JPS6118353B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for harvesting solar energy for converting it into electrical energy for various purposes.

The present invention also aims to store and use thermal energy for a long time even when there is no sunlight or little sunlight.

In particular, the present invention relates to a device using a liquid and/or Fresnel focusing lens, a lens system, and an elongated collector having at least one fluid transmission conduit located at the focal point of the lens.

It is known that surfaces exposed to the sun, at least to some extent, collect solar radiation and absorb this radiation to heat the materials that make up the surface. It is also known to extract electricity by means of photovoltaic devices that are exposed to sunlight.

Conventional systems for obtaining low temperatures of up to 80° C. consist of dark-colored panels that absorb solar radiation and means for extracting heat from the panels, e.g. a fluid system that circulates a heat-carrying fluid in a heat exchange method through the panels. . It is also known to increase the efficiency of the fluid system by placing one or more glass plates on the panel to create a greenhouse effect and thereby reduce heat loss. However, the efficiency of these panel systems is low, about 30% to 40%, and they require a large amount of space, resulting in high heat losses. Furthermore, large capital investments are also required. Harvesting solar energy using Fresnel lenses and fluid lenses is known in the art. For example, they are disclosed in US Pat. No. 3915148, US Pat. No. 3125091, US Pat. No. 937013, US Pat. No. 3965683, US Pat. However, none of these known systems are capable of effectively converting and storing solar energy, nor are they capable of producing heat at an economical investment that makes the use of solar energy competitive with other forms of energy. Furthermore, the prior art does not disclose the ability to obtain low temperatures that can be used for home heating, water heating, or other purposes while also obtaining temperatures in the hundreds of degrees Celsius. There is no system that can store thermal energy from solar energy during long interruptions in sunlight and that can provide different temperatures simultaneously and that can use light to harness or disperse the heat generated by the sun's infrared radiation. .

With respect to power generation, it is known to concentrate solar energy in photovoltaic cells to increase the electrical output of the cell. However, there is also the disadvantage that heat buildup within the photovoltaic cell as a result of light concentration limits the cell output. Known photovoltaic devices only produce up to about 1 watt/hour of power per cell from unconcentrated solar energy, and the number of batteries required to produce about 1 kilowatt/hour of power is very large. It cannot withstand normal use.

According to the invention, the disadvantages of the prior art are substantially eliminated and further advantages are provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electrical conversion devices that capture, store and utilize solar energy, further reducing the cost and increasing the efficiency of solar energy systems. The refractive lens means concentrates solar energy along a length onto an elongated collection means containing at least one fluid object. The lens means comprises economical fluid and/or Fresnel type lenses (sometimes referred to as Fresnel lenses) and lens systems. The lens system is capable of focusing solar energy along a substantially continuous line or in a line of substantially discrete points. Means for maintaining a focal line or discrete focus irrespective of the seasonal and preferably temporal (daily) position of the sun in the conduit means preferably having an elongated collecting means and/or means for maintaining a focal line or discrete focus independent of the seasonal and preferably hourly (daily) position of the sun. A means of tracking shall be provided. In this way at least one
It can effectively heat one fluid to high temperatures on the order of several hundred degrees (C).

The fluid lens is formed by a lens for transmitting solar energy, preferably constituted by separate opposed upper and lower plates arranged in a fluid-tight manner within the frame means. Alternatively, fluidic lenses with lens plates may be manufactured by gluing, welding, extrusion or blowing processes similar to the manufacture of glass or plastic bottles. The fluid-containing lens interior is preferably connected to a collector or heat exchange means to enhance performance. The fluid within the lens preferably has a high refractive index. The distance between the lens fluid and the lens plate is selected to absorb varying amounts of infrared solar energy passing through the fluid. For example, using water as the lens fluid absorbs more infrared solar energy, and using a suitably transparent, colorless, high refractive index chemical reduces the amount absorbed. The heat absorbed by the lens fluid is recovered and used to preheat or heat the fluid in the collection means or for other purposes. Antifreeze products may be added to the lens fluid to prevent the lens fluid from freezing depending on the location of use. It is preferable to absorb infrared radiant heat within the lens fluid when it is not desired to generate heat from solar energy at the lens focal point, such as when concentrating sunlight onto a photovoltaic cell to generate electricity.

The elongated collection means preferably contains a plurality of fluids, with adjacent fluids in contact across the tube wall. The fluids are preferably disposed in adjacent conduits, insulated and preferably dissimilar and have different boiling points. The theoretical focus of the lens means is preferably within or on the surface of a liquid having a high or maximum boiling point.

In embodiments disclosed herein, the elongate collection means has at least two conduits, one conduit containing a first fluid having a first boiling point within a second conduit containing a second fluid having a second boiling point. will be placed in Preferably solar energy is collected in an inner liquid having a boiling point higher than that of the outer liquid. The conduit and the fluid may be solar energy transmitters, opaque or dark depending on the focal position of the lens means. The term solar energy transmission means that the sun's rays are transmitted substantially through the materials mentioned above. In this case, the fluids can be heated to different temperatures and thus used for different purposes if desired. By adjusting the fluid flow rates and selecting conduit dimensions and shapes, a variety of temperatures can be provided that can be used for a variety of different purposes. Having multiple conduits for transporting multiple fluids provides energy that can be used for many different uses, including steam and superheated steam for mechanical devices and expansion machinery, including turpins, motors, engines, etc. . Preferably low boiling point fluids have low latent heat of vaporization and are therefore useful for this purpose. Additionally, heat can be stored in the high boiling fluid by raising it during daylight hours to a temperature substantially higher than the temperature of the low boiling fluid that may be used as the working fluid. Heat is removed from the high boiling fluid, for example, by circulating the low boiling fluid through the high boiling fluid.

