FR3133968A3 - ELECTRIC PRODUCTION SYSTEM USING SEEBECK EFFECT CELLS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for producing electricity, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) conversion of energy into heat from a flow of at least one electromagnetic wave, in which said flow is concentrated by an optical element, such as a lens or a mirror; b) storage of 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) required for the hot side in a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell; And (d) recovery of electricity generated by the production step (c). The invention also relates to an electricity production device 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 production device according to the invention for supplying electricity to a public electricity network, providing domestic or industrial electricity. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

ELECTRIC PRODUCTION SYSTEM USING SEEBECK EFFECT 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 electricity production. The cell(s) can thus be attached to an oven, or close to or in contact with a flame or hot exhaust gas(es). 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 the heat from a radio battery as heat sources.

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

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

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

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

(c) producing electricity using the stored heat from step (b) required 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, in a preferred manner, the electricity production method according to the invention can be characterized in that it allows electricity production 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 electricity production process according to the present invention can be characterized in that the quantity and/or quality of heat transfer product of step (a) and (b) are adapted for a day-and-night electricity production when the flow of at least one electromagnetic wave comes from the sun.

In a preferred embodiment, the electricity production method according to the invention can be characterized in that the quantity and/or quality of heat transfer product in step (b) are adapted 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 flow of at least one electromagnetic wave.

Furthermore, the electricity production method 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.

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

In a particular embodiment, the electricity production process 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 sodium nitrate. potassium.

In a preferred embodiment, the electricity production process according to the invention can be characterized in that the heat transfer product of step (b) is heated by an additional energy source, that is to say i.e. additional with regard to the conversion of energy into heat from a flow of at least one electromagnetic wave

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

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

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

More particularly, the object of the present invention relates to a device adapted 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 so as to receive the energy coming 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 preferably airtight 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 anti-corrosive 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” is meant in the context of the present invention a glazed box (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 easier 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 which 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 , in which the optical element is oriented so as to heat a heat transfer product.

As previously described, the optical element may be a lens (such as 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 capable of being molten when it is subjected to the concentrated flow by 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, providing domestic or industrial electricity.

Comments

An interesting fact here is the fact of providing the solution of a renewable heat source, with in particular lower 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, we use a source of cold water coming from a basin, for example, which can be either natural or artificial filled with running water.

Alternatively by the use of solar heat concentrated 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 found, and does not does not circulate. This eliminates conduits and pumps for its delivery from the tower to the system using the calorific liquid. The system then produces so-called “green” and carbon-free electricity.

The invention uses in particular the thermoelectric principle of 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 restoring 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 difference in temperatures (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 area in square meters (m²) of optical element(s) such as Fresnel lenses and the quantity of heat transfer product such as a salt of molten metal (preferably lithium nitrate) so that the quantity of heat transfer product is heated sufficiently to provide sufficient thermal 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, subject 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 which 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 using 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), providing the heat necessary for at least one thermoelectric cell. Seebeck effect. By thermal conduction, the cold being provided by a cold liquid circulating in another tank, which may be cold water, the system can operate even after sunset. If we use containers previously heated by the lens during the day, such as thermal accumulators (heat cells), these can restore heat during the night by thermal conduction in the same way as the daytime 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.

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

Clause 1: the process is called 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 room as much as possible. plate (16), by thermal conduction from the plate (15).

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

Clause 4: The container of the heat transfer medium is airtight at an atmosphere at sea level, thanks to a pressure valve, (9), intended to allow 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 cube-shaped glass cage (6) and without bottom walls, the bottom (7) being made of the highest possible heat conduction material and sealing to the glass cage (6) constituting a only 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 which would otherwise be made of metal or sensitive to corrosion or oxidation for example. 6) Thermal 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 as much heat as possible 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 with both good thermal conduction efficiency 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, allowing the upper part contributing to a constant supply of heat by thermal conduction to be replaced by a new upper part acting as thermal storage, “heat cell” or solar cell , offers the solution of operating without sunlight 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 change of upper part, automatically allowing a heat supply by thermal conduction, by the solution of replacing another upper part having the role of heat cell, which can be used during absence sun, or night. So that the system continues to produce electricity.

We will describe 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 attachment 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 tank according to the present invention.

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

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

represents a variant of a tank according to the present invention with a glass upper part.

represents a profile view with a top part and a bottom part of the device according to the present invention.

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

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

represents a front view of the .

