Single-Mirror Solar Concentrator With Direct PV Focus and Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar concentrators are bulky, difficult to manufacture, and suffer from energy losses due to additional reflections and reduced radiation availability, making them inefficient for converting solar radiation to electrical current.
Innovation Solution
A single mirror solar concentrator with a housing and receiver unit that focuses solar radiation onto a localized area, using a photovoltaic cell and optical element to convert the radiation to electrical current, with a second mirror and receiver unit optionally used to further concentrate and convert radiation, while preventing radiation loss and facilitating heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional solar concentrators use multiple mirrors and complex configurations to achieve concentration, then concentration ratios improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the secondary mirror from the optical path, extracting only the essential single mirror concentration function. This eliminates the alignment complexity between multiple mirrors while maintaining effective concentration ratios, directly resolving the contradiction between concentration performance and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple reflections to achieve concentration, the patent inverts the approach by using a single mirror with the photovoltaic cell positioned at the focal point, eliminating the need for secondary reflection components and their associated alignment requirements
2Measurement precision
If solar cells are mounted on the back side of mirrors in row configurations, then concentration is achieved, but heat dissipation and electrical current extraction become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by positioning the photovoltaic cell at the focal point where radiation converges, rather than mounting it on the back of the mirror. This allows the cell to be accessible from the front side, enabling easy heat dissipation and electrical current extraction while maintaining concentration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a housing structure as an intermediary that positions the photovoltaic cell at the focal point and provides integrated heat dissipation pathways. This mediator structure resolves the conflict between achieving concentration and maintaining accessibility for thermal and electrical management
3Measurement precision
If secondary mirrors are used to improve concentration, then concentration ratios increase, but energy losses from additional reflections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the secondary mirror component from the system, eliminating the additional reflection interface that causes energy losses. By using only the primary mirror with the photovoltaic cell at the focal point, the system maintains concentration ratios while removing the source of reflection-related energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple reflections to achieve concentration, the patent inverts the approach by using a single reflection path with the photovoltaic cell positioned to receive concentrated radiation directly, eliminating energy losses from additional reflections
4Measurement precision
If solar cells are positioned between the mirror and the sun, then concentration is achieved, but the cells block incoming radiation reducing conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the positioning of the photovoltaic cell from being between the mirror and sun to being at the focal point where radiation converges. This allows the cell to receive concentrated radiation without blocking incoming sunlight, thereby maintaining concentration ratios while improving energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the photovoltaic cell specifically at the focal point where radiation intensity is highest, rather than placing it in the path of incoming radiation. This localized positioning ensures the cell receives maximum concentrated energy without interfering with the overall radiation flow to other parts of the system
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 solution enhances concentration ratios, reduces manufacturing complexity, and improves energy conversion efficiency by minimizing radiation loss and heat dissipation challenges, allowing for more effective conversion of solar radiation to electrical current.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror reflects and concentrates the incoming solar radiation onto the solar cells
Implementation Method 2
the mirror is to receive direct radiation and to focus the radiation toward a localized area
Implementation Method 3
the receiver unit is to receive the radiation directly from the mirror and to convert the received radiation to electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, a mirror coupled to the inner surface of the housing, and a receiver unit coupled to the housing. The mirror is to receive direct radiation and to focus the radiation toward a localized area, and the receiver unit is to receive the radiation directly from the mirror and to convert the received radiation to electpcal current. Some aspects include a first mirror to receive a portion of direct radiation and to reflect the received portion of direct radiation toward a first localized area, a second mirror to receive a second portion of direct radiation and to reflect the received second portion of direct radiation toward a second localized area.