The present invention also seeks to combine individual systems and subsystems to form larger complex systems. A high degree of solar energy harvesting and high efficiency is thus ensured. The lens means and collection means may be completely housed within the solar seasonal or temporal tracking device.

Furthermore, according to the invention, both the infrared and solar rays of the sun can be used simultaneously or separately. A photovoltaic cell, in particular a photovoltaic cell, is arranged in the collecting means so that the light rays can be focused on the photovoltaic cell to produce maximum electrical energy and the heat generated by the concentration of infrared radiation is transferred to one of the collecting means, or It can be removed by a further flow controllable fluid.

According to the invention, heating in the photovoltaic cell is reduced by utilizing a fluid lens. In this fluid lens, the lens fluid and lens plate absorb heat-generated infrared radiation, which would otherwise be converted into heat at the lens focal point by the battery. The electrically generated light beam can pass through the photovoltaic cell with little absorption by the lens fluid and lens plate.

Collection of solar energy can be improved by using several concentrators arranged to have a common focus. This utilizes a central fluid (or Fresnel) lens that concentrates the solar energy in a focal point placed in a photovoltaic cell and a plurality of Fresnel-type lenses placed in close proximity to the central lens to generate electricity. This is achieved by Each Fresnel lens has angled serrations on its surface to direct solar energy to the focal point of the central lens. Heating of the photovoltaic cell is reduced by using a central fluid lens to absorb the infrared energy and placing the photovoltaic cell within a collection means to remove the heat generated by the infrared energy therein. This arrangement reduces the heating of the photovoltaic cells and allows for a high concentration of solar energy with excellent convertibility into electricity. Thus, according to the invention, solar energy is approximately
100 times more collection, so that one known photovoltaic cell can e.g. replace 1 watt/hour during sunlight.
Power can be generated up to 100 watts/hour.

The seasonal height position of the sun changes by more than 47° per year, and the deviation between the equinox and solstice is about 23.5°. This deviation is significant and solar trackers can be used to increase the concentration of solar energy throughout the year. For example, at a point at 43°N latitude in late October, the energy of daily solar radiation received on a stationary horizontal plane is approximately
300 langries (g.Ca/cm ² ), while the solar radiation heat received on surfaces perpendicular to the sun is about 680 langries, or more than twice that amount. It is therefore preferable to provide solar tracking means or other means to maximize solar energy reception throughout the year as described above. Both such means are disclosed in the text.

In one embodiment, several collectors with a common focus are arranged such that the lens system is positioned in or on the elongated collector means without solar tracking means during different seasons and preferably at different times of the day. Collect solar energy along a substantially common focal line. The lens system has an elongated central Fresnel or fluid lens that collects solar energy along a focal line and an elongated Fresnel lens positioned angularly adjacent to the central lens, the latter Fresnel lens has serrations on its surface that are angled to direct solar energy to the focal point of the central lens. The lenses are oriented to extend in a generally east-west direction. A given lens or lenses first collect solar energy along a focal line for a given period of the year. For example, a central lens primarily collects solar energy during the period near before and after the equinoxes (spring/autumn), and one lens adjacent to it primarily collects solar energy up to one solstice (summer or winter solstice) while the other The adjacent lenses inherit the period up to the other solstice (winter solstice or summer solstice). In embodiments where the central lens is a Fresnel lens, the lens system preferably includes several sets of Fresnel lenses elongated in the east-west direction. The Fresnel type lenses placed towards the east-west ends of the lens system are positioned at an angle with respect to the inner lens so that a given lens or lenses are directed primarily towards the sun along the focal point during a given time of the day. Harvest energy. However, such lenses may also be placed between the east and west ends of a lens system consisting of a number of lenses oriented along the east-west direction. Thus, at different times of the day and year, one or more lenses collect solar energy primarily along the focal line without the use of solar trackers. In these embodiments, preferably the elongated collection means have two
It has one or more adjacent elongate fluid transfer conduits, each enclosing another fluid transfer conduit.

According to the present invention, lens systems can be combined so that sunlight passes through the lenses continuously, shortening the focal point of the lens system, and giving the lens system a sharper focal point.

Furthermore, the proposed device for producing electricity according to the invention can be combined with hydroelectric means and also with expansion means such as heat pumps and/or cooling devices and/or turpins, motors and engines. It is.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a solar energy collection device including a refractive fluid lens concentrator and a fluid-containing solar energy collector. Apparatus 20 includes an elongated fluid lens concentrator 22
and a collector 24 in the form of an elongated fluid-containing conduit. The elongated fluid lens 22 consists of lens plates 26, 28 that transmit solar energy;
These lens plates are preferably formed as separator plates attached to the frame 30 to surround and separate the solar energy transfer fluid 31. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the upper lens plate 26 is convex and the lower lens plate 28 is flat. Lens plates 26, 28
Both sides 32, 34 and both end sides (not shown in FIG. 1) are sealed as described below. Separately, fluid communication means (not shown in FIG. 1) for circulating fluid 31 or removing air are provided on both sides and/or ends of the lens plate. Also,
The lenses can also be arranged longitudinally and laterally (radially) as described below. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, collector 24 includes an elongated outer conduit 36 surrounding an elongated inner conduit 38, both of which are shown tubular. The outer conduit 36 is disposed within an insulating container 40 and has a longitudinally extending open port 44 located above the outer conduit 36.
It is surrounded by a heat insulating material 42 except for. Opening port 44
is closed with a solar energy transmission and insulation plate 46. Insulation plate 46 may suitably be made of glass or plastic and insulation 42 is a suitable foam material, such as polyethylene foam. For example, a sealing material such as silicone is used as a heat insulating plate 46 to seal the container.
and the container 40 are filled. A collector 42 is located below the lens 22 and a theoretical linear focus 48 is located at or along the collector. The axis of the lens or lens system is oriented along the east-west direction.

