Hexagonal Lens-Cell Floating Cover for Solar Pond Evaporation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating pond and lagoon cover systems face challenges such as high evaporation losses, photo-degradation, and labor-intensive deployment, particularly in harsh desert environments where evaporation rates are high and weather conditions are extreme.
Innovation Solution
A floating pond cover system comprising hexagonal cells made of recyclable plastics, where spherical lenses are packed within a hexagonal frame to maximize surface packing density and minimize gaps, providing effective evaporation control, thermal energy storage, and solar irradiance absorption, while being durable and easy to deploy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional floating liners are used, then evaporation control is effective, but photo-degradation and tearing occur under UV radiation and extreme weather
Solution Approach 1:
The pond cover is divided into multiple hexagonal cells, each containing spherical lenses. This segmentation allows individual cells to be replaced if damaged, improving overall system reliability without requiring replacement of the entire cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction with hexagonal frames, spherical lenses, and sealing materials combined to create a pond cover that resists UV degradation and mechanical damage while maintaining evaporation control functionality.
2Productivity
If single or double layer plastic sheets are used, then deployment is simple, but labor costs are high and coverage is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is segmented into modular hexagonal cells that can be independently deployed and assembled. This allows progressive coverage of large pond areas without requiring manual handling of massive single sheets, reducing labor costs while achieving complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional sheet coverage to three-dimensional cellular structures with spherical lenses. This adds vertical dimension and optical functionality, improving coverage efficiency and reducing the amount of material needed while simplifying deployment through modular assembly.
3Use of energy by moving object
If spherical lenses are packed to maximum density, then solar irradiance absorption is maximized, but gaps between lenses reduce effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
Spherical lenses are used instead of flat surfaces, allowing maximum packing density in hexagonal arrangements. The curved surfaces optimize light refraction and absorption while minimizing gaps between adjacent lenses, thereby maximizing solar irradiance capture and reducing energy loss.
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 >99% pond coverage, significantly reducing evaporation losses, enhancing thermal energy storage and solar energy absorption, and minimizing labor costs through efficient deployment, thus optimizing water and energy management in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
19 plastic balls, working as an assemblage of spherical lenses are packed uniformly within a hexagonal frame
Implementation Method 2
maximize absorptance of incident beam solar irradiance
Implementation Method 3
provide a floating insulation barrier thereby minimizing losses of thermal energy stored (TES) in the pond
Implementation Method 4
the floating pond cover becomes an effective solar collector, transforming the working media therein into a heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
A floating pond cover comprised of a plurality of convex spherical lenses of suitable polymer and uniform thickness arranged symmetrically at maximum packing density within a singular hexagonal floatation-cell-body (Cell), said Cell comprising one of a plurality of >10{circumflex over ( )}3 identical Cells, whereupon dispersed on totality of a Salt-Gradient-Solar-Pond (SGSP) or other pond-function/lagoon surface, providing coverage of >99%, forming a floating thermal insulation and evaporation barrier, whilst maximizing absorptance or reflectance of incident solar irradiance into/from the pond media. The plurality of hemispherical-surfaces of the lenses, being positioned uniformly within a hexagonal body are arranged, convex-side up, and extends upward from a horizontal x-y plane to a prescribed height above upper surface of said Cell, such that solar rays impinging on said plurality of lenses and floatation body are refracted through the transparent, opaque or translucent Cell-body into said pond media providing functions of evaporation control and insulation for (TES), electric power generation, desalinating saltwater, potable water storage, sewage waste ponds, and protecting wildlife from toxic chemicals utilized in metallurgy, or in oil and gas extraction.