DE102006014574A1 - Optical radiation e.g. solar radiation, energy conversion method, involves absorbing optical radiation by optical plasma, and inducing regular load separation in independent gas discharge - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves producing a charge carrier that is transferred into an electrically derivable electron current. An optical radiation is absorbed by an optical plasma, and a regular load separation is induced in an independent gas discharge. An electrical energy produced by the load separation extracts the optical plasma in an ohmic, inductive or capacitive manner. The optical plasma is produced by using combustion of fuel with sufficient flow rate of the plasma.

Description

1 Introduction

• • Thermoelektrik nach Seebeck, 1822
• • Photovoltaik, bekannt als innerer Photoeffekt nach Becquerel, 1839
• • Thermionik nach Edison, 1883, bzw. nach Hallwachs, 1888, und seine Erklärung als äußerer Photoeffekt nach Einstein, 1905

For the direct energy conversion of optical radiation into electricity, the following principles are also pursued today:

• • Thermoelectrics to Seebeck, 1822
• • Photovoltaics, known as the inner photoelectric effect of Becquerel, 1839
• • Thermionics after Edison, 1883, or after Hallwachs, 1888, and his explanation as an external photoelectric effect after Einstein, 1905

The indirect conversion of the energy of optical radiation via heat into electrical energy Energy can be generated with the help of heat-power machines / power generators or also by means of the magnetohydrodynamic principle.

All Physical principles suffer not least in their technical Implementations and therefore always offer optimization potential. all the restriction remains common in efficiency by the thermodynamic laws, mostly displayed in relation to the efficiency according to Carnot. It is the technical or principal limitation of the height of the absorber temperature significant restriction the efficiency.

The here presented novel energy conversion of optical radiation of any origin (sun, combustion) engages in electrical energy the limitations of photovoltaics and their conceivable extensions on, according to the writings of Shockley, Queisser, Luque, Green, Landsberg, Dice and others. they all kept and keep significant progress in photovoltaics imaginable without but to show a way to realization.

• • Die Theorie der Hohlraumstrahlung von Planck,
• • Die elektrische Gasentladung, insbesondere die selbständige Entladung
• • Die als obsolet verkannte Röhrentechnologie
• • Das Strahlungsgesetz nach Kirchhoff,
• • Die Plasmaspektroskopie,
• • Die Technologie der Plasma-Strahlungsquellen []
• • Die Gasdynamik, -kinetik und Magnetohydrodynamik von (Kernfusions-)Plasmen

In addition to the conception and construction of the new energy conversion, essential subject areas are required in particular:

• • The theory of cavity radiation from Planck,
• • Electric gas discharge, in particular self-discharge
• • The tube technology, which has been misunderstood as obsolete
• • The radiation law according to Kirchhoff,
• • plasma spectroscopy,
• • The technology of plasma radiation sources []
• • The gas dynamics, kinetics and magnetohydrodynamics of (nuclear fusion) plasmas

The new energy conversion may be to use any optical Radiation, but in particular the solar radiation, are used. Of the Use of any heat sources with appropriate temperature (for example by combustion of fuels) can be integrated into the functional principle or even separated. This energy competition also competes with fuel cell technology and the conventional heat-power machine. From the general principle of operation can also be a form of Derive energy transport.

2 functional principle

First, will produces an optical plasma, which as an absorber of optical Radiation serves (X-ray to microwave radiation, preferably: UV, VIS, IR). The to be transformed optical radiation (same spectral range, e.g., concentrated solar radiation) the degree of ionization of the plasma and losses of optical radiation are reflected back into the plasma at the edge of the plasma. For this and into this plasma becomes an electromagnetic configuration created (typically) in combination with the original that Plasma generating driving force, one (possibly additional) charge separation and thus causing tension. This (preferably avalanche-like) charge separation becomes ohmic, inductive or capacitive to the plasma as electrical Electricity taken and for a consumer utilizable.

