Pressurized Membrane Solar Concentrator With Tensioned Reflector Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar radiation concentrators require complex manufacturing and land use inefficiencies due to the need for separate reflector membranes and support structures, limiting their flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A cushion-shaped concentrator design where a transparent membrane and reflector membrane form an outer casing with tension elements between them, creating constrictions that allow for efficient curvature and concentration of solar radiation without a separate internal reflector, enabling a material-saving and cost-effective solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate reflector membrane and support structure are used, then the concentrator can achieve the desired shape and function, but the manufacturing complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcentrator shape stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reflector membrane with the outer casing by forming the reflector membrane as an integral part of the single-chamber structure. The tension elements are integrated within the same chamber space, eliminating the need for separate internal reflector assemblies and complex support frameworks. This consolidation reduces manufacturing steps while maintaining the required geometric stability for radiation concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible membrane structure that combines the outer casing and reflector functions in a single thin-film element. The membrane is tensioned by internal elements to achieve and maintain the precise curvature needed for optical performance, replacing rigid support structures with a lightweight, flexible system that is easier to manufacture and deploy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If separate reflector membranes and support structures are used, then the concentrator can maintain structural integrity, but the land use efficiency decreases due to mutual shadowing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidland use efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the reflector membrane into the outer casing of a single-chamber structure, the patent reduces the overall footprint and clearance requirements of each concentrator unit. This compact integrated design minimizes the spacing needed between adjacent units, thereby reducing mutual shadowing effects and improving land use efficiency while preserving structural integrity through the unified membrane-tension element system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If a complex support structure is used, then the concentrator can achieve precise geometry, but the material usage and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeometry precisionVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a tensioned membrane system where thin-film materials are stretched and secured by internal tension elements to achieve the required geometric precision. This approach replaces bulky rigid support structures with minimal material while maintaining the precise surface geometry needed for effective radiation concentration, significantly reducing material usage and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes gas pressure within the single chamber to maintain the tension and geometric shape of the membrane structure. The pressurized gas provides continuous structural support, eliminating the need for extensive rigid frameworks and reducing material requirements while preserving the precise geometry necessary for optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 achieves high-efficiency solar radiation concentration with a stable and flexible arrangement, allowing for adjustable geometry and reduced material usage, while maintaining efficiency across various scales and applications.

Implementation Method 1

a chamber (6) enclosed by the transparent membrane (3) and the reflector membrane (4) and filled with a gas at overpressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a reflector membrane (4) that reflects the incident radiation in the direction of the absorber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a transparent membrane (3) that faces the incoming radiation during operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9447989B2Cushion-shaped concentrator including a plurality of absorbers disposed in a single chamber with a gas therein at overpressure

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 HELIOVIS

AI summary

A cushion-shaped concentrator for concentrating solar radiation in an absorber includes a transparent membrane that faces the incoming radiation and includes a reflector membrane which reflects the incident radiation in the direction of the absorber. The transparent membrane and the reflector membrane form an outer casing for a chamber filled with a gas at overpressure. Tension elements are arranged between the transparent membrane and the reflector membrane The tension elements produce constrictions on the reflector membrane that separate a plurality of distinct concavely curved sections of the reflector membrane.