HCPV Module Structure With Inverted Pyramids and Passive Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) systems are expensive due to additional components like tracking and cooling systems, which increase capital and operational costs, weight, and size.
Innovation Solution
A HCPV system design with a backplate array of interconnected circular pads and a grid structure, using Fresnel lenses with thermal coating, to enhance efficiency and reduce components, incorporating an analytical model to optimize power generation considering wind speed and backplate pad length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) systems use optical devices to concentrate sunlight onto small solar cell areas, then electricity generation efficiency is improved, but system cost increases due to additional tracking and cooling components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tracking system and cooling system into a single integrated structure. The tracking system includes a movable platform that supports both the solar cells and heat dissipation components, allowing simultaneous sun tracking and heat management functions to be performed by one system rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform serves multiple functions: it tracks the sun to concentrate sunlight onto solar cells, provides structural support for the solar cells and optical components, and incorporates heat dissipation mechanisms to manage thermal load. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed
2Productivity
If HCPV systems incorporate tracking systems to follow the sun, then light concentration efficiency is improved, but weight and size of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is divided into modular components including a movable platform, fixed support structure, and detachable solar cell arrays. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled and configured based on specific needs, reducing unnecessary weight while maintaining tracking functionality
3Temperature
If HCPV systems use cooling systems to dissipate excess heat, then solar cell temperature control is improved, but operational costs and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system utilizes passive heat dissipation mechanisms that automatically manage thermal load without requiring external control systems. The heat dissipation structure is designed to naturally conduct and radiate heat from the solar cells, eliminating the need for active cooling components like fans or pumps
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 higher efficiency with lower energy demand and manufacturing costs, producing maximum net power while minimizing power consumption by the tracking system.
Implementation Method 1
an optical component that concentrates light onto a corresponding solar cell
Implementation Method 2
Solar energy may be converted into electrical energy using a photovoltaic (PV) system
Implementation Method 3
Fresnel lenses with thermal coating
Data Source
AI summary
The HCPV system includes a plurality of modules connected to an array, a casing, a plurality of inverted pyramids, a plurality of solar cells, and a backplate. Each module includes an optical component that concentrates light onto a single solar cell and a single inverted pyramid with solid lateral faces connects the optical component at a peripheral edge of a base of the pyramid to the single solar cell at an apex of the inverted pyramid. The casing has a top frame and a bottom frame. The top frame surrounds each optical component on the peripheral edge of the pyramid, and the bottom frame surrounds each solar cell on the apex of the pyramid. The top frame and bottom frame are separated by a plurality of supports. The backplate is a plurality of interconnected circular pads.