FR3129563A1 - POWER GENERATION SYSTEM USING SEEBECK CELLS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing electricity, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) converting energy into heat from a flux of at least one electromagnetic wave, in which said flux is focused by an optical element, such as a lens or mirror; b) storing energy as heat according to step (a) on a heat transfer product; (c) generating electricity using the stored heat from step (b) needed for the hot side in a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell; and (d) recovering the electricity generated by production step (c). The invention also relates to a device for producing electricity suitable for implementing this method, the use of an optical element, such as a Fresnel lens (1), for implementing this method , as well as a use of an electricity-generating device according to the invention for supplying electricity to a public electricity network, supplying domestic or industrial electricity. Abstract Figure: Fig. 1

Description

POWER GENERATION SYSTEM USING SEEBECK CELLS

The present invention relates to a renewable, or even so-called "green" electricity production system, with a very low carbon footprint, using Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells, the necessary heat being produced by concentration of electromagnetic waves, such as solar rays. , via one or more optical elements such as a Fresnel lens.

Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells are generally used in areas where there is a lot of waste heat and this heat is used for additional electrical production. The cell(s) can thus be attached to an oven, or close to or in contact with a flame or hot exhaust gas. Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells have also been used in aerospace on some probes, when the probes travel too far for solar panels to be a viable source, then using heat from a radio battery as heat sources.

In addition, in the context of so-called “green” heat production, heat can be collected by huge mirror parks, concentrating this heat on a tower where calorific liquids are heated. Although this method is green, it requires a large infrastructure such as a very large and expensive tower, in addition the heated liquid must be conveyed by pipes and pumps.

The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a method for producing electricity, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

(a) conversion of energy into heat from a flux of at least one electromagnetic wave, in which said flux is concentrated by an optical element, such as a lens or a mirror;

(b) storing the energy in the form of heat according to step (a) on a heat transfer product;

(c) generating electricity using the stored heat from step (b) needed for the hot side in a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell; And

(d) recovery of the electricity generated by the production step (c).

Step (c) of electricity production is in particular necessary to create a temperature difference with the cold side of the cell.

Thus, preferably, the method for producing electricity according to the invention can be characterized in that it allows production of electricity for 24 hours generated by a flow of at least one electromagnetic wave for at least 2 hours. , at least 3 hours, at least 4 hours, at least 5 hours, at least 6 hours, at least 7 hours, at least 8 hours, at least 9 hours, at least 10 hours, at least 11 hours or at least 12 hours.

In a particular embodiment, the method for producing electricity according to the present invention can be characterized in that the quantity and/or the quality of the heat transfer product of step (a) and (b) are adapted for a generation of electricity day-and-night when the flux of at least one electromagnetic wave comes from the sun.

In a preferred embodiment, the method for producing electricity according to the invention can be characterized in that the quantity and/or the quality of heat transfer product of step (b) are suitable for operation of at least least 1 day, preferably at least 2 days, or even at least 3 days without a step (a) of converting energy into heat from a flux of at least one electromagnetic wave.

Furthermore, the method for producing electricity according to the invention can be characterized in that the optical element is a Fresnel lens. Fresnel lenses have in fact been known for a long time and are therefore easy to shape elements to allow optimal energy collection.

In addition, the method for producing electricity according to the invention can be characterized in that the optical element is a mirror, shaped so as to concentrate the flow of electromagnetic wave(s), for example by a concave mirror .

In a particular embodiment, the method for producing electricity according to the present invention can be characterized in that the heat transfer product of step (b) is a salt that is molten or capable of melting when it is subjected to the flow concentrated by an optical element.

In a particular embodiment, the method for producing electricity according to the present invention can be characterized in that the molten salt is chosen from the list consisting of lithium nitrate, calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate and potassium.

In a preferred embodiment, the method for producing electricity according to the invention can be characterized in that the heat transfer product of step (b) is heated by an additional source of energy, i.e. meaning additional to the conversion of energy into heat from a flux of at least one electromagnetic wave

In a preferred embodiment, the method for producing electricity according to the invention can be characterized in that the additional energy source comes from an artificial source.

Preferably, the method for producing electricity according to the invention can be characterized in that the additional energy source is concentrated by means of a heat exchanger or an external heat cell.

In a particular embodiment, the method for producing electricity according to the present invention can be characterized in that the heat transfer product of step (b) is heated by an additional source of energy, for example coming from an artificial source such as concentrated through a heat exchanger or an external heat stack.

The object of the present invention also relates to a device suitable for implementing the method described above.

More particularly, the object of the present invention relates to a device suitable for implementing the method described above which can be characterized in that it comprises:

- an optical element, such as a lens or a mirror as described above;

- a heat transfer product arranged to receive the energy from a flow of at least one electromagnetic wave concentrated by the optical element;

- at least one Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell comprising a cold body configured to generate a temperature difference with the heat transfer product; And

- at least one means of recovering the electricity produced.

In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention can be characterized in that the heat transfer product is isolated from the outside.

Preferably, the heat transfer product is placed in a preferentially hermetic compartment.

Preferably, the device according to the present invention can be characterized in that the heat transfer product is placed in a compartment whose humidity is controlled, for example by a pressure valve allowing the introduction of an inert gas such as nitrogen.

In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention can be characterized in that the walls of said device are made of an anticorrosive material.

Preferably, the device according to the present invention can be characterized in that the anticorrosive material comprises glass.

Preferably, the device according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises a glass cage.

By "glass cage", it is understood in the context of the present invention a glazed compartment (therefore made of glass).

In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention can be characterized in that at least part of the walls comprise a material allowing facilitated diffusion of heat, such as graphene, preferably the Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell is in contact with the material allowing easier diffusion of heat.

