Comparative and qualitative energetic analysis using the substance-field methodology for guiding the design of innovative solar receivers

Given the current situation, humans must mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels and adopt alternative energy sources. These sources are intermittent and depend on factors such as geographical position and time of year. Therefore, the efficient use of the energy harvested by their respective devices enables us to determine whether they are viable alternatives and to what extent they can improve environmental conditions. This paper presents a comparative and qualitative energetic analysis using the substance-field tool, part of ARIZ. The analysis qualitatively evaluates different solar receivers to understand how energy flows may interact between their components. The receivers selected for the analysis are experimental equipment for concentrated solar energy applications. By studying the expected interactions between their components and redesigning these systems to channel useful energy and minimize losses, two innovative receivers were developed: the first one was capable of heat treatment and surface processing, and the second one was capable of additive manufacturing printed circuit boards. These systems were protected by utility model patents. It was concluded that this type of analysis enables the design of creative concepts that effectively harness energy from a specific energetic field. By using this tool, we can qualitatively analyze the expected heat flows within systems and between their components, thereby enabling us to propose alternatives to redirect these flows most effectively. The results are achieved by maximizing the efficient use of harvested energy, thereby enhancing environmental conditions.