Inflatable Linear Heliostat Module With Moderate Solar Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of solar power is limited by the high power cost per kilowatt-hour of traditional solar power systems compared to fossil fuel systems, making it less competitive despite its environmental benefits.
Innovation Solution
The development of inflatable heliostatic solar collector devices with a reflective surface sandwiched between two inflated chambers and an elongated linear solar power receiver, utilizing modest concentration ratios to reduce costs and increase efficiency, along with lightweight and low-cost frame members for Sun tracking and air or liquid cooling systems to manage temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional solar power systems are deployed, then solar power generation is achieved, but the power cost per kilowatt-hour is high compared to fossil fuel systems
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is divided into modular inflatable units, each with its own reflective surface and photovoltaic receiver. These segments can be independently manufactured, deployed, and scaled, allowing flexible configuration from residential to utility-scale applications while maintaining cost-effectiveness through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inflatable chambers to support and position the reflective surface and photovoltaic receiver. This pneumatic support structure replaces traditional rigid frameworks, significantly reducing material costs and enabling easy deployment and relocation while maintaining structural integrity and optimal positioning for solar concentration.
2Productivity
If high concentration ratios are used in solar collectors, then conversion efficiency increases, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable structure incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic optimization of the reflective surface angle and position. This enables the system to achieve high conversion efficiency by dynamically tracking and concentrating sunlight onto the photovoltaic receiver while maintaining a simpler, more cost-effective inflatable structure compared to rigid high-concentration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes concentration ratios by adjusting geometric parameters of the inflatable structure, such as chamber volume, surface curvature, and receiver positioning. These parameter changes allow the system to achieve optimal conversion efficiency at moderate concentration levels, avoiding the exponentially increasing costs associated with high-concentration rigid systems.
3Productivity
If photovoltaic receiver temperature exceeds limit values, then conversion efficiency decreases, but cooling system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable structure incorporates passive cooling features where the inflated chambers themselves provide thermal management. The air or liquid filling the chambers acts as a heat sink, naturally absorbing excess heat from the photovoltaic receiver through thermal conduction and convection, eliminating the need for complex active cooling systems while maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes phase transition of the cooling fluid (air or liquid) within the inflatable chambers. As the fluid absorbs heat from the photovoltaic receiver, it undergoes phase changes (such as evaporation or boiling) that efficiently transfer heat away from the receiver, providing passive thermal management without complex mechanical cooling components.
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 solar power solution suitable for various scales, from residential to utility-scale applications, offering flexibility and increased conversion efficiency while maintaining temperature control, thus bridging the cost gap with fossil fuel systems.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated linear solar power receiver which receives solar insolation reflected and concentrated by this reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
solar insolation reflected and concentrated by this reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
The power receiver includes a photovoltaic receiver
Implementation Method 4
Air or liquid cooling means will preferably be utilized to keep temperatures in the photovoltaic receiver from exceeding limit values
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 a range of embodiments 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 are of concentrating photovoltaic and optionally also concentrating solar thermal types. Floating embodiments are described for certain beneficial applications on. Modest concentration ratios enable benefits in both reduced cost and increased conversion efficiency, relative to simple prior-art flat plate solar collectors.