Frame 30 and lens 22 are rotatably supported on frame 50 by a member 53 and a pivot (not shown) about a transverse axis 52 . A cable 55 is connected to both ends of the frame 30 proximate the ends of the lens at opposite ends of the lens (only one of which is shown), so as to run the cables in a common direction towards drive means (not shown). , wound around a roller or pulley 58. Movement of a cable connected to the other end of frame 30 (not shown) causes lens 22 to pivot about axis 52 and move lens plate 26 eastward. In this way, lens 2
2 can be rotated in the east-west direction so as to track the temporal movement of the sun. Lens 22 and collector 24 also align longitudinal axis 6 to track the seasonal movement of the sun.
It is also possible to rotate around 0 in the north-south direction. Frame 50, with lens 22 mounted therein, is pivotally mounted on support frame 62 by members 64 (only one of which is shown) and pivot joints (not shown) at opposite ends of the lens. Collector 2
4 is fixed to the frame 50 by a member 66. Frame 50 and collector 24 rotate as a unit about axis 60 to avoid changing the relative orientation between the collector and lens.
Cables 68 (only one of these shown) are connected to one side of the collector for pivoting the lens and collector in a northerly direction, and cables 70 (only one of these shown) are connected to the lens and collector for pivoting the lens and collector in a northerly direction. collector, e.g. 1
one is connected to the other side of the collector for pivoting in a southerly direction to the position shown in phantom. Cables 68, 70 are wound around pulley 58 to run them in a common direction towards drive means (not shown). The lens and collector can rotate through a total angle of about 47 degrees throughout the year in a north-south direction. The drive means may be an electric motor actuated and controlled by a sensor, such as a photoelectric element, or an electric timer. In addition to the above-described apparatus shown in FIG. 1, automatic, semi-automatic or manual means can be used for solar position tracking. Some devices use an electric motor whose pivot axis rotates through a small angle so that direct or focused sunlight always hits the photocell or thermocouple element. Hydraulic devices can also be used to move the lens and collector. Other devices use timers or weight and pulley devices. The movement of the sun affects the electrical output of the photocell to control a motor, or the motor is controlled by a timer to increase its rotation axis by a small angle, or a weight and pulley drive. rotates its pivot axis. As already mentioned, complete devices for moving the lens and detecting the position of the sun are known but are not shown here. The parts of the device used to track the position of the sun are shown in the drawing. Also, while daily or temporal tracking is desirable to increase the collection of solar energy, it is not necessary if the collector and lens are oriented in a generally east-west direction. By interconnecting and moving the lens and collector, the focus of the lens is always maintained on the collector regardless of the season. The tracking device described above will substantially increase solar energy as the device is always oriented facing the sun throughout the season and preferably throughout the time.

As previously mentioned, the collector is placed on the theoretical focus 48 of lens 22 and in the embodiment of FIG. 1 conduits 36 and 38 are solar energy transmission media;
A theoretical focal point 48 is located within the inner tube 38. conduit 3
6 and 38 contain heat transfer fluids 54 and 56, respectively. Since the concentration of solar energy is greatest in the fluid of the conduit where the theoretical focal point of the lens is located, i.e., the fluid 56 in the inner conduit 38, the fluid 56 is heated to a relatively high temperature, so that the fluid has a relatively high boiling point. , for example, about 150°C to about 350°C. Various types of fluids can be used as this fluid.
Examples include, but are not limited to, lubricating oils, glycerin, mineral oil, paraffin oil, and the like. in this way,
While the sun is shining, the fluid 56 is heated to a temperature in excess of 100°C, for example 200°C, the exact temperature of which depends on the flow rates of the fluids 54, 56, the inner and outer conduits 36, 3.
8 diameter, solar brightness and position, insulation, heat exchange ratio, etc. Fluid 54 is fluid 5
Those with a boiling point lower than 6, approximately -60℃
A temperature range of ~100°C is desirable. Water is preferably used as such a fluid. Further, the fluid 54 is desirably one with a low latent heat of vaporization, for example, one with about 20 calories per kg to about 270 calories per 1 kg.There are various types of such fluids, including refrigerants, solvents, hydrocarbons, alcohols, etc. but not limited to.

