Solar Concentrator Cable Loops for Sun Tracking With Low Light Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems face inefficiencies due to the need for precise positioning of solar concentrators relative to the sun and high energy losses in waveguides, particularly in the near-infrared range, leading to high costs and low energy storage effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A solar power system featuring a solar concentrator with a cone-shaped tapering device connected to a cable, utilizing a periscope mechanism with curved glass loop sections and a storage unit, allowing for two-axis rotation to track the sun without bending cables, reducing the amount of glass needed in the cable by up to 90% and minimizing light loss through anti-reflective treatments and total internal reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional waveguides are used to transmit solar energy, then the system structure is simple, but light loss is high especially in the near-infrared range after only a few meters propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple sections with different properties. The first section uses a material transparent to near-infrared radiation, while the second section uses a different material optimized for visible light transmission. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall energy loss while maintaining system feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the waveguide are assigned different local qualities - specifically, different material compositions optimized for different wavelength ranges. The first section has properties optimized for near-infrared transmission, while the second section has properties optimized for visible light, allowing each local region to perform its specific transmission function efficiently.
2Productivity
If solar concentrators are positioned to track the sun throughout the day, then energy capture is maximized, but the positioning system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the solar concentrator to track the sun's movement. The positioning system can adjust the orientation and angle of the concentrator throughout the day to maintain optimal alignment with the sun, maximizing energy capture while using a mechanically feasible approach rather than overly complex active control systems.
3Ease of operation
If thick plastic fibers are used for light transmission, then the cable can be flexible and easier to install, but optical transmission efficiency is insufficient and energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide employs composite material construction, combining different materials with complementary properties. The first section uses materials optimized for near-infrared transmission while the second section uses materials optimized for visible light transmission. This composite approach achieves high optical transmission efficiency across the solar spectrum while maintaining structural integrity and reasonable flexibility for installation.
4Reliability
If conventional solar power systems are used, then the technology is proven and reliable, but costs are high and energy storage effectiveness is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes key parameters of conventional solar power transmission - specifically the wavelength range targeted and the material composition of the waveguide. By optimizing for near-infrared transmission in the first section and visible light in the second section, the system achieves higher overall transmission efficiency and better energy storage effectiveness while using commercially available materials and proven optical principles, thereby reducing costs while maintaining reliability.
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 system enhances energy capture and storage efficiency by reducing light loss and enabling the use of larger diameter, non-bendable cables, while maintaining effective energy transmission and conversion to heat within the storage unit, optimizing energy collection and storage without the need for flexible, high-cost cables.
Implementation Method 1
The solar concentrator receives solar power as rays and via a lens conveys and concentrates the rays as light to the tapering device
Implementation Method 2
minimizing light loss through anti-reflective treatments and total internal reflection
Implementation Method 3
minimizing light loss through anti-reflective treatments and total internal reflection
Implementation Method 4
the curved glass section conveys and emits the light into an inside of the storage unit wherein the light converts into heat upon impact with the storage unit to heat the storage unit
Data Source
AI summary
The method is for conveying solar power from a sun. A solar concentrator conveys and concentrates solar power as rays into a cable. The solar concentrator has a tapering device disposed at a bottom thereof. The cable has a first curved glass loop section, a second curved glass loop section and a curved section. The curved glass section is connected to a storage unit wherein the light is converted into heat. The first loop section is rotated relative to the second loop section at a first gap and the second section is rotated relative to the curved section at a second gap so that the concentrator can follow the path of the sun during the day.