U.S. patent application number 13/696811 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-28 for solar energy collecting systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel Kaftori. Invention is credited to Daniel Kaftori.
Application Number | 20130047976 13/696811 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44514843 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130047976 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kaftori; Daniel |
February 28, 2013 |
SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
An energy collecting module for assembling, together with a
plurality of similar energy collecting module, a modular energy
collecting system. The energy collecting module comprises a fluid
channel having a lumen for conducting fluid from a first
connectable opening to a second connectable opening and an energy
collecting element mounted in front of the fluid channel for
concentrating radiation along the fluid channel.
Inventors: |
Kaftori; Daniel; (Haifa,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kaftori; Daniel |
Haifa |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
44514843 |
Appl. No.: |
13/696811 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
May 9, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2011/052027 |
371 Date: |
November 8, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61332840 |
May 10, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/600 ;
126/634; 126/646; 126/652; 126/684; 126/698; 29/428;
29/890.033 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 80/56 20180501;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; F24S 10/30 20180501; F24S 80/30 20180501;
Y02E 10/44 20130101; Y10T 29/49355 20150115; F24S 23/30 20180501;
F24S 23/31 20180501; F24S 2020/10 20180501; F24S 80/54
20180501 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/600 ;
126/634; 126/652; 126/684; 126/698; 29/890.033; 29/428;
126/646 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/05 20060101
F24J002/05; F24J 2/38 20060101 F24J002/38; B21D 53/02 20060101
B21D053/02; F24J 2/10 20060101 F24J002/10; F24J 2/08 20060101
F24J002/08 |
Claims
1. An energy collecting unit for assembling, together with a
plurality of similar energy collecting units, an energy collecting
system or module comprising: a fluid channel having a lumen for
conducting working fluid from a first connectable opening to a
second connectable opening; and an energy collecting element
mounted in front of said fluid channel for concentrating radiation
onto said fluid channel.
2. The energy collecting unit of claim 1, further comprising an air
evacuated chamber having a low atmospheric pressure between said
energy collecting element and said fluid channel.
3. The energy collecting unit of claim 2, wherein the walls of said
air evacuated chamber are at least partly covered with minors to
concentrate said radiation onto said fluid channel.
4. The energy collecting unit of claim 1, further comprising a
chamber having a gas with low heat transfer properties between said
energy collecting element and said fluid channel.
5. The energy collecting unit of claim 4, wherein the walls of said
chamber are at least partly covered with mirrors to concentrate
said radiation onto said fluid channel.
6. The energy collecting unit of claim 1, wherein said fluid
channel is made of a substantially transparent material.
7. (canceled)
8. The energy collecting unit of claim 1, wherein said energy
collecting unit does not include moving parts.
9. The energy collecting unit of claim 1, wherein said energy
collecting element comprises a member from a group consisting of: a
Fresnel lens, a lenticular array, and an array of lenses.
10. An energy collecting module, comprising: a heat exchanger
having first and second openings for streaming target fluid; a
fluid channel configured for circulating working fluid via said
heat exchanger; and at least one energy collecting element mounted
in front of said fluid channel for concentrating radiation onto
said fluid channel during said circulating.
11. The energy collecting module of claim 10, wherein said at least
one energy collecting element comprises a plurality of energy
collecting elements; wherein said energy collecting module is
comprised of a plurality of detachable units each having a segment
of said fluid channel and one of said energy collecting elements
assembled to concentrate radiation onto said segment.
12. The energy collecting module of claim 10, wherein said energy
collecting module is configured for assembling, together with a
plurality of similar energy collecting module, a modular energy
collecting system.
13. The energy collecting module of claim 10, further comprising at
least one air evacuated chamber having a low atmospheric pressure
between said at least one energy collecting element and said fluid
channel.
14. The energy collecting module of claim 10, further comprising at
least one chamber having a gas with low heat transfer properties
between said at least one energy collecting element and said fluid
channel.
15. The energy collecting module of claim 10, wherein said fluid
channel is made of a substantially transparent material.
16. (canceled)
17. The energy collecting module of claim 10, wherein said energy
collecting module does not include moving parts.
18. The energy collecting module of claim 10, further comprising a
supporting structure for supporting said fluid channel and said
energy collecting element in a substantially cubical shape
structure.
19. The energy collecting module of claim 10, wherein said at least
one energy collecting element comprises a member from a group
consisting of: a Fresnel lens, a lenticular array, and an array of
lenses.
20. The energy collecting module of claim 10, wherein said at least
one energy collecting element comprises at least one lens and at
least one minor mounted to direct said radiation toward said at
least one lens.
21. A method for installing an energy collecting modular system,
comprising: providing a plurality of separable energy collecting
modules each having a fluid channel having a lumen for conducting
working fluid via a heat exchanger and an energy collecting element
for concentrating radiation onto said fluid channel; spreading said
plurality of energy collecting modules to cover an energy
collecting area; assembling a heating conduit in said energy
collecting area by tubularly connecting the heat exchangers of said
plurality of energy collecting modules; and connecting a pump to
one end of said heating conduit so as to stream fluids via said
heating conduit toward an energy consumption unit at another end of
said heating conduit.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising adjusting the
operation of said pump to the number of said plurality of energy
collecting modules.
