Solar Reactor Technologies Inc.

Other

Peter W Langhoff

Robin Z Parker

Edward J Bair

Disclosed are apparatus and methods used to preheat a working fluid for a subsequent solar-driven dissociation reaction. The working fluid is first passed through a blackbody receiver where it absorbs thermal energy, and is subsequently exposed to direct solar radiation. The present invention allows the working fluid to absorb relatively large amounts of solar energy at elevated temperatures, while the blackbody absorber remains at a relatively low temperature, thus minimizing energy losses through reradiation and enhancing the efficiency of the overall energy exchange. Also disclosed is a non-driven-flow fluid absorption receiver for preferred use with a Stirling engine incorporating absorption of infrared radiation.

Fluid absorption receiver for solar radiation to power a Stirling cycle

Disclosed are an apparatus and method used to preheat a working fluid for a subsequent solar-driven dissociation reaction. The working fluid is first passed through a blackbody receiver where it absorbs thermal energy, and is subsequently exposed to direct solar radiation. The present invention allows the working fluid to absorb relatively large amounts of solar energy at elevated temperatures, while the blackbody absorber remains at a relatively low temperature, thus minimizing energy losses through reradiation and enhancing the efficiency of the overall energy exchange.

Fluid absorption receiver for solar radiation

Disclosed are an apparatus and method used to preheat a working fluid for a subsequent solar-driven dissociation reaction. The working fluid is first passed through a blackbody receiver where it absorbs thermal energy, and is subsequently exposed to direct solar radiation. The present invention allows the working fluid to absorb relatively large amounts of solar energy a elevated temperatures, while the blackbody absorber remains at a relatively low temperature, thus minimizing energy losses through reradiation and enhancing the efficiency of the overall energy exchange.

A receiver is described for a solar dynamic power generator. The generator has a heat cycle engine to generate power. The receiver has a working fluid including a radiant eneryg absorber selected from halogens and interhalogens. The receiver also has a hollow, cylindrical containment for containing the working fluid having a first end, a second end and an inner wall. A hollow, cylindrical member, is disposed within the containment. The cylindrical member has an inner wall an and outer wall, and defines a toroidal working fluid flow space within the containment and a receiving space within the inner wall of the cylindrical member. A window is disposed in the first end of the containment for admitting solar radiation in the receiving space and heating working fluid contained in the receiving space. The heated working fluid in the receiving space travels toward the first end of the containment. A latent heat storing material is disposed in the flow space between the outer wall of the cylindrical member and the inner wall of the containment for storing heat absorbed by the working fluid in the receiving space. Means are provided for coupling the working fluid with a heat engine, wherein, at the end of the heat cycle, the working fluid is reintroduced into the receiving space toward the second end of the containment.

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Bloomington, IN, United States of America

Peter W Langhoff