In operation, solar energy is concentrated within the fluid 56 (selected lubricating oil) within the internal conduit 38, raising the oil temperature to approximately 200 degrees Celsius. Since the focal point for lens 22 is theoretically straight, fluid 56 is heated continuously as it traverses the linear focal point. Fluid 54 (water was chosen) is oil and internal conduit 38
and is heated mainly by heat conduction through oil. Both the oil and water fluids can be circulated in a predetermined ratio and subjected to different heat applications to obtain the desired temperature. For example, water can be heated to about 70°C to 80°C or higher and is used for space and hot water heating. The water is heated to a low temperature,
For example, it can be used in swimming pools. Hot oil can be used for industrial applications requiring high temperatures or simply to heat water. Since the temperature of the fluid 56 increases as it passes through the focal point of the lens, fluid at different temperatures can be obtained by providing intermediate outlets for liquid outflow or inflow at different locations along the focal point. Fluid 54 is vaporized and its steam or superheated steam can be used to provide mechanical power to an expansion means for generating electricity, such as a motor, turbine, engine, etc. Preferably, a closed device (not shown) is used in which the concentrate is returned to collector 24. In such applications, refrigerants, solvents, hydrocarbons,
Alcohol or the like can be used as the fluid 54.

As mentioned earlier, an important drawback of common and known solar energy devices is the storage of energy during times of no or weak sunlight, for example at night or during cloudy weather. During these periods, the fluid 56 is heated to a temperature of at least about 50° C. above the temperature of the fluid 54 during normal device operation. Therefore, even when fluid 56 is not heated by solar energy or is heated to a low degree, it will continue to store heat and provide heat to fluid 54 due to the temperature difference between the two fluids. It is desirable to stop circulating fluid 56 during these periods. Fluid 56 continues to transfer heat to fluid 54 until the temperature difference between the two fluids becomes relatively small. The amount of time fluid 56 conducts and/or stores heat is
initial temperature, temperature difference between both fluids, volume of fluid, characteristics of fluid (specific heat, boiling point, melting point, etc.), fluid used 54
It depends on the type etc.

Fluid 31 within lens 22 is communicated with one conduit within collector 24 to remove heat from the lens fluid. As a result, the lens fluid is maintained at a suitable temperature, with heat from solar energy absorbed by the lens fluid being utilized for preheating the fluid circulating in conduits 36 and/or 38, for example.

In FIG. 1, collector 24 is shown comprised of conduits 36,38. However, the conduit need not be a circular tube, but may have other shapes, such as rectangular. A rectangular shape is convenient when the theoretical focus has deviation. A rectangular shape allows focus 48 to remain on conduit 36 while moving. The focal point 48 may be placed on the surface of the conduit 36, in which case the surface of the conduit 36 may be dark without the need for propagation of solar energy.

It will be appreciated that the devices described below and shown in the other figures are longitudinally oriented in an east-west direction and facing the sun. It will also be appreciated that the elongated lens or lens arrangement and the elongated collector and its conduit are arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
It will further be appreciated that it may be desirable to provide means for making the concentrator and collector movable and moving them to track the seasonal and temporal position of the sun. However, the displacement of the focal line is small with respect to seasonal changes, and the inner tube of the collector
If the focal length of the lens is small enough to be maintained within the circumference of 8, there is no need to move the lens. Manual, automatic or semi-automatic devices are known for tracking movement of devices and/or lenses on a seasonal or temporal basis. Although a portion of a single lens is shown in FIG. 1, multiple lenses may be placed longitudinally and laterally.

Both conduits 36, 38 in FIG. 1 can have opaque heat transfer surfaces, and conduits 36 and/or 38
darken the lower part of the surface with black paint, or
It is desirable to form a black metallic sheet on the lower half of the surface of each or both conduits to prevent the propagation of solar energy and to increase heat absorption from the solar energy.

Additionally, the heat insulating plate 46 provides a green-house effect within the collector, and the container 40 is preferably made of a heat insulating material to reduce heat loss. Reducing heat loss is especially important during times of no or reduced sun shine. However, when it is undesirable to retain heat at the focal point of the lens, such as when a photovoltaic cell is placed there, it may be better to remove the insulation plate 46. Since the outer fluid acts as an insulating object, it is desirable to locate the theoretical focus of the lens on the inner fluid to further reduce heat loss. The solar energy transmission conduits shown in Figure 1 are made of colorless transparent glass or plastic, and the conduits that do not need to transmit solar energy are preferably made of metal such as steel, copper, or aluminum, and their lower parts are all darkened. is desirable.

The surface area of the collector is much smaller than that of the collector, only ~1% of the area of a traditional flat plate collector.
10% and can reduce heat loss. The price can be reduced because less material is needed for the collector.

The collection device may consist of more than one conduit, the shape may be other than a circular tube, and the lens and lens arrangement may be other than that shown in FIG.

The lens shown in FIG. 1 is supported by a suitable frame and structural members. For example, in FIG. 2, lens 80 is supported by frame 88. In FIG. In the figure, one of the plurality of lenses 80 is longitudinally aligned at its ends and supported by longitudinal support beams 92 and lateral support beams 94. The lens is fixed to the frame, for example by adhesive. The theoretical focal point 96 of the lens is at and along collector 98. Means such as a flow opening 100 is provided for the entry and exit of fluid 31 and/or air, which opening may for example communicate with a conduit for circulating the fluid. The above-mentioned flow openings may be provided at other positions. As previously mentioned, the plates making up the lens may be integrally formed by injection or extrusion, or may be separate plates welded together.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper curved plate 26 and the lower flat plate 28 are separate pieces that are sealingly joined by a frame 104. Frame 104 includes two longitudinal grooves 106,108. Top groove 1
06 is curved to fit the upper curved plate 26, and the lower groove 108 is straight and has a size to fit the flat plate 28. Sealing material 110 is applied to the side edges of each spacing plate.
Fit it into each groove along the . The ends of the distance plates are also connected in the same way. Seal material 110 comprises a gasket or similar flexible piece and/or a deformable material such as silicone that forms a hermetic joint. In this way, lenses according to the invention, made by combining two independently spaced plates or by injection or extrusion, are relatively easy to manufacture and relatively inexpensive. The radius of curvature of a curved convex plate and the focal length from the lens to the collector depend on the width of the plate, the maximum distance between the plates, and the refractive index of the fluid between the plates, for fluids with high refractive index. The required radius and focal length are shorter.

