Mechanical Solar Tracking Using Passive Biasing and Thermal Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracking systems are inefficient and costly due to reliance on motors and complex designs, failing to effectively rotate lenses about the vertical axis to maximize solar energy collection across varying sun positions.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical solar tracking system with a frame that pivots on both horizontal and vertical axes, utilizing a retaining/releasing mechanism and biasing member to align with the sun, powered by thermal energy or a battery, allowing the system to track the sun's movement without continuous electricity consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motors and controllers are used for solar tracking, then the lens can be aligned with the Sun, but energy consumption increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracker uses the Sun's own energy (solar radiation pressure and thermal effects) to drive the tracking mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources. The system converts solar energy directly into mechanical motion for positioning the lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces motor-driven mechanical systems with a passive mechanical tracking system that uses solar radiation pressure and thermal expansion/contraction of materials to achieve automatic sun following without electrical motors or controllers.
2Ease of operation
If a motor is used to rotate the lens, then alignment with the Sun is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is self-powered by solar energy, using the Sun's radiation to drive the mechanical components that rotate and position the lens, making the system autonomous and energy-neutral.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic mechanical components that can rotate and adjust their position passively in response to solar radiation variations, allowing continuous tracking without active control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex lens systems are used to address off-axis orientations, then coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a movable, rotatable lens assembly that can dynamically adjust its orientation to track the Sun across the sky, providing off-axis coverage through motion rather than through complex fixed optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds rotational freedom in multiple dimensions, allowing the lens to orient itself in three-dimensional space to follow the Sun's path, achieving versatility through spatial degrees of freedom rather than optical complexity.
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 efficiently tracks the sun using minimal energy, reducing costs and improving accuracy, enabling effective solar energy collection and concentration for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a constant force, such as a spring and/or a measured mechanical imbalance, attempting to rotate the frame about the vertical axis
Implementation Method 2
a lens that is perpendicularly oriented to the Sun's rays and a solar collector that receives the Sun's rays
Implementation Method 3
The novel structure includes a lens secured to a first end of a frame and a solar collector secured near the second end of the frame. The solar collector is located at a distance from the lens that is generally equal focal length of the lens.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical solar tracking and solar concentrating system having a Fresnel lens, moveable frame, track, retaining mechanism, and solar collector. The lens focuses solar energy at the collector; the frame holds the collector and lens, keeping them aligned as the frame rotates; and the track guides the frame to maintain a perpendicular orientation to the Sun. The solar collector receives the Sun's rays and the retaining mechanism releases, at established intervals, allowing the frame to rotate to the next location. The cycle repeats, tracking the Sun and concentrating its rays at a focal point, to generate temperatures at the focal point in excess of 500° C. These high temperatures can be exploited in several applications, such as producing drinking water from dirty water; cooking food; disinfecting medical instruments; accelerating fermentation of certain types of flora to produce electricity; generating work for generic purposes; etc.