Anticlastic Reflector for Passive Solar Energy Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting and transmission systems, such as solar collectors and photovoltaic modules, require complex and maintenance-intensive mechanical tracking mechanisms to optimize energy capture, leading to increased energy expenditure and wear, especially when dealing with energy sources from varying directions.
Innovation Solution
The use of an anticlastic reflection surface that bundles energy waves from a large solid angle range onto an effective utilization surface, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and reducing energy consumption, wear, and maintenance, while ensuring optimal energy yield for various sun positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical tracking mechanisms are used to optimize energy capture, then energy yield is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking systems with a static anticlastic reflection surface that passively bundles energy waves from all directions. Instead of using motors, sensors, and control systems to actively track the sun, the invention uses a fixed hyperbolic-parabolic reflector geometry that automatically focuses solar radiation onto the receiver tube throughout the day, eliminating moving parts and mechanical complexity while maintaining high energy capture efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an anticlastic reflection surface with specific curved geometry (hyperbolic-parabolic shape) that is rotationally symmetric about a vertical axis. This curved surface design enables the system to focus parallel energy waves from different incident angles onto a common focal region, achieving passive tracking functionality through geometric optics rather than mechanical movement
2Productivity
If mechanical tracking mechanisms are used to follow the sun, then energy capture is improved, but energy expenditure for actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates energy-consuming actuators and control systems by replacing them with a static anticlastic reflection surface that passively focuses solar radiation. The hyperbolic-parabolic geometry automatically directs energy waves from various sun positions onto the receiver, requiring no electrical power for operation while maintaining optimal energy capture throughout the day
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-tracking functionality through its geometric design alone. The anticlastic reflection surface inherently directs incoming parallel rays from different angles to the focal region without requiring external control signals, power input, or active adjustment mechanisms, making the energy focusing process entirely passive and self-sustaining
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotating collectors are used to radiate energy in different directions, then energy transmission coverage is improved, but mechanical wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rotating mechanical collectors with a stationary anticlastic reflection surface that simultaneously handles multiple directions. The hyperbolic-parabolic geometry inherently focuses parallel rays from all azimuthal directions onto the receiver tube, eliminating rotating joints, bearings, and drive mechanisms that would otherwise suffer from wear and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single static reflection surface performs the function of multiple rotating collectors by simultaneously focusing energy from all directions around the vertical axis. The rotational symmetry of the hyperbolic-parabolic surface about the vertical axis enables one fixed structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple movable components to achieve omnidirectional coverage
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
This approach allows for efficient energy harvesting and transmission without mechanical tracking, reducing energy costs and maintenance needs while maintaining high energy yield across different sun positions, and can be applied to various energy sources beyond solar radiation.
Implementation Method 1
energy waves from a large solid angle range are bundled through the reflection surface onto the effective utilization surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A
Figure 4B
AI summary
The device has an anticlastic reflection surface (12) and equipment for the utilization of energy waves with utilizing effective surface, which extends along the reflection surface. The anticlastic reflection surface is formed to bunch from a pre-determined solid angle range. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for utilizing energy waves on an utilizing effective surface; (2) a method for utilizing solar energy; (3) a device for transmitting energy waves; and (4) a method for transmitting energy waves.