In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention can be characterized in that it comprises a metal enclosure in which is placed a compartment, preferably made of glass, comprising the heat transfer product.

Preferably, the device according to the present invention can be characterized in that the metal enclosure and the compartment, preferably made of glass, comprising the heat transfer product are separated by a space that can be filled with a gas such as air.

The object of the present invention also relates to a use of an optical element, such as a Fresnel lens or a mirror, to concentrate a flow of at least one electromagnetic wave with a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell comprising a cold body , wherein the optical element is oriented so as to heat a heat transfer product.

As previously described, the optical element can be a lens (like a Fresnel lens) or a mirror, as described above.

In a particular embodiment, the use according to the present invention can be characterized in that the heat transfer product is a molten salt or one capable of being molten when it is subjected to the concentrated flow by an optical means, with the aim of storing thermal energy in said molten salt to be used as a thermal battery.

Preferably, the use according to the present invention can be characterized in that the molten salt is chosen from the list consisting of lithium nitrate, calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate.

The object of the present invention also relates to a use of an electricity production device as described above for supplying electricity to a public electricity network, supplying domestic or industrial electricity.

Comments

An interesting fact here, is in the fact of providing the solution of a renewable heat source, with in particular less logistics, by the use of solar heat concentrated through an optical element such as a lens of Fresnel, for the hot side of the cell and for the cold side, a source of cold water is used, coming from a basin, for example, which can be either natural or artificial, filled with running water.

Alternatively by the use of concentrated solar heat through an optical element such as a Fresnel lens, and a tank in which the heat transfer product such as a metal salt or preferably lithium nitrate is located, and does not not circulate. This eliminates the pipes and pumps for its delivery from the tower to the system using the liquid calorific. The system then produces so-called “green” and carbon-free electricity.

The invention uses in particular the thermoelectric principle with the Seebeck effect to create renewable and carbon-free green electricity.

The optical element such as the Fresnel lens concentrates electromagnetic radiation such as solar radiation and uses this heat to heat a heat transfer product such as a metal salt (preferably molten), preferably lithium nitrate. The stored heat can be used as thermal storage or solar cell.

The invention has the advantage of operating and releasing heat even in the absence of electromagnetic radiation such as solar radiation (i.e. in the dark), such as during the night. The system uses electromagnetic radiation such as solar radiation as a heat source, but does not need electromagnetic radiation to return this energy in the form of electricity, since it is a temperature difference (hot versus cold) combined with a Seebeck effect cell allows this effect.

For example, for 24-hour operation, it is necessary to adapt the surface in square meters (m²) of optical element(s) such as Fresnel lenses and the quantity of heat transfer product such as a molten metal (preferably lithium nitrate) such that the amount of heat transfer medium is sufficiently heated to allow sufficient heat storage for operation.

This can be easily determined by first adjusting the quantity and nature of the heat transfer product according to the Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell(s) used (artificial heating with release in the dark and measurement of the electricity thus supplied ). Then, the optical element(s) such as Fresnel lenses are adapted to provide the calories necessary for the heat transfer product.

The Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell is characterized by the production of electricity via a temperature difference, subjected to several of its faces (generally two). In other words, when a hot source and a cold source are each in contact with each of the two faces of a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell, electricity is produced (therefore corresponding to the difference between hot and cold). cold that is in contact with these faces).

In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention offers a so-called green and carbon-free solution for electricity production by means of a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell. The heat is produced by a synergy of means, such as the concentration of solar rays by Fresnel lens, to melt a heat transfer medium (product) (such as lithium nitrate), bringing the necessary heat to at least one thermoelectric cell a Seebeck effect. By thermal conduction, the cold being brought by a cold liquid circulating in another tank, which can be cold water, the system can operate even after sunset. If containers previously heated by the lens during the day are used, such as thermal accumulators (heat battery), these can restore the heat during the night by thermal conduction in the same way as the diurnal system. The heat transfer product tanks (such as molten salt) can also be placed if necessary on an assembly called a trolley replacing the exhaust heat container, thus providing a constant solution during the day and/or during the night.

Further, certain aspects of the present invention may be described in the form of clauses:

Clause 1: the process is said to be green or renewable because the heat necessary for the operation of the Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells is produced by solar radiation passing through a Fresnel lens (1), used to melt lithium nitrate, or another solution having a heat transfer role, preferably lithium nitrate for these qualities of storage and thermal restitution.

Clause 2: The insulation by the glass parts (18), (19), (20), of the sandwich, and the system of screws or rivets at the top and bottom are intended to prevent the heating of the plate (16), by thermal conduction of the plate (15).

Clause 3: Heat from lithium nitrate or other heat transfer medium, molten is used to transmit by thermal conduction the necessary heat to the Seebeck thermoelectric cell, for the hot side of the cell.

Clause 4: The container of the heat transfer medium is airtight to an atmosphere at sea level, thanks to a pressure valve, (9), the purpose of which is to allow the ambient air to be sucked in, in order to replace with gaseous nitrogen, in order to limit the absorption of humidity from the ambient air by the lithium nitrate, and to fill the tank with lithium nitrate.

Clause 5: The design of the glass cage in the shape of a cube (6) and without bottom walls, the bottom (7) being made of the highest possible thermal conduction material and sealing to the glass cage (6) constituting a single hermetic assembly, the bottom material preferably being graphene. The glass of the glass tank (6) has the advantage of limiting corrosion and abrasion on parts that would otherwise be made of metal or sensitive to corrosion or oxidation for example. 6) Heat losses are minimized by the thermos type design, by the glass walls (6), and the air space (8) between the glass and the aluminum wall (5) containing air, allowing that the maximum heat is conserved and used by thermal conduction through the graphene (7).