23-28. (canceled)
29. An energy collecting modular system, comprising: a plurality of
separable energy collecting modules which are set to be connected
physically to one another so as to form a heating conduit having an
inlet and an outlet for conducting target fluid, each said
separable energy collecting module having at least one energy
collecting element mounted to concentrate radiation onto a segment
of said heating conduit; and a pump, which is connected tubularly
to said inlet for conducting said target fluid via said outlet.
30. The system of claim 29, further comprising a controller which
controls said pump.
31. The system of claim 29, wherein said outlet is connected to a
reservoir; said radiation performs at least one of the following
actions: purifying said target fluid, causing a chemical reaction
to said target fluid, enhancing a biological process in said target
fluid, and suppressing a biological process in said target
fluid.
32-35. (canceled)
36. The energy collecting unit of claim 6, wherein said transparent
fluid channel contains at least one solid body adapted to absorb
solar radiation.
37. The energy collecting module of claim 10, further comprising at
least one pump that circulates said working fluid.
38. The energy collecting module of claim 10, wherein said working
fluid contains a plurality of particulates which enhance absorption
of a solar radiation.
39. The energy collecting module of claim 10, further comprising a
sun tracker unit which tracks a motion of the sun and includes at
least one actuator that tilts said at least one energy collecting
element according to said motion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/332,840, filed on May 10, 2010. The
contents of all of the above documents are incorporated by
reference as if fully set forth herein.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to systems and methods of utilizing solar energy and, more
particularly, but not exclusively, to systems and methods of
utilizing solar energy for heating and/or steaming fluids.
[0003] Solar energy can provide an environmentally friendly source
of energy that does not rely on fuels and that contributes
relatively less to global warming and to related environmental
problems than do fuel-based energy sources. In addition, in many
cases solar energy can be captured and used locally and thus reduce
requirements for transportation or importation of fuels such as
petroleum.
[0004] Solar energy may be captured, for example, by a collector
that absorbs solar radiation and converts it to heat, which may
then be used in a variety of applications. Alternatively, solar
radiation may be captured by a collector which absorbs solar
radiation and converts a portion of it directly to electricity by
photovoltaic methods, for example. Minors or lenses may be used to
collect and concentrate solar radiation to be converted to heat or
electricity by such methods.
[0005] Solar energy collectors have been designed and manufactured
to numerous specifications. Many areas require an economical source
of energy for process heat or electricity generation and air
conditioning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided an energy collecting unit for assembling,
together with a plurality of similar energy collecting units, an
energy collecting system or module. The energy collecting unit
comprises a fluid channel having a lumen for conducting working
fluid from a first connectable opening to a second connectable
opening and an energy collecting element mounted in front of the
fluid channel for concentrating radiation onto the fluid
channel.
[0007] Optionally, the energy collecting unit further comprises an
air evacuated chamber having a low atmospheric pressure between the
energy collecting element and the fluid channel.
[0008] More optionally, the walls of the air evacuated chamber are
at least partly covered with mirrors to concentrate the radiation
onto the fluid channel.
[0009] Optionally, the energy collecting unit further comprises a
chamber having a gas with low heat transfer properties between the
energy collecting element and the fluid channel.
[0010] More optionally, the walls of the chamber are at least
partly covered with mirrors to concentrate the radiation onto the
fluid channel.
[0011] Optionally, the fluid channel is made of a substantially
transparent material.
[0012] More optionally, the substantially transparent material is
selected from a group consisting of: glass, Borosilicate glass,
quartz glass, fused silica, and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
[0013] Optionally, the energy collecting unit does not include
moving parts.
[0014] Optionally, the energy collecting element comprises a member
from a group consisting of: a Fresnel lens, a lenticular array, and
an array of lenses.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided an energy collecting module that comprises a heat
exchanger having first and second openings for streaming target
fluid, a fluid channel configured for circulating working fluid via
the heat exchanger, and at least one energy collecting element
mounted in front of the fluid channel for concentrating radiation
onto the fluid channel during the circulating.
[0016] Optionally, the at least one energy collecting element
comprises a plurality of energy collecting elements; wherein the
energy collecting module is comprised of a plurality of detachable
units each having a segment of the fluid channel and one of the
energy collecting elements assembled to concentrate radiation onto
the segment.
[0017] Optionally, the energy collecting module is configured for
assembling, together with a plurality of similar energy collecting
module, a modular energy collecting system.
[0018] Optionally, the energy collecting module further comprises
at least one air evacuated chamber having a low atmospheric
pressure between the at least one energy collecting element and the
fluid channel.
[0019] Optionally, the energy collecting module further comprises
at least one chamber having a gas with low heat transfer properties
between the at least one energy collecting element and the fluid
channel.
[0020] Optionally, the fluid channel is made of a substantially
transparent material.
[0021] More optionally, the substantially transparent material is
selected from a group consisting of: glass, Borosilicate glass,
quartz glass, fused silica, and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
[0022] Optionally, the energy collecting module does not include
moving parts.
[0023] Optionally, the energy collecting module further comprises a
supporting structure for supporting the fluid channel and the
energy collecting element in a substantially cubical shape
structure.