• 1. Einfang der optischen Strahlung über Optiken (z.B. solare Strahlung) oder direkte Erzeugung der optischen Strahlung, die in elektrische Energie gewandelt werden soll,
• 2. Absorption der optischen Strahlung in einem optischen Plasma, das z.B. durch Gasentladung erzeugt sein kann,
• 3. Spontane und Induzierte Emission optischer Strahlung und Redistribution im Plasma,
• 4. Reflexion emittierender Strahlung in das Plasma zurück mittels entsprechender Ausbildung der Umgebung des Plasmas (z.B. mittels Spiegel),
• 5. Ladungstrennung im Plasma mittels einer oder mehrerer Transportmechanismen (wie z.B. Magnetohydrodynamik, Gaskinetik, Gravitation, Diffusion, etc.),
• 6. Vorzugsweise lawinenartige Ladungserzeugung und -trennung in selbständiger Gasentladung, die ggf. durch eine (z.B. magnetische) Zündung gestartet wird,
• 7. Auskoppelung der elektrischen Energie auf ohmschen, kapazitiven oder induktiven Weg

The order of processes that a representative photon or electron undergoes is as follows:

• 1. Capture of the optical radiation via optics (eg solar radiation) or direct generation of the optical radiation, which is to be converted into electrical energy,
• 2. absorption of the optical radiation in an optical plasma, which may be generated, for example, by gas discharge,
• 3. Spontaneous and induced emission of optical radiation and redistribution in plasma,
• 4. reflection of emitting radiation back into the plasma by means of appropriate formation of the environment of the plasma (eg by means of mirrors),
• 5. charge separation in the plasma by means of one or more transport mechanisms (such as magnetohydrodynamics, gas kinetics, gravitation, diffusion, etc.),
• 6. Preferably avalanche-like charge generation and separation in self-contained gas discharge, which is possibly started by a (eg magnetic) ignition,
• 7. decoupling of the electrical energy in ohmic, capacitive or inductive way

A peculiarity of this energy conversion is the expenditure of energy to first generate a plasma, which radiates and at the same time serves as an absorber. The further electrical energy is thus taken in balance of the energy used for the plasma (lossy) and the irradiated Radiation energy to be converted.

3 The plasma

headquarters Question of energy conversion is the generation and provision of the optical plasma, which is to serve as an absorber and in which also the Charge separation takes place.

With understanding and the terminology of Seidel and Wende in [Bergmann Schaefer, Volume V] and Metzdorf, Griem, Hohlfeld and others in [Kohlrausch] In general, the optical plasmas are used. Next to it will be the electric gas discharge [Wiedemann], this discharge for radiation generation, e.g. according to Lister, and her story also needed in terms of tube technology [Handbook of physics].

• 1) „Das Verhältnis von Kontinuums- zu Linienstrahlungsleistung ist für Xenon relativ groß, zumal mit wachsender Stromdichte die Ionisierungsenergie durch das Mikrofeld der Elektronen um 1–2 eV abgesenkt wird und die Linienstrahlung mit zunehmendem Druck durch Reabsorption und durch Stöße 2-ter Art gemindert wird." [Heering]
• 2) Im Termschema hat das Viel-Niveau-System entsprechend viele Anregungsniveaus und mögliche Übergänge. Das quasi-kontinuierliche Emissionsspektrum ist geprägt durch die „frei-frei-Übergänge" und insbesondere die „frei-gebunden-Übergänge" im Sichtbaren und nahen Infraroten. Mit Emission dieser Strahlung ist auch die Absorption genau dieser Strahlung mit den Umkehrprozessen möglich, wobei die Photonenenergien deutlich unter der Austrittsarbeit liegen.

By way of example, the plasma of a high-pressure gas discharge of a commercial type xenon short arc lamp is used. The gas xenon with the ionization energy of over 12 eV is a very poor candidate for thermionic excitation (such as photoionization). However, xenon exhibits desired properties in the plasma of the gas discharge, in particular, these, to generate charge carriers at lower energies:

• 1) "The ratio of continuum to radiation power is relatively large for xenon, especially as the current density increases the ionization energy is lowered by 1-2 eV by the electron microwell and the line radiation decreases with increasing pressure due to reabsorption and collisions of the second kind will be. "[Heering]
• 2) In the term scheme, the multi-level system has correspondingly many excitation levels and possible transitions. The quasi-continuous emission spectrum is characterized by the "free-free transitions" and in particular the "free-bound transitions" in the visible and near infrared. With the emission of this radiation, it is also possible to absorb precisely this radiation with the reversal processes, the photon energies being significantly below the work function.

