Double-sided concentrated solar device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current light-concentrating solar systems are limited by their single-sided light-receiving method, restricting installation options and power generation time, especially when not used with sun-tracking systems.

Innovation Solution

A double-sided light-concentrating solar apparatus with front-side and back-side light-concentrating grooves, each with reflecting surfaces, allowing sunlight to be received from two directions, and optionally paired with a side reflective panel to enhance light collection and concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-sided light-receiving method is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different directions and installation methods is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to directions and installation methodsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into front-side and back-side light-receiving surfaces, each with independent light-concentrating grooves. This segmentation allows the device to receive light from multiple directions independently, significantly improving adaptability to different installation orientations and directions without requiring complex tracking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from single-sided (one-dimensional light reception) to double-sided (two-dimensional light reception) by adding light-receiving capability in the opposite direction. This dimensional change enables the device to capture sunlight regardless of its orientation, greatly enhancing installation flexibility and directional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Duration of action of moving object

If a single-sided light-receiving method is used, then the device structure is simple, but the power generation time is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation timeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic panel is divided into front and back sides, each equipped with independent light-concentrating grooves. This segmentation allows both sides to generate power simultaneously under different lighting conditions, effectively doubling the potential power generation time without requiring complex sun-tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By enabling light reception from both front and back sides, the device maintains continuous power generation capability throughout the day. The front side captures morning and afternoon sunlight, while the back side captures afternoon and evening sunlight, ensuring uninterrupted useful action and maximizing energy harvest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Area of stationary object

If the opening lateral dimension is larger than the bottom dimension, then the light collection area is increased, but the light concentration ratio may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight collection areaVSAvoidlight concentration ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The light-concentrating grooves utilize curved or angled reflecting surfaces that guide light from the wider opening toward the narrower bottom where the photovoltaic panel is located. This curved geometry allows the grooves to capture light over a large opening area while effectively concentrating it onto the smaller panel surface, resolving the trade-off between collection area and concentration ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves extend in the depth dimension, creating a three-dimensional light-guiding structure. This vertical dimension allows light to be collected over a large horizontal opening area and then concentrated through the depth of the grooves onto the photovoltaic panel, effectively decoupling the collection area from the concentration ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances adaptability to different directions and installation methods, improves light collection ability, and increases the concentration ratio, making the system more cost-effective and efficient.

Implementation Method 1

The surfaces of the two groove walls facing each other are reflecting surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

photovoltaic panel arranged at the bottom of each light-concentrating groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 3

The side reflective panel is configured to at least partially reflect the received sunlight into the opening of the front-side light-concentrating groove or the back-side light-concentrating groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3790187B1Double-sided concentrated solar device
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 BOLY MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP3790187B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3790187B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3790187B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A double-sided light-concentrating solar apparatus and system. The apparatus comprises a front-side concentrating groove (110), a back-side concentrating groove (110'), and a photovoltaic panel (120) provided at the bottom of each concentrating groove. Each concentrating groove comprises two groove walls (111, 112; 111', 112') extending along the bottom; opposite surfaces of the two groove walls are reflecting surfaces; the open side of each of the two groove walls forms an opening of the concentrating groove; the opening direction of the front-side concentrating groove (110) is opposite to the opening direction of the back-side concentrating groove (110'). According to the double-sided concentrating solar device, sunlight (LL) can be concentrated and received from two different directions, thereby enhancing direction adaptability and expanding device mounting methods.