Inflatable Heliostat Collector With Membrane Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of solar power is limited by the higher power cost per kilowatt-hour of traditional solar power systems compared to fossil fuel systems, making it difficult to deploy solar photovoltaic and solar thermal power on a large scale.
Innovation Solution
The development of low-cost, inflatable heliostatic solar power collectors with a reflective surface sandwiched between two inflated chambers and an elongated solar power receiver, utilizing modest concentration ratios to reduce costs and increase efficiency, along with lightweight and low-cost frame members for flexible and scalable applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional solar power systems are used, then solar energy can be harnessed, but the power cost per kilowatt-hour is higher compared to fossil fuel systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin film reflective surfaces stretched across inflatable structures to create heliostats. This approach replaces traditional rigid, expensive solar panels with flexible, lightweight reflective membranes that can be manufactured at lower cost while maintaining optical performance for solar concentration applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses inflatable structures (pneumatic systems) to support and shape the reflective surfaces and receiver assemblies. This pneumatic support mechanism replaces heavy rigid frameworks, reducing material costs and simplifying manufacturing while enabling easy deployment and scalability.
2Productivity
If simple flat plate solar collectors are used, then the system is simple and low cost, but conversion efficiency is lower compared to concentrated systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved reflective surfaces with specific geometric profiles (parabolic or spherical sections) that concentrate solar radiation onto linear receivers. This curvature enables optical concentration that improves conversion efficiency while the inflatable support structure keeps the overall system relatively simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional flat plate collectors to three-dimensional concentrated systems by using inflatable structures that create volumetric concentration zones. The solar radiation is concentrated along linear receivers through spatial arrangement in three dimensions, achieving higher efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If utility scale power tower concepts are used, then solar power can be generated at scale, but the systems are complex and best suited only for utility scale applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar power system into modular inflatable heliostat units that can be independently deployed. Each unit functions as a complete system with its own reflective surface, inflatable support, and receiver, allowing scalable deployment from single units for small applications to arrays for utility-scale installations without increasing individual unit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable heliostat design creates a universal platform that can serve multiple application scales and configurations. The same basic inflatable structure and reflective membrane technology can be adapted for residential, commercial, or utility-scale deployments, providing versatility across different power generation needs.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and efficient means of harnessing solar energy, suitable for small, medium, and utility-scale applications, offering flexibility in installation and increased conversion efficiency compared to traditional flat plate collectors.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective surface or membrane for reflecting and concentrating solar radiation
Implementation Method 2
reflecting and concentrating solar radiation onto an elongated solar power receiver
Implementation Method 3
The power receiver may be of photovoltaic and/or solar thermal types
Implementation Method 4
The power receiver may be of photovoltaic and/or solar thermal types
Data Source
AI summary
Increased utilization of solar power is highly desirable as solar power is a readily available renewable resource with power potential far exceeding total global needs; and as solar power does not contribute to pollutants associated with fossil fuel power, such as unburned hydrocarbons, NOx and carbon dioxide. The present invention provides low-cost inflatable heliostatic solar power collectors, which can be stand-alone units suitable for flexible utilization in small, medium, or utility scale applications. The inflatable heliostatic power collectors use a reflective surface or membrane “sandwiched” between two inflated chambers, and attached solar power receivers which may be of photovoltaic and/or solar thermal types. Modest concentration ratios enable benefits in both reduced cost and increased conversion efficiency, relative to simple prior-art flat plate solar collectors.