Cylindrical Light Collector With Moving PV Modules for Sun Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic power generation systems with light-collecting devices require complex structures and high costs due to the need for precise sunlight tracking, which increases the number of solar cell modules and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical light-collecting device that concentrates sunlight on a focal point regardless of the sun's incidence angle, allowing solar cell modules to move along this trajectory, reducing the number of modules needed and simplifying the apparatus structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a light-collecting device is used to concentrate sunlight, then the number of solar cell modules required is reduced, but the apparatus structure becomes complex due to the need for precise sunlight tracking
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the entire light-collecting apparatus to track the sun, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the cylindrical light-collecting device stationary and rotating only the solar cell module in the opposite direction to the sun's movement. This reversal of the conventional tracking method significantly reduces structural complexity while maintaining effective sunlight concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the apparatus into two independent parts: a stationary cylindrical light-collecting device and a separately rotatable solar cell module. This segmentation allows the heavy light-collecting structure to remain fixed while only the lighter module rotates, simplifying the overall support structure and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If the entire photovoltaic power generation apparatus is rotated to track the sun, then sunlight absorption efficiency is maintained, but large rotation space and complex driving devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional tracking approach by keeping the main apparatus stationary and rotating only the solar cell module in the opposite direction to the sun's apparent movement. This eliminates the need for large rotation mechanisms and complex driving devices while maintaining optimal sunlight absorption through the cylindrical lens's inherent light-concentrating properties.
3Strength
If a firm and complex support structure is used to hold the apparatus, then the apparatus can be supported against distortion, but the structure becomes more complex and requires more materials
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the tracking method to keep the heavy light-collecting device stationary and rotate only the module, the invention dramatically reduces the support structure requirements. The stationary cylindrical device needs only a simple fixed mount, eliminating the need for complex support structures designed to handle large rotational forces and moments.
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 significantly reduces the number of solar cell modules required, simplifies the apparatus structure, and minimizes operational costs while maintaining high energy absorption efficiency, allowing for stable and durable installation without the need for complex tracking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical light-collecting device which concentrates sunlight on a focal point regardless of an incidence angle of sunlight
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a photovoltaic power generation apparatus comprising a light-collecting device which collects light to solar cell modules regardless of the migration path of the sun. Photovoltaic power generation involves enabling solar energy to be absorbed into solar cell modules and generating electricity from the solar energy. The photovoltaic power generation apparatus of the present invention comprises: said light-collecting device, which eliminates the need for tracking and moving along with the sun; a small number of solar cell modules which track and move along with the sun; and a device for moving the modules, wherein the photovoltaic power generation apparatus of the present invention generates electricity by means of the light-collecting device, the solar cell modules, and the device for moving the modules, thus significantly reducing the cost of installing and operating photovoltaic power generation facilities.