Depending on the lens fluid used and the distance between the lens plates, some of the infrared radiation at wavelengths of about 0.7 to 4 microns that impinges on the lens does not pass through the lens.
Some of the infrared radiation is absorbed by the fluid and heats it.
Additionally, a portion of the infrared radiation is absorbed by the lens plate and heats it, which subsequently heats the fluid. A portion of the solar energy is reflected by each plate, a portion of the reflected solar energy is reflected toward the lens inside each plate, and a portion of the reflected solar energy is absorbed by the lens fluid. Visible light with a wavelength of approximately 0.25 to 0.7 microns is hardly absorbed by the colorless and transparent lens fluid and colorless and transparent lens plates. In some cases, it is desirable to minimize absorption of infrared rays, such as when heating is desired at the focal point of the lens. In other cases, such as when placing a photovoltaic cell at the focal point, it is desirable to transmit as much light as possible while heating the lens fluid or minimizing heating at the focal point. In the former case, the distance between the lens plates is small, for example, the maximum distance between the lens plates is about 1 inch (about 2.54 cm), and the lens fluid has a small refractive index to minimize the amount of infrared absorption at ambient temperature. It is desirable that both have a value of 1.35. Liquids such as hydrocarbons, mineral oils, solvents, and saline solutions are colorless and transparent and absorb less infrared rays than water. In use, these fluids must be selected to be non-corrosive to glass or plastic, and should preferably have a suitable boiling point. Fluids such as trichlorethylene and toluene, which have high refractive indices and do not absorb much infrared radiation, corrode acrylic plastics. When such a corrosive fluid is used, the lens plate in contact with the fluid is coated with a Teflon sheet or an epoxy such as Lucite RD (trademark of DuPont), which is not corroded by the fluid. In the latter case, the distance between the lens plates is increased, for example, the maximum spacing between the lens plates is approximately 4 inches (10.16 cm), and the fluid is selected to remain colorless and transparent while absorbing the maximum amount of infrared radiation at ambient temperature. . The infrared absorption rate also changes depending on the material used for the lens. For example, to reduce absorption, a 1.5% absorption white glass or similar plastic may be used and a saline solution may be used as the lens fluid. When it is desired to increase the infrared absorption rate, for example, when solar energy is collected in a photovoltaic cell to generate electricity, a glass or plastic lens with an infrared absorption rate of 20% is used, for example. In the latter case, it is desirable to use water to absorb infrared radiation. Add antifreeze to prevent freezing at appropriate locations. If water is used in the collector, antifreeze is also added to this water. When water is used as the lens fluid and the distance between the two plates of the lens is large (for example, 4 inches), the amount of infrared rays absorbed by the lens fluid increases and the lens fluid is heated. Heat within the lens fluid is extracted by a heat exchanger and used to heat or preheat the collector fluid as described above. This heat can also be used to heat domestic water heaters, buildings, or to superheat low-boiling fluids in heat exchangers to evaporate them. This heated low boiling point fluid is sent as steam to, for example, a turbine, and the expanded superheated steam moves the rotating blades of the turpin, thereby driving the turbine and generating electricity. Since such lens fluids allow most of the visible light to pass through, even if the lens fluid is heated and this heat is used for heating devices or other power generation as described above, the power generated by the photovoltaic cells will hardly be reduced. . In this way, in the present invention, heat and electricity can be obtained efficiently at the same time.

In FIG. 5, device 70 is comprised of a panel 71 of fluid lens 22. In FIG. Each panel consists of four fluid lenses arranged horizontally and vertically with respect to each other. The panels are rotatably mounted so that they can follow the sun seasonally and hourly. The frame 50 is supported on a rotating shaft 64, and the rotating shaft 64 is rotatably held on the frame 62 by bearings or the like at both ends of the frame 62. One end of the rotating shaft 64 is coupled to a drive device (not shown) such as an electric motor. Lens 22 and frame 50 are rotatable about vertical axis 60 by rotation of rotation axis 64, and follow seasonal changes in the position of the sun. The frame 30 is connected to the frame 50 by the member 52.
As in the case of FIG. 1, the lens 22 moves around a common horizontal axis 53 to track the position of the sun.

The device 130 shown in FIG.
An elongated refractive lens 132 is provided.
Refractive lenses 132 and collectors 24 are arranged so that the linear focus of the columnar lenses is located on each collector as in FIG. The lens and collector are movable relative to each other as in FIGS. 1 and 5.

FIG. 7 shows a three conduit arrangement, with an intermediate conduit 141 encased within the outer conduit 36 and an inner conduit 139 encased therein. By using three conduits, three types of fluids with different temperatures can be used, increasing the range of application and the range of focal positions. The outer conduit 36 may be transparent and its interior may be gaseous. By doing so, a greenhouse heating effect can be produced for the intermediate and innermost conduits 141, 139.

