Photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function

Abstract

The invention discloses a photovoltaic power generation antenna with a microwave receiving function, and relates to the technical field of antennae, the photovoltaic power generation antenna comprises an antenna main body and an antenna mounting bracket, the antenna main body is of a paraboloid structure, and a photovoltaic power generation assembly and a microwave receiving assembly are arranged on the paraboloid of the antenna main body. The antenna perfectly inherits the advantages of high gain and strong directivity of a parabolic antenna, directly faces high-performance application scenes such as satellite signal receiving, creatively provides a layered coplanar structure in which a metal net covers a photovoltaic battery piece, the metal net serves as a reflecting surface of microwave signals, and the metal net serves as a reflecting surface of the microwave signals. Meanwhile, the net structure allows sunlight to be transmitted to the photovoltaic battery piece on the lower layer, physical integration is achieved, one-face double-work is further achieved, the same paraboloid is an efficient light energy collecting face and a high-performance microwave signal reflecting face, and the possible defects of a planar integrated antenna in gain are overcome.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of antenna technology, specifically to a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional satellite television reception and data communication applications rely on parabolic microwave antennas. Meanwhile, in remote areas without mains power or with unstable power supply, in field operations, and in military applications, it is usually necessary to equip the equipment with independent solar photovoltaic power generation systems to power the equipment (including the antenna's own conditioning system or connected terminals).

[0003] Currently, the two devices mentioned above are usually installed and used independently. The microwave antenna is responsible for signal reception, while the solar photovoltaic panel is responsible for power generation; the two are separate in terms of physical structure, function, and use. This separate approach has several inherent drawbacks: First, the two independent devices require their own installation space and support structure, resulting in a large overall size, occupying a lot of space, and being inconvenient to carry and deploy; second, separate installation increases construction complexity and cost; finally, in situations with limited space (such as small courtyards, RV rooftops, or individual soldier equipment), installing two systems simultaneously becomes very difficult or even infeasible.

[0004] To address this issue, some attempts have emerged in the prior art to combine solar cells with antennas. For example, Chinese utility model patent CN201234285Y discloses a "solar satellite receiving antenna," which involves attaching a solar panel to the sun-facing (i.e., the back) side of the satellite antenna's reflective surface. While this design achieves physical integration, it does not fundamentally solve the core contradiction of separate designs; instead, it introduces new technical problems. Functionality and structure are disconnected: This solution is merely a simple physical superposition. The solar panel is attached to the back of the antenna and does not participate in the antenna's signal reception function. The antenna reflector still needs to use metal plates or coatings to ensure signal reflection performance. The solar panel exists only as an independent power generation unit, failing to achieve deep integration of functions.

[0005] Limited power generation efficiency: Placing solar panels on the back of the antenna severely restricts their angle of sunlight exposure and duration of sunshine due to the antenna's bowl-shaped structure and its installation orientation, making it impossible for them to always face the sun directly, resulting in low photoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0006] Structural complexity and wind resistance: Adding a solar panel and its supporting structure to the back of the reflector increases the overall weight and structural complexity of the antenna. At the same time, the irregular shape may increase wind resistance, affecting the stability and lifespan of the antenna.

[0007] For example, the invention patent with authorization announcement number CN117650364A, entitled "A Broadband Photovoltaic Antenna Fed with an Electromagnetic Dipole Structure," was filed on November 14, 2023. This patent discloses a structure that integrates germanium-based solar cells onto the top layer of an antenna and uses an electromagnetic dipole for feeding, aiming to achieve broadband and directional radiation characteristics. However, such integration schemes still have the following significant drawbacks: Complex structure and high cost: This solution employs a multi-layered complex structure, including electromagnetic dipoles and η-type feed lines, to ensure the antenna's broadband performance, and uses germanium-based solar cells made of specific materials. This not only increases the complexity of the design but also leads to higher manufacturing costs, hindering large-scale widespread application, especially in cost-sensitive civilian or large-scale field deployment scenarios.

[0008] Limited functional integration: Its core design relies on using solar cells as part of the antenna's radiating structure, essentially making it an "antenna utilizing solar cells" rather than a true "power generation unit" providing a continuous and stable energy source for the antenna system. The main role of the solar cells in this design is that of an antenna element; their power generation function and efficiency may not be the primary considerations, and may even be sacrificed for antenna performance optimization.