Clause 6: The sandwich (15)(18)(17)(19)(16)(20) holding the thermoelectric cells in the middle of the sandwich, offers a solution that has both good thermal conduction performance to the cells (17) as well good for the hot side and cold side due to the thermal property of graphene, and also ensures an insulating principle by the parts (18) (19) (20) minimizing thermal conduction of the part (15) to (16).

Clause 7: The upper part A1 and the lower part A2 are separable, making it possible to replace the upper part contributing to a constant supply of heat by thermal conduction, by a new upper part acting as thermal storage, "heat cell" or solar cell , offers the solution to work without sun and or during the night.

Clause 8: The cylinder allows both the lower part and the thermos cube to be lowered and raised when changing the upper part.

Clause 9: The mobile trolley system allows the upper part to be changed, automatically allowing a supply of heat by thermal conduction, by the solution of replacing another upper part having the role of heat pile, which can be used during absence sun, or night. To keep the system producing electricity.

There will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended figures in which:

is an overview of the device according to the invention.

represents a system with a lens (for example a Fresnel lens) comprising a frame and a sun tracking system, and its fixing to the ground.

represents a profile view of the .

shows a lens system (such as a Fresnel lens) arranged to heat an upper portion of a vessel according to the present invention.

shows a top view of a tank according to the present invention.

is an exploded perspective view of all the elements of the .

shows a variant of a tank according to the present invention with a glass top.

shows a profile view with an upper part and a lower part of the device according to the present invention.

represents a thermoelectric cell with Seebeck effects, for the understanding of the two different faces and their use.

represents the lower part, and all the elements of which it is composed.

shows a front view of the .

shows a perspective view of a lower part of the sandwich device.

shows another perspective view of the lower part of the sandwich device according to the with additional items.

shows an exploded perspective view of the lower part of the sandwich device.

is a representation helping the understanding of an embodiment described in the example below.

is a representation helping the understanding of an embodiment described in the example below.

is a representation helping the understanding of an embodiment described in the example below.

is a representation helping the understanding of an embodiment described in the example below.

With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, an optical element can be identified, such as a Fresnel lens 1, held by a frame 2 (also called carrier frame or mobile frame). This frame 2 is attached to arms 3, connected to at least one motor 4. Fresnel lens 1 is arranged to be focused on an upper part A1 of the device according to the present invention. This upper part A1 is positioned on a lower part A2.

More specifically in , the frame 2 of the Fresnel lens 1 is orientable by the motor 4 (which may be an electric motor and/or a stepper motor), which motor may be for example of the stepper type, to follow the path of the sun , in order to keep its orientation of concentration of the solar rays on a focal point of the hot spot on the first upper plate 11.

In , the frame 2, has a square shape and is constructed in order to house motors 4, in round housings located on the sides of the frame 2. The frame 2 is fixed by arms 3 (which arms can be made of metal), which have the function of holding, the motors 4, the frame 2 (the latter holding the Fresnel lens 1. The arms 3 are sealed to the ground.

Furthermore, on the , the solar radiation passes through a Fresnel lens 1 maintained in its frame 2, the solar radiation is concentrated by this Fresnel lens and is oriented and focused so as to obtain a desired temperature on a precise focal point, with the aim of maintain the desired temperature, as would a person skilled in the art or an engineer specializing in the science of optics.

Fresnel lens hot spot is used And to heat a first upper plate 11 preferably made of graphene or a material with high thermal conduction, or the first upper plate 11 can be replaced by glass.

In figures 5, 6 and 7, the denomination of upper part A1 includes the container of heat transfer product in the form of a salt capable of being melted, such as lithium nitrate, that is to say all the following elements: the first tank 5, the second tank 6, the tank bottom 7, the space 8 thus generated, the pressure valve 9, the first rivets 10 and the first upper plate 11 in a single compact assembly.

With reference to the , the second tank 6 can be a bottomless glass tank (as shown in ), using radiation to heat the metal salt instead of convective heating. A first upper plate 11 of high thermal conduction material can be used. In all cases, the aim is to store thermal energy in a heat transfer product such as a salt capable of being melted (for example lithium nitrate), to be injected inside the second tank. 6 (which second tank 6 possibly being made of glass).

In a tank as a whole is shown, comprising a second tank 6 taking the form of a bottomless glass cube, a first upper plate 11 of the second tank 6 preferably made of graphene, or of glass and sealed by first rivets 10 which allow to seal all along and from top to bottom by crossing the first tank 5 the four corners of the second tank 6, the bottom of the tank 7 and the first upper plate 11. The bottom of the tank 7 is constructed in a material with a high coefficient thermal conduction preferably in graphene for these qualities of thermal conduction, but can be built with another material presenting a very good thermal conduction.

In , outside the sides of the second tank 6 a first tank 5 surrounds it, comprising a space 8 between the first tank 5 and the glass walls of the second tank 6, the space 8 being able to be filled with air, in principle adding thermal insulation.

In , the interior of the second tank 6 can be made of glass with a tank bottom 7 made of hermetic graphene and having a pressure of one atmosphere at 0 M at sea level. Such a pressure can thus be considered satisfactory.

In , a pressure valve 9 (which can also be called a pressure valve) passes through the first tank 5 and the second tank 6 pierced to accommodate the pressure valve 9 provided for this purpose.

In , the pressure valve 9 is located on at least one of the sides of the first tank 5 and of the second tank 6, the latter possibly being made of glass. The usefulness of this pressure valve 9 is to suck in ambient air from the assembly comprising the first tank 5, the second tank 6, the first upper plate 11 and the bottom of the tank 7. The aim is thus to remove the oxygen and the maximum humidity from the air inside the latter, and to fill the assembly comprising the first tank 5, the second tank 6, the first upper plate 11 and the bottom of the tank 7 by an inert gas such as nitrogen, at a pressure of one atmosphere.

