Multi-Sensor Solar Collection System Spectral Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-junction solar cells operate at suboptimal efficiency due to changes in the solar spectrum over time, as they are designed to respond to a single type of light frequency spectrum, leading to imbalanced current generation and reduced energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor solar collection system with multiple sets of solar cells, each with different spectral response properties, is employed, along with a focusing element and solar tracker to dynamically adjust the light beam's focus onto the most suitable set of solar cells based on current light conditions, ensuring optimal energy conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single type of solar cell is used, then the system structure is simple, but the energy conversion efficiency decreases due to spectral changes
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell array is segmented into multiple sets, each set containing solar cells with different spectral response characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to handle different spectral conditions with specialized subsets, resolving the contradiction by maintaining simple individual cell designs while achieving high overall efficiency through coordinated operation of multiple segments
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different sets of solar cells based on real-time spectral measurements. The solar tracker adjusts which set is active according to changing light conditions, transforming a static single-type system into a dynamic multi-type system that adapts to spectral variations, thereby maintaining high efficiency without permanent structural complexity
2Productivity
If multiple sets of solar cells with different spectral responses are used, then the energy conversion efficiency is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sets of solar cells are configured to perform the same fundamental function (energy conversion) but with different spectral specializations. Each set is universally capable of converting sunlight to electricity, but with optimized response to different spectral regions, allowing the system to maintain functional simplicity while achieving spectral optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates spectral measurement and control mechanisms that provide feedback on current spectral conditions. This feedback enables automatic selection of the appropriate solar cell set, reducing the perceived complexity by automating the switching decision process and allowing the system to operate optimally without manual intervention
3Ease of manufacture
If solar cells are arranged in a planar mounting, then the manufacturing and installation is simplified, but the light capture efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system addresses the planar mounting limitation by utilizing temporal dimension through switching between different solar cell sets. Instead of adding spatial complexity with three-dimensional structures, the invention maintains simple planar mounting while achieving enhanced light capture efficiency through time-based selection of appropriately spectrally-matched cell sets
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 conversion efficiency by aligning solar cells with the changing solar spectrum, maximizing energy output by selecting the most responsive set of solar cells to the available light conditions, thereby improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one focusing element configured to focus a light beam on a first set of the solar cells according to a current light condition
Implementation Method 2
solar cells, each with different spectral response properties... convert light having said set-specific frequency spectrum into electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, method, and apparatus for a multi sensor solar collection system are disclosed herein. The disclosed method for controlling the disclosed multi sensor solar collection system (100) involves providing a plurality of different sets of solar cells that have different spectral response properties (130a-i). The method also involves focusing, with at least one focusing element (110), a light beam (120) on a first set of the solar cells according to a current light condition. Further, the method involves focusing, with at least one focusing element (110), the light beam (120) on a second set of the solar cells according to a change in the current light condition. In other embodiments, the method involves moving a planar mounting (150) that the solar cells are mounted on to focus the light beam on the second set of solar cells according to the change in the current light condition.