3D Polyhedral Solar Module with Magnetic Levitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional flat solar panels face inefficiencies due to limited light absorption from non-normal angles, space constraints, and reflectivity issues, especially in high-altitude regions, and employ metallic contact wires that hinder productivity.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional photovoltaic module with solar cells arranged in a polyhedron configuration, utilizing a concentrated photovoltaic lens to direct and trap light from various angles, and a magnetically levitated rotational base for enhanced cooling and positioning, along with acoustic levitation modules for stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional two-dimensional flat solar panels are used, then installation is simple and cost-effective, but light absorption efficiency decreases from non-normal angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat solar panels to a three-dimensional polyhedral structure. Multiple solar cells are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration with different orientations, allowing the system to capture sunlight from various angles simultaneously, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple installation and efficient light absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar energy harvesting system is divided into multiple independent solar cells, each oriented at different angles. This segmentation allows each cell to optimize its light absorption for specific directions while collectively capturing sunlight from all angles, improving overall productivity without complicating the basic modular installation approach.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional two-dimensional solar panels are used, then space coverage is maximized, but energy conversion efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves from a two-dimensional surface arrangement to a three-dimensional polyhedral structure. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain a compact footprint while increasing the effective light-capturing surface area through multiple oriented faces, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency without proportionally increasing ground space coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyhedral solar cell structure creates an interior volume that can be utilized for additional energy conversion. The nested arrangement of solar cells within the polyhedral framework allows light to be captured and converted multiple times as it traverses through different cell orientations, increasing productivity within the same spatial envelope.
3Productivity
If solar cells are arranged to capture direct sunlight, then energy conversion is optimized, but reflectivity losses increase at non-normal angles
Solution Approach 1:
The solar energy system is segmented into multiple solar cells, each oriented at different angles to match the sun's position throughout the day and year. This segmentation ensures that at least some cells always receive near-normal incident sunlight, minimizing reflectivity losses while maintaining optimized energy conversion across varying solar angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation parameters (angles) of individual solar cells are varied to optimize light capture at different times. By changing the angular parameters of each cell's surface normal, the system adapts to minimize reflectivity losses that occur when sunlight strikes flat panels at oblique angles, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency.
4Reliability
If conventional metallic contact wires and bus bars are used, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but productivity is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional metallic contact wires and bus bars with a three-dimensional printed conductive structure. This substitution eliminates the need for separate mechanical electrical connection components, reducing assembly complexity and improving productivity while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity through the integrated printed conductor design.
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 allows for 360-degree light absorption, increasing energy conversion efficiency and reducing space requirements while minimizing reflectivity and drag, thereby enhancing overall solar energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
A concentrated photovoltaic lens directs light into and traps light within the interior volume
Implementation Method 2
the rotational base is magnetically levitated about a magnetic base that allows for the rotation of the solar structure
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of acoustic levitation modules stabilizes the levitation of the rotational base about the magnetic base
Implementation Method 4
The light-harvesting process to convert solar energy to electricity comprises two key steps that determine the overall efficiency of the process, namely i) light absorption, and ii) charge collection
Data Source
AI summary
A three dimensional photovoltaic module that allows for the absorption of solar energy from various angles in a three hundred sixty degree arrangement has a base panel unit and a solar structure. The solar structure has a plurality of solar cells, each having a first photovoltaic cell and a second photovoltaic cell, wherein each of the plurality of solar cells absorbs light from two opposing sides. A concentrated photovoltaic lens directs light and traps light in an interior volume, allowing for internal absorption of light in addition to the external absorption of light. The base panel unit has a rotational base to which the solar structure is connected, and a magnetic base about which the rotational base is magnetically levitated. A plurality of magnets positioned around the rotational base generates a magnetic vortex that in combination with the magnetic base allows the rotational base and the solar structure to rotate.