In and in the case of the use of lithium nitrate, the latter being corrosive and oxidizing, the fact of adding glass walls makes it possible to greatly reduce the problem of corrosion and oxidation. In addition, the fact of adding glass walls makes it possible to reduce the frequent replacement of the constituents of the device according to the present invention and in particular the first tank 5, the second tank 6, the first upper plate 11 and the bottom of the tank 7 .

more and more , the fact of having a space 8 which can be an air space between the glass side walls of the second tank 6 and the first tank 5 provides a solution for minimizing heat loss (through the sides of the first tank 5 and of the second tank 6).

Also in , the pressure valve 9 makes it possible to empty the ambient air found below the first upper plate 11, the second tank 6 and the bottom of the tank 7 and to replace it with an inert gas such as nitrogen. This makes it possible to prevent a heat transfer product sensitive to oxidation or humidity, such as lithium nitrate, from being able to absorb humidity from the ambient air. The heat transfer product, such as lithium nitrate, can then be injected through the pressure valve 9 only when the ambient air has been sucked in and has been replaced by an inert gas such as nitrogen at one atmosphere, for example. .

In , lithium nitrate may be contained in the second tank 6, the first upper plate 11 and the bottom of the tank 7.

When the heat transfer product is a salt capable of being melted, such as lithium nitrate, the latter can then be melted thanks to the Fresnel lens 1 adjusted so as to reach the necessary temperature through the first upper plate 11. The adjustment of my Fresnel lens can be done for example by adjusting the focal point of the hot spot on the heat transfer medium. It is therefore possible to use the heat transfer product in the form of a salt capable of being melted, such as lithium nitrate as a source of heat by thermal conduction through the bottom of the graphene tank 7 in replacement of a flame or resistance .

With reference to the , it can be seen a first tank 5 (outer) in which a second tank 6 (inner) is positioned. The first tank has a pressure valve 9. The second tank 6 comprises four first rivets 10. The first tank 5 and second tank assembly is capped by a first upper plate 11.

In , it can be seen that the second upper plate 15 transmits heat to the upper face of the thermoelectric cell 17.

With reference to the , a liquid cooling system is conventional. Thus, a cold liquid circulates using a water pump, passing inside the reservoir 14 through an inlet 14A, filling it completely, and coming out on the opposite side at the level of the outlet 14B. In one embodiment, the liquid can be cold water, coming from a basin or other, returning to the basin to be cooled there naturally by heat loss. Then, the liquid is pumped again from the basin into the tank 14 circulating in the same way as before, passing through the inlet 14A and evacuated through the outlet 14B.

In is illustrated a device according to the present invention comprising two separate parts, called upper part A1 and lower part A2.

The upper part A1 comprises a first tank 5, a tank bottom 7, a pressure valve 9, and a first upper plate 11.

The lower part A2 comprises a reservoir 14, an inlet 14A, an outlet 14B, a second upper plate 15, a thermoelectric cell 17, a third upper plate 18, a second middle plate 19, second rivets 20 and third rivets 20A.

For good contact between the upper part A1 and the lower part A2, also referred to as a “sandwich” in the context of the present invention, the second upper plate 15 made of graphene preferably has a diameter and/or a geometric shape close to or identical to the diameter and/or geometric shape of the graphene plate of the bottom of the vessel 7. Indeed, the aim being to be able to bring the graphene plate of the bottom of the vessel 7 into contact with the second upper plate 15 in graphene to ensure thermal conduction between the bottom of the tank 7, and the second upper plate 15, through the graphene plates.

Thus by allowing the transfer of heat from the heat transfer product in the form of a salt capable of being melted, such as lithium nitrate, through the bottom of the graphene tank 7, to the second upper plate 15, by thermal conduction to the second upper plate 15, a temperature difference is made between the upper and lower faces of the thermoelectric cell 17.

In , there is illustrated a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell of square and flat shape, with an upper face 17A called “hot”, and a lower face 17B called “cold”.

The device according to the invention uses by thermal conduction the thermal energy of the heat transfer product such as a salt capable of being melted (for example lithium nitrate), for the hot side of the Seebeck cell, cf. (upper face 17A).

In , it is understandable that the underside 17B must be kept cold.

In figures 10 and 11, the denomination (A2) includes all the following elements: the tank 14, the inlet 14A, the outlet 14B, the second upper plate 15, the first middle plate 16, the thermoelectric cell 17, the face upper 17A, the underside 17B, the third upper plate 18, the second middle plate 19 and the second rivets 20.

In particular in the , the third upper plate 18, the second upper plate 15 and the second middle plate 19 are held together by the second rivets 20.

Especially also in the , on the lower part of the , there can be seen a tank 14 which can be made of aluminum having an inlet 14a and an outlet 14b for the circulation of a cold liquid inside said tank 14.

The underside of the thermoelectronic cell can be kept cold thanks to a cooling liquid, which flows in the tank 14 from the inlet 14A to the outlet 14B passing through the tank 14. The purpose of the cold water is to absorb the heat which arrives at the first middle plate 16 after the Seebeck conversion thus acting as a heat sink.

In , the second upper plate 15 third upper plate 18 is constructed in the same manner as the second middle plate 19 and the first middle plate 16, found in .

In , there is shown a sandwich system held on the reservoir 14 by second rivets 20 and third rivets 20A. The sandwich has at least two roles. A first role is to maintain the thermoelectric cell or cells 17 pressed between the second upper plate 15 of graphene and the first middle plate 16. A second role (as illustrated in , which includes the same elements as the other figures) allows good heat transfer and/or good cold transfer by conduction to the thermoelectric cell 17.

