Abstract:
A novel cost effective low profile structure that converts and stores solar radiation into heat and electricity for controlled utilization. The inventive material incorporates a large insulated vault or chamber of substantial thermal mass connected to a series of inlet passages and to a solar collector assembly. As solar radiation is collected by the solar collector assembly a temperature gradient is created between the collector and the air that is within the vault resulting in air being drawn out of the chamber and through the collector assembly. This air movement is utilized to rotate turbines that are coupled to the inlet passages generating electricity. The hot air is also captured and utilized. The system provides for an efficient, economical process of harnessing and utilizing solar energy by capitalizing on not only on its thermal nature, but its motive nature as well.

Description:
[0001]    PRIORITY FILING 
         [0002]    This application is claiming the filing date of Sep. 10, 2010 of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/403,153. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0004]    The invention relates to solar energy conversion, specifically to an improved solar energy conversion and storage system utilizing ambient air . 
         [0005]    2. Related Art 
         [0006]    There are many modes and methods of generating and utilizing the energy of the sun utilizing the buoyant nature of heated gases. Most common prior art for producing electrical power required a large, relatively flat solar collection area coupled to an elongated cylindrical or chimney-like structure. Air movement would flow horizontally then change direction upward and out through a single, tall chimney which would then be coupled to a turbine or the like to generate electricity. The disadvantage of this is that the earlier structures for converting solar energy into the movement of air lose efficiency in each of their main components of their design. Solar energy absorption and energy transfer to air loses efficiency because some heat energy is transferred to areas that cannot subsequently heat the gas. 
         [0007]    Furthermore, materials used in the solar collection area in prior art are subject to deterioration over time and needed to be designed for high energy transmission and high thermal insulating characteristics to prevent energy from escaping to the ambient environment. These factors reduce the collection efficiency and can deteriorate considerably over the life expectancy of the structure. The efficiency of the usable energy transfer is, typically less than fifty percent. Because the solar collection area of prior art is relatively flat, that area can collect dirt, sand, and debris as well as become graded by abrasion which blocks a percentage of the incident solar energy from heating the gas, leading to a degradation in efficiency of energy conversion. 
         [0008]    The chimney structure of prior art&#39;s flow passage creates resistance to fluid flow due to constriction, turbulence, flow loss factors associated with change in direction and inlet and outlet conditions, and surface friction effects. The design of the output extraction device in prior art is restricted by the physical limitations of being located within the solar collection or vertical airflow structures. Additionally these devices are subject to high temperatures as they harness energy from the escaping hot gassed which may adversely affect their service life. The output efficiency of the prior art is a function of the height of centrally located tall structure(s). The cost of the output produced goes up exponentially with height. This increasing construction cost vs. output ratio significantly affects the payback on cost of construction 
         [0009]    There has been a need for a solar energy conversion and storage system that is cost effective, simple, easily upgradable and essentially self cleaning. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0010]    The invention provides for, according to one general embodiment, a novel cost effective structure for the conversion and storage of solar radiation into heat and electricity for controlled utilization. The inventive material incorporates a large vault or chamber of substantial thermal mass that is insulated which is connected to a solar collector assembly, which approximates a series of relatively short hollow tubes that are tangentially connected to each other, but allow the free flow of air through their centers. The chamber is sealed with the exception of a series of inlet passages and the solar collector assembly. As solar radiation is collected by the solar collector assembly a temperature gradient is created between the collector and the air that is within the vault resulting in air being drawn out of the chamber and through the collector assembly. This pressure drop in turn initiates air flow through the inlet passage. 
         [0011]    This air movement is utilized to rotate low pressure turbines that are coupled to the inlet passages which intern generate electricity or create rotational energy. The exiting air can be captured and used for a myriad of purposes such as to heat structures or buildings for example. 
         [0012]    Furthermore, due to the component nature of the invention, it is linearly scalable to power produced and it is anticipated that the cost per energy unit output would decrease as the structure increases due to discounts of quantity of scale. 
         [0013]    The instant invention provides for an efficient, economical process of harnessing and utilizing solar energy by heating gas such as air and by capitalizing on, not only, its thermal nature, but its motive nature as well. This energy can be used in many fashions such as to generate electrical power created through turbines driven by airflow, for the drying of agricultural products, and for the condensation to potable water from a variety of processes, such as the drying of agricultural products, the evaporation of polluted water or from distilling the humidity in ambient air in high humidity locations. Furthermore, the latent heat released during condensation can supplement or replace the heat generated by solar energy. Removal of undesired liquids from industrial goods, either solid or porous, through evaporation and optional condensation as well as sequestration of objectionable fumes or pollution from liquids can also be achieved with the energy generated and can be incorporated into the invention. 
