Fresnel Reflector Solar Concentrator Using Flat Segmented Trough
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar concentrators have complex design elements that increase manufacturing and installation costs, particularly due to curved mirrors and complex support structures, making them expensive and difficult to produce and deploy effectively.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy concentrator featuring multiple flat linear reflective surfaces in a trough shape, forming a Fresnel reflector with a V-shaped structure, which simplifies design elements, allows for cost-effective manufacturing using off-the-shelf materials, and can be easily installed with common tracking mechanisms, enhancing thermal insulation when glazed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If curved mirrors are used in solar concentrators, then solar energy concentration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the curved mirror surface into multiple flat linear segments arranged in a stepped configuration. Each segment is a separate, simpler component that collectively achieves the focusing function of a curved mirror, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a continuous curved surface (2D surface geometry) to a stepped configuration with discrete flat segments (adding the dimension of vertical steps). This dimensional change allows flat segments to approximate the focusing effect of curved surfaces, simplifying manufacturing while preserving functionality
2Use of energy by moving object
If curved mirrors with complex support structures are used, then solar energy concentration is improved, but manufacturing and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrator is divided into multiple independent flat linear segments that can be manufactured separately using simple stamping processes from metallic materials, eliminating the need for complex curved surface fabrication and reducing overall manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flat linear segments that can be produced as inexpensive, standardized components from common metallic materials, replacing expensive custom-fabricated curved mirrors. These simpler components are easier to replace and maintain at lower cost
3Ease of manufacture
If flat linear reflective surfaces are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but solar energy concentration efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flat linear segments are arranged in a specific stepped pattern where each segment reflects sunlight to the focal line. The collective arrangement of these simple flat segments achieves concentration efficiency comparable to curved mirrors while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as the angle, width, and spacing of each flat linear segment to maximize solar energy concentration. By carefully adjusting these geometric parameters, the flat segmented structure achieves high efficiency despite the simplicity of individual components
4Loss of energy
If V-shaped trough structure with flat Fresnel reflectors is used, then thermal insulation is improved when glazed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the V-shaped trough structure with flat Fresnel reflector segments and glazing into an integrated assembly. This merging of components creates a unified structure that provides thermal insulation while the modular nature of the flat segments keeps individual component complexity low
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies installation, and improves thermal insulation while maintaining high efficiency in concentrating solar energy, making it more accessible and cost-effective compared to traditional parabolic trough designs.
Implementation Method 1
multiple flat linear reflective surfaces in the general shape of a linear trough that reflect and concentrate the solar energy
Implementation Method 2
the flat linear reflective surfaces collectively, effectively comprise a Fresnel reflector concentrating the solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a solar concentrator composed of a generally V-shaped trough of reflective Fresnel steps. The Fresnel reflective steps concentrate the sunlight entering the mouth of the V-shaped trough and parallel to its central axis into a central focal area. By disposing a solar energy receiving element at the central focal area of sunlight concentration a preferred embodiment as a concentrating solar energy collector is realized. Various types of solar energy receiving structures are shown that serve to convert the concentrated sunlight into other forms of useful energy to realize the preferred embodiment as a concentrating solar energy collector.