Moreover, in , by means of a third upper plate 18 which can be made of glass and the presence of the second rivets 20, a thermal insulation or a limitation of thermal conduction can be obtained in particular between the third upper plate 18 in combination with the second upper plate 15 and the second middle plate 19 in combination with the first middle plate 16.

In illustrated is a second top plate 15 of graphene or other material with high thermal conductivity, sealed in the middle of the third top plate 18, which third top plate 18 can be made of glass or another insulating material, but which can (or even must) resist a temperature of over 300 degrees Celsius.

In , the second middle plate 19 is held to the tank 14 by the third rivets 20A.

In , a sandwich is shown holding the thermoelectric cells 17 in contact between the second upper plate 15 (which may be made of graphene) and the first middle plate 16. The faces of one or more thermoelectric cells 17 allow good thermal conduction of the graphene to the both sides of the thermoelectric cells.

The water being in contact with the first middle plate 16 as shown in , it absorbs excess heat. As the first middle plate 16 is in contact with the lower face of the thermoelectronic cell, this allows the lower face of the thermoelectric cell 17 to remain at a so-called cold temperature. The face of the first middle plate 16 therefore has the purpose of transferring the cold to the lower face of the thermoelectric cell 17.

Water having a very high heat capacity, this property allows it great thermal absorption, for a thermal rise of only a few degrees Celsius. So it can be seen on the that, by bringing water (relatively cold) into contact with a first middle plate 16 during a Seebeck cycle, the water will make it possible to keep the lower face of the thermoelectric cell 17 cold by thermal conduction. example, a quantity of water having a temperature of ten degrees Celsius (ideally pumped at a certain speed to ensure mixing) in the tank 14 according to the allows proper operation of the device according to the invention, by absorbing the heat to reach, for example, thirty degrees Celsius.

Glass is a material that can withstand relatively high temperatures without melting or catching fire, while retaining its insulating properties (i.e. a thermally non-conductive material). With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the glass can thus be chosen to surround the parts comprising graphene (that is to say the pair “second upper plate 15 - third upper plate 18” and the pair “second middle plate 19 - first middle plate 16"), is thus to limit the heat transfer for each couple and at the level of the second rivets 20 with the second middle plates 19.

Example

There will be described below, by way of non-limiting example, embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the figures.

