Cylindrical Solar Capture Housing for Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic module housings are inefficient in capturing solar radiation due to their horizontal orientation and rectangular shape, leading to reduced electrical output and vulnerability to fouling from elements like snow, sand, and dirt.
Innovation Solution
A vertically erected cylindrical housing unit with a base, assembly couplings, draw bands, an inner support tube, and an outer clear cylinder, allowing for maximum solar exposure and easy stacking without increasing footprint, using materials like steel, plastic, and glass to optimize solar energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional horizontal rectangular photovoltaic housings are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but solar radiation capture efficiency is reduced and electrical output is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal rectangular photovoltaic housings to vertical cylindrical housings, changing the spatial dimension and orientation. This vertical cylindrical configuration allows the photovoltaic modules to be wrapped around a central support tube in a circular arrangement, maximizing solar exposure throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky, thereby significantly improving electrical output per square area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cylindrical (curved) housing structure instead of a conventional rectangular one. The photovoltaic modules are wrapped around a central support tube in a circular configuration, creating a curved surface that optimizes solar capture from multiple angles. This spherical/cylindrical geometry enables continuous solar exposure regardless of the sun's position in the sky.
2Reliability
If horizontal photovoltaic panels are installed, then the installation process is straightforward, but the panels are vulnerable to fouling from snow, sand, and dirt
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from horizontal to vertical orientation, the patent enables the photovoltaic modules to be positioned in a vertical cylindrical arrangement. This vertical positioning naturally resists accumulation of snow, sand, and dirt, as these elements are less likely to settle on vertically oriented surfaces compared to horizontal ones, thereby improving resistance to fouling and maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If vertical cylindrical housing units are stacked to enhance power production, then electrical output per square area increases, but the structural assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vertical cylindrical housing into modular segments that can be stacked vertically. Each module includes a base, support tube, photovoltaic modules wrapped around the tube, and a top section with assembly couplings. These standardized modules can be easily stacked and connected using draw bands and assembly tabs, enabling enhanced power production through vertical stacking while managing assembly complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the photovoltaic modules are wrapped around and nested upon the central support tube. Additionally, multiple housing units can be stacked vertically with each unit nested within the overall structural framework, supported by draw bands that connect assembly tabs between stacked units. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and enables vertical stacking for enhanced power production.
4Productivity
If the outer cylinder is made transparent to allow light penetration, then solar energy conversion is optimized, but the structural strength and protection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the outer transparent cylinder, likely combining materials that provide both optical transparency and structural strength. The cylinder is made of material transparent to wavelengths suitable for photovoltaic cell operation while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to protect the internal components. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of solar energy conversion and structural protection.
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 cylindrical design ensures continuous solar exposure and improved electrical output per square area, with the ability to stack units for enhanced power production while resisting fouling, offering superior performance compared to traditional flat panels.
Implementation Method 1
the outer clear cylinder i) being a hollow cylinder having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner support tube; ii) having a wall thickness that can be accommodated within one of the one or more circular grooves on the first and second assembly couplings; and iii) being made of material that is transparent to light of a wavelength suitable for generating electricity in a photovoltaic cell
Implementation Method 2
designed to provide maximum solar gain for a flexible wrap-around or cylindrical photovoltaic module mounted onto a support tube enclosed within the housing unit
Data Source
AI summary
The Totem Pole Solar Capture Housing is an improved design for a photo voltaic module enclosure. It is cylindrical in shape to capture the maximum amount of solar radiation on the housing's surface transferred to the module for conversion to electricity, and eliminates positional orientation. The cylindrical glass outer shell exposes one half of its circumference to solar radiation on contact. Used singly or in multiples interconnected together, one atop the other and erected vertically on a foot print. The inner photo voltaic module support core diameter and height can be sized to fit modules of different electrical outputs. The hollow center of the support core acts as the wiring channel to the base. Assembly couplings form the top and bottom of the enclosure and are critical in joining multiple enclosures into one vertical electrical output-enhanced assembly.