Solar Concentrator Mounting for Precise Light Intake Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency of skylights due to poor positioning of the input of the transmitting elements with respect to the optical concentrator leads to significant light loss, as the collected light is not correctly concentrated, resulting in inadequate lighting in rooms without direct outside access.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support made of ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete with a receiver and spacer elements to maintain the transmitter member at a precise distance from the optical concentrator, ensuring optimal alignment and light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the input of the transmitter member is poorly positioned with respect to the optical concentrator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light transmission efficiency deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device is pre-assembled with the optical concentrator and transmitter member during manufacturing, establishing precise alignment before installation. The support structure with integrated receiver and spacers is prepared in advance, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments and ensuring optimal light transmission from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure made of ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete serves as an intermediary between the optical concentrator and transmitter member. This mediator provides a stable, precise mounting platform that maintains the required spatial relationship, allowing light to pass through while ensuring accurate positioning without direct mechanical connection between the optical components.
2Manufacturing precision
If metal materials are used for solar concentrators to achieve precision, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the weight increases and mechanical adjustments become expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is made of ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete, a composite material that combines the precision and strength requirements with reduced weight compared to traditional metal concentrators. The fiber reinforcement provides the necessary mechanical precision while the concrete matrix reduces overall density and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If the transmitter member is positioned at an incorrect distance from the optical concentrator, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the light concentration effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The correct distance and alignment between the transmitter member and optical concentrator are established during the preliminary manufacturing stage. The support structure with integrated receiver and spacers is pre-configured with the precise spacing required for optimal light concentration, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments and ensuring high transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device creates an equipotential spatial relationship between the optical concentrator and transmitter member, maintaining a fixed, optimal distance that maximizes light concentration effectiveness. The spacers ensure that the optical path remains at the ideal configuration regardless of environmental variations.
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 solution allows for precise and durable positioning of the transmitter member, minimizing light loss and providing consistent natural lighting in rooms without direct outside access, reducing the need for artificial lighting and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The optical concentrator is advantageously a converging lens then comprising two front faces called front diopter and rear diopter
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for positioning the intake (2) of a member (3) for transmitting solar energy relative to a convergent optical concentrator (4), characterised in that it comprises a mounting (11) provided with at least one reserve (12) suitable for receiving and supporting the optical concentrator (4) in a predetermined direction and allowing light to pass through said mounting (11), a receiver (13) suitable for receiving and supporting the intake (2) of the transmitting member (3), and at least one spacer element (14) in order to keep said receiver (13) spaced apart from the mounting (11) in a stationary position relative to said reserve (12), said stationary position being defined in accordance with the features of the transmitting member (3) and optical concentrator (4).