The present invention relates in particular to a so-called green renewable electricity production system with a very low carbon footprint, using Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells, the necessary heat being produced by concentrating the sun's rays via one or more Fresnel lenses. Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells are generally used in areas where there is a lot of waste heat and this heat is used for additional electrical production, such as attached to an oven, or the use of a flame, or hot exhaust gases, or they have been used in aerospace on some probes, when probes travel too far for solar panels to be a viable source, then using radio-battery heat as sources heat in this case. The novelty here is in the fact of providing the solution of a renewable heat source, by the use of concentrated solar heat through a Fresnel lens, for the hot side of the cell and for the cold side , a source of cold water from a pool, for example, is used. Which can be either natural or artificial filled with running water, in addition to this, the Fresnel lens can also heat a medium such as lithium nitrate, to use the stored heat and restore it when there is no sun or overnight, as thermal storage or solar cell. The invention uses the thermoelectric principle with the Seebeck effect to create renewable and carbon-free green electricity. The Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell is characterized by the fact of producing electricity through a difference or delta of temperature, subjected to these faces, in other words, when a hot and cold source is in contact with these two faces, a production of electricity occurs, corresponding to the difference between the hot and the cold which is in contact with these faces. There represents the overall view of the system the so-called upper part A1, comprising the hermetic tank containing the lithium nitrate, plus the tank support arm trolley system, the electric motors used to change part A1, plus the rail without the Fresnel system. Two systems according to can be placed next to each other. There represents all the elements of the tank. On the this tank includes the locations for the arms 21, which hold the tank on the rail. There represents the so-called A1 system, comprising the tank plus all the elements necessary for the carriage to move it. There represents a thermoelectric cell with SEEBECK effect, for the understanding of the two different faces and their use. There , represents the lower part called A2, and all the elements of which it is composed. There , represents a part of the sandwich, and especially the construction of the parts of the sandwich concerning the technical solution for the conduction and the thermal insulation of the lower part, concerning the thermal conduction of the part 15, and the insulation of the part 18, being sealed together. There , represents a front view of the , making it possible to see the inlets and outlets 14a and 14b for the cold liquid. There , represents the so-called sandwich part, alone with all these elements showing the construction as well as the technical solution to collect and maintain the thermoelectric cell(s) in the middle as well as the heat supply to these two respective faces for hot and cold. There shows how part A1 and A2 connect, with the purpose of transmitting heat from part (7), from A1 to part (15) from A2, which supply heat by thermal conduction to the thermoelectric cell (17) more particularly for its hot face (17a). There , represents all the elements necessary in exploded view, for the construction of the lower part, called A2. There , is a complete view apart from the Fresnel system, of lens, showing all the elements constituting the whole of the system of the carriage as well as the two parts A1, one being in charge on its cube the other being in contact with the lower part A2. There is a front view allowing a better view especially the platform (24) and the cylinder (24)a, and the bar (25) linking the two parts A2 with the thermos cube together. On the , the solar radiation passes through a Fresnel lens (1) held in its supporting frame (2), the solar radiation is concentrated by this Fresnel lens and is oriented and focused so as to obtain a desired temperature on a precise focal point, in order to maintain the desired temperature, as would be done by a person skilled in the art or an engineer specialized in the science of optics. The hot spot of the Fresnel lens is used to heat a plate (11) preferably in graphene or in a material with high thermal conduction, to melt preferably lithium nitrate injected inside the tank. The system uses the thermal energy of lithium nitrate melted by thermal conduction, for the hot side of the Seebeck cell, (17a). , the carrier frame (2) of the Fresnel lens (1) is orientable by electric motor (4) of the stepping type with a view to following the course of the sun, in order to keep its orientation of concentration of the solar rays on a point focal point of the hot spot on the plate (11) the movable frame (2), is constructed to accommodate stepper motors (4), the frame (2), is fixed by metal arms (3), which have for holding function, the motors (4), the frame (2), which holds the lens (1), the arms (3), are sealed to the ground. The lithium nitrate is contained in the glass cube (11)(6) and (7) called the tank. Tank, it consists of four parts. (6) A bottomless glass cube shape, The top (11) of the preferably graphene cube (6) is sealed by rivets (10) on the top of the part (5) the bottom of the cube (7) is built in a material with a high coefficient of thermal conduction, preferably in graphene for these qualities of thermal conduction, but can be built with another material with very good thermal conduction. The bottom of the graphene cube (7) is sealed to the four vertical glass walls (6) by rivets (10) located at the four corners of the plate (7). Outside the sides of the glass cube (6) a body (5) surrounds it, having a space between the body (5) and the glass walls (6) the space (8) being air , adding a thermal insulation principle. The interior of the glass vessel (6) with graphene bottom (7) therefore being airtight, a pressure of one atmosphere at 0 M at sea level being considered satisfactory. A pressure valve (9) located on one of the sides of the tank (5) and of the glass cube (6) passes through the body (5) and (6) pierced to accommodate the pressure valve/valve (9) provided for this effect. The usefulness of this valve (9) is to suck in ambient air from the tank (11)(6) and (7) in order to remove oxygen and as much humidity as possible from the air at the interior of it, and replacing it with nitrogen gas, has a pressure of one atmosphere. Since lithium nitrate is corrosive and oxidizing, adding glass walls greatly reduces the problem of corrosion and oxidation, and the frequent replacement of the tank, (11)(6)(7). In addition, the fact of having a thermos effect, with the air space (8) between the side walls of glass (6) and the body (5) provides a solution to minimize heat loss through the sides of the tank. (6)(5). The pressure valve (9) also provides the solution and the advantage of emptying the ambient air inside the tank (11)(6) and (7) and replacing it with gaseous nitrogen, thus suppresses or greatly minimizes the fact that lithium nitrate can absorb moisture from ambient air. The lithium nitrate, being then injected, through the valve (9) only when the ambient air has been sucked in and has been replaced by gaseous nitrogen at one atmosphere. The lithium nitrate can then be melted by the Fresnel lens (1) whose focal point of the hot spot is adjusted so as to reach the necessary temperature through the top of the tank (11) in order to use the said molten lithium nitrate, as a heat source by thermal conduction through the graphene bottom (7) replacing a flame or resistance, in the classic system. The upper part (A1) , And . The denomination upper part (A1) includes the container of lithium nitrate, that is to say all the elements from (5) to (11) in a single compact assembly, plus the elements of the trolley (21) (22) (23). The lower part (A2) And ,the denomination (A2) includes all the elements from (14) to (20). The lower part , consists of an aluminum tank (14) having an inlet (14a) and an outlet (14b) for the circulation of a cold liquid inside the tank. The tank (14) does not have a top plate. A sandwich system is placed on the tank (14) the sandwich has two roles, the first is to maintain the thermoelectric cell or cells (17) plated between the graphene plates (15) and (16) to allow good heat transfer by conduction a the thermoelectric cell (17). But also to have through the glass plates holding the graphene plates sealed in the middle of the assembly (18)(15) . Thermal insulation between the top plate (18)(15) and the bottom (19)(16) . description of the sandwich, (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20) this system comprises the plate (15) in graphene or other material with high thermal conductivity, which is sealed in the middle of the plate in glass (18) or other insulating material, but must withstand a temperature of more than 300 degrees Celsius. forming a single whole, , the plate (19) and (16) is constructed in the same way as the plate (15), (18) the plates (18), (15) and (19), (16) are held together by the rivets (20) . The plate (19) is held to the tank (14) by the rivets (20A) . Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells used in our system are square and flat, hot face (17a) cold face (17B). The sandwich maintains contact between the graphene plates (15)(16) the faces of one or more thermoelectric cells (17), allowing good thermal conduction of the graphene to both sides of the thermoelectric cell, (17a) for the hot face and ( 17b) for the cold, (17), (17a) and (17b). So that: The lithium nitrate transmits the heat from the plate (7) A (15) , the upper part (15) transmits to (17a) . The cold coming from the cooling liquid, which flows in (14) from (14a) to (14b) crossing (14) the cold is transmitted by conduction to the lower part (16) which transmits to (17b) . the reason why glass is chosen and surrounds the graphene part (15)(18) and (19)(16), is to limit heat transfer from part (15), to (18) and from (18 ) to (20), from (20) to (19), but also because you need a material that can withstand the temperature without melting or catching fire, while being an insulator because (19) surrounds the part in graphene (16), which aims to transfer the cold to the cold face (17b) of the thermoelectric cell. If too much heat were transmitted to the part (16), the cooling of the cold liquid on the part (16), will be less effective, and therefore the electrical production will be lower, because the thermoelectric Seebeck effect results from the temperature difference between the cold and hot, insulating the room as well as possible from heat (16) , which leads the cold to 17B, leads to better electricity production, which would otherwise require colder water to compensate for the fact that the part (16) is heated by the thermal conduction of the part (15). The cooling liquid system, is a classic design, a cold liquid circulates using a water pump, passes inside the tank through the inlet (14a) and fills it completely (14), and emerges on the opposite side (14b) Thus the flow of cold liquid passing through the tank (14), cooling by thermal conduction the lower graphene plate (16), this plate (16), transmits the cold of the liquid by conduction to the cold face of the Seebeck thermoelectric cell (17b) And . The liquid may simply be cold water, coming from a basin or other, returning to the basin to be cooled there naturally by heat loss. Then, the liquid is pumped again from the basin into the tank (14) circulating in the same way in the same cold liquid circuit, from (14A) and (14b). Concerning the contacting of part (A1), and the sandwich of part (A2), the graphene plate (15), , preferably has the same diameter or the same geometric shape as the graphene plate of the bottom of the vessel (7) , the aim being to be able to be brought into contact, to ensure thermal conduction between the bottom of the vessel (7), and the plate (15), through the graphene plates, . Thus ensuring the heat transfer of lithium nitrate through the graphene plate (7), to the top plate (15), providing heat transfer by thermal conduction from (15), to the face of the thermoelectric cell (17a).