[0024] Optionally, the at least one energy collecting element
comprises a member from a group consisting of: a Fresnel lens, a
lenticular array, and an array of lenses.
[0025] Optionally, the at least one energy collecting element
comprises at least one lens and at least one minor mounted to
direct the radiation toward the at least one lens.
[0026] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided a method of installing an energy collecting
modular system. The method comprises providing a plurality of
seperable energy collecting modules each having a fluid channel
having a lumen for conducting working fluid via a heat exchanger
and an energy collecting element for concentrating radiation onto
the fluid channel, spreading the plurality of energy collecting
modules to cover an energy collecting area, assembling a heating
conduit in the energy collecting area by tubularly connecting the
heat exchangers of the plurality of energy collecting modules, and
connecting a pump to one end of the heating conduit so as to stream
fluids via the heating conduit toward an energy consumption unit at
another end of the heating conduit.
[0027] Optionally, the method further comprises adjusting the
operation of the pump to the number of the plurality of energy
collecting modules.
[0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided an energy collecting modular system that
comprises a plurality of separable energy collecting modules each
having a closed loop fluid channel and a heat exchanger which is
set to be connected physically to another heat exchanger of another
of the plurality of separable energy collecting modules so as to
form a heating conduit having an inlet and an outlet for conducting
fluid, each energy collecting module has at least one energy
collecting element mounted to concentrate radiation onto a segment
of the heating conduit, a pump, which is connected tubularly to the
inlet for conducting a target fluid along the heating conduit via
the outlet toward an energy consumption unit, and a controller
which controls the pump.
[0029] Optionally, each heat exchanger heats the target fluid so as
to steam the target fluid before the streaming thereof via the
outlet.
[0030] Optionally, the outlet is connected to the energy
consumption unit via a heating system that further heats the target
fluid before the streaming thereof to the energy consumption
unit.
[0031] Optionally, each energy collecting module is encased in a
plate shape structure, the plurality of separable energy collecting
modules being arranged to substantially cover a roof or a wall.
[0032] Optionally, the energy consumption unit is selected from a
group consisting of a steam turbine, a steam engine, and a steam
accumulator.
[0033] Optionally, the energy collecting modular system further
comprises at least one sensor for measuring at least one of the
pressure and the temperature of the target fluid; the controller
operates the pump according to the measuring.
[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided an energy collecting modular system that
comprises a plurality of separable energy collecting modules which
are set to be connected physically to one another so as to form a
heating conduit having an inlet and an outlet for conducting target
fluid, each separable energy collecting module having at least one
energy collecting element mounted to concentrate radiation onto a
segment of the heating conduit and a pump, which is connected
tubularly to the inlet for conducting the target fluid via the
outlet.
[0035] Optionally, the system further comprises a controller which
controls the pump.
[0036] Optionally, the outlet is connected to a reservoir; the
radiation performs at least one of the following actions: purifying
the target fluid, causing a chemical reaction to the target fluid,
enhancing a biological process in the target fluid, and suppressing
a biological process in the target fluid.
[0037] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided an energy collecting modular system that
comprises a plurality of separable energy collecting modules which
are set to be connected physically to one another so as to form a
fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet for conducting working
fluid, each energy collecting module having an energy collecting
element mounted to concentrate radiation onto a segment of the
fluid channel, a pump, which is connected tubularly to the inlet
for recycling the working fluid via the fluid channel and via a
heat exchanger, and a controller which controls the pump.
[0038] Optionally, the energy collecting modular system further
comprises a steam tank or a mixing valve for facilitating the
feeding of an energy consumption unit with a mixture of a target
fluid stream heated by the heat exchanger and an additional fluid
stream from an independent heating system.
[0039] Optionally, the heat exchanger heats a target fluid stream
that is conducted for heating an absorption refrigerator.
[0040] Optionally, the heat exchanger heats a target fluid stream
that is steamed to actuate a turbine.
[0041] Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of
the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks
manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover,
according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of
the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks
could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by
a combination thereof using an operating system.
[0042] For example, hardware for performing selected tasks
according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a
chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to
embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of
software instructions being executed by a computer using any
suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of
method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data
processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality
of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile
memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile
storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media,
for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network
connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input
device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as
well.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is
stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the
invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings
makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the
invention may be practiced.
[0044] In the drawings:
[0045] FIGS. 1 and 2 are lateral and top schematic illustration of
an energy collecting module having a closed loop fluid circulation
channel, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0046] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of three exemplary arrays
of energy collecting modules, such as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3,
which are connected using tubing elements, according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 4A is a sectional schematic illustration of an energy
collecting unit having an exemplary chamber that has a shape of an
inverted and truncated pyramid, according to some embodiments of
the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 4B is a lateral schematic illustration of an energy
collecting unit having a fluid channel segment, according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 4C is a lateral schematic illustration of an energy
collecting unit having a fluid channel segment with a helical
section that functions as a heat exchanger, according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 4D is a lateral schematic illustration of a plurality
of energy collecting units, such as depicted in FIG. 4B, which are
connected in series, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0051] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a modular array of
energy collecting modules of an energy collecting system wherein
energy collecting modules construct an open loop according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a modular array of
energy collecting modules of an energy collecting system having a
closed loop fluid channel that flows working fluid via an external
heat exchanger, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a modular array of
energy collecting modules of an energy collecting system that is
set to heat or steam fluid that passes via an external heat
exchanger in conjunction with a steam boiler that is powered by
conventional fuel or electricity, in a steam generating system.
