MEMS Reflectors for Solar Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar power generators using flat-plate technologies have low solar-to-power conversion efficiencies, are large and cumbersome, and require frequent adjustments to track the sun's position, resulting in long charge times and inefficient energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A micro-concentrator solar array utilizing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based reflectors that can tilt to focus light onto solar cells, with a control module to monitor and adjust the reflectors' position to maintain optimal light concentration and energy output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat-plate solar cell technologies are used, then the device structure is simple, but the solar-to-power conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solar energy collection function into two distinct components: fixed flat-plate solar cells and movable MEMS reflectors. This segmentation allows the solar cells to remain simple and stationary while the reflectors handle the complex tracking and light concentration functions, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving high conversion efficiency through concentrated light delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The MEMS reflectors serve as an intermediary component between the incoming sunlight and the flat-plate solar cells. These micro-electromechanical reflectors actively track the sun's movement and redirect concentrated light onto the solar cells, enabling high efficiency without requiring the solar cells themselves to be complex or movable.
2Ease of manufacture
If flat-plate solar power generators are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the size is large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the light collection function (handled by small, movable MEMS reflectors) from the energy conversion function (handled by compact solar cells). This segmentation enables a much smaller overall device footprint compared to traditional flat-plate systems that require large stationary panels to capture the same amount of light.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of large solar panels to a three-dimensional configuration where micro-reflectors move in space to concentrate light onto small solar cells. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve the same light collection area with dramatically reduced physical footprint.
3Device complexity
If flat-plate solar cells operate under 1-sun concentration, then the device structure is simple, but the charge time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic MEMS reflectors that can actively track and follow the sun's movement throughout the day. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal light concentration on the solar cells at all times, maximizing energy generation rate and reducing charge time, while the solar cells themselves remain simple and stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the light concentration parameter from 1-sun (standard illumination) to high concentration by using MEMS reflectors to focus multiple times the sunlight onto the solar cells. This parameter change dramatically increases the energy input rate to the solar cells, reducing charge time while the overall device structure remains relatively simple.
4Ease of operation
If the position of solar power generators is adjusted periodically, then the light tracking is maintained, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking function from the energy conversion function. Only the small MEMS reflectors need to be positioned and adjusted to track the sun, while the large solar cells remain fixed. This segmentation dramatically simplifies the operation compared to moving entire solar panel arrays, as the micro-reflectors are small, lightweight, and can be precisely controlled with minimal mechanical 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 micro-concentrator solar array achieves higher solar-to-power conversion efficiencies, reduces the size of solar cells, and eliminates the need for frequent adjustments, allowing for more efficient and compact energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
The MEMS based reflectors are each selectively tiltable about at least one axis to reflect a beam of light onto the focal point of one of the solar cells
Implementation Method 2
Solar cells convert light energy, typically from the sun, into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-concentrator solar array is provided, and includes a plurality of solar cells and a plurality of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based reflectors. Each solar cell includes a focal point. The MEMS based reflectors are each selectively tiltable about at least one axis to reflect a beam of light onto the focal point of one of the solar cells.