Reflective Surface Curvature for Uniform Solar Receiver Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Concentrating photovoltaic systems face inefficiencies due to misalignment and uneven light distribution, leading to energy losses and hot spots on solar cells, as edges of reflective surfaces are prone to misalignment and result in uneven light intensity across the cells.

Innovation Solution

A reflective surface design that directs light from its edges towards the central portions of the solar receiver, using varying curvature sections to distribute light uniformly and accommodate misalignment, with sections deviating from a reference parabola to minimize energy losses and improve solar energy collection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a standard parabolic reflector is used to concentrate sunlight, then light concentration is achieved, but misalignment at the edges causes uneven light distribution and energy losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy collection efficiencyVSAvoidenergy losses from misalignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector surface is divided into multiple zones with different curvature characteristics. Edge portions have modified curvature compared to central portions, allowing each zone to independently optimize light redirection. This local differentiation ensures that edge misalignments do not cause uneven light distribution across the receiver, as each zone adapts its reflection pattern to compensate for position-specific errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The curvature parameter of the reflector surface is intentionally varied across different spatial locations. By changing the curvature parameter from the standard parabolic form at edge portions while maintaining it at central portions, the system optimizes light concentration efficiency. This parameter modification allows the reflector to maintain effective light concentration while compensating for edge misalignment effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a standard parabolic reflector is used, then light concentration is achieved, but hot spots form on solar cells due to uneven light intensity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight concentrationVSAvoidhot spots on solar cells

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Different zones of the reflector surface are designed with distinct curvature properties to control light intensity distribution. Edge portions with modified curvature redirect light more uniformly toward the receiver, preventing excessive concentration at any single point. This local quality differentiation ensures uniform light intensity across the solar cells, eliminating hot spots while preserving overall light concentration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If edge portions of the reflector are aligned precisely, then optimal light concentration is achieved, but manufacturing and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight concentration efficiencyVSAvoidalignment precision required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector design incorporates built-in compensation for potential misalignment through its modified edge curvature. This beforehand cushioning means that even if edge portions are not perfectly aligned during installation, the system maintains effective light concentration. The geometric design anticipates and compensates for alignment errors, reducing the stringency of manufacturing and installation precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design enhances solar energy collection by reducing energy losses, maintaining uniform light intensity across the solar cells, and improving the reliability and efficiency of solar energy conversion by directing light from edges to central regions, thus reducing the impact of misalignment and manufacturing defects.

Implementation Method 1

Concentrating solar collector systems that utilize a concentrating reflector to direct incident solar radiation to a solar receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The highest cost components of a solar photovoltaic system are the solar cells that convert sunlight to electricity by the photoelectric effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8134104B2Reflective surface for solar energy collector

Publication Date: 2012.03.13 FIRST SOLAR MALAYSIA

AI summary

Concentrating solar collector systems that utilize a concentrating reflector to direct incident solar radiation to a solar receiver are described. In one aspect, the reflective surface is arranged to direct light to the receiver in a non-imaging manner in which the solar rays reflected from the opposing edges of the reflective surface are generally directed towards a central portion of the solar receiver. Rays reflected from selected central portions of the reflective surface are directed closer to the edges of the receiver than the solar rays reflected from the edges of the reflective surface. The described reflectors are generally intended for use in solar collector systems that track movements of the sun along at least one axis.