Segmented Flat-Glass Solar Collector for Low-Cost Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar energy concentration devices, such as parabolic mirrors, are costly and difficult to manufacture, limiting the development of cost-effective solar collectors for efficient solar radiation conversion into thermal or electrical energy.

Innovation Solution

The use of flat glass mirrors deflected to form a curved surface with a parabolical shape, constrained by a frame structure to create a solar collector with a focal zone for concentrating solar light, allowing for efficient solar energy concentration without the need for complex and expensive manufacturing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If parabolic-shaped mirrors are used to concentrate solar energy, then solar energy concentration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy concentration efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the mirror surface into multiple flat glass segments (e.g., 6 segments per mirror assembly) that can be manufactured separately using simple flat glass cutting and assembly processes, then combined to form the complete solar collector system without requiring complex parabolic shaping of each individual mirror

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple flat glass mirrors with a common support structure and alignment mechanism to create a unified solar energy concentration system that achieves parabolic-like focusing performance through the collective arrangement of simpler flat components rather than requiring each component to be a complex parabolic shape

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of energy

If parabolic-shaped mirrors are used to concentrate solar energy, then solar energy concentration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy concentration efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive flat glass mirrors that can be manufactured using standard, low-cost glass cutting and assembly techniques, replacing the need for expensive precision-formed parabolic mirrors while maintaining acceptable solar energy concentration performance for the application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mirror system by using flat surfaces with specific angles and orientations (e.g., 45-degree angles, specific spacing) that collectively achieve the desired solar energy concentration effect without requiring the continuous curved surface of traditional parabolic mirrors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables the creation of a cost-effective solar collector that effectively concentrates solar radiation, improving the efficiency of solar energy conversion while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

solar light is reflected from the plurality of deflected flat glass mirrors to a solar light concentration zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9310533B2Solar radiation collector

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 ANGELINI JOSEPH A

AI summary

Various configurations of solar collectors are defined. Some solar collectors are formed from flat glass mirrors. Some solar collectors are formed by bending a sheet along a curve.