absorption and induced emission according to the occupation probabilities to Einstein. The analogy to the bremsstrahlung of X-rays in matter after Kramers serves the determination of the emission coefficient and the discussion of temperature, number densities and other parameters. Assuming a local thermal equilibrium is after Kirchhoff the absorption over the cavity radiation (Planck) bound to the emission. So is one of the reversal processes of emission photoionization, the now involving third parties (electrons or ions) with photon energies far below the ionization energy can take place. That's how it works Plasma e.g. the xenon gas discharge is an absorber exactly the optical Radiation of a certain wavelength or certain frequency that it emits, as with the emission the absorption is accompanied by a reversal process. The spectrum of xenon gas discharge (Multi-level system) is similar the cavity radiation and there is also the suitability for absorption solar radiation.

Detached from that Examples of the xenon lamp are the essential ones from plasma spectroscopy Properties of plasmas regarding line broadening, self-absorption, optical density, temperature distribution, etc. known (interstellar significant by Russel and Hertzsprung).

With Increasing energy becomes a plasma, resulting in an internally mirrored Chamber is, by repeated conversion of photon energy in bonding energy (with the participation of third parties) and redistribution the radiation, in the sizes (a) spectral distribution and (b) energy density of those of the cavity radiation approach as maximum. Thus, under ideal conditions, any optical plasma with any Spectrum (at best, multi-level system) by energy through optical radiation in its essential sizes of the number densities (and Distributions) of molecules, atoms, Ions and electrons as well as (local) temperatures, pressures, mass distributions, heat distribution the components are considered as absorbers. Not necessarily flow Assumptions about Balance and stability one. Is the plasma (not necessarily) in a large extent enclosed internally mirrored chamber, resulting from this Environment, especially the ambient temperature, appropriate local distributions of all authoritative Sizes, like in particular the number densities and temperature. A geometrically trained hot Core of the plasma has the highest densities and temperatures and the highest Absorbency. With extrapolation of the results of Heering gives as an example for one Xenon lamp with color temperature 4284K the plasma temperature of 5850K (equivalent to Equilibrium with the sun temperature) assuming a total degree of emission from 0.2. The absorption length is in the visible with assumption of sufficient electron density in the sub-millimeter range and thus of a useful order of magnitude in this technical realization of a plasma. A commercial one Xenon short-arc high-pressure lamp or a high-pressure mercury vapor lamp, can be almost complete Mirroring of the piston walls and by coupling optical (solar) radiation at a vacant place as an exemplary embodiment an absorber.

However, initially changes upon irradiation only the balance of the electrical energy to be expended and the radiant energy of different origin (radiated or generated), since the system only energy is added and not discharged.

The Environment of the plasma can be configured as the known ionization chambers (hollow field) and plasma radiation sources, ideally a trapped Radiation in the plasma chamber / discharge vessel held by reflection on the chamber walls to be (light trap). From the reversibility of each light path must be calculated that a part of the captured Radiation the plasma and the entire plant of energy conversion is left again (Landsberg efficiency). The optimal conditions For this Part of the radiation with respect to the radiation flux and in particular the radiation temperature (cavity radiation with significantly lower Temperature as the radiation core) are to be formed (results Plasma spectroscopy, lamp construction, design of local distributions of optical density, exploitation of the effects described below, Etc.).

4 charge separation

additional The essential feature of the new energy conversion is that in the plasma herbeizuführende Charge separation.

