Photovoltaic Receiver Subarray Framework Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale solar radiation-based electrical power generating systems face challenges in minimizing dead space, managing solar radiation flux variations, ensuring component serviceability and replacement, and monitoring sub-systems in dense array receivers.
Innovation Solution
A receiver design featuring subarrays of closely-packed photovoltaic cells with independent operation and maintenance capabilities, supported by a framework that allows for parallel coolant and electrical power collection systems, and integrated management and monitoring systems to optimize solar exposure and component condition monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic cells are densely packed to maximize power generation, then productivity increases, but dead space increases and component serviceability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is divided into multiple independent subarrays, each comprising multiple modules that can be independently accessed and serviced. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to work on individual modules without disrupting the entire system, resolving the contradiction between dense packing and serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by positioning subarrays at different depths along the optical axis, with support structures extending behind the shadow of photovoltaic cells. This multi-layered arrangement allows access channels to be created without reducing the horizontal packing density, maintaining productivity while enabling serviceability.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic cells are densely packed to minimize dead space, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into standardized modules and subarrays with uniform structures. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity by creating repeatable units that are easier to manufacture, install, and maintain compared to a monolithic dense array.
Solution Approach 2:
The support framework serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for photovoltaic cells, creates access channels for serviceability, positions subarrays in three-dimensional space, and facilitates coolant flow distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If subarrays are positioned close-packed to minimize dead space, then productivity increases, but heat dissipation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions support structures and coolant channels in the vertical dimension behind the shadow of photovoltaic cells, rather than in the horizontal plane. This allows close-packed horizontal arrangement for maximum solar exposure while providing dedicated vertical pathways for heat dissipation and coolant flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The support framework acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the closely-packed photovoltaic subarrays and the coolant system. It provides integrated coolant channels that run through the support structures, enabling efficient heat removal from multiple subarrays simultaneously without requiring direct contact between coolant and photovoltaic cells.
4Reliability
If monitoring systems are added to track component conditions, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is merged with the existing support framework and module structures. Sensors are integrated into the support structures that already provide mechanical support and coolant flow paths, rather than adding separate monitoring infrastructure. This combining approach enables comprehensive monitoring while minimizing additional complexity.
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 minimizes dead space, enhances system efficiency by maximizing solar exposure, facilitates efficient maintenance and replacement of components, and improves monitoring capabilities, thereby increasing the overall performance and reliability of large-scale solar power generation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver that includes an array of photovoltaic cells for converting solar energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A receiver for a solar radiation-based electrical power generation system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells, with the cells being arranged in modules, with each module comprising one or more than one cell, and with the modules being arranged in subarrays, with each subarray comprising a plurality of modules. The receiver also comprises a support framework for the subarrays.