Multifunctional solar energy system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy systems have limited functionality, failing to meet diverse human needs such as simultaneous heating and electricity generation, as they are typically designed for single functions like photothermal or photoelectric conversion.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional solar energy system incorporating a converging system with a light-focusing refractive surface and a reflective surface, where at least one component is movable, allowing for the sequential or simultaneous use of multiple solar energy utilization devices for different applications, such as solar heating and photovoltaic energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a solar energy system is designed for a single function (photothermal or photoelectric conversion), then the system structure is simple and cost is low, but the system cannot meet diverse human needs at different times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple solar energy utilization devices (photothermal conversion device and photoelectric conversion device) within a single solar energy system. The system can switch between different functions based on temporal needs, allowing it to serve diverse human requirements without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movable components (at least one of the reflective surface or solar energy utilization devices is movable) that enable dynamic reconfiguration of the system. This allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, transitioning between different functional states to meet varying needs at different times.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple solar energy utilization devices are added to achieve multifunctionality, then the system can meet diverse needs, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple solar energy utilization devices and optical components (light-focusing refractive surface, reflective surface) into an integrated system structure. By merging these components into a unified design, the system achieves multifunctionality while minimizing the total cost through shared infrastructure and coordinated operation, rather than deploying separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions (photothermal conversion, photoelectric conversion) using a common base structure. This universal design allows the system to meet diverse needs without requiring proportional increases in overall system cost, as the multiple functions share common support structures and control mechanisms.
3Productivity
If multiple solar energy utilization devices are installed simultaneously, then various functions can be performed, but the comprehensive utilization rate of solar energy remains low due to single-function operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by enabling the solar energy system to switch between different functions at different times. The movable components allow the system to alternate between photothermal conversion and photoelectric conversion based on temporal requirements, ensuring that solar energy is utilized continuously across different time periods rather than being wasted when a single function is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the system to optimize its function in real-time based on demand. By making components movable and reconfigurable, the system can maximize its comprehensive utilization rate by activating the appropriate function at the appropriate time, thereby eliminating idle periods and improving overall time utilization 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
This design enhances the comprehensive utilization rate of solar energy, enabling multiple functions with minimal cost increase, thereby optimizing the use of natural clean energy for various needs.
Implementation Method 1
a light-focussing refractive surface
Implementation Method 2
one reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
two solar energy utilization devices for absorbing and utilizing sunlight
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Disclosed is a multifunctional solar energy system comprising a converging system and two solar energy utilization devices (P1, P2), wherein the converging system comprises at least one light-focusing refractive surface (s1) and one reflective surface (s2); at least one of the reflective surface (s2) and the two solar energy utilization devices (PI, P2) are movable; if the reflective surface (s2) is movable, the two solar energy utilization devices (PI, P2) are respectively provided on light paths before and after the reflective surface (s2) moves; and if the reflective surface (s2) is fixed, the two solar energy utilization devices (PI, P2) are successively provided in the light path after the reflective surface (s2). The solar energy system is able to place one of the two solar energy utilization devices (PI, P2) in the light path by moving the movable component so as to respectively use the two solar energy utilization devices (P1, P2) at different times, thereby greatly extending the function of the solar energy system and improving the comprehensive utilization rate of the system.