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

represents another perspective view of the lower part of the sandwich device according to the with additional elements.

represents 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 supporting frame or mobile frame). This frame 2 is attached to arms 3, connected to at least one motor 4. The 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 precisely 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 for example be of the stepper type, to follow the path of the sun , in order to keep its concentration orientation 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 to accommodate 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 maintaining, 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 held 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 a skilled person or an engineer specializing in optical science would do.

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

In Figures 5, 6 and 7, the designation of upper part A1 includes the container of heat transfer product in the form of salt capable of being melted, such as lithium nitrate, that is to say all of the following elements: the first tank 5, the second tank 6, the bottom of the tank 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.

In 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 convection heating. A first upper plate 11 made of high thermal conductivity 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 is shown a tank as a whole, comprising a second tank 6 taking the shape of a bottomless glass cube, a first upper plate 11 of the second tank 6 preferably made of graphene, or glass and sealed by first rivets 10 which allow to seal all along and from top to bottom 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 of a high coefficient material thermal conduction preferably made of graphene for these thermal conduction qualities, but can be constructed with another material having 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 the second tank 6, the latter possibly being made of glass. The usefulness of this pressure valve 9 is to suck 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 as much humidity as possible from the air inside it, and 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 using lithium nitrate, this 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 thermal loss (through the sides of the first tank 5 and of the second tank 6).

Furthermore 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 prevents a heat transfer product sensitive to oxidation or humidity, such as lithium nitrate, from absorbing 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 can 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, this can then be melted using 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 product. 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 heat source by thermal conduction through the bottom of the graphene tank 7 as a replacement for a flame or resistance. .

In 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 includes four first rivets 10. The first tank 5 and second tank assembly is covered by a first upper plate 11.

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

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

In a device according to the present invention is illustrated comprising two distinct parts, named 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 includes 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 of the upper part A1 with the lower part A2 also referenced as "sandwich" in the context of the present invention, the second upper plate 15 in 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 tank 7. Indeed, the aim being to be able to bring the graphene plate of the bottom of the tank 7 into contact with the second upper plate 15 of 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 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 at the second upper plate 15, a temperature difference is produced 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 lower face 17B must be kept cold.

In Figures 10 and 11, the designation (A2) includes all of the following elements: the reservoir 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 lower face 17B, the third upper plate 18, the second middle plate 19 and the second rivets 20.

Particularly 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.

Particularly also in the , on the lower part of the , it 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 by a cooling liquid, which flows into 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 playing the role of heat sink.

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

In , a sandwich system is shown held on the tank 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(s) 17 plated between the second upper graphene plate 15 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.

Furthermore, in , by means of a third upper plate 18 which may be made of glass and the presence of the second rivets 20, thermal insulation or 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 is illustrated a second upper plate 15 made of graphene or other material with high thermal conductivity, sealed in the middle of the third upper plate 18, which third upper plate 18 can be made of glass or other insulating material, but capable (or even capable) of resisting a temperature of more than 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 two sides of the thermoelectric cells.

The water being in contact with the first middle plate 16 as shown in , this 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 aims to transfer 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, thanks to the contacting of the water (relatively cold) 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 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 Figures 12 and 13, the glass can thus be chosen to surround the parts comprising graphene (that is to say the couple "second upper plate 15 - third upper plate 18" and the couple "second middle plate 19 - first middle plate 16"), is thus limiting the heat transfer for each pair and at the level of the second rivets 20 with the second middle plates 19.