         [0014]    Although, the terms, air and heated gases will be used extensively throughout this application it is readily understandable that the principles described can be applied a variety of gaseous materials, such as water vapor, gas mixtures, or a combinations of them, as well as the myriad of uses of the movement of gasses. Such as, but not limited to the operation of turbines high pressure or low pressure to generate electricity, drying agricultural products such as tobacco, the distilling of volatile gases from mixtures or fluids and the sequestering of undesirable gases, such as carbon dioxide. 
         [0015]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which when taken in conjunction with the drawings, illustrates by way of example the principles and structure of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    Taking the following specifications in conjunction with the accompanying drawings will cause the invention to be better understood regarding these and other features and advantages. The specifications reference the annexed drawings wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a low profile solar energy conversion system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective transparent view of a low profile solar energy conversion system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a solar collection assembly of a solar energy conversion system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view of an element of a solar collection assembly of a solar energy conversion system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view of an element of a solar collection assembly of a solar energy conversion system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3   c  is a perspective view of an array of element of a solar collection assembly of a solar energy conversion system 
           [0023]      FIG. 3   d  is a perspective view of a solar collection assembly of a solar energy conversion system. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3   e  is a perspective view of a solar collection assembly of a solar energy conversion system. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3   f  is a perspective view of a solar collection assembly of a solar energy conversion system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3   g  is a perspective view of a solar collection assembly of a solar energy conversion system. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a low profile solar energy conversion system incorporated into a housing complex. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a cut-away perspective view of a low profile solar energy conversion system incorporated into a housing complex. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    While describing the invention and its embodiments, various terms will be used for the sake of clarity. These terms are intended to not only include the recited embodiments, but also all equivalents that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same manner to achieve the same result. 
         [0030]    Now referring to  FIG. 1  which discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a low profile solar energy converter and storage system, generally reference by the numeral  100  for the use of capturing and converting solar energy into heat, electricity or rotational energy. The solar energy converter  100  comprises an insulated vault  50 , at least air passage inlets  20 , a heated air storage chamber  120 , and a solar collection assembly, generally referenced by the numeral  10  which is represented in an exploded view in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0031]    The system incorporates three main structures to produce a number of outputs driven by the flow of a gas. A first structural group, a solar energy collector  10  allowing solids and/or liquids to absorb solar energy and transfer that heat energy to a gas by convection. A second main structural group is a flow chamber or interconnected chambers  50  to allow the flow of a gas into the solar energy collection structure  10 . A third main structural group are passageways  20  that feed into the flow chamber  50  and incorporate devices for extracting the end product (such as, electrical power, removal of unwanted gases, drying condensation) from the movement of gas generated by the complete system. 
         [0032]    The three structures described above, each designed to optimize their individual efficiency, thereby creating an overall highly efficient means of converting solar energy into the specified output using the movement of the heated gas. The structures are efficiently scaled to increase the systems output because construction cost are relatively small. The velocity and volume of gas flow through the output extraction structures can be easily controlled by the changing of the ratio of the total inflow area to outflow area to optimize the specified output. 
         [0033]    Now referring to  FIG. 2  a transparent view of an embodiment of the solar energy conversion system analogous to  FIG. 1  with a slightly different configuration of the inlet passageways  30  wherein they are connected to and through the walls of the vault  50  to create different flow patterns of the incoming gas, not only by their location in the structure, but also by various geometries, from a substantially uniform internal diameter to a tapered, horn-like structure, compatible to the flow requirements, whether turbulent or laminar for example. Additionally this embodiment does not utilize a heated air storage vault, but rather allows the heated gassed from the energy collection area  10  to be released into the atmosphere. 
         [0034]    Now referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 3   a,  a perspective view of a solar collection assembly  10  and an individual solar collector respectively. The solar collection assembly  10  is fabricated from a plurality of flow passages that are comprised of a top section  11  and a bottom section  12  that are oriented nearly vertical relative to the earth and so enable a “self cleansing” process to function where pollutants run off them via gravity. In one embodiment the top and bottom sections  11  and  12  respectively are hollow tubular structures or pipes that are connected end to end to form a continuous structure. It has been contemplated to utilize a variety of geometries such as circular piping, rectangular tubing on hexagonal tubing or combination of these so that they are close coupled or tangentially attached to allow high adjacent heat transfer between the elements through conductive heat transfer. The tubing&#39;s&#39; diameter and locations are distributed and balanced to perform a desired control of the buoyancy effects of the rising gasses over the collection area. In one embodiment hexagonal tubing is depicted in the FIG.s and the solar collection assembly  10  resembles an extruded beehive, providing for the optimal tangential or circumferential contact between each of the sections  11 ,  12 . The cross section and height are optimized for buoyancy of the heated gas flowing through the interior opening, material cost, ease of construction, and ease of servicing. In a preferred embodiment the collector is wider that it is tall. The individual segments  11 , 12  can be lightweight flow passages, stacked together, or wall sections fastened to form the flow passages. 
