SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING SOLAR ENERGY WITH A STATIONARY THERMAL STORAGE DEVICE

Abstract

A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

Claims

1. A solar energy system comprising: a support frame; a thermal energy storage device supported by said support frame, said thermal energy storage device including a solar energy receiving surface operative to convert solar energy incident thereon into thermal energy and to transmit said thermal energy to a thermal storage medium within said thermal device; a shutter having a surface complementary to said solar energy receiving surface of said thermal energy storage device, said shutter being movable with respect to said solar energy receiving surface and including an aperture to expose different regions of said solar energy receiving surface to solar energy depending on the relative orientation of said shutter and said thermal energy storage device; a solar energy concentrator adjustably coupled to said support frame to direct solar energy to said thermal energy storage device through said aperture; and an elevation adjustment system coupled to adjust an elevational angle of said solar energy concentrator and said orientation of said shutter in a coordinated manner.

2. The solar energy system of claim 1, further comprising an azimuthal adjustment system adapted to adjust the azimuth of said solar energy concentrator, and wherein the alignment of said solar energy concentrator and said aperture of said shutter remain fixed as azimuthal adjustments are made to said solar energy concentrator.

3. The solar energy system of claim 1, wherein said aperture of said shutter is disposed at a focal point of said solar energy concentrator.

4. The solar energy system of claim 1, wherein: said solar energy receiving surface includes a concave portion; and said surface of said shutter complementary to said solar energy receiving surface includes a convex portion.

5. The solar energy system of claim 1, wherein said surface of said shutter complementary to said solar energy receiving surface and said solar energy receiving surface have a ball and socket relationship.

6. The solar energy system of claim 1, wherein portions of said solar energy receiving surface not exposed to impinging light by said aperture are insulated against thermal loss by said surface of said shutter complementary to said solar energy receiving surface.

7. The solar energy system of claim 6, wherein: said thermal energy storage device is a canister having a thermal energy storage medium disposed therein; and said solar energy receiving surface includes a concave, exterior surface of said canister.

8. The solar energy system of claim 1, further comprising: an insulating structure at least partially surrounding said thermal energy storage device, said insulating structure defining an opening; and wherein said shutter is movably disposed in said opening of said insulating structure.

9. The solar energy system of claim 8, wherein said shutter fills said opening of said insulating structure.

10. The solar energy system of claim 1, wherein: said shutter is mechanically coupled to said solar energy concentrator; and said aperture of said shutter remains coaxially aligned with an optical axis of said solar energy concentrator while said solar energy concentrator is moved with respect to said solar energy receiver.

11. The solar energy system of claim 1, wherein said shutter includes: a substantially spherical body defining said aperture therethrough; and a pair of coaxially aligned shafts extending from opposite sides of said spherical body.

12. The solar energy system of claim 11, wherein said elevation adjustment system rotates said solar energy concentrator about an axis coaxially aligned with said shafts.

13. The solar energy system of claim 1, further comprising means for maintaining the tilt and vertical position of said thermal energy storage device as elevation adjustments are made to said solar energy concentrator.

14. A solar energy system comprising: a support frame; a thermal energy storage device supported by said support frame, said thermal energy storage device including a solar energy receiving surface operative to convert solar energy incident thereon into thermal energy and to transmit said thermal energy to a thermal storage medium within said thermal device, said solar energy receiving surface having a concave shape; an insulating structure at least partially surrounding said thermal energy storage device and defining an opening exposing said solar energy receiving surface; a shutter disposed in said opening defined by said insulating structure, having a spherical body including a surface complementary to said concave solar energy receiving surface of said thermal energy storage device, being movable with respect to said solar energy receiving surface and including an aperture to expose different regions of said solar energy receiving surface to solar energy depending on the relative orientation of said shutter and said thermal energy storage device; a solar energy concentrator mechanically coupled to said shutter and adjustably coupled to said support frame to direct solar energy to said thermal energy storage device through said aperture; an elevation adjustment system coupled to adjust an elevational angle of said solar energy concentrator and said orientation of said shutter in a coordinated manner; an azimuthal adjustment system adapted to adjust the azimuth of said solar energy concentrator, and wherein the alignment of said solar energy concentrator and said aperture of said shutter remain fixed as azimuthal adjustments are made to said solar energy concentrator.

15. The solar energy system of claim 14, wherein said aperture of said shutter is maintained at a focal point of said solar energy concentrator.

16. The solar energy system of claim 15, wherein portions of said concave solar energy receiving surface are insulated against thermal loss by said surface of said shutter.