• 1) Eine radial-symmetrische vertikale Quecksilber-Hochdrucklampe hat zum Beispiel durch Konvektion, Temperaturverteilung und Gasströmung eine Ladungsverteilung (Raumladung) entlang des Radius, die als Ladungstrennung betrachtet werden kann.
• 2) Im weiteren Beispiel einer elektrodenlosen Mikrowellen-Lampe wird die Ladungstrennung aufgrund des Skin-Effekts beobachtet. Nach Zollweg, 1975, haben gemäß Aussage Listers in [Lister, S. 580, S586] Modellrechnungen unter anderem die Ladungstrennung im Zusammenhang mit Entmischung, Strahlungsemission und Elektroden aufgezeigt.
• 3) Das zwischen zwei Elektroden „brennende" Plasma einer kommerziellen Quecksilberdampflampe ist konvektionsstabilisiert und im stabilen Gleichgewicht. Ein zusätzliches Magnetfeld senkrecht zur Hauptachse des Plasma (Verbindung der Elektroden) führt zur „magnetischen Blasung" des Plasma. In dem gekrümmten Bogen ist das Eigenmagnetfeld in auf der Bogeninnenseite stärker als auf der Bogenaußenseite, was zur Ladungstrennung führt.
• 4) Auch wird in Kurzbogenlampen gezielt die Lorentzkraft in dem Pinch-Effekt ausgenutzt, um besonders hohe Elektronendichten und folglich Strahlungsdichten zu erreichen. Dabei sind die resultierenden Kräfte des Pinch-Effekts auf Ionen und Elektronen gleichgerichtet und formen die Plasmakugel. In einem zusätzlichen Magnetfeld können die Ladungen getrennt werden, vergleichbar wie die Faraday- und Hall-Ströme im magnetohydrodynamischen Generator.

In plasma radiation sources, the "usual" charge separations in (self-contained) gas discharge are caused by the electrically supplied energy, and there are also charge separations, which are known to accompany radiation generation.

• 1) A radial symmetric vertical mercury high-pressure lamp has, for example, by convection, temperature distribution and gas flow, a charge distribution (space charge) along the radius, which can be considered as charge separation.
• 2) In another example of an electrodeless microwave lamp, the charge separation due to the skin effect is observed. According to Zollweg, 1975, according to Listers in [Lister, p. 580, S586], model calculations have shown, among other things, charge separation in connection with demixing, radiation emission and electrodes.
• 3) The plasma of a commercial mercury-vapor lamp "burning" between two electrodes is convection-stabilized and in stable equilibrium.An additional magnetic field perpendicular to the main axis of the plasma (connection of the electrodes) leads to the "magnetic blast" of the plasma. In the curved arc, the intrinsic magnetic field is stronger on the inside of the arc than on the outside of the arc, which leads to charge separation.
• 4) Also in short arc lamps, the Lorentz force in the pinch effect is specifically exploited in order to achieve particularly high electron densities and consequently radiation densities. The resulting forces of the pinch effect on ions and electrons are rectified and form the plasma sphere. In an additional magnetic field, the charges can be separated, much like the Faraday and Hall currents in the magnetohydrodynamic generator.

• • Kriterium für eine positive Bilanz der Energiegewinnung des neuartigen Energiewandlers
• • Magnetischer Einschluss und magnetischer Druck
• • z-Pinch und Theta-Pinch
• • Pinchentladungen zur Plasmaerzeugung
• • Bennett-Gleichung
• • MHD-Instabilitäten
• • Toroidaler Einschluss, Tokamak, Stellarator
• • Und so weiter

The results of the research on nuclear fusion plasmas neglecting the fusion process can be used for the charge separation of interest. With appropriate plasma energies the following characteristics are transferable for local application:

• • Criterion for a positive balance of the energy production of the new energy converter
• • Magnetic confinement and magnetic pressure
• • z-pinch and theta-pinch
• • Pinch discharges for plasma generation
• • Bennett equation
• • MHD instabilities
• • Toroidal inclusion, Tokamak, Stellarator
• • And so on

"Bends Theta pinch around the so-called vertical axis to the torus together, the toroidal magnetic field on the inside of the torus (closer to the Axis) stronger than that on the outside. Of the Magnetic pressure drives such a plasma to the outer wall of the discharge vessel, it there is no equilibrium state. In addition, a combined occurs curvature and gradient drift that causes vertical charge separation, where electrons gather at the top of the torus and the ions below or vice versa. "[Bergmann Schaefer, p. 205]. Thus, the toroidal plasma confinement provides a required Configuration for a plasma, resulting in both the absorption of photons and is useful for charge separation, in the spirit of the pursued here Energy Conversion.

