Pressurized Cushion Concentrator With Concave Reflector Geometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar radiation concentrators are complex, costly, and inefficient due to the need for separate reflector membranes and support structures, leading to poor space utilization and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A cushion-shaped concentrator with a transparent and reflector membrane forming an outer shell filled with gas under pressure, where clamping elements create concave sections to reflect radiation efficiently onto an absorber, eliminating the need for separate reflector membranes and enabling adjustable geometry and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate outer shell and reflector membrane are used, then radiation concentration function is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector membrane is integrated directly into the outer shell structure, eliminating the need for separate reflector components. The outer shell itself is designed with reflective properties and shaped to concentrate radiation, merging the functions of structural enclosure and radiation concentration into a single unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer shell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the concentrator geometry, acts as the reflective surface for radiation concentration, and maintains the internal pressure environment. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed support structures are used, then structural stability is achieved, but adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrator employs a pressurized membrane structure that can dynamically adjust its geometry by controlling internal pressure. The membrane maintains structural stability through pressure while allowing geometric adaptation when pressure is adjusted, enabling the system to transition between different operational configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal pressure parameter is used to control the membrane's shape and curvature. By changing the pressure level, the concentrator can adapt its geometry to optimize radiation concentration for different positions or conditions, while maintaining structural integrity through appropriate pressure management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If large distances between concentrators are maintained, then mutual shading is minimized, but space utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrator uses a curved, dome-like membrane structure that naturally directs radiation toward the absorber from various angles. This curved geometry reduces the shadow cast by adjacent concentrators compared to flat structures, allowing closer spacing while maintaining effective radiation concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional curved membrane structure utilizes vertical and lateral dimensions more effectively than flat configurations. By shaping the reflector in multiple dimensions, the system captures and concentrates radiation from a broader angular range, reducing the horizontal spacing required between adjacent concentrators.
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
The solution achieves high-efficiency radiation concentration with a structurally simple, cost-effective design that allows for flexible adjustment and optimal use of space, enabling effective tracking of solar radiation and adaptable geometry.
Implementation Method 1
a space (6) filled with a gas under overpressure
Implementation Method 2
a reflector membrane (4) which reflects the incident radiation in the direction of the absorber (2)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a cushion-shaped concentrator (1) for concentrating electromagnetic radiation, in particular solar radiation (S), in an absorber (2), comprising a transparent membrane (3) that faces the incoming radiation during operation and a reflector membrane (4), which reflects the incident radiation in the direction of the absorber (2). In order to create a simply designed, low-cost cushion-shaped concentrator (1), by means of which the electromagnetic radiation can be concentrated at high efficiency in an absorber (2), the transparent membrane (3) and the reflector membrane (4) form an outer casing (5) for a chamber (6) filled with a gas at overpressure, wherein tension elements (7) are arranged between the transparent membrane (3) and the reflector membrane (4), said tension elements producing constrictions (E) on the reflector membrane (4) that separate concavely curved sections (A) of the reflector membrane (4).