         [0035]    It has further been contemplated to utilize a support grid (not shown) for the solar collector area  10 , designed with minimum flow resistance incorporated into chamber  50  below, which would essentially be vertical posts attached thereto. 
         [0036]    In the preferred embodiment the upper section of the each vertical segment  11  is transparent to allow nearly all of the solar energy to pass through with virtually no reflection or absorption. Materials such as glass, ceramics, plastics, or reflective coatings have been contemplated to achieve this transparency. The lower part of each individual flow segment  12  comprises of a material that absorb nearly all of the solar radiation independent of the angle of inclination of the solar energy input, materials with a high thermal mass have been contemplated, such as various metals, materials covered with a radiation absorbent material or paint, or a combination of these. 
         [0037]    In an alternate embodiment  FIG. 3   a,  it has been contemplated to utilize the transparent upper section  11  in combination with a lower radiation absorbent plate  13  to capture the solar radiation. 
         [0038]    In one embodiment it has been contemplated that the flow sections or energy absorbing plates  13  are composed of compounds incorporating nano-materials, or coated with compounds incorporating nano-materials which maximize energy absorption and heating while minimizing reflection with optimum efficiency being achieved by minimizing the ratio of the perimeter to solar absorption area. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 3   b,  a perspective view of an element of a solar collection assembly of a solar energy conversion system in combination with  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the upper opening of each flow passage  11  is exposed to ambient conditions while the lower end  12  is exposed to the flow chamber  50  and so in some applications in order to control flow direction, a “Check valve”—like strip  14  is mounted on top of each flow passage  11 , allowing, relatively, unrestricted flow upwards and prevents reverse flow in cases of thermal imbalance between segments. In one embodiment these valves  14  are gravity operated, so that escaping gas from the passage  11  will lift them allowing gas to escape, deflecting ambient wind upward to increase the upward air flow through the individual vertical segments by induction aerodynamic effects. It has also been contemplated that the deflectors be dynamically rotational to adjust their position to follow the variable wind direction. When the pressure drops the valves  14  lay flat and seal the tube  11 . The valve  14  further acts a diffuser, angled deflector, or diverter from cross currents across the solar collector  10 . 
         [0040]    In alternative embodiments it has been contemplated that the valves  14  be mechanically, electrically or thermally operated, such as a bi-metallic flap. 
         [0041]    In an alternative embodiment baffles and plates are incorporated within the chamber to produce a “balanced” flow through the solar collection area. These plates/baffles also serve as solar energy absorption material to compliment or replace any solar energy adsorption in the vertical flow segments above. 
         [0042]    Optionally, energy could be stored in the ground or a liquid “pond” at the bottom of the collection area. Any area within the collection chamber can store thermal energy and allow for release over time when the sun in no longer heating the area directly. The flow chamber  50  is sealed to only allow outflow to the solar collection assembly  10  and inflow from the output producing passageways  30 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 3   d ,  3   e ,  3   f , and  3   g.  are alternate embodiments of a solar collector  10  wherein alternate arrangements of the upper tubes  11  have been contemplated with alternate geometries. 
         [0044]    Now referring to FIGS.  1 , 2 , 3  and  FIG. 3   c , a partial section of a solar collector  10  incorporating an output producing device  75 . In this instance a turbine is depicted have been contemplated located in passageways  20 , feeding the flow chamber  50 . These devices  75  include, but are not limited to turbines, electric generators, flywheels and others. The size and location is optimized for maximum efficiency between the input feed under ambient conditions and the discharge into the flow chamber. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment throttling mechanisms could be incorporated in each passageway to balance and optimize flow conditions for the targeted output. The output extraction device  75  can be internally combined with the flow chamber depending on the compactness and the output specified. 
         [0046]    The solar energy conversion system can be built on a flat plane; on a hillside; floating on a liquid; above, flush or below grade. The chamber  50  could be produced by excavating a suitable area or by building a free-standing structure above ground or floating on water. The system should be located so that solar energy has maximum exposure to the collection area based on overall yearly conditions and allowing the output can be conveniently transferred to where it will be used. Scalability guarantees that no system would be too large or too small to produce an efficient output. 