A feature of the invention is the use of photovoltaic cells to convert collected solar energy into electricity. In FIG. 8, a photovoltaic cell 398 made of silicon or cadmium sulfide or other material is installed within a fluid conduit 400 of rectangular cross section. The thermal focus 402 of the lens is located on the cell, preferably on its outer surface. The cells may be arranged in series, or in parallel if the theoretical focal point 402 is linear, or alternatively spaced apart if the theoretical focal point 402 is a point. Visible light is converted into electricity by photovoltaic cells, and heat from infrared rays is transferred to the circulating fluid 404 and the outer conduit 4.
08 is removed by fluid 406. The amount of heat removed is controlled by the dimensions of the conduits 400, 408 and the volume and flow rate of the circulating fluid. fluid 4
Preferably, 04 is an electrical insulator, such as a gas or fluid such as air. Wiring (not shown) is provided for coupling each photovoltaic cell in parallel or series and for transferring the generated electricity. If the fluid 404 is electrically conductive, a means to electrically isolate the photovoltaic cell and to transport the generated electricity is required. Conduit 400 has a transparent top surface when focal point 402 is a straight line, and has a transparent opening at the top of the cell when focal point 402 is a point. The upper surface of outer conduit 408 is also transparent. The inner and outer surfaces of each conduit are as described above.

As explained above, if you collect solar energy with a convergence rate of about 100 or more, it will be better than if you do not do so.
Over 100 times more power can be obtained from solar cells, and much more thermal energy is consumed and removed by the fluid in the conduits. The heat generated by the photovoltaic cell is reduced by infrared absorption within the fluid lens. This can reduce the heat consumption of the collector and increase the efficiency of the battery. Heat absorbed within the lens fluid is recovered as described above. Solar energy can also be converted into electricity by other methods. For example, using dual fluid transport collectors and inserting photovoltaic cells as described above, electricity is generated and this thermal energy is used to heat the device. Furthermore, the generated electricity electrolyzes water or salt water to produce hydrogen, sodium,
It is also possible to produce chlorine and the like. Hydrogen is used together with carbon monoxide to produce methanol, or together with nitrogen in the air to produce other nitrogen compounds such as ammonia compounds and urea. The present invention can also be applied to a hydroelectric power generation device having a water storage facility using solar energy. In this case, whereas solar energy devices can only generate electricity during the day, they can also generate electricity at night when electricity demand is at its peak. This solar energy device is installed within the water storage facility and does not require a separate installation location. The insulation board 46 shown in FIG.
may be omitted. In FIG. 9, the collector 205
does not include a plate corresponding to insulating plate 46 of FIG. 1, so no infrared heat is retained within the collector. By omitting the heat insulating plate 46, the cost of sealing materials, heat insulating materials, etc. is reduced, and the heat generated by infrared rays is dissipated. Furthermore, the collector 205 conduit can be exposed to the sun over a wide range of angles.

A fluid lens having an upper plate surface and a lower plate surface is generally large in size and has a focal length longer than its width. Long Fresnel lenses with elongated microprisms are smaller and have a shorter focal length than fluid lenses. Since the elongated microprism decreases in height toward the center of the lens, the width of the lens is limited. Furthermore, the width of the glass or plastic plate used in Fresnel lenses is also limited. This is a big advantage. For example, the plate 46 or conduit 36 (FIG. 1) may be omitted and the greenhouse effect maintained by reducing the distance between the lens and the collector in a closed system. Figure 9 shows a fluid lens 200 in the center and four Fresnel lenses 201 around it.
~204 combinations each Fresnel lens has a jagged edge facing the sun's rays and its focal point 208
is common and also coincides with the focus of the fluid lens. The lens arrangement is coupled to the collector 205 and is movable for solar tracking as before. There may be two Fresnel lenses. Furthermore, it is advantageous especially in the case of a power generation device using photovoltaic cells, if the lenses are arranged vertically and horizontally as shown in FIG. 5 to improve the focusing efficiency of solar energy.

The device 144 of FIG. 10 has focal points F, F ₁ , located at different locations on the collector 150 depending on the position of the sun.
It has a linear refractive lens 146 consisting of a microprism 118 with _F2 . The collector 150 is arranged in an east-west direction and collects solar energy during the day. This collector has a solar energy transmission device,
A rectangular conduit 154 partially surrounded by insulation material 42 is provided. The illustrated dimensions of this device 144 are not exact. In particular, the collector 150 is largely drawn out for clarity. Actually, it is 10% more than the refractive lens 146.
Moderately small. A closed system is obtained by extending and overlapping the side surfaces of the refractive lens 146 and the heat insulating member 42. As previously discussed, the use of rectangular conduit 154 facilitates the positioning of focal points F, F ₁ , F ₂ as they move within the conduit. Although the refractive lens 146 primarily refracts and focuses sunlight, some rays, such as those shown at 156, are further reflected by microprisms. The inside of the refractive lens 146 is formed with a suitable angle to focus all the light rays that impinge on it.

Fluid lenses are larger than Fresnel lenses, and have lower solar energy absorption and reflection efficiency than Fresnel lenses. Therefore, a device made only of fluid lenses is generally less efficient than a device made only of Fresnel lenses or a combination of one or more fluid lenses and one or more Fresnel lenses. The device of the invention can include a fluid lens and a Fresnel lens.