17. The solar energy system of claim 16, wherein said shutter fills said opening of said insulating structure.

18. The solar energy system of claim 17, wherein: said thermal energy storage device is a canister having a thermal energy storage medium disposed therein; and said solar energy receiving surface includes an exterior surface of said canister.

19. The solar energy system of claim 18, wherein said thermal energy storage medium includes a metallic phase change material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention is described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similar elements:

[0016] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a portable solar energy system;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the portable solar energy system of FIG. 1 when the sun is at low elevation;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of the portable solar energy system of FIG. 1 when the sun is at high elevation;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a thermal energy storage device of the portable solar energy system of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shutter of the thermal energy storage device of FIG. 4;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a thermal storage medium canister of the thermal energy storage device of FIG. 4;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the canister of FIG. 6;

[0023] FIG. 8 is cross-sectional side view of the thermal energy storage device of FIG. 4 when the sun is at a low elevation; and

[0024] FIG. 9 is cross-sectional side view of the thermal energy storage device of FIG. 4 when the sun is at a high elevation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by providing a portable solar energy system that does not require changing the vertical height or tilt of the thermal storage device to maintain optical alignment between a solar energy concentrator and the thermal storage device as the position of the sun changes. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth (e.g., solar concentrator types/shape, thermal storage media, etc.) in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced apart from these specific details. In other instances, details of well-known metallurgy practices (e.g., alloying of thermal storage medium, surface treatment of thermal storage medium container, etc.) and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portable solar energy storage system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thermal storage system 100 includes a solar concentrator 102, a thermal energy storage device 104, a central support structure 106, a circular track 108, and a sun tracking controller 110. Central support structure 106 is supported by a plurality of horizontal struts 112 that engage circular track 108 via a plurality of track engaging devices/drivers 114. Solar concentrator 102 is coupled to central support structure 106 by an arcuate support arm 116, and to thermal storage device 104 by a pair of linkages 118. Thermal energy storage device 104 is supported in a fixed vertical position and at a fixed tilt by central support structure 106. Thus, the entire portable thermal energy storage system 100 rest upon and is rotatable upon circular track 108.

[0027] In this particular embodiment, solar concentrator 102 is a parabolic reflector that concentrates and reflects impinging sunlight onto thermal energy storage device 104. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of solar concentrators can also be used. Thermal storage device 104 is operative to receive solar energy from solar concentrator 102, to convert the solar energy into thermal energy, and to store the thermal energy for later use and/or real-time use. Thermal energy is extracted from thermal energy storage device 104 by flowing an exchange fluid (e.g., water) into and out of thermal energy storage device 104 via an inlet conduit 120 and an outlet conduit 122, respectively. Although not shown, flexible hoses connect to fluid inlet conduit 120 and outlet conduit 122 to carry fluid to and from a heat exchanger (FIG. 8), respectively. The rotation of thermal energy storage device 104 is limited to 180 degrees in either direction (360 degrees total), so no special couplings are required for the exchange fluid, as long as the couplings are suitable for the operating temperature range.

[0028] Sun tracking controller 110 keeps solar concentrator 102 directed at the sun. Based on feedback from a sensor 124, sun tracking controller 110 determines the position of the sun and adjusts the position of solar concentrator 102 and thermal storage device 104 to reflect the optimal amount of sunlight onto thermal storage device 104. Sun tracking controller 110 provides control signals to an elevational drive system (not shown) housed within central support structure 106 to adjust the elevation of solar concentrator 102 and provides control signals to an azimuthal control system (track engaging drivers 114) to adjust the azimuth of solar concentrator 102. There are many other known suitable systems for determining the position of the sun that can be implemented in thermal storage system 100. For example, systems based on time-of-day and global position can also be used. Any such systems can be used in conjunction with the elevational adjustment means and/or the azimuthal adjustment means described herein. Sun tracking controller 110 communicates with sensor 124 and the azimuthal and elevational controls via a plurality of signal wires 127.

[0029] Elevational adjustment is accomplished by rotating solar concentrator 102 about a horizontal axis 128 that passes through the focal point of solar concentrator 102. Arcuate support arm 116 includes a plurality of teeth 126 which are engaged by an electric motor driven pinion gear (not shown) that drives arcuate support arm 116 to rotate about horizontal axis 128. Solar concentrator 102 is rigidly fixed to arcuate support arm 116 and, therefore, also rotates about horizontal axis 128. Alternatively, a linear actuator could be used to rotate solar concentrator 102 about horizontal axis 128.