According to some embodiments of the present invention
[0054] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a modular array of
energy collecting modules of an energy collecting system that is
set to power an absorption refrigerator in conjunction with a
conventional chiller in a cooling system, according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a modular array of
energy collecting modules of an energy collecting system that is
set to preheat fluid that is used by a fluid heating and/or
steaming unit, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0056] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an array of energy
collecting modules of an energy collecting system that is set as a
heating source for heating a working fluid of a turbine for an
electricity generating system, according to some embodiments of the
present invention; and
[0057] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for installing an energy
collecting modular system by connecting a plurality of energy
collecting modules, such as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0058] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to systems and methods of utilizing solar energy and, more
particularly, but not exclusively, to systems and methods of
utilizing solar energy for heating and/or steaming fluids.
[0059] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided an energy collecting unit for assembling,
together with a plurality of similar energy collecting unit, an
energy collecting system or module. The energy collecting unit
includes a fluid channel, also referred to as a fluid channel
segment, having a lumen for conducting working fluid from one
connectable opening to another and an energy collecting element
mounted in front of the fluid channel, for example above, for
concentrating radiation onto the fluid channel.
[0060] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided an energy collecting module for assembling,
together with a plurality of similar energy collecting modules, a
modular energy collecting system that may be installed in different
energy collecting areas with different dimensions or connected to
heat fluid for various energy consumption units. The energy
collecting module optionally does not include any moving and/or
active parts and therefore not expensive to manufacture and/or
maintain. Each one of the energy collecting modules has one or more
energy collecting elements which are placed to heat working fluid
in a fluid channel, optionally transparent, for example made of
glass, which is connected to an internal heat exchanger. Each
energy collecting element is optionally a Fresnel lens or a
lenticular array. Optionally, the fluid channel and the energy
collecting element(s) are mounted in a supporting structure,
optionally cubical or substantially cubical. Optionally, a small
pump is installed to circulate the working fluid in the fluid
channel. Alternatively, the working fluid flows by thermosiphon
effect in the fluid channel. Optionally, the atmospheric pressure
in the intermediate space between the fluid channel and the energy
collecting element(s) is decreased so as to reduce heat loss by
convection.
[0061] The energy collecting modules may be used to assemble open
and/or closed loop modular energy collecting systems that utilizes
solar energy to preheat fluid, to heat fluid, to steam fluid for an
industrial process, to actuate a turbine, to heat fluid to feed an
absorption chiller, to enhance a chemical reaction, to enhance or
suppress biological processes and/or the like.
[0062] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
there is provided a method for installing an energy collecting
modular system using energy collecting modules as outlined above
and described below. The method is based on a number of seperable
energy collecting modules which are provided according to the
topography and/or dimensions of the energy collecting area. The
energy collecting modules are spread to cover the energy collecting
area, the heat exchangers of thereof are tubularly connected to one
another to assemble a heating conduit in said energy collecting
area. Now, a pump is connected to at least one end of the heating
conduit so as to stream or to recycle fluids therethrough. Using
such energy collecting modules reduces maintenance fees as each one
of them can be replaced separately without disassembling the
others.
[0063] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
necessarily limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods
set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the
drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other
embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various
ways.
[0064] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials
are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification,
including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials,
methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to
be necessarily limiting.
[0065] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2, which are lateral
and top schematic illustrations of an energy collecting module 100
for heating fluid, for example of an energy collecting system,
optionally modular, that allows setting fluid conducting tubular
bodies in various lengths so as to cover energy collecting areas
having different dimensions, according to some embodiments of the
present invention.
[0066] The energy collecting module 100 includes a fluid channel
101 having a lumen for circulating or streaming working fluid, such
as water or oil. The fluid channel 101 is optionally connected to
an internal heat exchanger 111 having first and second connectable
openings 102, 103 connected by internal channels 157. Each one of
the connectable openings 102, 103 is optionally adapted to be
connected, optionally detachably, to a heat exchanger of another
energy collecting module, for example as described below.
[0067] One of the connectable openings 102, 103 may be directly
connected to a pump while the other may be connected to an energy
consumption unit 203, for example as described below. A pair of
energy collecting modules 100 may be connected by using a tubing
connector and/or attaching male and female tubing connectors, each
located on a different connectable opening 102, 103. In such a
manner, arrays of energy collecting modules 100, with connected
heat exchangers, may be formed, for example as shown at FIG. 3
where three connected energy collecting modules 100 are connected
using tubing elements 149. The fluid channel 101 optionally
includes one or more elongated and connected tubular elements, such
as pipes, for example made of glass, such as Borosilicate glass or
quartz glass, fused silica, and/or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
The fluid channel 101 is optionally made of metal pipes. It should
be noted that constructing a modular energy collecting system from
energy collecting modules 100 facilitates the maintenance procedure
as a defective and/or checked energy collecting module 100 may
easily replaced by another without disassembling other collecting
units 100 and/or common parts, such as pumps and fluid conductors,
for example tubing parts.