• • Maxwell Gleichungen
• • Ergebnisse von Saha und Eggert
• • Besetzungswahrscheinlichkeiten (Koeffizienten) und induzierte Emission nach Einstein,
• • Wirkungsquerschnitt, Emissions- und Absorptionskoeffizienten, Reabsorption, Reemission, Redistribution,
• • Kontinuitätsgleichungen, Driftbewegungen, Gyrationen, Wärmeleitung, Elenbaas-Heller-Differentialgleichung
• • Anzahldichten und Temperaturverteilungen der Plasma-Komponenten
• • Beschaffenheit und Bedingung der Umgebung, Geometrien der Wandungen, und ggf. Elektroden selbst und zueinander
• • Resonanzen
• • Fluktuationen
• • Und weitere Größen und Merkmale, die teils noch aufgegriffen werden

Generally, to describe the charge separation, an extensive spatially resolved radiation and particle model or, more simply, a radiation and fluid model ("radiation magneto-hydrodynamics") is necessary, which takes into account the following essential principles:

• • Maxwell equations
• • Results from Saha and Eggert
• • occupation probabilities (coefficients) and induced emission according to Einstein,
• Cross section, emission and absorption coefficients, reabsorption, reemission, redistribution,
• • Continuity equations, drift motions, gyrations, heat conduction, Elenbaas-Heller differential equation
• • Number densities and temperature distributions of the plasma components
• • Condition and condition of the environment, geometries of the walls, and possibly electrodes themselves and each other
• • Resonances
• • Fluctuations
• • And other sizes and features, which are still partly taken up

• • Diffusion
• • Zeitabhängige Verwertung der ambilpolaren Diffusion (lokales/nicht-lokales thermisches Gleichgewicht LTE/NTE)
• • Konvektion
• • Gravitation
• • Impuls, Viskosität
• • Trägheit im Sinne der Masse und Beweglichkeit
• • Gasdynamisch, z.B. lokale Gasströmung im Jet-Effekt
• • Blasung (Strömung von Fremdstoffen, magnetische Blasung, etc.)
• • Akustische Resonanz, [Lister S577]
• • Thermionisch
• • Zusätzlich generierte Raumladungen
• • Gitter und Spannungsfelder bekannt durch Röhrentechnologie
• • Gitter und Leitbleche zur Strömungsleitung
• • Einbau von isolierten gelochter und ungelochter Membranen zur Strömungsleitung
• • Chemische Trennung (auch Reaktionen) von Plasmabestandteilen oder zusätzlichen Molekülen, Clustern, o.ä.

In addition to this significant electrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic charge separation, the following charge separation drives are possible:

• • diffusion
• • Time dependent utilization of ambilpolar diffusion (local / non-local thermal equilibrium LTE / NTE)
• • convection
• • gravity
• • momentum, viscosity
• • inertia in terms of mass and flexibility
• • Gas-dynamic, eg local gas flow in the jet effect
• • Blowing (flow of foreign matter, magnetic blast, etc.)
• • Acoustic Resonance, [Lister S577]
• • Thermionic
• • Additionally generated space charges
• • Grid and stress fields known by tube technology
• • Grilles and baffles for flow line
• • Installation of insulated perforated and unperforated membranes for flow conduction
• • Chemical separation (also reactions) of plasma components or additional molecules, clusters, or similar.

• a) die geometrische Anordnung von magnetischen Felern (und ggf. elektrischen Feldern mittels Elektroden) zur Plasmaerzeugung sowie
• b) die geometrischen Orte der Ladungstrennung und damit die Positionierung von Abnahmepunkte (Elektroden) bei ohmscher, kapazitiver oder induktiver Entnahme der elektrischen Energie finden.

With these examples and models of charge separation can be

• a) the geometric arrangement of magnetic Felern (and possibly electric fields using electrodes) for plasma generation and
• b) find the geometric locations of the charge separation and thus the positioning of pickup points (electrodes) in ohmic, capacitive or inductive removal of electrical energy.

The Charge separation thus has a voltage available between the pickup points (pads) result. The electric current is generated by the photoionization resupplied. Any available Charge is over the independent ones Discharge avalanche dissipated and the electrical consumer available.

5 Electricity

The transfer of the (temporarily) locally separated charge carriers (ions and electrons) into electrical currents can be made with the reverse procedures, as in the introduction the electrical energy into a plasmas (e.g., as with plasma radiation sources), So over Electrodes (ohmic), capacitive and inductive. Such are arrangements possible with four electrodes, with simultaneous ohmic plasma generation and ohmic energy extraction. For the Example of the microwave-powered lamp [Lister] and associated Skin effect are concentric both inside and around the electrodes Outside train.

