Bifacial Solar Panel Reflector Assembly for Fixed-Angle Energy Gain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed solar panels cannot maintain peak performance throughout the day due to changing sun positions, and existing bifacial solar panel systems require improved reflectors to enhance energy output.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel installation assembly featuring stationary structural members, a rotatable shaft, bifacial photovoltaic panels, and solar reflector panels with projections to reflect light onto the back side of the panels, where the reflector panels are made of materials like thermoplastic or painted steel and are supported by a planar structure parallel to the rotatable axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed solar panels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy output decreases due to inability to track sun position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solar collection function by using separate reflector panels with projections that can be independently positioned to redirect sunlight onto the bifacial solar panel from different angles throughout the day, allowing the main panel to remain fixed while achieving tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Reflector panels act as intermediary elements between the sun and the fixed solar panel, redirecting sunlight onto the panel at optimal angles without requiring the panel itself to move or track the sun
2Productivity
If bifacial solar panels are used, then energy output is increased by capturing light on both sides, but the need for improved reflectors increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector panels incorporate localized projection structures at specific positions and orientations to direct light precisely onto the back side of the bifacial panel where needed, rather than using complex overall reflector systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the third dimension by positioning reflector panels below the solar panel to redirect light upward onto the back side, exploiting the vertical space and the bifacial capability to capture light from both front and back surfaces
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 solution enhances energy output by ensuring consistent sun exposure and improved light reflection onto bifacial solar panels, thereby increasing overall energy harvesting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar reflector panels connected to the support and configured to reflect light onto the back side of the bifacial solar panels
Implementation Method 2
A bifacial solar panel includes a bifacial solar cell that has a front side and back side each configured to capture solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel installation includes a plurality of bifacial solar panels and a plurality of reflective panels separated from and opposing a back side of the bifacial panels to reflect sunlight onto the back side of the panels. Each of the reflective panels may include a plurality of projections to improve the reflectivity onto the back side of the bifacial solar panels.