[0068] For clarity, fluid channel segment 151 may be part of the
fluid channel 101, optionally integral.
[0069] Optionally, the bottom and/or at least a portion of the side
walls of the fluid channel segment 151 is colored with a dark color
or covered by a dark color material so as to increase the radiation
absorbance. Optionally, the fluid channel segment 151 contains one
or more solid bodies that absorb solar radiation and heat up, and
then transform the heat to the fluid in the channel that flows by,
around, through, or on top of the solid bodies. Optionally the
solid bodies are coated by a coating that enhances radiation
absorbance. Optionally the coating may be adapted to reduce heat
loss by radiation.
[0070] Optionally the working fluid in fluid channel 101 and fluid
channel segments 151 is colored and/or contains particles to
enhance absorption of radiation. Optionally the particles are
coated by a coating that enhances absorption.
[0071] The energy collecting module 100 further includes one or
more energy collecting elements 104, such as a set of one or more
lenses, for example linear Fresnel lenses, one or more lenticular
arrays, and/or one or more arrays of lenses. The energy collecting
elements 104 are mounted in front of different segments of the
fluid channel segment 151. When the energy collecting module 100 is
installed in an energy collecting area, sunlight radiation is
concentrated along the fluid channel 101. Optionally, the energy
collecting elements 104 includes only lenses. Optionally, the
energy collecting element 104 further includes mirrors which set to
direct radiation toward a concentrating lens or towards the fluid
channel 101. Optionally, the energy collecting module 100 comprises
a sun tracker unit with one or more actuators that allows tilting
the energy collecting module 100 according to the location of the
sun. Optionally, one or more actuators drive more than one
module.
[0072] Optionally, fluid channel segments 151 and fluid channels
101 are covered, in whole or in parts, by insulating material 159
that may reduce heat loss and/or provide structural support.
[0073] Optionally, a small pump is installed to circulate the
working fluid in the fluid channel. Alternatively, the working
fluid flows by thermosiphon effect in the fluid channel.
[0074] Optionally, the energy collecting element 104 and the fluid
channel 101 are mounted in a support structure 106 made of a number
of cantilevers, such as metal cantilevers and/or molded by foam.
Such a support structure may also provide insulation. Optionally,
the support structure seals intermediate space 107, referred to
herein as a chamber, between the energy collecting element 104 and
the fluid channel 101. In such an embodiment, atmospheric pressure
in the intermediate space 107 may be reduced, for example by
evacuating air from the chamber 107. Alternatively, the chamber 107
is filled with a gas with low heat transfer properties, such as
xenon. Optionally, each energy collecting element 104 is placed on
top of a chamber 107. Optionally, the chamber has a shape of an
inverted and truncated pyramid, such as a four sided pyramid (for
example as depicted in FIG. 4A). In this embodiment, the fluid
channel 101 is placed under the upper portion of the chamber that
optionally has a cross section with an inverted trapezoid shape.
The reduction of atmospheric pressure in this chamber or filling it
with a gas with low heat transfer properties, and optionally around
the fluid channel 101 as a whole contributes to thermal isolation
of the fluid that is conducted via the fluid channel 101 and/or to
the radiation absorbance capacity of the fluid channel 101.
Optionally, the side walls of chamber 107 have reflective
properties, such as a mirror. This allows for directing the light
that passes through collecting element 104 towards fluid channel
101 in a desired fashion, such as to increase the intensity of
radiation that reaches the fluid channel. Optionally, the support
structure 106 has a cubical form that houses the energy collecting
element 104, the fluid channel 101, and the chamber 107. This
allows building and/or covering a wall using energy collecting
modules 100. Optionally, the support structure has a plate form
that houses the energy collecting element 104, the fluid channel
101, and chamber 107. This allows building and/or covering a roof
using energy collecting modules 100.
[0075] Optionally, no active elements, such as pumps or valves, are
physically connected to the energy collecting module 100.
Optionally, coolant pipes are not used. In such a manner, the
manufacturing and/or maintenance cost of the energy collecting
module 100 may be reduced.
[0076] The energy collecting modules 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-3 are
designed to circulate working fluid, which is heated by the energy
collecting elements 104, in a closed loop circulation fluid channel
101. Examples of using such energy collecting modules 100 is
provided in FIGS. 6-10 and described below.