The said charge separation in all the above variants and their Interaction is highly dependent on the dependence of all the plasma characterizing Sizes. The stability or the stationary one Balance is not least due to fluctuations in the supply the radiation energy and changes in the outflow of electrical energy (load adaptation) attacked. The formation and maintenance of (possibly periodic) Charge separation can be a control and also regulation of particular require the electromagnetic input quantities for the plasma.

Generally can the distance between the power take-off points as gas discharge to be viewed as. A magnetic or other kind of ignition of this Conduction line through the plasma may be necessary. This is possibly a second ignition next to the original one ignition for the plasma (e.g., in four-electrode arrangement). Your individual current-voltage characteristic can be comparable to the ordinary one electric gas discharge a negative differential resistance show that after transition to the self-employed Discharge can be found. In this vorzugswei independent discharge are avalanche-like the charge carriers generated and disconnected against polarity. In the avalanche is the blasted Photon current in charge carriers changed. To this independent To achieve discharge, said (second) ignition can one to be crossed Threshold for the Have tension, the first from the o.g. Transport mechanisms is not reached and exceeded once must be, so that he is self-employed becomes.

To eventually necessary (second) ignition of the line will be the electrical energy over the energy acceptance points (ohmic, inductive, capacitive) are removed and an outside one Consumers supplied.

6 special features

• 1) The optimization of the absorption properties of the Plasma is prioritized to track as the state of the art mostly higher Interest in optically thin and not as required here optically dense plasmas. These include in particular the Use of multi-level systems such as xenon and mercury and mixtures this. Each radiation-absorbing and charge-carrier-producing Fabric that reversibly the radiation or the charge - in the sense a redistribution - again is suitable as further plasma constituent or buffer to be used in the plasma. These include in particular noble gases, phosphors, molecules Clusters and aerosols.
• 2) If an independent gas discharge is selected for plasma generation, these are characterized by negative differential resistance and be stabilized by a series resistor. The function of the Vorwiderstandes can improve energy conversion of efficiency become. After successful first and possibly second ignition can the own electrical energy of the system to maintain the necessary electromagnetic conditions are used, comparable to electric motors and generators.
• 3) A special case occurs when an ordinary discharge gap between two electrodes from a consumer (radiation source) in a generator (Photon-electron converter) can be converted. The low pressure hot cathode discharges, so-called low-voltage arcs, with externally heated cathode can in special cases fully-fledged have negative burning voltages. Is the absorption initiated Radiation in the plasma of the arc reaches the optical density is increased accordingly by absorbing and charge-generating substances with this arrangement an energy conversion in the local sense accomplished. For optimization all flow Knowledge of tube technology one.
• 4) A three-electrode arrangement for entry and exit of the electrical Energy becomes possible when on a part of the discharge path, a higher potential lies than on the total discharge distance. With targeted (local) optical irradiation, the energy conversion completed and the Electricity can be taken. For optimization, all knowledge of tube technology flows one.
• 5) Embedding the plasma in a liquid, e.g. in a highly transparent oil (known by Research at the highest Concentrations of solar radiation) can be particularly thermal and provide optical advantages. In addition, by means of a cavity, a vapor bubble as a starting place and substance for serve a plasma. The special phenomenon of sonoluminescence can represent the required optical plasma radiation here.
• 6) The use of a plasma in liquids or vapor bubbles allows a compression of the plasma. Resulting heat in the liquid can be fed to a low temperature process.
• 7) Generally, the combustion of fuels or gases happen at high gas speeds that under exploitation of the magneto-hydrodynamic principle, gained electrical energy becomes. Here is the optimization of the system, in particular increasing the Ionisierungsgrads of the plasma stream, by eliminating a separated Combustion chamber and use of an optically radiant combustion process with optical reflections claimed since the photon production and absorption the ionization in "free-bound" and "free-free" transitions at lower energies as the work function allowed.
• 8) The (re-) absorption of the optical radiation in the plasma leads to induced emission. Because this is for everyone Energies of the multi-level system is true, there is a spectral-continuous induced emission, which has the characteristic properties of Wear laser radiation. By properly chosen reflection occurs a part the induced emission from the plasma and the spectral-continuous, "white", laser radiation can be used for energy transport and in the known applications.

