Solar Concentrator Tracking and Collimated Light Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar lighting systems for military forward operating bases in arid areas are inefficient in utilizing renewable energy sources, leading to high dependency on fossil fuels and carbon emissions, despite existing technologies for solar concentrators and light distribution.
Innovation Solution
A solar light distribution system comprising a tubular member with a solar light concentrator and turning reflectors that process and direct collimated solar light beams through a light transfer duct, reducing carbon emissions by providing fossil fuel-free lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional lighting systems are used in military forward operating bases, then lighting functionality is provided, but fossil fuel dependency increases and carbon emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The solar lighting system uses sunlight as a free, renewable resource that requires no external fuel supply. The solar concentrator collects and concentrates sunlight automatically, and the system converts optical energy to electrical energy through photovoltaic cells, providing self-sufficient operation without fossil fuels or carbon emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional electrical lighting systems that rely on fossil fuel-generated electricity with a solar-powered system that directly converts sunlight to electrical energy through photovoltaic conversion, eliminating the need for fossil fuel combustion and associated carbon emissions
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar concentrators are used to collect sunlight, then renewable energy utilization improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar lighting system is divided into distinct functional modules: a solar concentrator for light collection, photovoltaic cells for energy conversion, and lighting components for illumination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation, maintenance, and scalability of the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The solar concentrator serves multiple functions: it concentrates sunlight to increase energy density, provides structural support for mounting photovoltaic cells, and acts as a mounting framework for the entire lighting system, thereby reducing the need for separate support structures and simplifying the overall system design
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 effectively delivers renewable solar light to interior structures, reducing fossil fuel dependency and carbon emissions, while meeting renewable energy goals by using solar concentrators and reflectors to channel sunlight into structures.
Implementation Method 1
processing the solar light waves into a collimated light beam
Implementation Method 2
reflecting the collimated light beam from the light receiving port, down the first light transfer duct, approximately parallel to the central, longitudinal axis (CL1)
Data Source
AI summary
A solar light distribution system includes a solar light concentrator that is affixed externally to a light transfer tube. Solar light waves are processed by the concentrator into a collimated beam of light, which is then transferred through a light receiving port and into the light transfer tube. A reflector directs the collimated beam of light through the tube to a light distribution port. The interior surface of the light transfer tube is highly reflective so that the light transfers through the tube with minimal losses. An interchangeable luminaire is attached to the light distribution port and distributes light inside of a structure. A sun tracking device rotates the concentrator and the light transfer tube to optimize the receiving of solar light by the concentrator throughout the day. The system provides interior lighting, uses only renewable energy sources, and releases no carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.