Circular Refracting Solar Concentrator for UV-Preserving Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy concentrating devices are not optimally configured for industrial applications, as they often place concentrated energy above the ground, complicate material handling, and fail to utilize the high-energy UV wavelengths due to absorption by reflective surfaces, and are limited in size by manufacturing constraints, leading to inefficiencies in energy concentration and processing.
Innovation Solution
A large two-axis tracking solar concentrator using circular refracting optics positioned between the sun and the receiver, optimized to pass UV wavelengths, with a design that allows for efficient processing of fluids and solids at ground level, incorporating materials like cell cast acrylic to minimize optical loss and wind loads, and enabling concentrations from 5 to 500 suns at a stationary location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If reflective surfaces are used to concentrate solar energy, then energy concentration is achieved, but UV wavelengths are absorbed and not present in the concentrated energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmissive concentrating element (refractor) as an intermediary between the solar energy and the receiver. This refractor transmits UV wavelengths through its material (such as UV-transmissive glass or plastic) and concentrates them onto the receiver, thereby preserving the UV component that would otherwise be absorbed by reflective surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the concentrating element from reflective to transmissive. By using materials with specific transmission properties that allow UV passage while maintaining concentration capability, the system transforms how solar energy is directed, enabling UV wavelengths to reach the receiver.
2Use of energy by moving object
If circular refracting optics are used for high concentration, then manufacturing complexity increases, but larger concentrator size is needed for industrial applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large circular refracting optic into multiple smaller prism segments arranged in a radial pattern. Each segment is a manageable size for manufacturing, and when assembled together, they form the complete large-aperture concentrator. This segmentation makes production feasible while achieving the required scale for industrial applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs radial symmetry and curved surfaces in the prism arrangement, forming a circular or annular aperture. This geometric configuration optimizes the concentration of solar energy while allowing modular assembly of identical or similar prism units, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If large area concentration is used for industrial processes, then sufficient energy and temperatures are achieved, but wind loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tracking system that actively orients the refracting optic toward the sun, allowing the aperture to be smaller at any given moment while still capturing sufficient energy. This dynamic adjustment reduces the static wind load compared to a fixed large-area structure, as the effective area exposed to wind varies with the tracking position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a two-axis tracking mechanism that adds temporal and spatial dimensions to energy collection. By concentrating energy over time through continuous tracking rather than relying solely on large static area, the system reduces the physical footprint and associated wind loads while maintaining high energy concentration for industrial processes.
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 solution enables efficient industrial processing by maximizing the use of concentrated solar energy, including UV wavelengths, with improved material handling and reduced wind loads, achieving energy capture and application efficiencies above 50% and allowing for photo-thermal, photo-chemical, and photo-catalytic processes.
Implementation Method 1
circular refracting optics optimized for industrial applications
Implementation Method 2
a solar concentrator may incorporate materials in the refracting element which have been selected to pass the UV, and therefore to concentrate the UV
Implementation Method 3
to be processed through concentration to drive photo-thermal, photo-chemical, and photo-catalytic processes
Implementation Method 4
to be processed through concentration to drive photo-thermal, photo-chemical, and photo-catalytic processes
Implementation Method 5
photo-catalytic processes, which may be used for industrial applications require UV for activation
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for photo-processing of a material using incident light with an optical element that includes a plurality of concentric bands of optical prisms concentric around a focal axis. The system includes a target receiver positioned on the focal axis and holds the material to be photo-processed. The optical prisms concentrate incident light on the target receiver. The system may include a tracking assembly for orienting the optical element toward the source of the incident light. The optical prisms may be selected in accordance with Snell's Law of Refraction. The system may include a delivery mechanism for delivery of semisolid and granular material for processing.