Curved Solar Generator Layout for All-Day Energy Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar electrical generators are limited in their ability to efficiently convert solar energy to electricity throughout the day due to their fixed, flat configuration, which only optimizes energy collection for a few hours.
Innovation Solution
A solar electrical generator design featuring a curved outer wall with a central hub and movable panels, incorporating solar cells and reflectors, allowing for maximum energy collection at various angles throughout the day, and optionally including wind turbines for enhanced power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed flat configuration is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but energy collection efficiency is limited to only a few hours per day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the panels movable rather than fixed. The panels can rotate and adjust their orientation to track the sun's movement across the sky, allowing the solar generator to collect energy efficiently throughout the day rather than just during a few fixed hours. This dynamic adjustment capability directly addresses the contradiction by improving productivity while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional curved configuration. The panels are arranged in a curved, cylindrical, or conical shape that wraps around a central hub, creating multiple surfaces oriented at different angles. This dimensional change allows sunlight to strike panels at optimal angles during different times of the day, significantly improving energy collection while accepting the added structural complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If solar cells are replaced with reflectors, then cost is reduced, but power generation capability is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different materials (solar cells or reflectors) in different locations on the panel surfaces. This allows the system to be customized based on specific requirements - areas where maximum power generation is needed can use solar cells, while areas where cost reduction is prioritized can use reflectors. The local quality principle enables flexible configuration to balance cost and performance based on application needs.
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 design increases energy generation by 300-500% within a given footprint, offering a scalable, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective solution for various applications, from small remote equipment to large solar farms.
Implementation Method 1
The outer face of which is provided with solar cells
Implementation Method 2
These reflectors are preferably positioned to reflect some of the incident light toward a facing solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
A solar electrical generator comprising an outer wall (1, 2) arranged to partially surround a cavity. A hub (3) is provided within the cavity wherein the outer face (4) of the wall is provided with solar cells (5). At least one of the hub (3) and the inner face (6) of the wall are provided with solar cells (5).