Enclosed Parabolic Solar Collector With Incremental Sun Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collector systems with parabolic reflectors are not efficiently enclosed to retain heat and optimize energy conversion, as they are typically exposed to environmental elements, limiting their efficiency in concentrating solar radiation.
Innovation Solution
A solar collector system with a plurality of elongated parabolic reflectors mounted on a linkage system within an enclosed glass-topped box, where the reflectors are incrementally pivoted to remain perpendicular to the sun's rays throughout the day using a motor driven by a solar switch, enhancing the concentration of solar energy for both thermal and electrical conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If parabolic reflectors are exposed to environmental elements, then the system structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but heat retention efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of creating an enclosed environment by placing glass panels around the parabolic reflectors and liquid-carrying tubes. This enclosure creates a controlled atmosphere that traps solar radiation and retains heat, preventing energy loss to the external environment while maintaining the simplicity of the reflector structure itself
2Loss of energy
If parabolic reflectors are enclosed in a glass-topped box, then heat retention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The glass enclosure creates a controlled environment that traps solar radiation and retains heat. The simplicity of using transparent glass panels and basic framing structures minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving effective heat retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard glass panel construction methods and common framing techniques to create the enclosure, leveraging existing building practices and materials to avoid unnecessary complexity in the design and fabrication process
3Productivity
If parabolic reflectors are mounted to follow the sun, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a motor-driven mechanism that enables the parabolic reflectors to rotate and track the sun's movement across the sky. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the angle of incidence for maximum solar energy capture throughout the day, significantly improving energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The solar tracking system uses feedback from solar position calculations or sensors to continuously adjust the reflector orientation, ensuring optimal alignment with the sun and maximizing energy collection efficiency
4Productivity
If liquid-carrying tubes are placed along the axis of generation, then heat collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the liquid-carrying tubes along the focal axis of the parabolic reflectors, where concentrated solar radiation converges. This strategic placement based on the geometric properties of parabolas maximizes heat collection efficiency by directing concentrated solar energy directly onto the tubes
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 enclosed system effectively retains heat and optimizes the conversion of solar energy, achieving higher efficiency in transferring energy to liquid-carrying tubes and solar cells, allowing for efficient heating and electricity generation.
Implementation Method 1
parabolic surfaces will reflect solar rays as emanated from the sun and focus them along an axis of generation of the parabola to concentrate the sun's rays along a line
Implementation Method 2
concentrate the sun's rays along a line
Implementation Method 3
The entire system is mounted within an enclosed box with a glass top
Implementation Method 4
solar cells generate electricity, which can also be transferred to remote locations for domestic or commercial uses
Implementation Method 5
black fluid conducting tubes confined within a glass enclosed box so the radiation from the sun will heat the tubes and the liquid being carried therein
Data Source
AI summary
A solar collector includes a plurality of elongated parabolic reflectors mounted within a glass-topped enclosure for pivotal movement such that each reflector is incrementally pivoted throughout the course of a day to remain substantially perpendicular to the sun. The incremental pivotal movement is caused by a motor energized from a solar switch having solar cells that also pivot throughout the day so that in one position of the switch, no electricity is being generated and transferred to the motor, but in a second position, the switch receives solar radiation and energizes the motor to again incrementally pivot each reflector along with the solar switch. The reflectors are therefore incrementally pivoted throughout the course of a day to follow the sun for optimal collection of solar radiation which is used to heat liquid carried by tubes positioned at the axis of generation of the parabolic reflectors and/or strips of solar cell material so that electricity can be generated alone, liquid heated alone, or liquid heated and electricity generated simultaneously.