7 advantages

These Energy conversion of the photon current into an electron current corresponds idealtypisch the thermodynamic maximum efficiency, especially since the quantized photon energy through the multiplicity of (consecutively) Repeated conversion processes (idealtypisch) completely converted can be. This process chain provides an energy converter for photon energies The discussion of Luque, Landsberg can be found here and dice over the (Landsberg efficiency) at the thermodynamic limit and via so-called up / down converter their application.

• • in der Existenz eines Hoch-Temperatur-Prozesses, der technisch realisierbar und beherrschbar ist, weil die Werkstoffe (auch etwaige Elektroden) der Anlage nicht die eigentliche Hoch-Temperatur des Absorbers erreichen,
• • in der hohen Temperatur des Absorbers, welche den hohen Wirkungsrad nach Carnot ermöglicht,
• • in der (mit Einschränkung) zunehmenden Effizienz der Wandlung bei steigender Temperatur des Absorbers, speziell im Gegensatz zur konventionellen Photovoltaik.

The decisive advantages of this energy conversion lie

• • in the existence of a high-temperature process, which is technically feasible and manageable, because the materials (even possible electrodes) of the system do not reach the actual high temperature of the absorber,
• • in the high temperature of the absorber, which allows the high degree of efficiency after Carnot,
• • in the (with limitation) increasing efficiency of the transformation with increasing temperature of the Absorbers, especially in contrast to conventional photovoltaics.

8 names and literature:

• Shockley, Queisser, Luque, Green, Landsberg, Die on the Photovoltaics, literature collection e.g. in [Cuadra et al, Intermediate Photovoltaics Overview, World Conference on Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, 2003]
• Seidel and Wende in [Bergmann Schaefer, Vielteilchen systems, 1992]
• Metzdorf, Griem, Hohlfeld in [Kohlrausch, Practical Physics, 1996]
• Wiedemann in [Gas Electronics, 1976]
• Lister in [The Physics of Discharge Lamps, Rev. Mod. Phys., Vol. 76, no. 2, 2004]
• fully-fledged in [Handbook of Physics, 1956]

Claims (14)