[0009] Application limitations: This antenna has a planar structure and belongs to the category of broadband directional antennas, but its gain and directivity are generally inferior to those of parabolic antennas. In scenarios requiring high-gain, highly directive satellite signal reception (such as satellite television and satellite communication), its performance may not meet the requirements. Therefore, this solution fails to solve the fundamental problem of achieving efficient optoelectronic integration in a high-gain parabolic antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0010] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function, thus solving the aforementioned technical problems.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function, comprising an antenna body and an antenna mounting bracket. The antenna body has a parabolic structure, and a photovoltaic power generation component and a microwave receiving component are disposed on the parabolic surface of the antenna body. The photovoltaic power generation component includes photovoltaic cells laid on the parabolic surface of the antenna body. The microwave receiving component includes a metal mesh laid on the photovoltaic cells. The metal mesh has a mesh structure, and the mesh size of the metal mesh is less than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the received microwave signal, allowing light to penetrate to the photovoltaic cells. A battery compartment is also disposed on the rear wall of the antenna body. The battery compartment is electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells and is used to store electrical energy and provide power output. The battery compartment is rotatably mounted on the antenna mounting bracket.

[0012] Preferably, the photovoltaic cells are laid out according to the curvature of the parabolic surface of the antenna body, and are compacted and bonded by filling the gaps with resin to maintain the curvature of the antenna body.

[0013] Preferably, the metal mesh is stamped and formed, and its size and curvature are consistent with the antenna body, and it is compacted and bonded by filling the gaps with transparent resin.

[0014] Preferably, the battery compartment houses a control circuit board and an energy storage lithium battery. The control circuit board is used to manage energy storage and output, and the battery compartment is equipped with an output port.

[0015] Preferably, the antenna body is injection molded.

[0016] Preferably, it also includes a microwave signal receiver head and a receiver head support rod, wherein the microwave signal receiver head is fixed to the focal position of the antenna body by the receiver head support rod.

[0017] Beneficial effects This invention provides a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function, which has the following advantages: Unlike the integration method based on planar antenna structures (such as electromagnetic dipoles) in CN117650364A, this invention innovates based on parabolic antennas, perfectly inheriting the advantages of high gain and strong directivity of parabolic antennas. It is directly aimed at high-performance application scenarios such as satellite signal reception. This invention creatively proposes a layered coplanar structure of "metal mesh covering photovoltaic cells". The metal mesh acts as a microwave signal reflecting surface, and its mesh structure allows sunlight to be transmitted to the underlying photovoltaic cells. This not only achieves physical integration, but also achieves "dual function on one surface": the same parabolic surface is both a high-efficiency light energy collection surface and a high-performance microwave signal reflecting surface, solving the potential shortcomings in gain of planar integrated antennas.

[0018] Compared to the complex design of CN117650364A, which uses multi-layer electromagnetic dipoles, special feeding structures, and germanium-based solar cells, the core structure of this invention is an injection-molded parabolic body, conventional photovoltaic solar cells, and a metal mesh. The structure is simpler and more robust, significantly reducing the requirements for materials and processes. It is very suitable for mass production and low-cost manufacturing methods such as injection molding, and has extremely high cost-effectiveness and market promotion potential.

[0019] In this invention, the photovoltaic cell is located directly on the outermost layer of the parabola and is covered only by a layer of metal mesh. Its light-receiving area and angle are consistent with the opening of the parabola, which can maximize the reception of solar radiation. The power generation efficiency is much higher than those designs that place solar cells on the back of the antenna or use them as secondary functional units. Combined with the built-in battery compartment and control system, it can provide stable power for the antenna itself and peripheral equipment, truly realizing energy self-sufficiency and continuous operation in areas without mains power. This is fundamentally different from the original design intention of CN117650364A, where the solar cell mainly serves the antenna radiation performance.

[0020] Through deep integration, this invention condenses the functions of two systems into the volume of a single traditional parabolic antenna, greatly saving installation space and weight. This gives the product an irreplaceable advantage in scenarios with extremely high portability requirements, such as field exploration, emergency rescue, and military mobility. Users only need to install and align it once to obtain stable communication signals and power supply at the same time, which greatly simplifies logistical support. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a rear view schematic diagram of a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a side view of a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the antenna body, photovoltaic cells, and metal mesh structure of a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a side view of the antenna body, photovoltaic cells, and metal mesh structure of a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the metal mesh structure of a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a side view of the metal mesh structure of a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the photovoltaic cell structure of a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a top view schematic diagram of the photovoltaic cell structure of a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Antenna body; 2. Microwave signal receiver head; 3. Photovoltaic cell; 4. Metal mesh; 5. Receiver head support rod; 6. Antenna mounting bracket; 7. Battery compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Please see Figure 1-9 This invention provides a technical solution: a photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function, comprising an antenna body and an antenna mounting bracket. The antenna body has a parabolic structure, and a photovoltaic power generation component and a microwave receiving component are disposed on the parabolic surface of the antenna body. The photovoltaic power generation component includes photovoltaic cells laid on the parabolic surface of the antenna body. The microwave receiving component includes a metal mesh laid on the photovoltaic cells. The metal mesh has a mesh structure, and the mesh size of the metal mesh is less than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the received microwave signal, allowing light to penetrate to the photovoltaic cells. A battery compartment is also disposed on the rear wall of the antenna body. The battery compartment is electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells and is used to store electrical energy and provide power output. The battery compartment is rotatably mounted on the antenna mounting bracket.

