Articulable Solar Concentrator with Six-Axis Hemispherical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar concentrators, such as the Ring Array Concentrator, have limited articulation capabilities, restricting their performance and control, especially in applications requiring multiple axes of movement to optimize energy generation across a wide range of solar angles, which hampers efficiency and usability in various environments.
Innovation Solution
An articulable solar concentrator with a six-axis articulating joint system that allows for full hemispherical motion, enabling precise control of solar rays focus and adaptable to different power levels, using a discretized Fresnel lens assembly with a collapsible base for enhanced deployment and storage, powered by solar energy or traditional sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a Ring Array Concentrator with limited articulation is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy capture efficiency deteriorates due to restricted tracking capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a six-axis articulation system that enables dynamic adjustment of the concentrator's position and orientation in three-dimensional space. This allows the device to actively track the sun's movement across the sky, maintaining optimal alignment throughout the day and maximizing energy capture efficiency while managing structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from limited one-axis or two-axis tracking to full six-axis articulation, adding three additional degrees of freedom. This dimensional expansion enables the concentrator to operate effectively across a much wider range of solar angles and environmental conditions, significantly improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed focal point concentrator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates for different applications and environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the six-axis articulation system to provide universal adaptability across multiple applications including terrestrial solar tracking, lunar power generation, and various environmental conditions. The same system can be configured for different focal points and tracking patterns, making the device versatile without requiring multiple specialized systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables dynamic adjustment of focal point position and orientation through the six-axis system, allowing the concentrator to adapt its optical parameters for different applications. This parameter variability provides versatility for residential, utility-scale, and space applications while maintaining a single unified device design
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 articulable solar concentrator significantly increases energy capture efficiency by allowing full hemispherical tracking, improving performance in diverse environments and enabling applications like lunar power generation, while being suitable for both residential and utility-scale energy production.
Implementation Method 1
A well-known device for concentrating solar energy is a Fresnel lens
Implementation Method 2
mirrors or lenses are used to redirect and concentrate sunlight into a receiver
Implementation Method 3
concentrator photovoltaics, where mirrors or lenses concentrate sunlight into a powerful, high temperature photovoltaic cell to generate electricity
Implementation Method 4
A Peltier device can be used with a solar concentrator to generate electric power (with sufficient rejection temperature) or similar thermoelectric modules based on the thermocouple effect
Implementation Method 5
Concentrated solar power is dependent on solar tracking to maintain the proper angles of incidence, typically optimized at 90°
Implementation Method 6
Concentrated solar power is dependent on solar tracking to maintain the proper angles of incidence and reflection to generate meaningful amounts of energy
Data Source
AI summary
An articulable solar concentrator assembly for solar power generation is provided. The assembly includes a base; a plurality of articulating joint arms rotatably pinned to the base at respective torque joints; and a lens assembly operably coupled to the base through the plurality of articulating joint arms. The lens assembly can have a plurality of semicircular lens sections arranged to form a circle and each including an array of arc reflectors. Each semicircular lens section can have a slot therebetween configured to receive one of the plurality of articulating joint arms during articulation. The lens assembly can include a receiver for receiving solar energy positioned at the focal point of the array of arc reflectors. The lens assembly can be configured to articulate in a complete hemispherical range of motion. Motors can be positioned at the torque joints to automate the articulation of the lens assembly.