[0030] Azimuthal adjustment is accomplished by rotating solar concentrator 102 and thermal storage device 104 about a vertical axis 130. Azimuthal adjustment system 126 includes horizontal struts 112 that drivably engage a circular track 108 via track engaging devices/drivers 114. In the example embodiment, struts 112 are rigidly attached to devices/drivers 114, which in turn engage circular track 108. Although not shown, at least one of track engaging devices/drivers can optionally include some type of electric motor driven gear that engages complementary gear teeth on circular track 108 to drive the rotation of solar concentrator 102 and thermal energy storage device 104 about vertical axis 130.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a side view of portable solar energy system 100 as it would appear when the sun is at a relatively low elevation (less than 45 degrees). As shown, this is achieved by driving arcuate support arm 116 such that solar concentrator 102 is elevated to the optimal height at which the maximum amount of sunlight is focused onto thermal storage device 104.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a side view of portable thermal energy storage system 100 as would appear when the sun is at a high elevation. It is important to recognize that the overall design of portable thermal energy storage system 100 is such that the vertical position of thermal energy storage device 104 remains fixed at all times. That is, the vertical position of thermal storage device 104 remains fixed before, during, and after adjustments are made to the elevation of solar concentrator 102 and/or adjustments to the azimuthal position of solar concentrator 102. This provides an important advantage in that it eliminates the need to lift and lower thermal energy storage device 104. Of course, thermal storage device 104 would likely be heavy. Therefore, the need to lift and lower thermal energy storage device 104 imparts undesirable design constraints on a solar energy system, especially with respect to the mass of thermal storage medium that can be efficiently used in the system. Of course, the mass of thermal storage medium is directly related to the thermal energy storage capacity of the system. It is also important to recognize that the overall tilt orientation of thermal energy storage device 104 remains fixed during azimuthal and elevational adjustments. That is, the tilt orientation of thermal energy storage device 104 remains fixed before, during, and after adjustments are made to the elevation of solar concentrator 102 and/or adjustments to the azimuthal position of solar concentrator 102. This provides and important advantage because it eliminates the problems associated with tilting canister thermal storage canister 112. For example, tilting canister 112 causes the internal thermal energy storage medium (e.g. molten aluminum) to contact the joint between canister 112 and a canister lid. When the internal thermal energy storage medium contacts the joint between canister 112 and the canister lid, the joint can be compromised. In general, the invention provides a portable thermal energy storage system that can track the sun without causing any elevation change and/or tilt change of thermal energy storage device 104.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of thermal energy storage device 104, wherein linkages 118 are removed so as not obstruct the view of thermal energy storage device 104. Thermal energy device 104 includes a shutter 400, canister 402, heat exchanger (not visible in FIG. 4), an insulation layer 404, and an outer shell 406. A portion of canister 402 defines a receiver surface 408, which is visible through an aperture 410 in shutter 400. Solar energy from solar concentrator 102 is focused through aperture 410 and impinges on a portion of receiver surface 408, where it is converted to thermal energy, which conducts through the wall of canister 402 and into the thermal storage media contained in canister 402.

[0034] Shutter 400 is adapted to maintain a fixed optical alignment with respect to solar concentrator 102 at all times. This minimizes radiant and convective heat losses from canister 402 when canister 402 is heated. Shutter 400 is pivotally mounted with respect to canister 402. Shafts 412 extend from opposite sides of shutter 400 and are rigidly fastened to linkages 118 (not shown in FIG. 4. When the elevation of solar concentrator 102 is adjusted, solar concentrator moves linkages 118, which in turn rotate shafts 412 and shutter 400, thus keeping aperture 410 directed at the center of solar concentrator 102.

