Reflective Multilayer Insulation for Wireless Optical Energy Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for wireless energy transmission in closed spaces, particularly for space missions, face challenges due to weight constraints of cables, maintenance issues with batteries, and inefficient placement of energy harvesting elements like thermocouples or piezoelectric devices, which are not optimized for space applications.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a reflective multilayer insulation surface within the closed space to reflect and redirect light energy emitted by a light source to a solar cell module for conversion into electrical energy, allowing flexible placement and optimized light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are used for energy transmission in space missions, then reliable energy supply is achieved, but weight increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based energy transmission system with an optical energy transmission system using light sources and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates the need for physical electrical connections, thereby reducing weight while maintaining energy supply reliability through wireless optical communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the cable component from the energy transmission system entirely. By using optical wireless communication, the system eliminates the heavy mechanical connection between space segments, achieving weight reduction while preserving the essential function of energy and data transmission.
2Ease of operation
If batteries are used for wireless sensor networks in space, then wireless operation is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service energy supply system where sensors harvest energy directly from the space environment (e.g., solar radiation, thermal gradients) through integrated energy harvesting components. This eliminates the need for replaceable batteries, enabling continuous wireless operation without maintenance interventions in the harsh space environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sensor functionality with energy harvesting capabilities into an integrated wireless sensor node. By combining the sensing element, energy harvesting component, and wireless communication module into a single self-sufficient unit, the system achieves wireless operation without the maintenance burden of separate battery systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermocouple or piezoelectric elements are used for energy harvesting, then energy conversion is achieved, but placement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of energy harvesting from mechanical/thermal gradient-based methods to optical radiation-based methods. By using photodetectors and light sources, the system converts energy through optical interactions that are less sensitive to precise placement, thereby maintaining energy conversion efficiency while reducing manufacturing and installation precision requirements.
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 approach enables efficient energy conversion with flexible placement of light sources and solar cell modules, reducing the need for critical placement and maintaining energy transmission efficiency in space missions.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the light energy emitted by the light source is reflected at a reflective surface inside the space
Implementation Method 2
the light energy emitted by the light source is received by at least one solar cell module arranged in the closed space and is converted into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for the wireless transmission, in closed spaces, of energy emitted by at least one light source. The energy emitted by the light source is received by at least one solar cell module in the closed space and is converted into electricity. The method includes the steps of reflecting at least a part of the light energy emitted by the light source at a reflective surface inside the space, receiving the reflected light energy in the at least one solar cell module, and converting the reflected light energy into electricity. The device includes at least one solar cell module inside the closed space, configured to receive the light energy and convert the light energy into electricity. At least a portion of the space comprises a reflective inner surface comprising a multilayer insulation surface, at which the energy emitted by at least one light source is reflected.