The solar energy collection device of the present invention is combined with a compressor or a heat pump with a suction device. It is used in combination with an air conditioner, a refrigeration system or a heat storage device, in which the heat pump supplies heat when there is no or little sunlight. Heat pumps use air or preferably water as a fluid (ie, fluid in the collector described above) heat source (ie, a heat source obtained from captured solar energy) to evaporate the circulating coolant. If water is used, a large water tank is usually required since the overflow water must be cooled to a low temperature and, if the water tank is small, frozen. The heat obtained from the heat pump is determined by the absolute temperature difference between the heat source used to evaporate the refrigerant and the condensed refrigerant. The heat obtained from the heat pump is 2 to 5 times the power required by the refrigerant compressor. Heat pumps are used to provide additional heat during periods of no sunlight. The combination of a solar energy device and a hydroelectric power plant having a reservoir has great advantages when a heat pump is used which extracts heat from the water in the hydroelectric reservoir.

Lenses can also be combined so that sunlight passes through successive lenses. The foregoing arrangement allows the focal point of the lens device to be shortened and provides a sharp angled focal point within the collector, which is particularly useful when focusing the lens onto a photovoltaic cell. 11th
The figure shows the lens 22 superimposed on the Fresnel lens. Fresnel lenses shorten the focal point of fluid lenses that would otherwise be long. A photovoltaic cell 398 is provided within collector 414A. Conduits 36 and 38 are not enclosed to provide a greenhouse effect. In FIG. 11, both conduits are enclosed within an insulating container 412. However, a wide unsealed trough-shaped opening 413 in the container
reduces greenhouse heating. Other collectors mentioned above can be used if a greenhouse effect is desired. Both lenses are preferably movable so that the correct position of the sun can be tracked. Lens 22 is supported in a manner as described in FIG. 1, while lens 132 is supported below lens 22 in a similar manner to collector 414A. Either lens may be superimposed on the other, and two Fresnel lenses or two fluid lenses may be used.

Figures 12 to 15 show a central Fresnel lens or lenses and adjacent lenses that concentrate solar energy along a substantially common focal line regardless of season and daylight hours without the use of a sun tracking device. A combination of Fresnel type lenses is shown. In FIG. 12, a lens system 500 is composed of a long central Fresnel lens 502 and adjacent long Fresnel lenses 503 and 504. The central lens can also be a fluid lens. Lenses are usually stretched in an east-west direction. The microprisms, generally designated 506, are angled to position the lenses so that the lens system is focused within or on top of the collector 508 regardless of the season. FIG. 13 shows schematically how the angles of microprism 506 are formed to achieve this purpose. Although the central lens 502 is shown parallel to the ground surface 510, the entire device can be rotated so that the lens 502 is parallel to the ground surface 510.
02 makes an angle to the ground depending on where the device is placed. In the apparatus of FIG. 12, lens 503 concentrates solar energy during the period just before and after the winter solstice. The lens 502 concentrates solar energy during the period immediately before and after the vernal equinox, the lens 504 concentrates solar energy during the period immediately before and after the summer solstice, and the lens 502 concentrates solar energy during the period immediately before and after the autumnal equinox.

The focal point F is located inside or on the surface of a collector 508, which is connected to two adjacent transparent conduits 3.
6 each surrounding an inner conduit 38 therein. In this way, the focal lines are kept within one conduit even if they are shifted horizontally. Furthermore, even if the focal line cannot be sharpened, by providing adjacent conduits, the focal line can lie partially within multiple conduits. A curved reflector plate 512 is suitably disposed below the conduit to direct the energy falling thereon to the conduit.

In FIG. 14, it is desirable that the Fresnel type lenses at the east and west ends of the device be angled relative to the central lens to better orient these lenses for morning and evening collection. For example, the east end lens 520 is angled to face the morning sun, and the west end lens 522 is angled to face the evening sun. central lens 52
4 is oriented to face the sun during the day. The above lens arrangement allows for increased solar energy capture without the use of solar trackers.

FIG. 15 shows a combined lens system including adjacent lens groups. Lenses 503 and 504 are positioned to primarily collect solar energy during a given season;
Lenses 522 and 520 (not shown) are positioned to collect solar energy primarily during the morning and evening hours. In this manner, lenses 502 and 524 collect solar energy all day or year round without the use of solar trackers. As shown in FIG. 15, lenses 522 and 520 (not shown) can be placed intermediate the east and west ends of the device.

The outstanding features and advantages of the present invention are summarized as follows.

A lens-type concentrator and a conduit-type collector are combined, where the solar-exposed surface area of the concentrator is larger than the surface of the collector that collects energy. As a result, heat losses are reduced because the area of the collector is, for example, only 1 to 10% of that of a conventional flat collector device. Its effectiveness is therefore approximately 50% higher than that of conventional planar collectors. Because of the reduced surface area, there is a corresponding reduction in the amount of material used per unit of sun-exposed surface area, and a corresponding reduction in estimated installation costs by about a factor of two. Furthermore, efficiency is increased due to the lower cost per unit of energy generated. To provide a more effective device according to the invention, a fluid lens can be used to absorb infrared radiation and the resulting heat can be used for various purposes. Absorption of infrared radiation by the lens fluid reduces heat generated at the lens focus. This is extremely useful when placing a photovoltaic cell at the lens focus. The combination of Fresnel lenses and fluid lenses in a single device can increase the efficiency and reduce cost of solar energy devices. Both lenses mentioned above provide unique benefits to the overall device.

Also in accordance with the present invention, the frame device is exposed to the sun seasonally and temporally and also tracks the sun seasonally and temporally. The combination lens system is also exposed to the sun and the individual lenses are arranged to collect solar energy in or on the collector regardless of season and daylight hours without the use of a sun tracking device.

