Modular Tube Solar Power Units With Thermionic Energy Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems are inefficient due to high costs, limited portability, reliance on direct sunlight, and inability to harness photonic and thermal energy from indoor sources, resulting in significant energy losses and limited accessibility for homeowners.
Innovation Solution
A modular, autonomous energy collection apparatus comprising a hollow tube with a photovoltaic module, thermionic module, battery module, and monitoring system, capable of converting photonic and thermal energy into electricity, and integrating with electrical distribution systems for efficient energy storage and distribution, including a battery management module and remote monitoring capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional photovoltaic panels are used to generate electricity, then electricity generation is achieved, but the system becomes large, bulky, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the large-scale solar array into multiple small, modular photovoltaic units that can be independently deployed and scaled. Each module contains its own photovoltaic cells, battery storage, and control circuitry, allowing incremental installation and reducing upfront costs while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where photovoltaic cells are integrated within housing units that contain battery compartments and control electronics. Multiple housing units can be stacked or arranged in configurations that optimize space utilization and simplify installation, reducing the overall system footprint and complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If motorized photovoltaic panels are used to follow the sun, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or flexible photovoltaic panels that can be mounted on cylindrical or spherical structures, allowing them to passively follow the sun's movement across the sky. The curvature enables the panels to capture sunlight from multiple angles without requiring active motorized tracking, maintaining high conversion efficiency while eliminating complex mechanical systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If flat photovoltaic panels are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the angle of incidence must be precisely maintained for efficient conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses curved photovoltaic panels mounted on cylindrical housings that can be installed in various orientations. The curved surface naturally accepts light from multiple angles, eliminating the need for precise angular alignment during installation while maintaining efficient photovoltaic conversion. This approach simplifies both manufacturing and installation processes.
4Power
If conventional solar arrays are installed, then outdoor power generation is achieved, but they produce little or no electricity during inclement weather and cannot be used indoors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs photovoltaic modules with sealed, weather-resistant housings that protect the photovoltaic cells and integrated battery storage from moisture and temperature extremes. These modular units can be deployed both outdoors and indoors, in sunny and cloudy conditions, providing universal power generation capability across diverse environments. The system adapts to available light conditions and continues generating power during inclement weather.
5Power
If electricity is generated by solar arrays and distributed over long distances, then power delivery is achieved, but significant resistive losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements distributed generation by placing photovoltaic modules with integrated battery storage close to the points of consumption. This segmentation of the power system into multiple small, localized units eliminates the need for long-distance electricity transmission, thereby minimizing resistive losses in distribution lines while maintaining reliable power delivery to end users.
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 enhances energy efficiency by harnessing alternative energy sources, reducing costs, and providing reliable energy access for both indoor and outdoor applications, with the ability to store and distribute energy effectively, even in inclement weather or low light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic layer made of curved thin-film, amorphous silicon photovoltaic cells
Implementation Method 2
a thermionic layer forming a hollow tube
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous, modular energy generation, storage and transmission apparatus, system, and method is provided. An apparatus is tube shaped and includes solar and thermionic energy conversion layers, and a battery module. A system of modular apparatuses may be connected together to form an transmission network. Such devices are particularly suited for outdoor application on highway jersey walls, and for indoor application on office cubicle walls. A method of charging battery modules in the apparatus is provided, along with a method of distributing the same in commerce.