Patent · US Active

Solar power generation with multiple energy conversion modes

US8033110B2 · kind B2 · utility

40Cited by
46References
38Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 16, 2009
Grant dateOct 11, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 23, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T10/7072
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-mode solar power generation system can include a first energy conversion system that generates electricity from a working fluid heated by a portion of solar radiation focused by a plurality of heliostats. The multi-mode solar power generation system can also include a second energy conversion system that generates electricity from an unused portion of the focused solar radiation using a different energy conversion mode than that of the first energy conversion system. The second energy conversion system can include one or more photovoltaic converters, which directly convert solar radiation to electricity. The unused radiation from the first energy conversion system can include radiation spillage or dumped radiation from a thermal receiver of the first energy conversion system.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.