Mirrored Fin Light Pipe for Solar Concentration and Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy collection technologies, such as those using curved mirrors, are inefficient in concentrating sunlight into a smaller area for effective energy conversion, often losing energy due to varying thickness and curvature issues, and lack effective methods to redirect sunlight from roofs to more practical locations for energy utilization.
Innovation Solution
A solar collection apparatus featuring non-linear, adjacent fins with mirrored surfaces of consistent curvature, forming a 'light pipe' that directs incoming sunlight into a concentrated beam, minimizing energy loss and allowing efficient redirection of sunlight from roofs to other areas for energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If curved mirrors are used for solar energy collection, then light concentration is achieved, but energy loss occurs due to varying thickness and curvature issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each fin have a consistent curvature radius throughout its structure, while differentiating the fin geometry into three segments (first end segment extending toward sunlight, body portion, and second end segment forming light pipe). This localized geometric control ensures uniform light reflection properties across the entire fin array, preventing energy loss from inconsistent curvature while maintaining effective light concentration.
2Productivity
If traditional solar collection methods are used, then sunlight can be collected, but efficient redirection to practical locations is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary light pipe structure formed by the second end segments of adjacent fins. This light pipe acts as a mediator that receives concentrated sunlight from the reflected rays and redirects it to a different location (the open end of the light pipe), enabling efficient transport of solar energy to practical locations for energy conversion while maintaining collection efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If fins with varying curvature are used, then manufacturing may be simpler, but light concentration precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each fin into three distinct portions: a first end segment that extends toward incoming sunlight, a body portion with consistent curvature, and a second end segment that forms the light pipe structure. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturability, with the body portion providing the precise consistent curvature needed for accurate light concentration.
4Ease of operation
If light pipe structure is formed, then sunlight redirection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light concentration function and the light redirection function into a single integrated fin structure. The same fin that reflects and concentrates sunlight also forms the light pipe through its second end segment, eliminating the need for separate redirection components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining redirection efficiency.
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 apparatus achieves high efficiency in solar energy collection and redirection, concentrating sunlight with minimal energy loss, allowing for improved energy conversion and storage, potentially reaching 70% efficiency compared to traditional photovoltaic cells.
Implementation Method 1
At least some light impinging on the first opening is directed into the light pipe by reflection between adjacent faces of adjacent fins
Implementation Method 2
The second end segments of the fins prevent the light within the light pipe from exiting the light pipe in the first direction. The light within the light pipe exits the light pipe at the second opening
Data Source
AI summary
A solar collection apparatus includes a housing with a first opening, a second opening, and a partially-mirrored floor. The device includes fins with first and second end segments and curved bodies. Both sides of the fin bodies have the same curvature, and both sides are mirrored. The curved bodies of the fins all have the same curvature. The floor and the second end segments of the fins together define a light pipe. Light impinging on the first opening of the housing is directed into the light pipe by reflection between adjacent faces of adjacent fins. The second end segments of the fins prevent the light within the light pipe from exiting the light pipe in the first direction. Light within the light pipe exits the light pipe at the second opening, where it may be stored, or may be directed to a solar energy device such as a solar cell, turbine, or vehicle heater.