Compact LCPV solar electric generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) systems face challenges in reducing cost, increasing efficiency, and demonstrating reliability, particularly due to complexity, high-flux, high-temperature operating environments, and the need for active cooling and precise tracking mechanisms, which limit their market penetration and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A compact Low Concentration Photovoltaic (LCPV) system featuring a conical optical configuration with a mirror and lens assembly, rotating within a clear protective dome, which concentrates solar radiation onto a planar circular PV solar panel, eliminating the need for active cooling and reducing tracking complexity while increasing electrical power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional CPV systems use high concentration ratios and dual-axis tracking, then electrical power output increases, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into discrete functional components: a conical mirror for initial concentration, a lens for further focusing, and a PV panel for energy conversion. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, reducing tracking complexity while maintaining high power output
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a single-axis dynamic tracking mechanism that adjusts the orientation of the conical mirror-lens assembly to follow the sun's path. This dynamic adjustment is sufficient to maintain optimal concentration ratios throughout the day, achieving high productivity without the complexity of dual-axis tracking systems
2Productivity
If CPV systems concentrate solar radiation to increase power density, then electrical power output increases, but temperature increases requiring active cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the concentrated solar energy across multiple PV cells arranged in a circular pattern, with each cell receiving focused radiation from a specific angular range. This local quality distribution prevents excessive heat concentration at any single point, allowing the system to achieve high power output per unit area without requiring active cooling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The conical mirror and lens assembly act as intermediary optical elements that distribute and soften the concentrated radiation before it reaches the PV cells. This intermediary optical system reduces the peak temperature at the cell surface while maintaining high energy conversion efficiency, eliminating the need for active thermal management
3Productivity
If PV cell area is increased to reduce cost per watt, then total electrical power increases, but cost per unit area increases linearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical concentration functions (reflection from conical mirror, refraction through lens) into a single integrated optical assembly that focuses sunlight onto a compact circular PV panel. This merging of optical functions achieves high power density in a small area, reducing the total PV cell material required while maintaining high total electrical power output, thereby lowering cost per unit area
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 LCPV system achieves at least double the electrical power output per unit area compared to conventional fixed crystalline silicon panels, with a compact design that is user-friendly, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, without requiring active thermal management, and is suitable for consumer, residential, and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a twenty three inch tall, twelve sided conical mirror (5) made with a reflective inner surface... in operation the twelve flat panels of the reflector are outwardly offset at a predetermined angle between 15 and 30 degrees with respect to an axis between the center of the lens and the center of the solar panel
Implementation Method 2
a circular twenty three inch diameter lens (6)... that refracts rays within the predetermined first wavelength range area reflected by the conical mirror onto the solar panel
Implementation Method 3
a sixteen inch diameter flat round PV solar panel (7) responsive to radiation within a predetermined first wavelength range... Because of the potential difference that exists at a semiconductor junction (e.g., a p-n junction), these released holes and electrons move across the junction in opposite directions and thereby give rise to flow of an electric current that is capable of delivering power to an external circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A compact low concentration photovoltaic (LCPV) apparatus totally enclosed in a protective clear dome against harsh environment without active cooling. A conical mirror reflector, a circular lens refractor and a planar circular crystalline silicon photovoltaic solar panel rotate simultaneously inside the dome to concentrate sun rays and instantly produce electricity. The mirror increases electrical current three times and the lens increases one time for total four times using low overall concentration of five to twenty times sun. The lens is offset from the plane parallel to the photovoltaic solar panel, while the panels forming the mirror are angled offset to a center axis perpendicular to the solar panel. The optical assembly and solar panel are mounted in a conical aluminum cage which is pivoted from a rotary turntable for the daily azimuth and altitude rotations. The dual axis movements consist of irregular intermittent increments of less than one second “on time” and less than two minutes “off time” while following the sun path. The electrical power produced is at least two times more than from fixed conventional crystalline silicon solar panel occupying the same planar surface area. LCPV dual tracking systems offer reduced electricity generation costs, reduced installation costs and increased flexibility in deployment.