Dual Rotating Cylindrical Shields for Dynamic Solar Aperture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passive solar energy systems are static and unable to dynamically adjust to a building's changing thermal needs, limiting their effectiveness in providing optimal thermal control regardless of location or seasonal variations.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic solar energy system featuring two rotating cylindrical shields with different rotational speeds, creating a variable aperture that adjusts in size and position to optimize solar gain and shading based on external temperature and sunlight, integrated with a ventilation system to regulate temperature and air circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional passive solar systems use fixed static structures, then the system is simple with few moving parts, but the thermal characteristics are fixed and cannot adapt to changing seasonal and daily conditioning needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static fixed shields into rotating dynamic shields that can change their position and aperture size continuously. The first shield rotates once per year (circannual) and the second shield rotates once per day (circadian), enabling the system to dynamically adjust thermal characteristics according to seasonal and daily temperature variations, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by placing one rotating shield inside another rotating shield. The first shield (circannual) contains the second shield (circadian) within its structure, creating a compact integrated system where both shields work together to control the aperture. This nested configuration allows dynamic adaptability while maintaining relatively simple system architecture
2Use of energy by moving object
If the aperture remains open to admit solar energy, then solar gain is maximized, but thermal loss increases during nighttime and cooling periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by making the aperture open and close in regular cycles corresponding to daily and annual patterns. The circadian shield opens the aperture during daytime to admit solar energy and closes it at nighttime to prevent thermal loss. The circannual shield adjusts the aperture size seasonally, opening wider in winter to capture solar gain and closing tighter in summer to reduce heat entry. This periodic operation resolves the contradiction between energy capture and energy loss prevention
3Illumination intensity
If the aperture size is increased to provide maximum daylight, then illumination is improved, but solar heat gain becomes excessive during hot periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by making different parts of the aperture system perform different functions. The circannual shield primarily controls the overall aperture size to regulate seasonal solar heat gain, while the circadian shield controls the timing and duration of aperture opening to balance daylight admission with heat gain management. This division of functional quality between the two shields allows simultaneous optimization of illumination and temperature control
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 system dynamically regulates solar insolation, shading, and ventilation to meet a building's daily and seasonal conditioning needs, providing optimal thermal comfort and energy efficiency while minimizing mechanical or electrical requirements.
Implementation Method 1
solar energy can pass. The aperture size and location or position varies due to the speed differential between the shields. The location and size of the aperture can be calibrated to the external temperature and amount of sunlight to produce a selected amount of solar gain
Implementation Method 2
The shields can have insulating material and may be substantially opaque to solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy apparatus is provided for conditioning a building. The apparatus includes a first shield having a generalized cylindrical shape with an opening along its curved surface. The first shield rotates about the perimeter of a building at a first rotational speed. A second shield, also having a generalized cylindrical shape and with an opening along its curved surface, rotates concentrically with the first shield and at a second, greater rotational speed. The speeds of each shield are preferably constant and rotation of both shields is in the same direction. The relative rotation of the shields creates an aperture that varies in size and position throughout the day and year to appropriately regulate the amount of daylight, solar energy and insulation to which the building is subjected.