Solar Concentrator Core Structure for Wide-Angle Sun Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar concentrator systems face limitations in energy collection due to mechanical structures that collide after a certain angular displacement, restricting the maximum angular range for tracking the sun and reducing energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar concentrator design featuring a central light transmissive core with a primary optical element extending from the light receiving end and a secondary optical element radially extending from the core, allowing for tilting without collisions and minimizing material usage, thereby increasing energy collection efficiency and tolerance to misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solar concentrator systems use mechanical structures to support primary and secondary optical elements, then the elements can be held in place, but the structures collide after certain angular displacement, limiting the maximum angular range for tracking the sun
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical support structures that were holding the primary and secondary optical elements in conventional systems. By extracting these mechanical components, the system eliminates collision limitations and achieves collision-free operation for tilt angles up to 60 degrees, significantly expanding the angular tracking range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the primary optical element and secondary optical element into a unified configuration where they work together without requiring separate mechanical support structures. This merging eliminates the collision problem between independent supported elements while maintaining optical functionality.
2Productivity
If mechanical support structures are used to hold optical elements, then elements are stabilized, but the structures occupy area in the plane of the top half of the tilt stage, obscuring light gathering area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical support structures from the system. By eliminating these structures, the light gathering area is no longer obscured by supporting components, allowing collection of light from over 95% of the available aperture and significantly improving energy collection efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use frameworks around edges to hold optical elements, then elements are supported, but the frameworks collide with each other, placing a limit on maximum angular range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the edge frameworks that were supporting the optical elements in conventional designs. By extracting these frameworks, the system eliminates collision between supporting structures, enabling tilt angles up to 60 degrees from the central position without mechanical interference.
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 design enables collection of light from over 95% of the available aperture without element collisions for tilt angles up to 60 degrees, enhancing energy collection efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs by minimizing material usage.
Implementation Method 1
a primary optical element extending from the light receiving end of the core and arranged to concentrate light incident outside of the light receiving end of the core region towards a position displaced axially along the core
Implementation Method 2
a secondary optical element extending radially from the core and displaced axially from the first optical element and arranged to receive light concentrated by the primary optical element and direct it towards the core
Data Source
AI summary
The light concentrator having a primary optical element which has an optical axis and a core comprising a rigid body which is co-linear with the optical axis and configured to support the primary optical element.