Solar energy utilization apparatus and combined structure thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current low-power concentrating solar devices have limitations in enhancing the concentrating efficiency of solar energy.
Innovation Solution
A solar energy utilization apparatus with a transparent top cover and reflection groove forming a liquid light-condensing cavity, utilizing a transparent liquid to achieve total internal reflection and enhance sunlight concentration, combined with a light energy utilization unit for efficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional low-power concentrating solar devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the concentrating efficiency of solar energy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The solar energy utilization apparatus is divided into multiple functional modules: transparent top cover with refractive parts, reflection groove with reflecting surface, liquid light-condensing cavity with transparent liquid, and light energy utilization unit. Each module performs a specific function in the light concentration process, allowing the system to achieve high concentrating efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent liquid is introduced as an intermediary medium in the liquid light-condensing cavity. This liquid serves as a light guide that transports sunlight from the transparent top cover through the reflection groove to the light energy utilization unit, enabling efficient light concentration without direct mechanical contact between components and reducing structural complexity.
2Productivity
If more sunlight is concentrated onto the light energy utilization unit, then energy utilization efficiency improves, but light loss increases without proper reflection and refraction design
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection groove converts potentially lost light that would otherwise be absorbed or scattered into useful concentrated light. By providing a reflecting surface at the bottom and sides of the cavity, the system redirects light that misses the direct path to the utilization unit, converting what would be energy loss into additional energy contribution, thereby improving overall energy utilization efficiency while minimizing light loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent top cover incorporates convex and concave transparent parts with curved surfaces designed to refract and focus sunlight. These curved optical surfaces optimize the refraction of incoming light rays, directing them efficiently into the liquid light-condensing cavity and toward the light energy utilization unit, reducing light loss through improper refraction while maximizing energy concentration.
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
Improves sunlight concentration and energy utilization efficiency by reducing light loss through total internal reflection and refractive design, allowing more sunlight to be focused on the light energy utilization unit.
Implementation Method 1
the transparent top cover is made of a transparent material capable of refracting sunlight from outside to inside the liquid light-condensing cavity
Implementation Method 2
the liquid light-condensing cavity forms a structure capable of allowing at least part of the sunlight that is emitted from the transparent liquid to an inner wall of the liquid light-condensing cavity to form a total reflection phenomenon so as to concentrate the sunlight onto the light energy utilization part
Implementation Method 3
the reflection groove having a reflecting surface facing towards the transparent top cover to reflect sunlight
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a solar energy utilization apparatus and a combined structure thereof. The solar energy utilization apparatus comprises a transparent top cover, a reflection groove and a light energy utilization unit. The transparent top cover is provided with a first transparent part recessed inward and a second transparent part protruding upward from the recess of the first transparent part; and based on such structure, sunlight reflected and refracted to the outer side of the transparent top cover can be re-refracted from other regions to the inner side of the transparent top cover, thereby improving the quantity of light refracted into the transparent top cover.