GB2448163A - Photovoltaic AC generator - Google Patents
Photovoltaic AC generator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2448163A GB2448163A GB0706586A GB0706586A GB2448163A GB 2448163 A GB2448163 A GB 2448163A GB 0706586 A GB0706586 A GB 0706586A GB 0706586 A GB0706586 A GB 0706586A GB 2448163 A GB2448163 A GB 2448163A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- generator
- photovoltaic
- fuel
- electricity
- light
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000002803 fossil fuel Substances 0.000 claims abstract 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- SGPGESCZOCHFCL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Tilisolol hydrochloride Chemical compound [Cl-].C1=CC=C2C(=O)N(C)C=C(OCC(O)C[NH2+]C(C)(C)C)C2=C1 SGPGESCZOCHFCL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 abstract 1
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methanol Chemical compound OC OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 125000004435 hydrogen atom Chemical class [H]* 0.000 description 2
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000356545 Beana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000008733 Citrus aurantifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000006909 Tilia x europaea Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000011941 Tilia x europaea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004571 lime Substances 0.000 description 1
- BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N platinum Chemical compound [Pt] BASFCYQUMIYNBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002918 waste heat Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
- H02S40/40—Thermal components
- H02S40/44—Means to utilise heat energy, e.g. hybrid systems producing warm water and electricity at the same time
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
- H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
- H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
- H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
- H01L31/0547—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means comprising light concentrating means of the reflecting type, e.g. parabolic mirrors, concentrators using total internal reflection
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S10/00—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power
- H02S10/30—Thermophotovoltaic systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
- H02S40/30—Electrical components
- H02S40/32—Electrical components comprising DC/AC inverter means associated with the PV module itself, e.g. AC modules
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/70—Hybrid systems, e.g. uninterruptible or back-up power supplies integrating renewable energies
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
- Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/60—Thermal-PV hybrids
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A mains grid compatible Alternating Current (AC) generator using photovoltaic conversion from light emitted by from gas or liquid fuel is disclosed. The generator is run on 'fossil fuels' or 'renewables' producing an efficient, power output to the host premises or national grid. The generator provides a micro generation output (500w - 3kw) and can be incorporated into a combined heat and power unit for domestic or small commercial applications. The fuel is burnt to produce an intense light, which is converted into electricity by photovoltaic devices. The system comprises a fuel combustion chamber within reflecting chamber, a focused beam interference device (tilting mirror, rotating mirror, refractor etc) and a photovoltaic array to convert moving focused beam to AC electricity.
Description
AC Generator for micro generation Problem to be solved: Generating AC
current at rnains/ domestic voltage, frequency and in phase. To produce an inexpensive, robust;, unit that can work without supervision or specialized training to operate it. Which uses natural gas, methane, hydrogen, liquid or other fuel to produce intense light.
To overcome this, the invention converts the chemical energy of the fuel into light by burning, which is then converted by photovoltaics into electricity. The design uses either control of the light beana to generate AC power or controlled switching of the photovoltaic array to generate AC power. Control circuitry will make operation of the device autonomous and continuous. Generator consists of three main parts:-Light generator, optional light beam interference device and photovoltaic array (photosensitive semiconductor, solar cell etc). When DC to AC switching drcuit is used, light beam interference device is not required.
Combustion chamber will consist of glass cylinder in which there is an appropriate burner assembly for the fuel being used. It is open vented at top for combustion fumes to escape and at bottom for air to mix with fuel. it is envisaged that some sort of catalyser will be utilised to improve efficiency, such as a ceramic or platinum wire to produce higher light output For highest power output, the combustion chamber is within a cylinder. The inner surface of which is covered with photovoltaic devices that absorb light energy produced from the fuel source. With this layout device generates DC, or with accompanying patent application DC to AC switching circuit', it can produce AC.
* For different power applications the layout can be altered whereby photovoltaic devices are arranged in an arc of 72 , 90 , 180 etc The combustion chamber is at the focal point of a parabolic reflector, this will focus a narrow beam upon the
I
intervening reflective or refractive device that sweeps across the photovoltaic array at a rate that will produce voltage at a required frequency. See figs 1&3 Advantages: In the example shown in figs I & 3 there are only a few moving parts, aiding reliability. The example shown in fig 2 has no moving parts. By converting the chemical energy of the fuel to electricity via the medium of light;, rather than the usual heat/steam. It offers safety advantages allowing it to be used in domestic settings, to provide a constant power supply with excess power fed to the grid.
An example of this invention will be described referring to accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 shows a plan view, figure 2 alternative layout utilizing. DC to AC switching circuit,' as described in co-pending patent application.
Figure 3 is a projection showing the three main elements of the example in figure 1:-light chamber, rotating mirror and photovoltaic array. Figures 4,5 and 6 are examples of.
interference devices. Figure 7 shows resultant waveform.
