Solar Reflector Array With Thermal Isolation for PV Receptor Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photovoltaic receptors in solar concentrators have a limited lifespan and efficiency is affected by operating temperatures, requiring periodic replacement and effective thermal management to maintain performance.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic device with an array of elongate reflector elements and a heat sink with cooling fins, along with a thermal expansion arrangement, to thermally isolate the photovoltaic receptor and maintain efficiency by dissipating heat through convection, while a secondary optic device enhances sunlight concentration and reduces tracking errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If photovoltaic receptors are mounted on reflector elements without thermal isolation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operating temperature increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting arrangement acts as an intermediary between the reflector element and photovoltaic receptor, providing thermal isolation through insulating material while mechanically securing the receptor. This mediator prevents direct thermal contact, reducing operating temperature and extending lifespan without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arrangement utilizes composite construction combining reflective material on the reflector element with thermally insulating material in the mounting structure. This composite approach allows simultaneous heat reflection for energy capture and thermal isolation for temperature control, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and lifespan.
2Productivity
If photovoltaic receptors operate at higher temperatures, then the device complexity is reduced, but efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement serves as a thermal mediator that isolates the photovoltaic receptor from excessive heat while maintaining mechanical support. This passive thermal management approach preserves efficiency without requiring active cooling systems, balancing productivity with acceptable device complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If photovoltaic receptors are made more durable against thermal stress, then lifespan is extended, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than modifying the photovoltaic receptor to withstand high temperatures (which would increase manufacturing cost), a simple mounting arrangement with insulating material is introduced as a mediator. This approach extends lifespan through passive thermal protection while maintaining ease of manufacture and low cost.
4Temperature
If cooling fins are added to the reflector element, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fins are merged with the reflector element structure, combining the thermal management function with the existing optical component. This integration improves temperature control while minimizing additional complexity, as the fins serve dual purposes of heat dissipation and structural support.
5Ease of repair
If modular mounting arrangements are used for easier replacement, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arrangement is segmented into distinct, separable components that allow the photovoltaic receptor to be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation improves ease of repair while keeping each individual component simple in design, balancing modularity with simplicity.
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 extends the lifespan of photovoltaic receptors, maintains high efficiency by managing temperature, and reduces maintenance needs through modular and replaceable assemblies, while improving concentration ratios and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A mounting arrangement may include a thermal expansion arrangement to compensate for varying rates of thermal expansion and contraction of the photovoltaic receptor and the mounting arrangement
Implementation Method 2
The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array
Implementation Method 4
The application extends to a mounting unit and to a method of converting solar radiation to electrical power
Implementation Method 5
A mounting arrangement may include a thermal expansion arrangement to compensate for varying rates of thermal expansion and contraction of the photovoltaic receptor and the mounting arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic receptor mounted on the reflector element by a mounting arrangement to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The reflector element also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.