MEMS Reflectors for Solar Concentration and Tracking
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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, resulting in long charge times and inefficient energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A micro-concentrator solar array utilizing MEMS-based reflectors to focus light onto solar cells, allowing for adjustable reflectors to track the sun's position and concentrate light, thereby increasing energy efficiency and reducing the need for manual adjustments.
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 and the area occupied is large
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the solar energy collection function by introducing separate MEMS reflector components that work in conjunction with the solar cells. Each reflector is independently controllable and can be adjusted to track the sun, while the solar cells remain in a fixed, simple configuration. This segmentation allows the solar cells to maintain structural simplicity while the reflectors provide the tracking and concentration functionality that improves conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic MEMS reflectors that can change their orientation and position to track the sun's movement throughout the day. These reflectors are mechanically dynamic, allowing real-time adjustment of the incident light angle onto the solar cells. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain optimal light concentration and tracking without requiring the solar cells themselves to be complex or movable, thus improving conversion efficiency while keeping the core energy conversion component simple.
2Device complexity
If flat-plate solar cells operate under 1-sun concentration, then the device is simple, but the charge time is long and energy conversion is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The MEMS reflectors serve as intermediary components between the sunlight and the solar cells. These reflectors concentrate multiple suns worth of light onto the solar cell surface by reflecting and focusing light from different angles. This intermediary concentration mechanism allows the solar cells to receive high-intensity light (multi-sun concentration) without requiring the cells themselves to be complex, thereby reducing charge time while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to light concentration by using MEMS reflectors positioned at various angles and locations around the solar cells. Instead of simply increasing light intensity in one direction, the system uses multiple reflectors from different spatial positions to concentrate light onto the solar cell surface from multiple angles. This multi-dimensional light concentration approach achieves higher effective illumination (reducing charge time) while keeping the solar cell structure simple and unchanged.
3Productivity
If the position of solar power generators is adjusted periodically to track the sun, then the light energy utilization is improved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical tracking system (which would require moving the entire solar panel or generator) with micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) reflectors. These MEMS devices use electrostatic or electromagnetic actuation to adjust the reflector angles, substituting coarse mechanical movement with precise micro-scale adjustments. This substitution maintains high light energy utilization through active tracking while dramatically simplifying the operation and reducing the mechanical complexity compared to moving entire solar arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the reflectors (angle, position, orientation) in response to the sun's movement, rather than physically relocating the entire solar generator. By adjusting only the reflector parameters (specifically their angular orientation), the system achieves continuous sun tracking and optimal light energy utilization. This parameter-based adjustment is far simpler and faster than periodic physical repositioning of heavy solar equipment, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
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 energy loss to heat, and enables compact, efficient energy generation with improved charge times by dynamically focusing light onto solar cells.
Implementation Method 1
micro-concentrator solar array utilizing MEMS-based reflectors to focus light onto solar cells
Implementation Method 2
Solar cells convert light energy, typically from the sun, into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
adjustable reflectors to track the sun's position and concentrate light
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for focusing light onto a plurality of solar cells. The apparatus comprises a plurality of solar cells, a plurality of groups of reflectors corresponding to the plurality of solar cells, and a control module in communication with the plurality of solar cells and the plurality of groups of reflectors. The control module includes control logic for monitoring an electrical output from the plurality of solar cells and repositioning the plurality of groups of reflectors when the electrical output is below a selected threshold.