Sunless operation . When the sun becomes insufficient, and therefore the Fresnel lens 1, does not provide enough heat, lithium nitrate, there is a cooling, which generates due to the drop in heat, a drop in electrical production of the cells (17), Seebeck effect. To remedy this problem, the carriage is mobile, thanks to a sliding assembly from left to right, or a new upper part (A1) , takes the place of the old one. The motors (22) run along the rail (23). Overview , the denomination carriage comprises 2 parts (A1) connected together by (25) plus the elements (21), (22), (23), the carriage being the assembly which moves forwards and backwards. The change in the upper part (A1) occurs at nightfall on detection of insufficient heat from the lithium nitrate in an upper part (A1). For example less than 275 degrees Celsius, in the case of lithium nitrate which melts at around 255 Celsius. The carriages being an independent assembly of the lower part, (A2), . The solution provided by the trolley makes it possible to change parts (A1), , by another (A1), the new one (A1) acting as a heat pile, or thermal storage, having been charged during the day, but whose heat has not been used. This trolley , is composed of two upper parts, (A1) , next to each other, . The parts (A1), being fixed via a metal arm (21), allowing its support, on the rail (23), this metal arm has one side embedded in the upper part (5) , and on the other side of the metal arm is embedded in an electric motor (22) the electric motor (22) rolls on a notched rail (23), which makes it possible to advance the carriage from right to left, and left to LAW. (A2) is sealed on a platform (24), this platform goes up and down a few centimeters by means of a hydraulic jack, (24a). On the side of the lower part (A2) a metal arm (25) is fixed and extends from the lower part (A2) to a thermos cube (26), , therefore the thermos cube, (26) and the lower part, (A2) follow the same movement from top to bottom when the cylinder (24a) is activated. The aim being to lower the lower part (A2) and the thermos cube (26), so that they are no longer in contact with the upper parts (7), of (A1), during the movement of the cylinder (24a) towards the bottom. Part (7), and (15), , are no longer in contact, so do not interfere with the movement of the carriage and the upper parts (A1) in motion when changing part (A1), the thermos cube (26), being connected to (A2) by the arm ( 25), also goes down, so part (7), is therefore above the thermos cube (26) to allow the new part (A1), to move forward without touching the top edges of the cube (26), and to take the place of the old one (A1). When the cylinder (24a) rises, (7), and (15), are again in contact, again allowing transfer by thermal conduction. The cube (26), going up, having a larger diameter than (7), encompasses the part (7), to minimize heat losses, as explained in the thermos cube part (26), below. The thermos cube (26), , Its usefulness is to be placed just below the upper part (A1) which is recharged with thermal energy during the day, and the role of the cube is to minimize thermal losses through the graphene plate (7), from the part(A1). The thermos cube (26) is made of glass and has the shape of a cube without an upper face. It is empty containing only air, and its diameter is larger than the graphene plate (7), of (A1) which allows it to fit under the graphene plate (7), when the cylinder (24a) goes up. The goal is to minimize thermal losses via the graphene plate (7), which would be greater if it were in the open air. The system is not hermetic, so there is no overpressure caused by the air heated in the cube (26), due to heat losses, which allows the expanded air to escape when necessary. The cold liquid conduits (14A) and (14b) are long and flexible enough not to be a problem during the movement of the lower part (A2), up and down. The same goes for the electrical circuit connecting the Seebeck thermoelectric cells (17) of the lower part (A2).

CARRIAGE STEPS.

The cylinder (24a) lowers the lower part (A2), and the thermos cube (26), is integral with the part (A2), connected together by the arm (25), therefore follows the same movement. At this time, the carriage can advance, via the motors (22), on the rail (23), when the carriage advances there is a change of upper part (A1), when the new upper part (A1) is in place in front of the lower part (A2). The cylinder (24a) goes up and the lower part (A2) is again in contact with the new upper part (A1) . So that the thermal heat exchange by thermal conduction through the plate (7) with (15), which brings heat to the face (17a) , of the Seebeck cell. In this case, the new upper part (A1) acts as a heat pile or solar cell which has been heated beforehand and has stored thermal energy, all day long, without releasing it, except for losses. Where otherwise called thermal storage, this other upper part (A1) replaces the upper part (A1) whose thermal heat is exhausted or insufficient. Its thermal energy is therefore returned by the same thermal conduction system plate (7) with (15), and face (17a), and is therefore used until it runs out. If necessary, one or more upper parts (A1) can be used during the evening and during the night. In this specific case there would be several upper parts (A1) side by side on the trolley, so for example three upper parts (A1) instead of two, two of which will serve as thermal storage during the day, in this case the trolley would be composed of three upper parts (A1) instead of two, and of two thermos cubes (26) and two bars (25), one of which (25) will be the link between two thermos cubes (26). At the next sunrise, when the solar rays concentrate via the Fresnel lens (1), the plate (11) heats up again, which melts the lithium nitrate which stores heat for a new cycle. The lithium nitrate or another medium is melted again or regains its operating temperature of 300 degrees Celsius detected by a thermometer for example, the truck resumes its initial configuration. Thus, the lithium nitrate containers are recharged with thermal energy by the Fresnel lens (1) melting the lithium nitrate for a new daily cycle. As a result, Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells ensure constant electrical production from the moment a hot/cold temperature difference is supplied to each of their faces. The cold temperature is always provided by the circulation of cold water in the part (A2), whether day or night.

