Solar Array Reflector Layout for Higher Rooftop Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar arrays for residential use are economically unfeasible due to low efficiency, requiring large areas to generate sufficient electricity, leading to long payback periods for homeowners without subsidies.
Innovation Solution
The improved solar array design incorporates angled reflectors with a gradient texture, including a wedge-shaped lens with a reflector surface that directs sunlight perpendicularly onto solar cells, increasing electricity generation per unit area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If flat panel solar arrays are used in residential applications, then the weight-to-size ratio is low facilitating mounting on rooftops, but the efficiency is relatively low requiring large areas to provide sufficient electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from flat 2D solar panels to 3D vertical solar cells mounted on curved surfaces. The solar cells are arranged radially around a curved mounting surface, utilizing three-dimensional space to increase energy capture without increasing horizontal footprint. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain low weight-to-size ratio while dramatically improving electricity generation efficiency per unit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a curved mounting surface with a radius of curvature between 0.5 to 2 meters, causing solar cells to be oriented at varying angles relative to the horizontal plane. This curvature allows the array to capture sunlight from multiple angles throughout the day, increasing overall energy collection efficiency while maintaining a compact vertical footprint suitable for residential rooftops.
2Productivity
If large areas are covered with solar cells to provide sufficient electricity, then sufficient electricity generation is achieved, but the cost of silicon and installation becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting solar cells vertically on curved surfaces rather than horizontally on flat panels, the patent increases electricity generation per unit area. This three-dimensional arrangement allows sufficient electricity generation on smaller roof areas, reducing the total amount of silicon and installation materials needed, thereby lowering overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local variations in solar cell orientation through the curved mounting surface, with cells at different positions angled differently to optimize sunlight capture. This localized optimization of cell orientation increases overall system efficiency without requiring uniform expansion across large areas, reducing material costs.
3Ease of operation
If flat panel solar arrays are used, then simple mounting is achieved, but the payback period is 20 to 25 years without subsidies
Solution Approach 1:
The curved mounting surface design, while more complex than flat panels, is pre-formed as an integrated structure that simplifies the overall installation process. The curvature enables significantly higher electricity generation, which accelerates payback period despite the slightly more complex mounting structure. The modular nature of the curved array maintains ease of installation while improving economic viability.
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 design allows for more efficient energy production over a smaller area, accelerating cost recoupment for homeowners and making solar energy more economically viable without subsidies.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more angled reflectors may include a lens in a wedge shape having: an entrance surface extending along the first direction including one or more curved surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a reflector surface extending along the second direction at an angle. The reflector surface may include a gradient texture comprising one or more flat surfaces, each of which is substantially parallel to the first direction, and one or more angled elevation surfaces
Implementation Method 3
Solar cells are usually made using silicon wafers that absorb sunlight in a way that creates free electrons to create direct current (DC) power
Data Source
AI summary
One or more solar cells arranged on a mounting surface along a first direction and extending out from the mounting surface in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. One or more angled reflectors may be arranged on the mounting surface along the first direction. The one or more angled reflectors may include a lens in a wedge shape having: an entrance surface extending along the first direction including one or more curved surfaces a bottom surface extending along the second direction and adjacent to the corresponding solar cell of the one or more solar cells, and a reflector surface extending along the second direction at an angle. The reflector surface may include a gradient texture comprising one or more flat surfaces, each of which is substantially parallel to the first direction, and one or more angled elevation surfaces.