Example

We will describe 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 concentration of solar rays via one or more Fresnel lenses. Seebeck effect thermoelectric cells are generally used in areas where there is a lot of heat lost 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 the probes travel too far for solar panels to be a viable source, then using the heat from a radio battery as sources heat in this case. The novelty here lies in providing the solution of a renewable heat source, by using solar heat concentrated through a Fresnel lens, for the hot side of the cell and for the cold side , we use a source of cold water coming from a pool for example. 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 release it when there is no sunlight or overnight, as thermal storage or solar cell. The invention uses the thermoelectric principle of the Seebeck effect to create renewable and carbon-free green electricity. The Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell is characterized by producing electricity through a temperature difference or delta, 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 hot and cold which is in contact with these faces. There represents the overall view of the system the so-called upper part A1, including 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 juxtaposed 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, including the tank plus all the elements necessary for the trolley to move it. There represents a thermoelectric cell with SEEBECK effect, for understanding 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 thermal insulation of the lower part, concerning the thermal conduction of part 15, and the insulation of part 18, being sealed together. There , represents a front view of the , allowing you 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 accommodate 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 aim of transmitting heat from part (7), from A1 to part (15) of A2, which provide heat by thermal conduction to the thermoelectric cell (17) more particularly for its hot side (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 lens system, showing all the elements constituting the entire carriage system as well as the two parts A1, one being recharged 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 a skilled person or an engineer specializing in optical science would do. The hot spot of the Fresnel lens is used to heat a plate (11) preferably made of graphene or a high thermal conductivity material, to preferably melt lithium nitrate to inject 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 supporting frame (2) of the Fresnel lens (1) is adjustable by an electric motor (4) of the step-by-step type in order to follow the path 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 the function of maintaining, 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 is made up of four parts. (6) A bottomless glass cube shape, The top (11) of the graphene cube preferably (6) is sealed by rivets (10) on the top of the part (5) the bottom of the cube (7) is constructed from a material with a high thermal conductivity coefficient, preferably graphene for these thermal conduction qualities, but can be constructed 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 principle of thermal insulation. The interior of the glass tank (6) with graphene bottom (7) is therefore airtight, a pressure of one atmosphere at 0 M at sea level being considered satisfactory. A pressure valve (9) located on one side of the tank (5) and the glass cube (6) passes through the body (5) and (6) pierced to accommodate the pressure valve/valve (9) provided for this effect. The purpose of this valve (9) is to suck ambient air from the tank (11)(6) and (7) in order to remove oxygen and as much humidity as possible from the air at inside it, and replace it with nitrogen gas, has a pressure of one atmosphere. Lithium nitrate being 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 eliminates the fact or strongly minimizes the fact that lithium nitrate can absorb humidity from the ambient air. The lithium nitrate is 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 known as 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 designation upper part (A1) includes the lithium nitrate container, 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 name (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(s) (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 maintaining the graphene plates sealed in the middle of the whole (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) made of 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 unique 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 side (17a) cold side (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 cold, (17), (17a) and (17b). So that: Lithium nitrate transmits heat from the plate (7) to (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 the heat transfer from the part (15), to (18) and (18 ) to (20), from (20) to (19), but also because we need a material that can withstand the temperature without melting or catching fire, while being an insulator because (19) surrounds the graphene part (16), which aims to transfer the cold to the cold face (17b) of the thermoelectric cell. If too much heat was transmitted to the part (16), the cooling of the cold liquid on the part (16) would be less effective, and therefore the electrical production would be less, because the thermoelectric Seebeck effect results from the temperature delta between the cold and heat, insulating the room from heat as best as possible (16) , which leads the cold to 17B, leads to better electrical 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 coolant 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 springs out on the opposite side (14b) Thus the flow of cold liquid passing into the reservoir (14), cooling by thermal conduction the low graphene plate (16), this plate (16), transmits the cold of the liquid by conduction to the cold side of the Seebeck thermoelectric cell (17b) And . The liquid can simply be cold water, coming from a pool or other, returning to the pool to be cooled naturally by thermal 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 the part (A1), and the sandwich of the part (A2), the graphene plate (15), , preferably has the same diameter or the same geometric shape as the graphene plate of the tank bottom (7) , the aim being to be able to be brought into contact, to ensure thermal conduction between the bottom of the tank (7), and the plate (15), through the graphene plates, . Thus ensuring the transfer of heat from the lithium nitrate through the graphene plate (7), to the top plate (15), ensuring the transfer of heat by thermal conduction from (15), to the face of the thermoelectric cell (17a).

Operation without sunlight . When the sun becomes insufficient, and therefore the Fresnel lens 1, no longer provides enough heat, with lithium nitrate, cooling occurs, which causes, due to the drop in heat, a drop in electrical production of the cells (17), with the Seebeck effect. To remedy this problem, the cart 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) roll along the rail (23). Overview , the name trolley comprises 2 parts (A1) connected together by (25) plus the elements (21), (22), (23), the trolley being the assembly which moves forward and backward. The upper part (A1) is changed at nightfall upon detection of insufficient heat from the lithium nitrate in the 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 allows you to change parts (A1), , by another (A1), the new (A1) acting as a heat cell, or thermal storage, having been charged during the day, but whose heat was not used. This cart , 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 recessed 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 move the carriage from right to left, and left to RIGHT. (A2) is sealed on a platform (24), this platform goes up and down a few centimeters by means of a hydraulic cylinder, (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, therefore do not hinder the movement of the carriage and the upper parts (A1) in movement when changing parts (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 advance 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, once again allowing transfer by thermal conduction. The cube (26), going up, having a diameter larger than (7), encompasses the part (7), to minimize thermal losses, as explained in the thermos cube part (26), below. The thermos cube (26), , Its purpose 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 a cube shape without a high side. 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 back 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 airtight, so there is no overpressure caused by the air heating in the cube (26), due to thermal losses, which allows the expanded air to escape when necessary. The cold liquid conduits (14A) and (14b) are long and flexible enough to not be a problem when moving 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).

