R{\'e}flexions sur la puissance motrice du Soleil

TL;DR

This paper explores the principles and constraints of radiative heat engines powered by the Sun, emphasizing the unique challenges of converting solar radiation into mechanical or electrical energy.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical analysis of radiative solar engines, highlighting their fundamental constraints and offering insights into their design and operation.

Findings

Radiative coupling introduces specific constraints not present in traditional heat engines.

Understanding these constraints is crucial for optimizing solar energy conversion technologies.

The paper offers a framework for analyzing and improving radiative solar machines.

Abstract

A quintessential source of heat, the Sun radiates toward the Earth a power ten thousand times greater than humanity's energy needs. Harnessing this energy bounty, however, requires capturing and converting sunlight. Today, this conversion can be achieved through several families of technologies at varying stages of maturity: photovoltaic solar, thermal, concentrated solar power, and more. While their applications differ, all these technologies must meet common fundamental constraints, and as Carnot proposed, one can 'consider in all its generality the principle of producing motion through heat' from the Sun. However, unlike traditional 'heat engines,' the coupling with the hot source here is radiative, introducing specific constraints that must be accounted for. In this presentation dedicated to radiative machines, you will encounter familiar terms as well as particular expressions that will provide the keys to understanding solar technologies