Pivoting Solar Collector With Fold-Out Mirrors for Diffuse Sunlight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy collection systems are inefficient in capturing both direct and diffuse solar radiation, particularly in regions with low insolation, and often require complex sun-tracking mechanisms to maximize energy collection.
Innovation Solution
A solar power unit with a semi-cylindrical main body that can pivot on a horizontal axis, featuring stepped solar collectors with fold-out mirrors to increase the collection area and track the sun, and an optional protective bonnet for inclement weather, capable of using either photovoltaic cells or parabolic collectors to generate electricity or heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If concentrating solar collectors are used to achieve higher temperatures, then temperature is improved, but the ability to collect diffuse radiation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collection system is divided into multiple segments: flat plate collectors for diffuse radiation collection and concentrating collectors for high-temperature generation. This segmentation allows each type to perform its optimal function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar collection system is designed to perform multiple functions: collecting both direct and diffuse radiation through flat plate collectors, and generating high temperatures through concentrating collectors. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the overall system adaptable to various radiation conditions while achieving high temperatures when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flat plate collectors are used to collect both direct and diffuse radiation, then adaptability is improved, but temperature generation capability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the collection function: flat plate collectors handle diffuse and direct radiation collection, while separate concentrating collectors handle high-temperature generation. This resolves the contradiction by assigning different temperature-generation tasks to different collector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges flat plate collectors and concentrating collectors into a single integrated solar energy system. This combination allows the system to benefit from both the diffuse radiation collection capability of flat plate collectors and the high-temperature generation capability of concentrating collectors.
3Temperature
If concentrating collectors must follow the sun's path to concentrate parallel radiation, then temperature concentration is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking function: only the concentrating collector segment requires sun-tracking capability for optimal temperature concentration, while the flat plate collector segment remains fixed. This reduces overall system complexity compared to tracking the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentrating collector segment is designed with dynamic tracking capability to follow the sun's path, while the flat plate collectors remain static. This selective dynamics approach maintains temperature concentration effectiveness while minimizing the complexity of tracking mechanisms.
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
Enhances solar energy capture by allowing collection from both vertical and horizontal surfaces, improving energy efficiency and adaptability to varying solar conditions while providing a cost-effective and dependable solution for solar power generation.
Implementation Method 1
photovoltaic cells are used to convert sunlight falling directly upon them to electricity
Implementation Method 2
it has mirrors which can fold out at specified angles to increase the area over which sunlight is captured and reflect the sunlight toward the collectors' vertical and horizontal surfaces
Implementation Method 3
solar energy falling on a reflective surface (e.g., a mirror) is reflected onto a smaller area before it is converted to heat
Implementation Method 4
parabolic collectors that heat water to create high pressure steam that is used to generate electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A solar power unit having the following features: It can rotate on an axle to face the sun The solar collectors are arranged in a stepped shape. It has mirrors that can fold out to increase the area over which sunlight is collected. There is a protective bonnet that can cover the solar collectors during inclement weather. The invention has a semi-cylindrical main body that rests on a stand, supported by an axle on which it can pivot to track the sun. The stepped solar collectors are on the upper half of the main body and are covered by the mirrors when they fold in. A first embodiment has a battery that stores electricity generated by sunlight and an inverter for converting direct current from the battery to alternating current. A second embodiment has parabolic collectors that heat water to create high pressure steam that is used to generate electricity.