Solar Concentrator Element With Fluid-Driven Passive Sun Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy generation systems face high costs due to the need for extensive excavations, foundation laying, and electromotive devices for sun tracking, limiting their scalability and efficiency, especially for diffuse radiation collection and large-scale solar plants.
Innovation Solution
A panel system comprising multiple mobile radiation collecting elements that concentrate solar radiation via lenses or optical fibers, using fluid pressure to rotate and focus radiation onto an optical tube or fiber, eliminating the need for complex tracking systems and infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional solar tracking systems with electromotor devices and metal structures are used, then sun position tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collector elements automatically orient themselves toward the sun through fluid pressure changes caused by differential heating. The fluid expands on the sun-facing side, creating pressure that rotates the element without external motors or control systems, achieving self-tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electromechanical tracking systems with a thermal-fluid based passive tracking mechanism. Instead of using motors, sensors, and control electronics, the system uses thermal expansion of fluid to mechanically rotate the collectors, eliminating complex mechanical and electrical subsystems
2Stability of the object's composition
If extensive excavations and foundation laying are performed for solar plants, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible supporting membranes instead of rigid metal structures and concrete foundations. These thin-film supports provide sufficient stability while being easily deployable on various surfaces without requiring excavations or heavy construction infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The solar collection system is designed to be universally applicable on different surfaces (ground, roofs, walls) using adaptable flexible supports. The same basic structure can be installed on varied terrains without custom foundation work, achieving multi-environment deployment capability
3Area of moving object
If large panels with metal support structures are used for solar collection, then radiation collection area is improved, but manufacturing cost and visual impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collection system is divided into numerous small, independent collecting elements rather than using large continuous panels. Each element is a small unit with its own support structure, allowing modular assembly that reduces material costs and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining total collection area
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible supporting membranes replace expensive metal support structures, significantly reducing material costs. These thin-film supports provide adequate structural function at a fraction of the cost of traditional metal frameworks, making large-area deployment more economically viable
4Measurement precision
If active electrical tracking systems with motors are used, then sun tracking precision is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses passive thermal-fluid actuation where solar radiation itself provides the energy for tracking. The differential heating of fluid creates pressure changes that automatically rotate the collectors toward the sun, converting solar energy directly into mechanical motion without external power input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes thermal expansion and contraction of fluid phases to drive the tracking mechanism. As the fluid heats up on the sun-facing side, it expands and generates pressure to rotate the element; when cooling occurs, the fluid contracts, allowing reversible motion without requiring additional energy input
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 reduces costs by allowing solar energy collection and concentration on various surfaces with minimal visual impact and optimized land use, enhancing scalability and reducing installation costs while maintaining high concentration levels.
Implementation Method 1
said container comprising at least one compartment on each side wherein a fluid is housed, said fluid being subject to expansion upon heating
Implementation Method 2
a lens, said lens being struck by radiation which is concentrated by said lens onto a focal point
Implementation Method 3
said piston being moved by a pressure differential between opposite sides of said container in order to produce said refocusing
Data Source
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AI summary
Element, panel and direct solar radiation collecting and concentrating system by means of panels with collecting and concentrating elements which are allowed freedom of movement during diurnal and seasonal sun tracking. The elements in question incorporate a primary lens concentrating direct radiation. The element includes hollow compartments which contain a given fluid at a given pressure. The lower section includes a secondary lens and/or internally reflexive conical element allowing the introduction of radiation, in parallel, into tubes or optical fibre, or irradiation onto radiation converting systems. The movement of the device is produced by fluid heating and pressure in the side compartments. This pressure is communicated to the axes via pistons which cause the device to rotate in search of the optimal position with a view to optimizing its focus on the secondary lens.