Rotating Solar Collector Platform With Air-Cushion Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy collection systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to land requirements, maintenance-intensive guidance systems, and environmental concerns associated with photovoltaic cells, while solar thermal technologies struggle with practical implementation and structural challenges.
Innovation Solution
A large-scale, lightweight, man-made island or platform with solar radiation collector modules that rotate to track the sun, using a flexible cover and over-pressurized air cushion for stability, supported by a circular outer ring structure, which reduces weight and maintenance needs, and incorporates a Rankine cycle for electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic cells are used to convert solar energy to electricity, then solar energy conversion is achieved, but the efficiency is limited to 10-18% and manufacturing requires highly toxic chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces photovoltaic cells with a solar thermal system using mirrors and heat engines, substituting a chemical/electrical conversion process with a thermal-mechanical process that avoids toxic manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using concentrated solar thermal energy at high temperatures (above 500°C) to drive heat engines, achieving higher conversion efficiency without toxic materials
2Temperature
If parabolic troughs are used for solar thermal energy collection, then high turbine inlet temperatures can be achieved, but land requirements are significant and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar collection system into modular heliostat units that can be independently positioned and oriented, allowing efficient space utilization and reducing overall land footprint while maintaining high temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses two-dimensional arrays of heliostats that reflect sunlight onto a central three-dimensional receiver tower, concentrating energy vertically to achieve high temperatures without proportionally increasing land area
3Adaptability or versatility
If parabolic troughs with dynamic adjustment systems are used, then solar tracking capability is achieved, but expensive gear drives and large support structures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs computer-controlled heliostats that automatically track and orient themselves toward the sun using sensors and feedback systems, eliminating the need for complex mechanical gear drives and large support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces heavy mechanical guidance systems with lightweight computer-controlled actuators and electronic positioning systems, reducing structural requirements while maintaining tracking capability
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 cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable large-scale solar energy collection, minimizing land use and environmental impact, with potential for increased power output and reduced maintenance costs, while maintaining structural integrity in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A parabolic trough, shaped like the bottom half of a large drainpipe, reflects sunlight to a central receiver tube
Implementation Method 2
reflects sunlight to a central receiver tube that runs above it
Implementation Method 3
Pressurized water and other fluids are heated in the tube and used to generate steam
Implementation Method 4
steam, which can then drive turbo-generators to produce electricity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A man-made island [10], adaptable for land-based or sea-based operation holds solar energy collection facilities and is rotatable to optimize the angular orientation thereof relative to the position of the sun. More particularly, the man-made island [10] uses a platform [12] that includes a large outer ring [14] that floats on a fluid, and a flexible cover [16] attached to the ring [14] to define an airtight volume [30] below the cover [ 16]. A plurality of rows [19] of solar radiation collector modules are located above the cover [16], and carry steam generating heat pipes [21]. The rows [19] of modules are supported above the cover [16] by an upper support structure, either a space frame [27], a plurality of cables [46] or a honeycomb [75]. A compressor [32] creates an over-pressure within the enclosed volume [30] to assist in supporting the cover [16] and the other components mounted thereabove. This structure for supporting the rows [19] of the solar radiation collector modules enables the man-made island [10] to be constructed with a very large surface area, eventually up to several kilometers in diameter, to better utilize the furl potential of the solar concentrators [22], thereby to produce electricity at an economically viable cost. The man-made island [10] includes a number of other structural features that enhance the practical application of solar radiation collection technology.