Adjustable 3D Electromagnetic Converter for High Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy conversion technologies, such as solar panels, face challenges in efficiency, cost, and space requirements, particularly in mobile and urban settings, where traditional solar panels are bulky and inefficient, and laser power beaming offers advantages but requires innovative solutions for compact and efficient energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electromagnetic energy converter system that incorporates multi-dimensional solar structures using off-the-shelf solar cells and cheap casting materials, such as epoxy resin, to create compact, efficient, and lightweight devices capable of converting electromagnetic energy into electricity, with adjustable configurations to optimize power output per surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional solar panels are used for energy conversion, then they can convert light energy into electricity, but they are bulky and have low power output per surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional flat 2D solar panel configurations to three-dimensional multi-dimensional solar structures. By stacking photovoltaic cells at various angles and orientations within a volumetric space, the system captures sunlight from multiple directions simultaneously, dramatically increasing power output per unit of ground surface area occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar energy conversion system is divided into multiple discrete photovoltaic cells arranged in specific three-dimensional configurations. These segmented cells are positioned at different angles and orientations to optimize light capture from various directions, allowing the structure to maintain high power density while occupying minimal ground space.
2Power
If solar panel size is increased to improve power output, then more energy can be generated, but the device becomes bulkier and less suitable for mobile applications
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding solar panel area horizontally to increase power output, the patent utilizes vertical three-dimensional space to stack photovoltaic cells. This approach generates higher power output by optimizing spatial arrangement rather than increasing overall device footprint or weight, making the system suitable for mobile and space-constrained applications.
3Productivity
If laser power beaming is used for energy delivery, then compact and efficient energy conversion is achieved, but innovative solutions are needed for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable photovoltaic cell arrangements that can dynamically optimize their configuration based on light source characteristics. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to efficiently convert laser power beamed energy while maintaining manageable complexity through programmable positioning mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves significantly higher power output per surface area compared to traditional solar panels, is more cost-effective, and adaptable for various applications, including mobile devices and urban installations, by optimizing cell arrangement, angle, and medium transparency, enhancing energy conversion efficiency and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic solar panels are commonly used for conversion of light energy into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable electromagnetic energy converter comprises a body of transparent insulating material, a plurality of stacked identical electromagnetic energy converting cells, and a heat transfer system. Methods are herein provided for determining a configuration to which to adjust the converter and optimizing its performance. The methods comprise first determining electrical outputs of a first and a second configuration of the converter, comparing the electrical outputs, and determining whether to adjust the converter from the first configuration to the second configuration. To optimize the performance of the converter, the following configuration characteristics can be adjusted: electromagnetic energy collection area or orientation of the body of transparent insulating material, angle between adjacent cells, angle between the cells relative to the incoming electromagnetic energy, or spacing between adjacent cells.