conversion efficiency while minimizing the overall space required and reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The window pan is divided into functional segments: a heat receiving element portion for thermal energy capture, a gas line portion for heat transfer and gas evaporation, and a turbine portion for electricity generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar radiation is not available, then energy production stops, but thermal energy storage can retain heat for continued operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing thermal energy in the water container during periods when solar radiation is available. This stored thermal energy is then used to continue operating the turbine and generating electricity during periods when solar radiation is not available, such as nighttime or cloudy conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal energy storage system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining heat availability for turbine operation regardless of solar radiation conditions. The stored thermal energy allows the system to continue producing electricity continuously, bridging the gap between solar availability and energy demand
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 efficiently generates electricity and thermal energy without expensive resources, utilizing thermal energy storage and conversion, even in the absence of solar radiation, with high energy efficiency and minimal energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
a heat receiving element coupled to the window pan and being configured to receive heat from the solar radiation
Implementation Method 2
The heat receiving element is a copper plate disposed along a portion of the window pan. The gas line extends along an edge of the copper plate to receive heat therefrom
Implementation Method 3
the gas line having a liquid gas being configured to evaporate by the heat generated by the heat receiving element and to increase thereby pressure in the gas line
Implementation Method 4
The gas can be configured to shift between a liquid state and a gaseous state, and wherein the gas is shifted from liquid state to gaseous state as a result of the heat from the heat receiving element
Implementation Method 5
a turbine having a rotor configured to convert rotating motion to electricity, the turbine being configured to receive evaporated gas from the gas line and the evaporated gas is configured to rotate the motor
Implementation Method 6
The system can further include a cooling device configured to cool off the gas from the turbine so as to shift the gas to the liquid state thereof
Implementation Method 7
a heat exchanger configured to receive heated gas from the turbine and liquid gas from the cooling device and being further configured to exchange heat between the heated gas and the liquid gas, the heat exchanger is configured to feed the liquid gas back towards the heat transferring member and to preheat the liquid gas before entering the heat transferring member
Implementation Method 8
The inner space can include thermo liquid configured to retain heat when no solar radiation is available
Data Source
AI summary
A system for producing electricity from solar energy is provided. The system includes a window pan for installing on building such that solar radiation impinges thereon, a heat receiving element coupled to the window pan and being configured to receive heat from the solar radiation. The system further includes a gas line thermally coupled to the heat receiving element with a heat transferring member the gas line having a liquid gas being configured to evaporate by the heat generated by the heat receiving element and to increase thereby pressure in the gas line. The system further includes a turbine having a rotor configured to convert rotating motion to electricity, the turbine being configured to receive evaporated gas from the gas line and the evaporated gas is configured to rotate the motor.