Multi-Trough Solar Collector Structure for Lower Wind Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar energy harvesting apparatuses have a high surface area, leading to significant wind loads that limit their applications in outdoor settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact, low-profile solar energy harvesting apparatus with a multi-trough design featuring elongated, rectangular bodies, mirror strips, and linear solar cells, which reduces wind loading through aerodynamic shape and orientation adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar panels with large surface area are used, then solar energy capture is improved, but wind loading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved surfaces by forming the solar panel into a cylindrical or tubular shape rather than using flat rectangular panels. This curvature allows the structure to better withstand wind loads while maintaining effective solar energy capture through the curved photovoltaic surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat panels to three-dimensional tubular structures. This dimensional change allows the solar collector to capture wind from multiple directions simultaneously and reduces the projected area exposed to wind, thereby reducing wind loading while maintaining or enhancing solar energy capture capability.
2Productivity
If large surface area solar panels are deployed, then energy production is improved, but structural stability under wind load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical or tubular configuration provides inherent structural strength and stability against wind loads. The curved geometry distributes wind forces more evenly across the structure, preventing the structural instability that would occur with flat panels of equivalent energy-capturing surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the solar collector from flat two-dimensional panels to three-dimensional tubular structures with specific radius and length dimensions. This parameter change optimizes the ratio of energy-capturing surface area to wind-exposed projected area, thereby improving both energy production and structural stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional flat solar panels are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but wind resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is adapted to produce curved cylindrical or tubular panels rather than flat panels. This may involve forming photovoltaic materials into curved shapes or assembling modular curved segments. The curved geometry provides superior wind resistance while the manufacturing process, though more complex than flat panel production, remains feasible using established forming and assembly techniques.
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 apparatus effectively minimizes wind loads by reducing the presented area and drag coefficient, allowing for efficient energy production and easier maintenance while maintaining high solar output and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one mirror strip provided along at least one peak of the at least one trough
Implementation Method 2
a linear solar cell provided along the trough base of the at least one trough
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy harvesting apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the apparatus includes a generally elongated, rectangular body having a bottom portion and sidewalls extending from the bottom portion; at least one trough provided in the bottom portion and having a trough base and trough peaks; at least one mirror strip provided along at least one peak of the at least one trough; and a linear solar cell provided along the trough base of the at least one trough.