Method for energy conversion of optical radiation into electricity by a) absorption of the radiation and generation of charge carriers, b) charge separation by transport mechanisms which act on the physical properties of the charge carriers and c) transfer of the charge carriers into an electrically dissipative electron current, characterized in that i. the optical radiation is absorbed in an optical plasma generated specifically for this purpose, ii. a planned charge separation is preferably brought about in self-contained gas discharge and iii. the electric energy present by charge separation is taken out of the plasma ohmic, inductive or capacitive. Process for energy conversion according to the aforementioned Claim, characterized in that the absorbent Plasma is generated in one or more of the following ways: • Electromagnetic as a nuclear fusion plasma, e.g. by means of pinch discharge, laser radiation with pellet compression • Electrical Gas discharge (ohmsch over two electrodes, capacitive, inductive), such as plasma radiation sources Application finds • Photoionization by laser radiation, highly concentrated (solar) radiation, etc. • Thermionic • sparks, Channel formation, glow discharge • luminescence, sonoluminescence Process for energy conversion according to one of the aforementioned Claims, thereby marked that the optical radiation in the plasma following (possibly combined) manner is initiated • capture / coupling solar radiation, in particular by means of concentrating, imaging and / or non-imaging optics of solid and liquid type • capture / coupling optical radiation of an artificial Radiation source, in particular of combustion processes or others High temperature processes with adequate heat radiation • Generation an optically radiating plasma by combustion of a fuel (Gas) with sufficient flow velocity of the plasma Method for energy conversion according to one or more the aforementioned claims, thereby marked that the charge separation on one (possibly combined with each other) Way takes place • electrodynamic, • Magnetohydrodynamic • diffusion • Time-dependent recovery ambilpolar diffusion (local / non-local thermal equilibrium LTE / NTE) • convection • gravity • impulse, viscosity • Inertia in the Sense of mass and flexibility Gas dynamic, e.g. local gas flow in jet effect [] • Blowing (Flow foreign matter, magnetic blast, etc.) • Thermionic • Additionally generated space charges • grid and areas of tension known by tube technology • grid and baffles for flow line • Installation from isolated membranes to the flow line • resonances, Acoustic resonance • Fluctuations • Chemical Separation (also reactions) of plasma components or additional molecules Clusters, or similar Method for energy conversion according to one or more the aforementioned claims, thereby marked that the optical radiation, which is the plasma leaves, by means of mirrors or other (total) reflection on layers wholly (or partially) reflected back into the plasma and the optical radiation coming from the original energy source in the Plasma enters, after unsuccessful absorption or induced emission so scattered, reflected, bent, etc., that the reverse Light path with exit from the energy conversion plant minimized becomes. Method for energy conversion according to one or more the aforementioned claims, characterized in that the system is optimized such that the degree of absorption in the hot Maximizes plasma core, maximizes the optical density of the plasma and the radiation leaving the system minimized in its corresponding cavity radiation temperature are. Method for energy conversion according to one or more the aforementioned claims, thereby characterized in that the following feature is taken into account: The optimization the absorption characteristics of the plasma should be given priority since the state of the art usually higher Interest in optically thin and not as required here visually dense plasmas. These include in particular the use of multi-level systems such as xenon and mercury and mixtures of these. Any radiation-absorbing and carrier producing Fabric that reversibly the radiation or the charge - in the sense a redistribution - again is suitable as further plasma constituent or buffer to be used in the plasma. These include in particular noble gases, Phosphors, molecules, Clusters and aerosols. Method for energy conversion according to one or more the aforementioned claims, thereby characterized in that the following feature is taken into account: Becomes for plasma generation an independent Gas discharge selected, This can be characterized by negative differential resistance and stabilized by a series resistor. The function of the Vorwiderstandes can improve energy conversion efficiency. After successful first and possibly second ignition can own electric Energy of the system to maintain the necessary electromagnetic Conditions are used, comparable to the electric motors and generators. Method for energy conversion according to one or more the aforementioned claims, thereby characterized in that the following feature is taken into account: A special case occurs when an ordinary one Discharge path between two electrodes of a consumer (Radiation source) in a generator (photon-electron converter) can be converted. The low-pressure Glühkathodenentladungen, so-called. Low-voltage arcs, with externally heated cathode can in special cases to Flügge have negative burning voltages. Is the absorption initiated Radiation in the plasma of the arc reaches the optical density correspondingly increased by absorbing and charge-generating substances, is with This arrangement carried out an energy conversion in the local sense. To optimize flow all Knowledge of tube technology one. Process for energy conversion to one or more several of the preceding claims, thereby characterized in that the following feature is taken into account: A Three-electrode arrangement for Entry and exit of electrical energy is possible when on one part the discharge gap, a higher one Potential is as on the total discharge distance. With purposeful (Local) optical irradiation, the energy conversion completed and the Electricity can be taken. For optimization, all knowledge of tube technology flows one. Process for energy conversion to one or more several of the preceding claims, thereby characterized in that the following feature is taken into account: The embedding of the plasma into a liquid, such as. in a highly transparent oil (known by research highest Concentrations of solar radiation) can be particularly thermal and provide optical advantages. In addition, by means of a cavity, a vapor bubble as a starting place and substance for serve a plasma. The special phenomenon of sonoluminescence can represent the required optical plasma radiation here. Process for energy conversion to one or more several of the preceding claims, thereby characterized in that the following feature is taken into account: The usage a plasma in liquids or steam bubbles possible a compression of the plasma. Resulting heat in the liquid can be fed to a low temperature process. Process for energy conversion to one or more several of the preceding claims, thereby characterized in that the following feature is taken into account: Generally can be the combustion of fuels or gases at high gas velocities done that, taking advantage of the magneto-hydrodynamic principle, electrical energy is gained. Here is the optimization of the Systems, in particular increase the degree of ionization of the plasma stream, by eliminating a separated combustion chamber and use of an optically radiant combustion process with optical reflections claimed since the photon production and absorption the ionization in "free-bound" and "free-free" transitions at lower energies as the work function allowed. Method for energy conversion according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the following feature is taken into account: the (re) absorption of the optical radiation in the plasma leads to the induced emission. Since this is true for all energies of the multi-level system, there is a spectral-quasi-continuous induced emission, which carry the characteristic properties of the laser radiation. By properly chosen reflection, part of the induced emission comes out of the plasma and the spectrally continuous "white" laser radiation can be used for energy transport and in the known applications.