Concentrated Heat --> Efficiencies in Energy Production, How?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential benefits of concentrated heat in increasing energy production efficiency, particularly in the context of solar panels. It raises questions about the impact of concentrated radiation on design and materials, and the possibility of designing panels to be most efficient at higher temperatures. However, it also acknowledges that heat can be a challenge for solar power efficiency and suggests the need for further research and considerations such as extra cooling.
  • #1
neuralnova
6
0
In what scenarios might concentrated heat (high heat or energy per unit area or per unit volume) increase efficiency in energy production? Maybe it allows for useful sustainable superconduction conditions, or just for the operation of a high-fidelity photovoltaic collector that costs a lot to manufacture per square meter?
 
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  • #2
Thanks for the post! Sorry you aren't generating responses at the moment. Do you have any further information, come to any new conclusions or is it possible to reword the post?
 
  • #3
Sorry to be blunt, but the reason I didn't respond is that the question is both vague and looks suspiciously like gibberish/technobabble. Looks like there are extra technical sounding words tossed in for no reason. Perhaps if you rephrase it would help...?
 
  • #4
No problem, thanks for mentioning it--

We design solar panels to operate most efficiently under the conditions they usually encounter, which is to say, normal conditions on Earth's surface, which don't include heavily concentrated radiation. But say you're using large mirrors to concentrate a lot of radiation into a small area, where you'll then try to harvest it via a solar panel. Might this open doors in terms of design and materials? And if a project like that is on the table, mightn't it push some of our materials research in a different direction, focusing on materials that are efficient under conditions of higher energy density than those typically encountered by today's solar arrays?
 
  • #5
The most obvious impact of concentrating solar power is you'll heat up the panel, which will cause it to be less efficient. So extra cooling would be a good idea. Sure, research could be done into different operating ranges, but I have been under the impression that heat is a fundamental problem for solar power efficiency. But it is possible that positive trade-offs can be made.
 
  • #6
Isn't it true, though, that the fact that heating causing efficiency losses is an artifact of design? That is, we're currently designing solar panels to be most efficient at normal temperatures. What if we designed them to be most efficient at higher temperatures?
 
  • #7
The solar constant irradiation is per unit area, so increasing the area of the collector has no beneficial effect on efficiency. PV are semiconductors which operating at higher temperatures will reduce the band gap.
 

1. How does concentrated heat improve energy production efficiency?

Concentrated heat is a form of thermal energy that is focused and directed towards a specific location, such as a power plant. By using concentrated heat, the temperature at which energy is produced can be increased, resulting in higher efficiencies in energy production.

2. What are the main advantages of using concentrated heat in energy production?

Using concentrated heat in energy production can lead to several advantages, including higher energy production efficiency, reduced costs, and a smaller environmental footprint. Additionally, concentrated heat can be produced using renewable sources, making it a more sustainable option for energy production.

3. How is concentrated heat generated for energy production?

Concentrated heat can be generated in several ways, including using solar concentrators, burning concentrated fuels, or using high-temperature fluids in power plants. The most common method is through the use of solar thermal systems, which use mirrors to concentrate sunlight and produce heat.

4. Can concentrated heat be used in all types of energy production?

While concentrated heat can be used in various energy production processes, it is most commonly used in thermal power plants. These plants use concentrated heat to produce steam, which is then used to power turbines and generate electricity. Other forms of energy production, such as wind or hydro power, do not utilize concentrated heat.

5. Are there any limitations or challenges in using concentrated heat for energy production?

One limitation of using concentrated heat in energy production is the availability of suitable locations for solar thermal power plants. These plants require a large amount of land and must be located in areas with high levels of sunlight. Additionally, the initial costs of setting up concentrated heat systems can be high, and there may be challenges in integrating them into existing energy infrastructure.

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