Detailed description, using an example:
Alternating current is produced by connecting the photovoltaic cells within each segment of the array differently to produce a specific voltage and polarity (or reversing polarity on the half cyde triggered by a sensor). For instance if five 46 volt cells of photovoltaics are connected in series it will produce a voltage of 230 volts. Connected in parallel46voltsandtheeotherdicretestepsinbetween: 92volts,l38voltsandl84 volts if further segments are connected with their polarities reversed a genuine AC current is produced. Thus to produce a composite approximating an AC sine wave, as the light beam sweeps across the array the following will be generated:-Refer to fig 7.
o volt. +46 volts, +92 volts, +138 volts +184 volts +230 volts, +184 volts, +138 volts, +92 volts, +46 volts. The next array in the sequence is connected with polarity reversed thus.
0 volt, -46 volt, -92 volt, -138 volt, -184 volt; -230 volt, -184 volt, -138 volt, -92 volt, -46 volt and back to 0 volt The number of photovoltaics within a cell could be varied to provide either a constant current or constant power output (or variation in between).
Distribution of voltage cells over arc can be varied to better approximate sine wave.
Voltages and number of segments within the array are only given as an example.
Frequency of current generated is determined by speed of beam traversing array. The tilling mirror, rotating mirror or refractor is driven by a small electric motor, which using a feedback sensor and circuit can be synchronised to the main grid supply.
Another way the device can be used to generate AC power is with the whole array illuminated from light source, without use of intervening reflective/refractive device. In this configuration the generator utilizes the associated patent application for DC to AC switching circuit', See Fig 2. Again the individual photovoltaic devices are connected into discrete cells that are switched between being connected in series/parallel, positively and negatively in sequence, to provide alternating current synchronised to mains supply via a feedback circuit In this configuration the system output will have constant power so the current will be out of phase with the voltage and have a 90 lead.
If this needs correction it is envisaged a standard inductive! capacitive power-factor correction circuit could be introduced. For DC supply the whole array could be connected without switching cells. Interference devices:-Swivelling mirror, see figure 5 can be driven by solenoid, motor with offset cam etc. Disc rotating lens figure 6:-Beam intercepts outer edge of lens see fig 6a, that has variable profile which refracts beam across arc of photovoltaic array, as it rotates. Proffle in fig 6c refracts beam to upper part of array. As disc spins proffle graduates to fig 6d where light passes straight through to middle of array, then profile alters to refract beam to lower part of array see fig 6e. As disc spins profile changes to sweep light beam back to upper part of array and sequence continues. Device uses microcontroller chip and circuit for automation.
Applications:-it is envisaged that such generators could be used in micro-generation of electricity from existing gas supplies (natural gas, propane etc) in customers homes, shops offices etc. At limes of low demand the unit could supply the national grid.
Alternative energy supplies could be utilised by use of different burner types:-methane, hydrogen, methanol, ethanol etc The device could be incorporated into combined heat and power units, whereby waste heat is used to heat water.
Claims (7)
- claims AC Generator for micro generation 1. To generate electricityfrom a light source.
- 2. Electricity generated in daim I to be generated from photovoltaic devices.
- 3. Invention according to claim 2 with switched connection (physical or solid state) of photovoltaic devices connected in such a way so as to generate alternating current
- 4. An AC generator for micro generation', based upon device described in claim 2 uses moving focused beam of light to generate alternating current by sequentially illuminating segments of the photovoltaic array.
- 5. Light source for versions in claims 3 & 4 burner assembly could be adapted to use gaseous or liquid fuel, of fossil or renewable origin.
- 6. According to claim 5, addition of catalyser to increase level of incandescence from burning of fuel air mixture.
- 7. The invention converts chemical energy of renewable or fossil fuels, to mains grid compatible power.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0706586A GB2448163A (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2007-04-03 | Photovoltaic AC generator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0706586A GB2448163A (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2007-04-03 | Photovoltaic AC generator |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0706586D0 GB0706586D0 (en) | 2007-05-09 |
| GB2448163A true GB2448163A (en) | 2008-10-08 |
Family
ID=38050854
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0706586A Withdrawn GB2448163A (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2007-04-03 | Photovoltaic AC generator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2448163A (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4075034A (en) * | 1977-02-08 | 1978-02-21 | Butler David M | Solar converter |
| US4577052A (en) * | 1982-09-23 | 1986-03-18 | Eaton Corporation | AC Solar cell |
| US5647916A (en) * | 1995-12-14 | 1997-07-15 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Hybrid photovoltaic solar panels |
| US20040244830A1 (en) * | 2003-06-03 | 2004-12-09 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Thermophotovoltaic power generation system |
| WO2005124875A1 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2005-12-29 | Mihai Grumazescu | Apparatus for distributing light energy particularly for photovoltaic conversion |
-
2007
- 2007-04-03 GB GB0706586A patent/GB2448163A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4075034A (en) * | 1977-02-08 | 1978-02-21 | Butler David M | Solar converter |
| US4577052A (en) * | 1982-09-23 | 1986-03-18 | Eaton Corporation | AC Solar cell |
| US5647916A (en) * | 1995-12-14 | 1997-07-15 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Hybrid photovoltaic solar panels |
| US20040244830A1 (en) * | 2003-06-03 | 2004-12-09 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Thermophotovoltaic power generation system |
| WO2005124875A1 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2005-12-29 | Mihai Grumazescu | Apparatus for distributing light energy particularly for photovoltaic conversion |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0706586D0 (en) | 2007-05-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |