Opposing-Row Solar Concentrator Layout for Balanced Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solar concentrator arrays face challenges with weight distribution and optical efficiency due to the offset center of gravity, leading to moments during rotation and inefficient light transmission, which are typically addressed with counterweights increasing system weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
The solar concentrator assembly is designed with vertically offset concentrator elements and a torque tube positioned between them, aligning the center of gravity with the axis of rotation and optimizing the angle of light incidence to reduce scattering and transmission losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If concentrator elements are arranged with vertical offset and torque tube positioned between them, then the center of gravity aligns with the axis of rotation reducing moments during rotation, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical offset between concentrator elements arranged in opposing rows, transitioning from a single-plane arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows the center of gravity to align with the rotation axis while maintaining structural integrity without requiring additional counterweights.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrator elements are positioned asymmetrically with vertical offsets relative to the rotation axis. This asymmetric arrangement in opposing rows creates balanced moments about the rotation axis, achieving center of gravity alignment while simplifying the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate counterweight components.
2Loss of energy
If vertical offset is introduced between concentrator elements, then optical efficiency is improved by optimizing light incidence angles and reducing scattering, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each concentrator element is positioned at a specific vertical offset tailored to optimize its local optical performance. The vertical offset for each element is designed to achieve optimal light incidence angles for that particular position, maximizing optical efficiency while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical offset creates additional spatial separation between concentrator elements and their corresponding targets, providing optimized optical paths. This three-dimensional arrangement reduces light scattering and improves transmission efficiency while allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly of individual element units.
3Productivity
If numerous concentrator elements are used to increase ground cover ratio, then the aperture to ground area ratio is improved, but the system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging concentrator elements in opposing rows with vertical offsets, the system achieves higher ground cover ratios without proportionally increasing system weight. The three-dimensional configuration allows more elements to be packed into the available ground area while the balanced structural design reduces the need for additional support infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrator array is divided into multiple opposing rows with vertically offset elements, creating modular segments that can be independently supported. This segmentation allows the system to scale efficiently with higher ground cover ratios while distributing weight across multiple support points rather than requiring a single heavy support structure.
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 configuration minimizes moments and weight, enhances alignment efficiency, and reduces optical losses by ensuring even light distribution and transmission, while maintaining effective ground cover without the need for counterweights.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side
Data Source
AI summary
A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective device having a first reflective front side and a first rear side, a second reflective device having a second reflective front side and a second rear side, the second reflective device positioned such that the first reflective front side faces the second rear side, and a support assembly coupled to and supporting the first and second reflective devices, the second reflective device positioned to be vertically offset from the first reflective device.