Dynamically setting a threshold output level for a solar array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar power generators using flat-plate technologies have low solar-to-power conversion efficiencies, are cumbersome, and require long charge times, necessitating a method to enhance energy conversion and adjust for changing sunlight positions.
Innovation Solution
A micro-concentrator solar array with a control module that dynamically adjusts the position of reflectors based on light intensity and position, ensuring optimal electrical output by focusing light onto solar cells using MEMS-based reflectors and a threshold sensor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat-plate solar technologies are used, then the solar power generator is simple in structure, but the solar-to-power conversion efficiency is low and the device is large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power generator is divided into multiple solar cell arrays, each with its own independent reflector system. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for high efficiency while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing real-time optimization of light concentration angles. This dynamic adjustment maximizes solar-to-power conversion efficiency without requiring complex fixed structures, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and conversion efficiency.
2Device complexity
If flat-plate solar technologies are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device is large and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into compact modular units, each containing solar cells and associated reflectors. This segmentation enables a high power-density configuration that reduces overall device volume while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from two-dimensional flat-plate configuration to three-dimensional concentrated geometry with reflectors positioned above and below solar cells. This dimensional change increases power density and reduces the footprint area, making the device more compact without excessive structural complexity.
3Device complexity
If fixed reflector positions are used, then the device structure is simple, but frequent manual adjustments are required to accommodate changing sun position
Solution Approach 1:
The reflectors are designed with dynamic adjustment capability through actuators that can change their angular positions in real-time. This allows the system to automatically track the sun's movement throughout the day, eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect light intensity and position, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of reflector positions to optimize light concentration on solar cells as the sun moves, reducing manual intervention while keeping the structural design straightforward.
4Productivity
If high light concentration is used to improve efficiency, then solar-to-power conversion efficiency increases, but the system becomes more sensitive to light position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The reflectors are designed with dynamic adjustment capability that allows real-time optimization of light concentration angles. This dynamic response enables the system to maintain high solar-to-power conversion efficiency while adapting to changing sun positions, reducing sensitivity to positional variations through active control rather than passive tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
Light sensors provide continuous feedback on illumination conditions to the control system, which automatically adjusts reflector positions to maintain optimal concentration on solar cells. This feedback loop enables the system to sustain high conversion efficiency across varying light positions, effectively managing the sensitivity issue through active compensation.
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 improves solar-to-power conversion efficiency, reduces the size of solar cells, and eliminates the need for frequent adjustments, enabling faster charging and more efficient energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of groups of reflectors that reflect light onto the plurality of solar cells
Implementation Method 2
Solar cells convert light energy, typically from the sun, into electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing a solar array (604). Light (610) is measured using a threshold sensor (631) to generate sensor data (630). A selected threshold (624) is computed for an electrical output (622) generated by a plurality of solar cells (606) in the solar array (604) based on the sensor data (630) using control logic (620) in a control module (618).