Method for conveying concentrated solar power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems face inefficiencies due to the need for precise positioning of solar concentrators relative to the sun and high energy losses in waveguides, particularly in the near-infrared range, leading to high costs and ineffective energy storage.
Innovation Solution
A solar power system featuring a conical-shaped solar concentrator with a tapering device connected to a glass rod, allowing for two-axis rotation to track the sun's movement without bendable fiber optics, reducing the amount of glass needed by concentrating light through a periscope mechanism and minimizing energy loss via anti-reflective coatings and strategic gap design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional plastic fibers are used for light transmission, then the system can be manufactured with available materials, but the optical transmission in the near-infrared range is insufficient and energy is lost after a few meters propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional plastic fibers to glass rods, which have superior optical transmission properties in the near-infrared range. This material substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both low energy loss and high transmission efficiency over longer propagation distances.
2Productivity
If solar concentrators are precisely positioned to track the sun, then energy capture is maximized, but the system complexity and positioning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system with two-axis rotation capability that allows the solar concentrator to track the sun's movement throughout the day. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal energy capture efficiency while using a mechanically straightforward rotation mechanism rather than complex positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass rod serves multiple functions: it acts as a waveguide for light transmission, provides structural support for the concentrator assembly, and enables the rotational tracking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high energy capture efficiency.
3Power
If the solar concentrator length is increased to concentrate light more effectively, then energy concentration improves, but the amount of glass material required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies anti-reflective coatings specifically at critical locations such as the ends and surfaces of the glass rod where reflection losses occur. This localized treatment minimizes energy loss without requiring increased glass material, thereby maintaining high light concentration capability while reducing overall material usage.
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 system enhances energy capture and reduces material usage by up to 90% while maintaining efficient light transmission across larger glass rods, enabling effective solar energy conversion and storage without substantial energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
The first curved glass loop section conveys the light to the second curved glass loop section via and across the first gap. The second curved glass loop section conveys the light to the straight glass section via and across the second gap.
Implementation Method 2
The solar concentrator has a lens disposed therein. The solar concentrator is adapted to receive solar power as rays and conveys and concentrates rays as light towards a focus line or segment at the tapering device.
Implementation Method 3
The solar concentrator has a first cone-shape and a bottom. The solar concentrator has a length (l) that is longer than a width (w) at the lens of the solar concentrator.
Implementation Method 4
An outer end of the straight glass section is disposed in proximity to a water surface to heat the water below the water surface.
Implementation Method 5
the light emitted from the outer end converts the water to steam that is conveyed from the container
Data Source
AI summary
The method is for conveying solar power from a sun. A solar concentrator conveys and concentrates solar power as rays into a glass rod. The solar concentrator has a tapering device disposed at a bottom thereof. The glass rod has a first curved glass loop section, a second curved glass loop section and a straight glass section. The straight glass section has an outer end that is positioned in proximity to a water surface to heat the water. The first loop section is rotated relative to the second loop section at a first gap and the second section is rotated relative to the curved section at a second gap so that the concentrator can follow the path of the sun during the day.