THE STEPS OF THE CART.

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 moment, the carriage can advance, via the motors (22), on the rail (23), when the carriage advances there is a change of upper part (A1), at the moment when the new upper part (A1) is in place. place in front of the lower part (A2). The cylinder (24a) rises and the lower part (A2) is again in contact with the new upper part (A1) . So that the thermal heat exchange by thermal conduction via the plate (7) with (15), which brings heat to the face (17a) , from the Seebeck cell. In this case, the new upper part (A1) acts as a heat cell 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 is exhausted. If necessary, one or more upper parts (A1) can be used in the evening and at 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 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 concentrated via the Fresnel lens (1), again heats the plate (11) which melts the lithium nitrate which stores heat for a new cycle. The lithium nitrate or another medium is melted again or returns to its operating temperature of 300 degrees Celsius, detected by a thermometer for example, the cart returns to 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 provided to each of their faces. The cold temperature is always ensured by the circulation of cold water in part (A2), whether day or night.

This example can be summarized by the clauses below:

Clause 1: the process is called 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 quality 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 room as much as possible. plate (16), by thermal conduction from the plate (15).

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

Clause 4: The container of the heat transfer medium is airtight at an atmosphere at sea level, thanks to a pressure valve, (9), intended to allow 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 cube-shaped glass cage (6) and without bottom walls, the bottom (7) being made of the highest possible heat conduction material and sealing to the glass cage (6) constituting a only hermetic assembly, the bottom material preferably being graphene. The glass tank (6) Glass has the advantage of limiting corrosion and abrasion on parts which would otherwise be made of metal or sensitive to corrosion or oxidation for example. 6) Thermal 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 as much heat as possible 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 with both good thermal conduction efficiency 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, allowing the upper part contributing to a constant supply of heat by thermal conduction to be replaced by a new upper part acting as thermal storage, “heat cell” or solar cell , offers the solution of operating without sunlight 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 change of upper part, automatically allowing a heat supply by thermal conduction, by the solution of replacing another upper part having the role of heat cell, which can be used during absence sun, or night. So that the system continues to produce electricity.

Claims (10)

Process for producing electricity, comprising the steps of:
(a) conversion of energy into heat;
b) storage of energy in the form of heat according to step (a);
(c) producing electricity using the stored heat from step (b) required for the hot side in a Seebeck effect thermoelectric cell (17); And
(d) recovery of electricity generated by the production stage (c)
characterized in that step (a) of converting energy into heat is carried out from a flow of at least one electromagnetic wave in which said flow 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 carried out on a heat transfer product. Method of producing electricity according to claim 1, characterized in that the quantity and/or quality of heat transfer product of step (a) and (b) are adapted for day-and-night electricity production when the flow of at least one electromagnetic wave comes from the sun. Method for producing electricity according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the heat transfer product of step (b) is a molten salt or capable of melting when subjected to the flow concentrated by an optical element. Method for 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. Electricity production device 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 so as 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 (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. Electricity production device according to claim 5 characterized in that it comprises a glass cage. Electricity production device according to claim 5 or 6 comprising walls, characterized in that at least part of the walls comprise a material allowing easier diffusion of heat, such as graphene, preferably the thermoelectric cell (17) Seebeck effect is in contact with the material allowing easier diffusion of heat. Use of an optical element, such as a Fresnel lens (1) or a mirror to concentrate a flow 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 capable of being melted when it is subjected to the concentrated flow by optical means, with the aim of storing thermal energy, in said molten salt to be used as a thermal battery. Use of an electricity production device according to any one of claims 5 to 7 for supplying electricity to a public electricity network, supplying domestic or industrial electricity