This invention is a new type of solar energy receiver that can capture and convert sunlight into heat more efficiently than existing designs. It uses a cavity filled with hollow plates to absorb concentrated sunlight. Heat transfer fluid, which can be a gas, liquid, or even change state during the process, flows through these plates and carries the collected heat away.
Figure 1. The geometry of the Plated Volumetric Cavity Receiver: (a) molten salt volumetric plated cavity receiver, (b) flow mechanism inside the receiver, (c) hollow plate (all dimensions in m), and (d) heat loss mechanism
[Ref: Singh, O., Bhatwadekar, K., Kartheek, N. G., Kedare, S. B., and Singh, S. (July 28, 2020). "A Novel Design of Liquid Volumetric Plated Cavity Receiver for Central Tower Systems." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. February 2021; 143(1): 011009. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4047669 ]
Current volumetric cavity receivers in solar energy plants are limited in the type of heat transfer medium they can effectively utilize. Traditionally, only atmospheric air works well. Unfortunately, non-transparent, pressurized, or high-density fluids, which offer potential advantages, require additional covers or intricate setups, making them impractical for many applications. This significantly restricts the flexibility and efficiency of current cavity receiver technology.
- Volumetric design: The receiver uses a cavity with multiple hollow plates exposed to concentrated sunlight, maximizing heat transfer efficiency.
- Flexible arrangement: Plates can be arranged vertically, horizontally, or inclined for optimal light capture.
- Sliding supports: These supports allow for thermal expansion and contraction, reducing stress on the system.
- Internal flow management: Flow regulators and spacers in the hollow plates optimize heat transfer fluid flow.
- Versatile heat transfer mediums: The design supports various liquids, gases, and supercritical CO2, offering more flexibility.
- Improved efficiency: The design promotes efficient heat transfer and maximizes solar energy capture.
- Reduced thermal stress: Sliding supports minimize thermal stress, enhancing durability.
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The technology is under research and development phase. Initial simulations and theoretical analyses have demonstrated promising results, indicating potential for higher efficiency compared to conventional systems.
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This invention has the potential to increase the efficiency of solar energy capture by :
- Reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions,
- Providing a cleaner and more sustainable energy source, and
- Potentially lowering the cost of solar energy production.
- Solar power plants: It can enhance the efficiency of heliostat tower configurations and dish concentrators in solar thermal energy generation.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems: It can be used for implementing solar-driven HVAC systems for large buildings and industrial complexes.
- Energy storage: It can be integrated with thermal energy storage systems to store and dispatch solar energy efficiently.
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