[0077] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
energy collecting module 100 is comprised of a plurality of
connectable energy collecting units 150. For example, as depicted
in FIG. 4B, each connectable energy collecting unit 150 includes a
fluid channel 101 and fluid channel segment 151 (optionally
transparent) having a lumen for conducting the working fluid from
one connectable opening 152 to another 153 and one of the energy
collecting elements 104 mounted in front of the fluid channel
segment 151 for concentrating radiation onto the fluid channel
segment 151. Optionally, the chamber 107 is also part of the energy
collecting unit 150. In such an embodiment, an energy collecting
module 100 may be comprised of any number of energy collecting
units 150. The energy collecting units 150 may be connected in
parallel or in series to one another for example as depicted in
FIG. 1. Optionally, the diameter of the lumen of the section of the
fluid channel segment 151 that is placed below the energy
collecting element 104 is wider than the general lumen of the
energy collecting element 104 so as to increase the surface area
that absorbs the radiation. Optionally, this section covered with
heat absorbing material. Optionally, the section of the fluid
channel segment 151 that is placed below the energy collecting
element 104 includes a heat exchanger. This heat exchanger
optionally functions as heat exchanger 111 and includes a tube for
conducting target fluid in the fluid channel segment 151, for
example as shown at 157 of FIG. 4C. In FIG. 4B, the fluid in the
fluid channel segment 151, referred to herein as a working fluid,
heats up the target fluid that flows in the tube 157, optionally
helical. The energy collecting unit 150 is designed to assemble,
together with a plurality of similar energy collecting units 150, a
modular energy collecting module, for example as depicted in FIG.
1. As described above, the fluid channel segment 151 has a lumen
for conducting working fluid from a first connectable opening 152
to a second connectable opening 153. Optionally, a chamber, such as
the chamber 107 described above, is formed between the fluid
channel segment 151 and the energy collecting element 104. As
depicted, the chamber 107 may be shaped as an inverted and
truncated cone. It should be noted that the chamber 107 may also
have any other shape. Optionally, the energy collecting element 107
further includes minors which set to direct radiation toward a
concentrating lens or towards the fluid channel segment 151.
[0078] It should further be noted that the connectable energy
collecting units 150 may be used to comprise a modular energy
collecting system without the modules 100. In such an embodiment,
any number of connectable energy collecting units 150 may be
connected, in parallel or in series to form a heating conduit that
heats up a target fluid, for example as depicted in FIG. 4D.
[0079] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a schematic
illustration of an array of energy collecting modules 100 which
form a modular energy collecting system 200 having an open loop
heating conduit 160 with an inlet and an outlet between a pump 202
and an energy consumption unit 203, according to some embodiments
of the present invention. The inlet is connected to the pump 202
and the outlet is connected to an energy consumption unit 203, such
as a steam turbine, a steam engine, and/or a steam accumulator in
the other end.
[0080] The internal heat exchangers 111 of the energy collecting
modules 100 heat and/or steam the target fluid that is pumped by
the pump 202 or by another pressure differential such as gravity.
When steaming is performed, the internal heat exchangers 111 of
each one of the plurality of energy collecting modules 100 heats up
the fluid in a certain segment of the open loop heating conduit 160
so that along the stream temperature increases and steam may be
formed and delivered to the energy consumption unit 203.
[0081] Optionally, the internal heat exchangers 111 of the energy
collecting modules 100 are connected in series to one another,
using adaptors, bidirectional tubing connectors, and/or by
designated connectors at the tip of the openings of the respective
internal heat exchanger 111. The number of energy collecting
modules 100, which are connected to one another, may be selected
according to the radiation level at the energy collecting area of
an energy collecting system so that the fluid is steamed before
reaching the energy consumption unit 203. When heating is
performed, the energy consumption unit 203 includes a hot fluid
consumption unit 203, such as a hot water or hot oil reservoir.
[0082] Optionally, a valve 205 is used to adjust the stream of
steam that is delivered to the energy consumption unit 203. The
valve 205 may be controlled, manually and/or automatically by a
controller 206, such as a microcontroller and/or a computing unit,
so as to deliver steam at a certain pressure or temperature and/or
a range of pressures and/or temperatures. Optionally, a pressure
sensor and/or a temperature sensor 207 are placed in proximity to
the valve 205 and measure the pressure and/or the temperature of
the fluid and forward the measurements to the controller 206. The
controller 206 may control the flow rate through the open loop
heating conduit 160, so as to achieve required pressure and/or
temperature, by controlling the pump 202 and/or a valve 208.
Optionally, the controller 206, valves 205, 208, and pump 202 are
adapted to be used, generically, with different numbers of energy
collecting modules 100. Optionally, the controller 206 adjusts the
operation of the pump 202 and/or the valves 205, 208 according to
the number of energy collecting modules 100 which are connected to
form an open loop heating conduit as described above. The number of
energy collecting modules 100 may be provided to the controller 206
manually, for example using a man machine interface (MMI), such as
a keypad and/or automatically for example by a reader that detects
the number of energy collecting modules 100 which are in a certain
proximity thereto. For automatic identification, smart tags may be
used, for example radio frequency identification (RFID) or
Bluetooth.TM. tags.
[0083] In such a manner, the fluid supply and pressure may be
adapted according to the actual length of the heating conduit
and/or automatically adjusted when the number of energy collecting
modules 100 is changed.
[0084] A similar configuration (such as 200) may be used for the
purification of the fluid by heat, light, and/or radiation, such as
ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here, at the outlet, the energy
consumption unit 203 includes a fluid receptacle or conductor.
[0085] A similar configuration (such as 200) may be used for
promoting chemical reactions and/or organic reaction(s), such as
encouraging bacteria and/or algae growth in the fluid by heat,
light, and/or radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Here,
at the outlet, a fluid receptacle or conductor is placed instead of
the energy consumption unit 203.
