Solar panel efficacy-method and device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panels are inefficient and space-inefficient, limiting their use in small villages and residential areas due to high cost and limited rooftop space, and they fail to maximize energy production from the available surface area.
Innovation Solution
A parabolic solar panel device with a flexible substrate shaped like a parabola, featuring a grid pattern of photo-voltaic cells and reflective mirrors, along with a copper pipe for heat collection, optimized to focus sunlight and enhance both electrical and thermal energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional flat solar panels are used, then the installation is simple and cost-effective, but the space utilization and energy production efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel is formed into a parabolic curved surface instead of a flat plane. This curvature allows the panel to focus sunlight more effectively across its surface area, increasing energy collection efficiency per unit area while maintaining the same physical footprint on the rooftop.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat panel to a three-dimensional parabolic structure. This dimensional change enables the panel to capture and focus sunlight from multiple angles simultaneously, improving space utilization and energy production without requiring additional rooftop area.
2Productivity
If more solar panels are installed to increase energy production, then the energy output increases, but the cost and installation complexity increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The parabolic solar panel integrates multiple functional elements into a single unified structure: photovoltaic cells are embedded within the curved surface, reflective surfaces are incorporated into the parabolic geometry, and the structural support system is designed to accommodate the curved form. This merging of functions into one device increases energy output without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby controlling installation complexity.
3Productivity
If the solar panel surface area is increased to maximize energy collection, then the energy production increases, but the installation space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parabolic solar panel applies different surface properties to different regions of the curved surface. The interior surface of the parabola is made highly reflective to focus sunlight onto photovoltaic cells positioned at the focal point, while the exterior surface is designed for structural support and aesthetic considerations. This localized optimization of surface properties maximizes energy collection efficiency within the given installation space.
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 parabolic design increases energy efficiency and space utilization, allowing for more effective conversion of solar energy into electricity and heat, making solar power a more viable option for small villages and residential use.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of flexible photo-voltaic cells is disposed in a grid pattern over an interior surface of the parabola
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of photo-reflective mirrors is disposed over the interior surface of the parabola in areas unoccupied by photo-voltaic cells
Implementation Method 3
A flexible substrate, possessing a line of symmetry, is formed in the shape of a parabola in a manner in which the vertices of the parabola coincide with said line of symmetry
Implementation Method 4
A pipe, used to carry fluid to be heated, is positioned across the center of the parabola perpendicular to the curvature of the parabola and along the parabola's focal line
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology describes methods and devices for generating electricity and heat using a parabolic solar panel which employs photo-voltaic and photo-thermal technology. Embodiments include forming a flexible substrate into a parabola. A plurality of flexible photo-voltaic cells is disposed in a grid pattern over the interior surface of the parabola. Photo-reflective mirrors are disposed on the parabola's interior surface in areas not occupied by photo-voltaic cells. A copper pipe is positioned to coincide with the parabola's focal line, so that light rays reflected off the parabola are focused on the copper pipe. Inflow and outflow tubes are attached to opposite ends of the copper pipe. Water or other heat absorbing liquid is circulated through the copper pipe where the liquid absorbs thermal energy of the sunrays reflected from the photo-reflective mirrors. The liquid can be directed to a device which converts the liquid's thermal energy to electricity. Electricity produced by the photo-voltaic cells is stored in a battery.