         [0047]    The solar energy conversion system functions by solar energy heats the bottom portion of the solar collector assembly  12 . Virtually all of the solar energy goes into heating the gas because nearly all of the area exposed to the solar energy is covered by high energy absorption materials. The heated structure heats the surrounding gas by convection. The heated gas rises through the segmented structure of the collector assembly  10 , which in turn creates a low pressure zoon in the the vault  50  which draws ambient air through the passages  20 ,  30  completing the cycle. The total cross sectional footprint of the segmented flow structure and the height of each segment produces an optimized negative pressure gradient as a result of gas buoyancy. Being thermally close coupled insures a relatively balanced or gradually changing temperature profile across the collection area. The close-coupled nature of the vertical segment creates a negative pressure similar to the “pull” of a large upward moving piston with a similar cross-sectional area. 
         [0048]    The large negative pressure gradient area within the chamber  50  draws in “make up” gas to replace the gas flowing out of the top of the nearly vertical flow segments  11 . This replacement gas is fed through the individual passageways  20 ,  30  that incorporate the output generating devices  75 . 
         [0049]    As long as there is a temperature differential between the heated gas in the collection area  10  and ambient gas temperature, buoyancy will drive air movement. Over the period of hours, days, weeks, etc., the heated surface within the collector will serve as energy storage and continue to drive gas flow until temperatures with ambient conditions are equalized. 
         [0050]    In one embodiment it has been contemplated to utilize a series of baffles within the vault to alter the flow of air within, depending on the application and the placement of the inlet tubes, it may be desired to create a vortex-like flow or swirling action to improve efficiencies. Multiple Applications Vortex conditions (i.e. a “standing” vortex) as a result of swirling gas flow, may be incorporated into the system as a result of the independent nature of the collector area and the ability to add dynamically directional structure at the discharge area of the solar collection structure. Because each structure is relatively independent, changing the ratio of inflow area to outflow area in my system, would allow control of gas movement from maximum mechanical energy (i.e. velocity and pressure drop to drive a turbine) to maximum volumetric flow (i.e. CFM for drying or sequestration of a pollutant). 
         [0051]    It is further contemplated to utilize a specialized secondary structures can be added to the system to improve the fluid dynamics amplifying velocity, liquid evaporation, liquid condensation, or gas sequestration. The complementary structures are positioned ahead of the intake; within the passageways, chamber  50 , gas flow segments: and in the discharge area after the flow segments. The combination of gas flow, elevated temperature, and fluid dynamics produces outputs of electrical power, pollution removal, potable water creation, drying, and ventilation, simultaneously or individually, as end products. The outputs are nearly linearly proportional to both the footprint area of the structure and the height of the individual flow segments. The cost of construction per unit output produced will go down with lower cost of purchasing a higher quantity of similar components. Labor cost for construction and servicing can be reduced by selecting individual components that can be handled easily. 
         [0052]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a low profile solar energy conversion system incorporated into a housing complex. In this instance the complex is a three story multiple unit dwelling that encircles the conversion system, but can readily be scale up or down, by decreasing or increasing the various components of the disclosed invention. Furthermore, the structure need not encircle the device and may include a variety of layouts and footprints. 
         [0053]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 4  and will allow for better understanding of the interaction of the low profile solar energy conversion system with an actual building. The building  200  in this embodiment is located above the low profile solar energy conversion system  100  wherein the solar energy collector vertically arranged hollow tubular structures  11 ,  12  is essentially located in the center of the unit and has a heat storing chamber  120 . This chamber or vault  120  is a hollow box with a top, bottom, and walls which traps the rising air form the solar collector  100  and directs this air through a series of duct  130  or vents  140  throughout the building similarly to that of traditional forced air HVAC units. Through a series of valves and controls it has been contemplated to reverse the cycle and use the heated air to create a pressure drop to draw in colder ambient air into the building for cooling purposes. 
         [0054]    The vault  50  has an interior open space containing air at ambient pressure encompassed and surrounded by a plurality of walls, a top and a bottom. The vault  50  can be as simple an excavated pit with an insulated roof or can be a concrete vault that may be partially used for storage such as water which would provide a thermal sink to produce a temperature gradient as well as to serve as a supplement for fire prevention activities. Nonetheless the solar collector is attached to and affixed to the solar collector  10  and allows air to pass from the vault  50  through the collector tubes  11 , 12  to fill the upper chamber  120 . Make up air is drawn from the ambient external environment via the inlet tube  20  penetrating the top of the vault  50  and the heat storage chamber  120  or in other embodiments the inlet tube penetrates a vault  50  wall to external environment. 
         [0055]    The invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment. One skilled in the art will recognize that it would be possible to construct the elements of the present invention from a variety of means and to modify the placement of the components in a variety of ways. While the embodiments of the invention have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims: