Solar Radiation Collector with Segmented Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for characterizing solar radiation fail to accurately distinguish between direct and diffuse light, leading to imprecise measurements and cumbersome systems that require multiple detectors and frequent adjustments based on sun orientation.
Innovation Solution
A method and sensor that use a blocking element to create a light contrast pattern on a support, allowing for the determination of direct and diffuse light intensities through a single detector, eliminating the need for multiple detectors and reducing system complexity and size, while enabling flexible orientation and precise measurement of solar radiation components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to measure direct and diffuse light separately, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is segmented into multiple zones (first zone for direct light measurement, second zone for diffuse light measurement) that are spatially separated. This segmentation allows a single detector to measure different light components by positioning it to receive light from different zones, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A blocking element is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the detector. This blocking element selectively blocks direct light while allowing diffuse light to reach the detector, enabling the single detector to distinguish between direct and diffuse light components through spatial filtering rather than requiring multiple detectors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are deployed to characterize solar radiation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into distinct zones that can be spatially separated. By positioning a single detector to receive light from specific zones (first zone for direct light, second zone for diffuse light), the system achieves accurate solar radiation characterization without requiring multiple detectors, thereby reducing the overall sensor area.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a temporal dimension (multiple detectors measuring simultaneously) to a spatial dimension (single detector measuring different zones at different positions). This dimensional change allows the system to characterize solar radiation components using a compact sensor area while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional solar radiation measurement systems are used, then global light measurement is achieved, but adaptability to different orientations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed with a support containing multiple zones and a single detector that can measure both direct and diffuse light components. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different orientations and applications (building facades, wind turbines, etc.) while maintaining the precision of separating direct and diffuse light measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the detector to be positioned at different locations relative to the support zones depending on the application requirements and sun orientation. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt to various orientations while maintaining measurement precision through the spatial separation of light zones on the support.
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 solution provides precise and flexible characterization of solar radiation, enabling effective control of solar gain in buildings and wind turbines by accurately measuring direct and diffuse light, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and minimizing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Diffuse light is the result of the physical phenomenon of the diffusion and reverberation of solar radiation on the celestial vault
Implementation Method 2
exposing a blocking element suitable for masking part of the solar radiation so as to form on a support, in the event of the presence of direct light, a pattern having an outline having a light contrast between at least one dark area and at least one light area
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves determining intensity of global light and primary intensity of light selected from direct light or diffused light. The determination step of the primary intensity of the light is realized by using a gradient of light between a dark area and a clear area at a contour of a light spot (19) during exposure of locking elements to solar radiation. The intensity of the global light and the primary intensity are utilized to determine secondary intensity of the light corresponding to the diffused light or direct light depending on the choice of the primary intensity. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a solar radiation collector (2) an active window.