Current volumetric cavity receivers in solar energy plants are limited to using atmospheric air as the heat transfer medium. Non-transparent, pressurized, or high-density fluids require additional covers or complex setups, making them impractical.
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.
- 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.
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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By increasing the efficiency of solar energy capture, this invention has the potential to:
- Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions
- Provide a cleaner and more sustainable energy source
- Potentially lower the cost of solar energy production
- In Solar Power Plants (enhancing the efficiency of heliostat tower configurations and dish concentrators in solar thermal energy generation)
- In HVAC Systems (implementing solar-driven heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for large buildings and industrial complexes)
- Energy Storage (integrating with thermal energy storage systems to store and dispatch solar energy efficiently)
This technology can be integrated into heliostat tower configurations or dish-type solar concentrators for enhanced efficiency.
201721005417
462835