This example can be summarized by the clauses below:

Clause 1: the process is said to be green or renewable because the heat necessary for the operation of the Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells is produced by solar radiation passing through a Fresnel lens (1), used to melt lithium nitrate, or another solution having a heat transfer role, preferably lithium nitrate for this storage quality and thermal restitution.

Clause 2: The insulation by the glass parts (18), (19), (20), of the sandwich, and the system of screws or rivets at the top and bottom are intended to prevent the heating of the plate (16), by thermal conduction of the plate (15).

Clause 3: Heat from lithium nitrate or other heat transfer medium, molten is used to transmit by thermal conduction the necessary heat to the Seebeck thermoelectric cell, for the hot side of the cell.

Clause 4: The container of the heat transfer medium is airtight to an atmosphere at sea level, thanks to a pressure valve, (9), the purpose of which is to allow the ambient air to be sucked in, in order to replace with gaseous nitrogen, in order to limit the absorption of humidity from the ambient air by the lithium nitrate, and to fill the tank with lithium nitrate.

Clause 5: The design of the glass cage in the shape of a cube (6) and without bottom walls, the bottom (7) being made of the highest possible thermal conduction material and sealing to the glass cage (6) constituting a single hermetic assembly, the bottom material preferably being graphene. The glass tank (6) Glass has the advantage of limiting corrosion and abrasion on parts that would otherwise be made of metal or sensitive to corrosion or oxidation, for example. 6) Heat losses are minimized by the thermos type design, by the glass walls (6), and the air space (8) between the glass and the aluminum wall (5) containing air, allowing that the maximum heat is retained and used by thermal conduction through the graphene (7)

Clause 6: The sandwich (15)(18)(17)(19)(16)(20) holding the thermoelectric cells in the middle of the sandwich, offers a solution that has both good thermal conduction performance to the cells (17) as well good for the hot side and the cold side due to the thermal property of graphene, and also ensures an insulating principle by the parts (18) (19) (20) minimizing thermal conduction from the part (15) to (16)

Clause 7: The upper part A1 and the lower part A2 are separable, making it possible to replace the upper part contributing to a constant supply of heat by thermal conduction, by a new upper part acting as thermal storage, "heat cell" or solar cell , offers the solution to work without sun and or during the night.

Clause 8: The cylinder allows both the lower part and the thermos cube to be lowered and raised when changing the upper part.

Clause 9: The mobile trolley system allows the upper part to be changed, automatically allowing a supply of heat by thermal conduction, by the solution of replacing another upper part having the role of heat pile, which can be used during absence sun, or night. To keep the system producing electricity.

Claims (10)

A method of producing electricity, comprising the steps of:
(a) converting energy into heat;
b) storing the energy in the form of heat according to step (a);
(c) generating electricity using the stored heat from step (b) needed for the hot side in a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell (17); And
(d) recovery of the electricity generated by the production step (c)
characterized in that step (a) of converting energy into heat is done from a flux of at least one electromagnetic wave in which said flux is concentrated by an optical element, such as a lens or a mirror and that step (b) of storing energy in the form of heat according to step (a) is done on a heat transfer product. Method of producing electricity according to Claim 1, characterized in that the quantity and/or the quality of the heat transfer product of step (a) and (b) are suitable for day-and-night production of electricity when the flux of at least one electromagnetic wave originates from the sun. Process for producing electricity according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat-transfer product of stage (b) is a salt which is molten or capable of melting when it is subjected to the flux concentrated by an optical element. Method of producing electricity according to Claim 3, characterized in that the molten salt is chosen from the list consisting of lithium nitrate, calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Device for producing electricity suitable for implementing the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 comprising:
- an optical element, such as a lens or a mirror;
- a heat transfer product arranged to receive the energy from a flux of at least one electromagnetic wave concentrated by the optical element;
- at least one Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell (17) comprising a cold body configured to generate a temperature difference with the heat transfer product; And
- at least one means of recovering the electricity produced. Device for producing electricity according to Claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a glass cage. Device for producing electricity according to claim 5 or 6 comprising walls, characterized in that at least part of the walls comprise a material allowing facilitated diffusion of heat, such as graphene, preferably the thermoelectric cell (17) Seebeck effect is in contact with the material allowing easier heat diffusion. Use of an optical element, such as a Fresnel lens (1) or a mirror for concentrating a flux of at least one electromagnetic wave with a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell (17) comprising a cold body, in which the optical element is oriented so as to heat a heat transfer product. Use according to Claim 8, characterized in that the heat transfer product is a molten salt or one capable of being molten when it is subjected to the concentrated flux by an optical means, with the aim of storing thermal energy, in the said molten salt. in order to be used as a thermal battery. Use of an electricity-generating device according to any one of Claims 5 to 7 for supplying electricity to a public electricity network, supplying domestic or industrial electricity