Supercritical Flat Panel Collector and Methods of Use
First Claim
1. A supercritical flat panel thermal collector wherein the flat panel thermal collector is comprised of supercritical heat transfer fluids with at least one benefit as compared to non-supercritical flat panel thermal collectors selected from the group consisting of a maximum surface tension of 20 dynes/cm, a heat transfer fluid pipe diameter of less than 3000 microns resulting in reduced peak surface collector temperatures yielding benefits including reduced thermal losses, superior heat transfer, and elimination of heat transfer fluid freezing up to at least −
- 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Abstract
A high efficiency flat panel collector is disclosed using an integral supercritical heat transfer, and a series of fail-safe mechanisms. Using the preferred configuration with solar concentrators and integral energy conversion devices, including the further preferred utilization of ionic liquids or ionic liquid polymers as the working fluid in the system, achieves optimal total energy efficiency. Strategic use of the flat panel collector can further yield enhanced functionality of mechanical pumps, heat pumps, and expansion energy transformation devices.
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Citations
32 Claims
- 1. A supercritical flat panel thermal collector wherein the flat panel thermal collector is comprised of supercritical heat transfer fluids with at least one benefit as compared to non-supercritical flat panel thermal collectors selected from the group consisting of a maximum surface tension of 20 dynes/cm, a heat transfer fluid pipe diameter of less than 3000 microns resulting in reduced peak surface collector temperatures yielding benefits including reduced thermal losses, superior heat transfer, and elimination of heat transfer fluid freezing up to at least −
- 2. A supercritical flat panel thermal collector comprised of a heat transfer fluid operating at pressures greater than 300 psi and at least one device selected from the group consisting of an integral fail-safe valve and thermal diode to limit heat transfer fluid losses during the occurrence of a heat transfer fluid leak or to transfer thermal load to an alternative heat sink.
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3. A supercritical collector comprised of a heat transfer fluid selected from the group of a transcritical or supercritical gas and at least one fluid selected from the group consisting of ionic liquids or ionic liquid polymer operating at pressures greater than 300 psi.
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4. A flat panel heat exchanger comprised of a series of microchannel heat exchangers integrated into at least one flat surface whereby the heat exchanger has a temperature differential across the entire surface of less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit and whereby the flat panel is operated as device selected from the group consisting of structural elements, floor panels, wall panels, fencing, roofing, ceiling tiles, or architectural elements and structures.
Specification