Concave Solar Reflector Array for Cooler PV Receptor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic receptors in solar concentrators have a limited lifespan and efficiency is affected by operating temperatures, requiring periodic replacement and effective thermal management to maintain performance.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic device with an array of elongate reflector elements and a heat sink with cooling fins to thermally isolate the photovoltaic receptor, along with a thermal expansion arrangement to compensate for temperature changes, and a secondary optic device to enhance solar radiation concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If photovoltaic receptors are mounted on reflector elements without thermal isolation, then the structure is simpler, but the operating temperature increases reducing efficiency and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting arrangement acts as an intermediary between the reflector element and photovoltaic receptor, providing thermal isolation through insulating material while mechanically supporting the receptor. This mediator prevents direct thermal contact, maintaining lower operating temperatures without requiring complex active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management function is extracted from the structural mounting function by introducing a dedicated mounting arrangement with insulating properties. This separates the thermal isolation requirement from the basic support structure, allowing the reflector element to focus on optical function while the mounting arrangement handles thermal management.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic receptors are used in solar concentrators, then power generation efficiency increases, but lifespan is limited due to high operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement serves as a thermal mediator that allows the photovoltaic receptor to operate at high concentrations of solar radiation while preventing excessive heat buildup. The insulating material in the mounting arrangement creates a thermal barrier that extends the operational lifespan by maintaining temperatures within acceptable limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The high concentration of solar radiation, which normally would be harmful due to excessive heating, is converted into a benefit by using it to drive high efficiency power generation while the thermal isolation system manages the heat. The same concentrated energy that could degrade the receptor is harnessed for electricity generation, with thermal management preventing the harmful effects.
3Ease of manufacture
If photovoltaic receptors are directly mounted on reflector elements, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but thermal expansion differences cause mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement accommodates parameter changes in dimensions due to thermal expansion by incorporating flexible or adjustable mounting mechanisms. This allows the system to adapt to dimensional changes in both the reflector element and photovoltaic receptor as temperatures vary, preventing mechanical stress and maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design explicitly accounts for thermal expansion by using materials and mounting configurations that can accommodate differential expansion between the reflector element and photovoltaic receptor. The mounting arrangement is designed to allow for dimensional changes without creating restrictive constraints that would lead to mechanical failure.
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 extends the lifespan of photovoltaic receptors, improves efficiency by maintaining lower operating temperatures, and reduces maintenance costs through modular and replaceable photovoltaic assemblies, while also increasing the concentration ratio of solar radiation, thereby enhancing power generation efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element
Implementation Method 2
an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array
Implementation Method 3
a photovoltaic device... a method of converting solar radiation to electrical power
Implementation Method 4
The heat sink may include a set of cooling fins located between the photovoltaic receptor and the associated reflector element
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.