Radiant energy collection and conversion apparatus and method
The apparatus for collecting radiant energy and converting to alternate energy forms includes a housing having an interior space and a radiation transparent window allowing solar radiation to be received in the interior space of the housing. Means are provided for passing a stream of fluid past the window and for injecting radiation absorbent particles in said fluid stream. The particles absorb the radiation and because of their very large surface area, quickly release the heat to the surrounding fluid stream. The fluid stream particle mixture is heated until the particles vaporize. The fluid stream is then allowed to expand in, for example, a gas turbine to produce mechanical energy. In an aspect of the present invention properly sized particles need not be vaporized prior to the entrance of the fluid stream into the turbine, as the particles will not damage the turbine blades. In yet another aspect of the invention, conventional fuel injectors are provided to inject fuel into the fluid stream to maintain the proper temperature and pressure of the fluid stream should the source of radiant energy be interrupted. In yet another aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided which includes means for providing a hot fluid stream having hot particles disbursed therein which can radiate energy, means for providing a cooler fluid stream having cooler particles disbursed therein, which particles can absorb radiant energy and means for passing the hot fluid stream adjacent the cooler fluid stream to warm the cooler fluid and cooler particles by the radiation from the hot fluid and hot particles.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Assignee:
- TIC; ERA-05-025760; EDB-80-076676
- OSTI ID:
- 5304297
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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SOLAR COLLECTORS
DESIGN
SOLAR RECEIVERS
SOLAR THERMAL POWER PLANTS
AEROSOLS
BRAYTON CYCLE
ELECTRIC ARCS
EVAPORATION
GAS COMPRESSORS
GAS TURBINES
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
PARTICLES
COLLOIDS
COMPRESSORS
CURRENTS
DISPERSIONS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
MACHINERY
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
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SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SOLS
THERMODYNAMIC CYCLES
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
141000* - Solar Collectors & Concentrators
140700 - Solar Thermal Power Systems