[0035] FIG. 5. is a perspective view of shutter 400 shown removed from thermal energy storage device 104. Shutter 400 includes a body 500 having coaxially aligned shafts 412 extending from opposite sides thereof. Body 500 includes a spherical outer surface 504, a front cone-shaped recess 506, a back cone-shaped recess 508 (not visible), and aperture 410 extending therebetween. Shafts 412 are coaxially aligned with horizontal axis 128 when thermal energy storage device 104 is assembled. Shafts 412 enable shutter 400 to be pivoted about axis 128 by linkages 118, as described above, such that solar concentrator 102 focuses light through aperture 410 regardless of the elevational position of solar concentrator 102. In other words, shutter 400 is slaved to solar concentrator 102. Accordingly, the optical axis of solar concentrator 102 remains coaxially aligned with aperture 510 at all times.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of canister 402 removed from thermal energy storage device 104. Canister 402 is a thin-walled hollow structure operative to contain a thermal energy storage medium (e.g., a metallic phase change material) therein. In this example, canister 402 includes a lid 600 that is permanently sealed to the main body of the canister by, for example, welding. As explained above, canister 402 defines receiver surface 408, which is much more visible in FIG. 6. Canister 402 additionally defines a set of semi-cylindrical regions 604, which accommodate shafts 412 of shutter 400 and are coaxial with horizontal axis 128. Receiver surface 408 defines a semi-spherical cavity contoured to receive spherical outer surface 504 of shutter 400 therein. Additionally, receiver surface 408 provides a surface wherein impinging sunlight is absorbed and converted to thermal energy that is stored in the thermal storage medium within canister 402.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of canister 402. As shown, canister 402 additionally includes an internal cavity 700 containing a thermal storage medium 702 sealed therein. As shown, the level of thermal storage medium 702 in cavity 700 is below a seam 704 (e.g. weld line) between lid 600 and the rest of canister 402. Because canister 402 is never tilted during elevational and/or azimuthal adjustments, thermal storage medium 702 does not contact seem 704, thereby reducing the potential of breaching canister 112 when the temperature of thermal storage medium 700 reaches high levels. Indeed, the quantity of thermal storage medium 702 can be selected so that thermal storage medium 702 also does not contact seem 704 even during thermal expansion.

[0038] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are cross-sectional side views of thermal energy storage device 104 illustrating the operation of thermal energy storage device 104 during elevation adjustments. FIG. 8 shows thermal energy storage device 104 when the sun is at a relatively low elevation and FIG. 9 shows thermal energy storage device 104 when the sun is at a relatively high elevation.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, solar concentrator 102 is configured so that the focal point 800 of solar concentrator 102 is positioned at the intersection between an optical axis 802 of solar concentrator 102 and horizontal axis 128 (FIG. 1). Horizontal axis 128 appears as a point in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 that coincides with focal point 800. Comparing FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, it is clear that the relative orientations of shutter 400, linkages 118, and, therefore, solar concentrator 102 remain fixed regardless of the position of shutter 400 with respect to canister 112.

[0040] A heat exchanger 804 is thermally coupled to canister 112 so as to extract thermal energy therefrom. Heat transfer fluid flowing in through inlet conduit 120 absorbs heat energy from heat exchanger 804 and then flows out through outlet conduit 122 to a system (not shown) that can extract the thermal energy from the transfer fluid and put it to some beneficial use. Insulation layer 404 is formed around canister 402 and heat exchanger 804 so as to minimize thermal losses and protect any personnel in the area from thermal injury. Outer shell 406 provides a housing that at least partially covers shutter 400, canister 402, and insulation layer 404.

[0041] The operation of thermal energy storage system 100 can be summarized as follows, with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9. First, sensor 124 detects the position of the sun. Then, sun tracking controller provides control signals to adjust the elevational and azimuthal positions of solar concentrator 102 according to the position of the sun. More specifically, solar concentrator 102 is rotated about horizontal axis 128 by arcuate support arm 116 and rotated about vertical axis 130 by track engaging devices/drivers 114. As solar concentrator 102 is rotated about axis 128, linkages 118 are also rotated about axis 128, thereby rotating shutter 400 about horizontal axis 128. The angle of optical axis 802 with respect to vertical axis 130 determines what portion of receiver surface 408 is illuminated by sun light passing through aperture 410 and which portion is covered by spherical outer surface 504 of shutter 400. Covering the portions of receiver surface 408 when they are not being illuminated greatly reduces thermal losses from canister 402 because heat cannot radiate through surface 504 of shutter 400. Shutter 400 also minimizes convective losses from receiver surface 408. As azimuthal adjustments are made, circular track 108 remains stationary on the ground while the other components of thermal storage system 100 rotate about vertical axis 130 until solar concentrator 102 is properly positioned with respect to the sun. After thermal storage medium 702 is heated, heat can be extracted from canister 402 via heat exchanger 804. That is, with heat exchanger 804 in direct thermal contact with canister 402, cool thermal transfer fluid is pumped into inlet conduit 120, is heated as it passes through heat exchanger 804, and then discharged from outlet conduit 122. The heated thermal transfer fluid can be in the liquid (e.g. water) or gas (e.g. steam) state, depending on the particular application and operating parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.).

[0042] The description of particular embodiments of the present invention is now complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate thermal transfer fluids (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc.), may be substituted for the water. As another example, alternate thermal storage media (e.g., water, metals, salts, etc.) can be used. As still another example, the embodiments described herein are well-suited for implementation in both portable and fixed thermal energy storage systems. These and other deviations from the particular embodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.