Segmented Solar Concentrator Structure for Low-Drag Sunlight Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dish-shaped solar collectors and electromagnetic radiation collection structures face challenges due to their aerodynamic profiles, which result in high drag forces, limiting their placement and design, especially when mounted at high elevations.
Innovation Solution
A solar collector design featuring a primary concave conical reflector with a secondary reflector configured to redirect sunlight parallel to a central axis, supported by components allowing airflow, and an aerodynamic fairing to reduce drag, along with a tracker system for adjusting elevation and azimuth, optimizing the aerodynamic profile and structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dish-shaped solar collectors are used to concentrate solar rays, then sunlight concentration efficiency is improved, but aerodynamic drag forces increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector is divided into multiple segmented reflective surfaces arranged in a cylindrical configuration around a central axis, rather than using a single continuous dish-shaped reflector. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain sunlight concentration capability while reducing aerodynamic drag by breaking up the continuous surface that catches wind forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional dish-shaped reflector to a three-dimensional cylindrical arrangement of reflective segments. By distributing the reflective surfaces around a central axis in a circular pattern, the system maintains its light-collecting functionality while presenting a more aerodynamic profile that reduces wind exposure and drag forces.
2Productivity
If dish-shaped structures are mounted at high elevations on towers, then sunlight collection is improved, but structural stability decreases due to high drag forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical segmented structure distributes structural loads more evenly compared to a concentrated dish shape. Each segment can be independently supported, and the modular design allows for better load distribution across the support structure, enhancing stability at high elevations where wind forces are significant.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical configuration with curved reflective segments provides a more aerodynamic shape that better withstands wind forces compared to the sharp edges and deep curvature of dish-shaped collectors. The rounded, continuous cylindrical form reduces turbulence and wind loading, improving structural stability when mounted on tall towers.
3Productivity
If deep dish-shaped collectors are used to achieve high concentration ratios, then energy collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity and placement constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented cylindrical design allows for modular construction and easier installation compared to large deep dish structures. Each segment can be manufactured and positioned independently, simplifying the overall deployment process and reducing placement constraints while maintaining high concentration ratios through the coordinated arrangement of segments around the central axis.
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 the aerodynamic stability and reduces drag forces, allowing for more flexible placement and efficient sunlight concentration, achieving higher energy collection efficiency and structural stability compared to traditional dish-shaped collectors.
Implementation Method 1
a primary reflector including a concave conical surface symmetrical about a central axis of the solar collector and configured to redirect substantially all incident sunlight parallel to the central axis through a toroidal region
Implementation Method 2
a secondary reflector configured to redirect substantially all of the parallel incident sunlight redirected from the first primary reflector towards a collector region near a peak of the primary reflector
Data Source
AI summary
A reflective concentrator can include a primary reflector and a secondary reflector located radially outward of the primary reflector. The primary reflector can be a rotationally-symmetric, convex conical shape, radial sections of which may include an off-axis parabolic reflector with a focal point radially outward of the primary reflector. A secondary reflector may be located radially outward of the primary reflector, and may include a rotationally symmetric section of a toroidal space surrounding the primary reflector. In some embodiments, the secondary reflector may be convex or concave. Incident sunlight generally aligned with a rotational axis of symmetry of the primary reflector may be reflected off of the primary reflector, off of the secondary reflector, and back towards a point near the central peak of the primary reflector. The reflective concentrator may be aerodynamically stable, and may include an aerodynamic fairing on its read side to further increase the aerodynamic stability of the structure.