Foldable Solar Collector Panels for Sun Tracking and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar collectors face challenges in efficiently tracking and focusing sunlight, leading to reduced energy collection efficiency and ease of use, particularly in varying weather conditions and during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A solar collector design featuring a frame that rotates about a vertical axis, with a reflective panel assembly pivotally coupled to fold and extend for optimal sunlight focus, and a collector assembly that adjusts to maintain energy collection efficiency, including a four-bar linkage assembly for movement support and a controller for automatic sun alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solar collector uses a fixed reflective surface, then the structure is simple, but the energy collection efficiency is reduced due to inability to track the sun
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector employs dynamic reflective surfaces that can pivot and rotate to track the sun's movement throughout the day. The reflective panels are mounted on movable assemblies that adjust their orientation to maintain optimal sunlight reflection angles, transforming a static structure into a dynamic tracking system that continuously optimizes energy collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surface is divided into multiple separate reflective panels or assemblies rather than using a single large fixed surface. Each panel can be independently positioned and angled to track the sun, allowing the system to maintain tracking capability while keeping individual components manageable in size and complexity
2Productivity
If the solar collector uses a large reflective surface for better energy collection, then the energy collection efficiency improves, but the ease of transportation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The large reflective surface is segmented into multiple smaller reflective panels that can be independently folded or collapsed. This segmentation allows the overall structure to be disassembled into compact units for transportation while maintaining the capability to form a large effective reflective area when deployed for energy collection
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective panels are designed with movable joints and folding mechanisms that enable the structure to transition between a compact configuration for transportation and storage, and an expanded configuration for energy collection. This dynamic transformation capability allows the system to achieve large surface area when needed while remaining portable
3Productivity
If the solar collector uses multiple moving parts for sun tracking, then the energy collection efficiency improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is divided into multiple independent reflective panel assemblies, each with its own simple pivot mechanism. This segmentation isolates potential failures to individual panels rather than the entire system, allowing the collector to continue functioning with reduced efficiency if one panel fails, and simplifies maintenance by allowing individual panel replacement
4Ease of operation
If the solar collector uses a collapsible panel assembly for easy transportation, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective panels are pre-assembled into modular units with built-in alignment features and connection mechanisms during manufacturing. These preliminary preparations include pre-drilled holes, alignment pins, and standardized mounting interfaces that simplify field assembly and ensure proper alignment without requiring high-precision adjustments during installation or transportation
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
Enhances energy collection efficiency by optimizing sunlight focus and tracking, simplifies transportation and maintenance, and allows for easy adjustment during inclement weather, improving overall performance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The panel assembly is configured for reflecting sunlight to a common focal point
Data Source
AI summary
A solar collector is provided with a reflective panel assembly that is supported by a frame and pivots about a first horizontal axis. The panel assembly is configured for reflecting sunlight to a common focal point, and includes a central panel and a pair of outer panels each pivotally coupled to the central panel and configured for folding over the central panel. A collector assembly is mounted relative to the frame and pivotal about a second horizontal axis. The collector assembly is configured for collecting solar energy and includes a receiver that is positioned at the focal point. The receiver is configured for extracting energy from the reflected sunlight. The solar collector may also include a four-bar linkage assembly for supporting the panel assembly and the collector assembly during movement from a collapsed position and a partially extended position.