[0033] In this embodiment, the photovoltaic cells are laid out according to the curvature of the parabolic surface of the antenna body and bonded by filling the gaps with resin to maintain the curvature of the antenna body.

[0034] In this embodiment, the metal mesh is stamped and formed, and its size and curvature are consistent with the antenna body. The gaps are filled with transparent resin and then pressed and bonded.

[0035] In this embodiment, the battery compartment is further configured to house a control circuit board and an energy storage lithium battery. The control circuit board is used to manage energy storage and output, and the battery compartment is provided with an output port.

[0036] In this embodiment, the antenna body is further configured to be injection molded.

[0037] This embodiment is further configured to include a microwave signal receiver head and a receiver head support rod, wherein the microwave signal receiver head is fixed to the focal position of the antenna body by the receiver head support rod.

[0038] Its detailed connection method is a well-known technology in this field. The following mainly introduces the working principle and process, and the specific work is as follows.

[0039] Example: The photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function described in this invention has a main body 1 with a parabolic structure formed by injection molding. The antenna main body 1 is fixed in the required position by the antenna mounting bracket 6.

[0040] On the parabolic concave surface of the antenna body 1, multiple photovoltaic cells 3 are laid out according to its curvature. The photovoltaic cells 3 are electrically connected by welding, and the output wires are led to the battery compartment 7. After the laying is completed, transparent resin is filled into the gaps between the cells and the mold is used to press and bond them to ensure that the final power generation surface is smooth and maintains the original parabolic curvature, so as not to affect the signal reception performance of the antenna.

[0041] On the surface of the photovoltaic cells 3 that have been laid, a stamped metal mesh 4 is covered. The size and curvature of the metal mesh 4 are exactly the same as those of the antenna body 1. The mesh spacing (space width) of the metal mesh 4 needs to be designed according to the frequency (wavelength) of the received microwave signal to ensure that it is less than 1 / 2 of the signal wavelength, so as to meet the requirement of the continuity of conductivity of the reflective surface in the electromagnetic principle, thereby effectively reflecting / receiving microwave signals. At the same time, the existence of the mesh ensures that sufficient sunlight can penetrate to the underlying photovoltaic cells 3. The metal mesh 4 and the underlying structure are also filled with transparent resin and pressed and bonded to form a strong, flat and light-transmitting composite functional curved surface.

[0042] The battery compartment 7 is mounted on the antenna body 1 or the antenna mounting bracket 6. The battery compartment 7 integrates a control circuit board and multiple high-capacity energy storage lithium batteries. The control circuit board is responsible for managing the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic cells 3, realizing intelligent charging of the lithium batteries, and providing multiple regulated output ports (such as USB, DC interface, etc.) to power the antenna's own receiver head 2, peripheral communication equipment, or other electrical equipment. The microwave signal receiver head 2 is precisely fixed to the focal position of the antenna body 1 by the receiver head support rod 5, and is used to receive the microwave signal reflected and converged by the metal mesh 4.

[0043] It should be noted that in this paper, relational terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function, comprising an antenna body (1) and an antenna mounting bracket (6), characterized in that, The antenna body (1) is a parabolic structure. A photovoltaic power generation component and a microwave receiving component are provided on the parabolic surface of the antenna body (1). The photovoltaic power generation component includes photovoltaic cells (3) laid on the parabolic surface of the antenna body (1). The microwave receiving component includes a metal mesh (4) laid on the photovoltaic cells (3). The metal mesh (4) is a mesh structure. The mesh size of the metal mesh (4) is less than 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the received microwave signal. The light penetrates to the photovoltaic cells (3). A battery compartment (7) is also provided on the rear wall of the antenna body (1). The battery compartment (7) is electrically connected to the photovoltaic cells (3) and is used to store electrical energy and provide power output. The battery compartment (7) is rotatably mounted on the antenna mounting bracket (6).

2. A photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photovoltaic cells (3) are laid out according to the arc of the parabolic surface of the antenna body (1) and are compacted and bonded by filling the gaps with resin to maintain the curvature of the antenna body (1).

3. A photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal mesh (4) is stamped and formed, and its size and curvature are consistent with the antenna body (1). It is then filled with transparent resin and pressed and bonded.

4. A photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery compartment (7) has a built-in control circuit board and an energy storage lithium battery. The control circuit board is used to manage energy storage and output. The battery compartment (7) is provided with an output port.

5. A photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna body (1) is injection molded.

6. A photovoltaic power generation antenna with microwave receiving function according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a microwave signal receiver head (2) and a receiver head support rod (5), wherein the microwave signal receiver head (2) is fixed to the focal position of the antenna body (1) by the receiver head support rod (5).

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