Inflatable Solar Concentrator Balloon for Low-Material Wind Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy concentrator systems are economically non-competitive with fossil fuels due to high costs, material intensity, complex installation, and maintenance requirements, as well as vulnerability to environmental factors like wind and pollution.
Innovation Solution
The use of an inflatable assembly of clear and reflective films that concentrate solar radiation by inflating into a shape reflecting parallel rays to a focal point, employing external rings or harnesses for support and minimizing material usage, with a focus on elastic flexure under severe loads and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid solar concentrators are used, then structural strength is improved, but material intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin flexible films (both transparent and reflective) that can be inflated to form structural concentrators. These films are bonded together to create lightweight, flexible structures that achieve the required structural strength through inflation pressure rather than material thickness, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and material intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inflation pressure (pneumatic system) to create and maintain the structural form of the concentrator. By inflating the bonded film assembly, the system achieves rigid-like structural properties without using rigid materials, thereby reducing material intensity while maintaining necessary strength to withstand environmental loads.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid solar concentrators are used, then stability under wind loads is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible film structure can adapt to wind loads through elastic deformation rather than requiring complex rigid support frameworks. The bonded multi-layer film construction provides inherent stability while maintaining flexibility, reducing both device complexity and installation difficulty compared to conventional rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic structure that can flex and deform under wind loads rather than resisting them rigidly. The inflatable design allows the concentrator to adapt its shape and distribute wind forces dynamically, reducing the need for complex stabilization mechanisms and simplifying installation.
3Reliability
If solar concentrators are designed for long-term durability, then reliability is improved, but maintenance requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible film construction uses materials that can withstand environmental degradation (UV exposure, moisture, temperature variations) while maintaining optical properties. The modular bonded structure allows for easier replacement and repair of individual film sections compared to integrated rigid structures, improving ease of maintenance while ensuring long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrator is constructed from separate bonded film layers that can be independently replaced or repaired. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to address specific damaged areas without replacing the entire structure, reducing maintenance requirements and operational costs while maintaining reliability.
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 approach reduces material costs and complexity, enhances durability, and allows for efficient solar energy concentration with internal focus, minimizing environmental impact and operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a lower elliptical film panel configured to reflect incident light... such that an inflation pressure imparts a rigidity to the balloon ensuring that incident light transmitted through the upper film is reflected to a focal point inside the balloon
Implementation Method 2
an inflation pressure imparts a rigidity to the balloon ensuring that incident light transmitted through the upper film is reflected to a focal point inside the balloon
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to concentrating solar radiation using an assembly of at least one clear and one reflective film that inflates into a shape reflecting parallel rays of light to a concentrated focus in the interior or immediate proximity of the assembly. Embodiments of the present invention can be assembled in a substantially flat stack with bonds or welds between the films, compatible with conventional high-throughput film manufacturing processes. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may employ external circumferential rings or a “harness” assembly to support and point the balloon against wind forces and the like without severe stress localization. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film attachments to facilitate feedthroughs, reduce stress concentrations, and modify the inflated shape. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film modifiers, including laminated films, adhesives, printing, etc. to facilitate installation, feedthroughs, and other functions.