Although specific uses of the invention have been described, the captured solar energy can be used for many other purposes. Also, the salt can be decomposed into sodium and chlorine by electrolysis using electricity appropriately generated by a solar energy collection device. Similarly, water can be decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis using electricity appropriately generated by solar energy. This hydrogen is used together with carbon monoxide to produce liquefied methanol. Liquefied methanol is easy to transport and can be used as fuel for automobiles, airplanes, etc. The above-mentioned device can be used in combination with a hydroelectric power plant and/or a known heat pump (compression and suction) to combine the captured solar energy with the heat obtained by the heat pump, in particular for refrigeration systems. The multi-conduit collector and its fluid temperature range is approximately 70°C to 80°C for room heating and hot water.
C. or, at higher temperatures, for example about 180.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., for heat storage utilization and power generation, and can be combined with an expansion engine.

The apparatus of the present invention has been explained mainly using schematic diagrams.
Therefore, certain parts unnecessary for understanding the invention have been omitted. For example, the materials and support structures constituting the apparatus of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore have not been described in detail. Furthermore, the dimensions of the components of the above-mentioned apparatus vary depending on the conditions of use of the apparatus.

The advantages of the invention, as well as modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The appended claims are intended to cover all changes and modifications that may be made to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the scope of protection of the present invention as described in the claims is as wide as permitted by the prior art.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a perspective view of an apparatus including an elongated fluid lens and an elongated collector; FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of one of a series of longitudinally arranged fluid lenses and its lens frame; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lens fluid. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 shows a plurality of fluid FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another device using a lens panel, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a photovoltaic cell placed within the fluid conduit, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lens system including a central fluid lens and an adjacent Fresnel lens. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another device according to the invention comprising a curved elongated Fresnel lens and a collector with a single rectangular fluid conduit; FIG. A perspective view showing a lens;
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a lens system having a central lens and an adjacent Fresnel lens, Fig. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the Fresnel lenses in Fig. 10, and Fig. 14 is an east-west view. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a series of oriented Fresnel lenses; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a compound lens system with lenses arranged and angled as shown on both sides of FIGS. 12 and 14; 22...Fluid lens condenser, 24...Collector,
26, 28... Lens plate, 36... Outer conduit, 3
8... Internal conduit, 40... Insulating container, 54, 56
...Heat transport fluid.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1: an inner elongated conduit through which a first fluid passes;
an outer elongated conduit surrounding the inner elongated conduit so as to form a cavity between the inner elongated conduit and the second fluid, and a light concentrating means for collecting solar energy; 1. the second fluid is circulated in separate and independent fluid circuits, the inner and outer elongate conduits having substantially parallel axes, the outer elongate conduits being at least partially transparent; Inside or on the conduit there is a first
A photoelectric means is disposed in heat exchange relationship with the fluid, the photoelectric means being aligned with the transparent portion of the outer conduit, and the light collecting means, the inner and outer elongated conduits, and the photoelectric means being arranged to collect light from the light collecting means. CLAIMS 1. An elongated concentrator for converting solar energy into electrical energy, the device being arranged in an optical position such that the concentrated solar energy passes through a transparent portion of the outer conduit and is received by the photoelectric means. 2. The concentrating means comprises an elongated lens means having an axis extending substantially parallel to the axis of the inner and outer conduits and having an elongated focal point on which solar energy is concentrated; 2. A concentrating device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the elongated focus is arranged to extend substantially along the length of the inner conduit into or over the inner conduit. 3. The inner conduit is at least partially transparent, and the photovoltaic cell means is disposed within the inner conduit in a heat exchange relationship with the fluid to be passed through the inner conduit and in line with the transparent portion of the inner and outer conduits. 3. A collection according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the photovoltaic cell means are aligned and adapted to receive collected solar energy from the concentrating means passing through the transparent parts of the inner and outer conduits. light device. 4. The light collecting device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the photoelectric means includes a photovoltaic cell. 5. The light collecting means according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the light collecting means comprises an elongated fluid lens having an axis parallel to the axis of the inner and outer conduits. Device. 6. Claim 1, characterized in that fluid is allowed to flow inside each of the inner and outer conduits.
2. The light condensing device according to item 2, item 3, item 4, or item 2. 7 Claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, characterized in that the fluids in each conduit are different;
The light condensing device according to item 5 or 6. 8. The fluid lens comprises a lens fluid having the properties of high absorption of infrared radiation with substantially no reduction in the transmission of light rays passing through it, thereby reducing the conversion of solar energy into thermal energy in the vicinity of the photovoltaic means. 6. The condensing device according to claim 5, wherein the amount of electricity generated by the photoelectric means is increased. 9. The lens means comprises opposed lens plates enclosing said lens fluid, said lens plates being spaced apart such that the absorption of infrared rays by said fluid is high and the transmission of sunlight by said plates and fluid is high. 9. A light condensing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the light condensing device is placed. 10. According to claim 8 or 9, the invention comprises heat exchange means and means for communicating the lens fluid with the heat exchange means, so that heat can be removed from the lens fluid. The light condensing device described. 11. The lens means collects solar energy at substantially discontinuous points along the length of the inner conduit, and the photovoltaic cells are spaced apart along the length of the inner conduit, and the lens means and the photovoltaic cells are located at a distance from each photovoltaic cell. 11. A concentrating device according to claim 10, characterized in that the concentrating device is arranged to receive solar energy concentrated at discontinuous points. 12. A concentrator as claimed in claim 11, wherein the lens means collect approximately 100 times more solar energy along said length within the inner conduit.