Fresnel Solar Concentrator Structure for Two-Axis Sun Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar concentrator systems face challenges in being energy and cost efficient, and accurately tracking the sun's motion throughout the year due to material usage and structural complexity, particularly with large-scale convex lens systems.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy concentrator system utilizing a supporting structure with Fresnel reflectors and optical trusses that rotate about a polar and declination axis, allowing for efficient tracking of the sun's motion and reducing material usage through a 2-axis concentration method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large-scale convex lens systems are used for solar concentration, then optical quality and power collection efficiency are improved, but material usage and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large convex lens system into multiple smaller Fresnel reflector segments arranged in an array. Each segment focuses sunlight independently onto a corresponding PV cell, achieving the same total concentration effect as a single large lens but with reduced material usage and simplified construction of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of identical or similar Fresnel reflector modules rather than one large complex lens. Each module is a replicated unit that can be manufactured independently and assembled into the complete concentrator system, reducing the complexity of individual components while maintaining overall optical quality.
2Productivity
If large-scale convex lens systems are used for solar concentration, then optical quality and power collection efficiency are improved, but device complexity and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple independent Fresnel reflector modules, each with its own support structure and tracking mechanism. This segmentation allows each module to be constructed and adjusted independently, reducing the overall structural complexity compared to a single large lens system while maintaining high optical quality through precise alignment of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic tracking mechanisms that allow the Fresnel reflector array to follow the sun's motion. The modular structure enables independent adjustment of each segment's orientation, providing adaptability to changing solar positions throughout the day and year, which simplifies the overall structural design compared to fixed large-scale systems.
3Productivity
If conventional PV systems are scaled by adding more panels, then power output increases, but system cost increases due to additional semiconductor material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical concentration parameter by using Fresnel reflectors to concentrate sunlight onto smaller PV cells. This allows the system to generate the same power output with less semiconductor material by increasing the intensity of light on each cell rather than increasing the total cell area, thereby reducing material costs while maintaining productivity.
4Productivity
If paraboloidal reflectors are scaled to increase active area, then power collection increases, but mass of material and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large paraboloidal reflector, the patent segments the reflective surface into multiple smaller Fresnel reflector elements. Each element is lighter and easier to construct, and when arranged in an array, they collectively provide the same active area for light collection, reducing total material mass while maintaining or improving collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The Fresnel reflector segments can be manufactured as simpler, lighter-weight components compared to large paraboloidal structures. These segmented elements are easier to produce, install, and replace if needed, reducing both initial material investment and long-term maintenance costs while achieving the required active area for effective power collection.
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 achieves energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness by allowing more solar power collection per device, reducing material requirements, and enabling optimal orientation for seasonal solar tracking, thereby enhancing electricity generation from solar energy.
Implementation Method 1
Each module of the plurality of solar modules includes a plurality of Fresnel reflectors. The plurality of reflectors is arranged to focus solar radiation linearly onto a photovoltaic cell or array of photovoltaic cells.
Implementation Method 2
Each module of the plurality of solar modules includes a plurality of Fresnel reflectors
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of reflectors is arranged to focus solar radiation linearly onto a photovoltaic cell or array of photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 4
The supporting structure is rotatably connected to a plurality of support members and aligned to allow the supporting structure to rotate about a polar axis
Implementation Method 5
A plurality of optical trusses is connected to the plurality of solar modules and rotatably connected to the supporting structure to allow the plurality of solar modules to be rotated by the declination axis to track a motion of the of sun through seasons of the year
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy concentrator system includes a supporting structure and a plurality of solar modules coupled to the supporting structure. Each module of the plurality of solar modules includes a plurality of Fresnel reflectors. The plurality of reflectors is arranged to focus solar radiation linearly onto a photovoltaic cell providing two axis concentration. The supporting structure is rotatably connected to a plurality of support members and aligned to allow the supporting structure to rotate about a polar axis. A plurality of optical trusses is connected to the plurality of solar modules and rotatably connected to the supporting structure to allow the plurality of solar modules to be rotated about a declination axis to track a motion of the sun through seasons of the year.