Hybrid receiver for concentrated photovoltaic-thermal power systems, and associated methods

US12015378B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund · US

Inventors

• Matthew David Escarra · New Orleans, US
• Luke ARTZT · New Orleans, US
• Yaping Ji · 余新镇, CN
• Daniel S. Codd · Escondido, US
• Matthew BARRIOS · New Orleans, US
• Kazi M. Islam · New Orleans, US
• David M. Bar-On · New Orleans, US
• Jacqueline C. Failla · New Orleans, US
• Claire DAVIS · New Orleans, US
• Maxwell W. Woody · New Orleans, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 14, 2020
• Grant date: Jun 18, 2024
• Expiry date: Aug 25, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P80/20
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A hybrid receiver for a concentrator photovoltaic-thermal power system combines a concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) module and a thermal module that converts concentrated sunlight into electrical energy and thermal heat. Heat transfer fluid flowing through a cooling block removes waste heat generated by photovoltaic cells in the CPV module. The heat transfer fluid then flows through a helical tube illuminated by sunlight that misses the CPV module. Only one fluid system is used to both remove the photovoltaic-cell waste heat and capture high-temperature thermal energy from sunlight. Fluid leaving the hybrid receiver can have a temperature greater than 200° C., and therefore may be used as a source of process heat for a variety of commercial and industrial applications. The hybrid receiver can maintain the photovoltaic cells at temperatures below 110° C. while achieving overall energy conversion efficiencies exceeding 80%.