[0086] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a schematic
illustration of an array of energy collecting modules 100 of an
energy collecting system 300 forming a closed loop fluid channel
220, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The
controller 206, the pump 202, the valve 208, the sensor(s) 207 and
the energy collecting modules 100 which heat up fluid passing via
the heat exchangers are as depicted in FIG. 5 and/or FIGS. 1-3,
however in FIG. 6 target fluid is iteratively recycled via an
external heat exchanger 121. This allows using the heat exchanger
121 to heat target fluids which are streamed in an additional cycle
toward the energy consumption unit 203. The processed target fluids
are originated from a different source 306 streamed in the
additional cycle, boiled and turns to steam that is used by the
energy consumption unit 203.
[0087] Optionally, the energy collecting system 300 includes a
support structure to which the connected heat exchangers of the
plurality of energy collecting modules 100 are connected. The
support structure is optionally planner, for example polygonal,
pyramidal, and/or graded. For example, the energy collecting
modules 100 are mounted in a planner manner on a support structure.
In such an embodiment, heat exchangers 111 of a plurality of energy
collecting modules 300 may be arranged to heat fluid of a steam or
a hot water or thermal oil consuming unit. For brevity, oil, water,
and fluid may be used interchangeably. The plurality of energy
collecting modules 100 may be monitored and/or controlled by a
central control unit.
[0088] Optionally, sensors 302, which are similar to sensors 207,
are placed to monitor the fluids which are streamed toward the
energy consumption unit 203 and monitored by the controller 206.
The controller 206 controls the process by monitoring pressures and
temperatures after the energy collecting modules 100 and adjusts
the operation of the pump 202 and/or the valve 208. Optionally, the
controller 206 adjusts the operation of the pump 306 that streams
the flowing in the additional cycle toward the energy consumption
unit 203.
[0089] The controller 206 may also monitor the pressure and
temperature of the steam or fluid that is provided to the energy
consumption unit 203 using a respective sensor 302.
[0090] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the
external heat exchanger 121 is used to heat target fluids or to
generate steam interchangeably or simultaneously with a steam
generating system 399, such as a conventional steam generating
system. For example, reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a
schematic illustration of an array of energy collecting modules 100
of an energy collecting system 400 that is set to heat or steam
fluid that passes via the external heat exchanger 121 that conducts
target fluid of a steam generating system, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. The controller 206, the pump
202, the valve 208, the sensor(s) 207 and energy collecting modules
100 which heat up fluid passing via their heat exchangers are as
depicted in FIG. 6 and/or FIGS. 1-3, however in the system depicted
in FIG. 7 steam and/or target fluid is passing via the heat
exchanger 121 and streamed, optionally via a one way valve 505, in
a heating cycle which cycles steam toward a common steam tank or a
mixing valve 502. Interchangeably or simultaneously, the steam
generating system 399 generates hot water or steam by using fuel or
electricity. The hot water or steam is directed to the common steam
tank or mixing valve 502. In such a manner, steam or hot water for
the energy consumption unit 203 is available even when the
radiation levels are too low to generate steam or hot fluid in a
required pressure and/or temperature. The steam pressure at the
outlet from the external heat exchanger 121 may be higher than the
pressure at the steam tank 502. In such a manner, when the
radiation level is high, steam or hot fluid originated from the
external heat exchanger 121 enters the common steam tank or mixing
valve 502 before fluid from the steam generating system 399. This
indicates a boiler control 506 to reduce consumption of fuel, gas
or electricity for generating steam. The controller 206 monitors
temperatures and pressures in the heat cycles which are connected
from both sides of the external heat exchanger 121, for example
using the sensors 207, 302 which are described above. It controls
the flow of heat transfer fluid and feed water so as to achieve
steam at the required quality. The controller 206 may be connected
to the control of the boiler 506 so as to regulate its steam
supply. Fluid may be conducted via the external heat exchanger 121
by a main pump 507 with a control valve 508, as shown in FIG. 7 or
by a separate pump (not shown) that is controlled by the controller
206. It should be noted that a modular energy collecting system
which forms an open loop heating conduit as described above with
regard to FIG. 5 may also be used. In this embodiment, the fuel
consumption of the steam generating system is reduced as the energy
collecting module 400 participates in the heating process.
[0091] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a schematic
illustration of an array of energy collecting modules 100 of an
energy collecting system 500 that is set to power an absorption
refrigerator 601, also known as an absorption chiller, in a cooling
system, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The
controller 206, the pump 202, the valve 208, the sensor(s) 207, the
external heat exchanger 121, and energy collecting modules 100
which heat up fluid passing via their heat exchangers are as
depicted in FIG. 7 and/or FIGS. 1-3, however in FIG. 8 the external
heat exchanger 121 is connected to an absorption chiller 601 having
an output directed toward a mixing valve 606. The heated target
fluid from the external heat exchanger 121 is used in the
absorption chiller 601 to generate a cold fluid, such as chilled
water. The cold fluid is delivered to a cooling system 602, such as
a chiller or an air conditioner, via the mixing valve 606.
Optionally, the cold fluid is mixed with cold fluid from a chiller
603. Heat from the absorption chiller 601 is removed by a fan, a
cooling tower, or the like. It can also be removed by a heat
exchanger and/or delivered to other applications as hot air or
water. A similar modular energy collecting system 500 may be used
by itself, without the chiller 603. Optionally, a gage 613 is used
to gage the temperature of outlet water and to help the controller
206 to control the system. Optionally, energy collecting system 500
can operate without heat exchanger 121 such that the target fluid
in the array of modules 100 is streamed directly to the absorption
chiller.
[0092] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is a schematic
illustration of an array of energy collecting modules of an energy
collecting system 600 that is set as a preheating device to provide
the energy needed to preheat target fluid that is used by a fluid
heating and/or steaming unit 701, such as a heater or a steam
generator, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
The controller 206, the pump 202, the valve 208, the sensor(s) 207,
the external heat exchanger 121, and energy collecting modules 100
which heat up fluid passing via their heat exchangers are as
depicted in FIG. 7, however in FIG. 9, the external heat exchanger
121 is connected to the fluid or steam heating unit 701. The heat
is transferred in the external heat exchanger 121 to preheat fluid
that is later further heated by the fluid heating unit 701. This
way, the solar energy reduces the amount of fuel and/or electricity
that is consumed by the fluid heating unit 701. Optionally, energy
collecting system 600 can operate without heat exchanger 121 such
that the target fluid in the array of modules 100 is streamed
directly to the heating unit 701.
[0093] Reference is now made to FIG. 10 which is a schematic
illustration of a modular energy collecting system 700 that is set
as a heating source for heating a working fluid of a turbine 702
that is optionally connected to an electricity generation device
703, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The
controller 206, the pump 202, the valve 208, the sensor(s) 207, the
external heat exchanger 121, and energy collecting modules 100
which heat up fluid passing via their heat exchangers are as
depicted in FIG. 7 and/or FIGS. 1-3, however in FIG. 9, the
external heat exchanger 121 is connected to heat the working fluid
which is steamed to actuate the turbine 702. This way, the solar
energy is used to produce electricity. The turbine 702 actuating
steam is later optionally condensed using a condenser 704 and
pumped toward the external heat exchanger 121. Optionally, the
controller 206 receives feedbacks from the generator 703 to
identify whether more heat is needed. Energy collecting system 700
can be operated in conjunction with a separate heating or steaming
system as in FIG. 7. Optionally, energy collecting system 700 can
operate without heat exchanger 121 such that the target fluid in
the array of modules 100 is streamed directly to the turbine.
[0094] Reference is now also made to FIG. 11, which is a flowchart
of a method 900 for installing an energy collecting modular system
by connecting the heat exchangers of a plurality of energy
collecting modules, such as depicted in FIG. 1 or 2, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0095] First, as shown at 901, an energy collecting area is
defined. Then, as shown at 902, according to the length and/or
width of the energy collecting area, and according to the
dimensions of the energy collecting modules, a number of seperable
energy collecting modules, each such as described above, are
provided. Now, as shown at 903, the seperable energy collecting
modules are spread to cover the energy collecting area or at least
a portion thereof. Optionally, the provided and spread energy
collecting modules are adapted to the topography of the energy
collecting area and/or to their relative location in the energy
collecting area. The more energy collecting modules are spread in a
given energy collecting area, the more productive the given energy
collecting area may be. This allows, as shown at 904, to assemble a
heating conduit in the energy collecting area (lengthwise and/or
widthwise) by tubularly connecting one or more of the connectable
openings of the heat exchangers of each energy collecting module to
a connectable opening of another heat exchanger of another energy
collecting module, for example as described above and exemplified
in FIG. 3.
[0096] Now, as shown at 905, one or more pumps are connected to the
heating conduit, for example to one end thereof, so as to stream
fluids therethrough toward an energy consumption unit or to recycle
the fluid via the heating conduit and a heat exchanger, as
described in 906, for example as described above and depicted in
FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0097] It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing
from this application many relevant systems and methods will be
developed and the scope of the term a turbine, a generator, a heat
exchanger and a controller is intended to include all such new
technologies a priori.
[0098] As used herein the term "about" refers to .+-.10%.
[0099] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not
limited to". This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and
"consisting essentially of".
[0100] The phrase "consisting essentially of" means that the
composition or method may include additional ingredients and/or
steps, but only if the additional ingredients and/or steps do not
materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed
composition or method.
[0101] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one
compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures
thereof.
[0102] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the
incorporation of features from other embodiments.
[0103] The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in
some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments". Any
particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of
"optional" features unless such features conflict.
[0104] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this
invention may be presented in a range format. It should be
understood that the description in range format is merely for
convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the description of a range should be considered to have
specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example,
description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to
have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1
to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as
well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the
range.
[0105] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant
to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the
indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first
indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges
from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are
used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and
second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral
numerals therebetween.
[0106] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination
or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention.
Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments,
unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
[0107] Although the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall
within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
[0108] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned
in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by
reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein
by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any
reference in this application shall not be construed as an
admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present invention. To the extent that section headings are used,
they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
* * * * *