Solar Reflector With Variable-Curvature Mirrors for Sun Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar reflectors in concentrated solar power (CSP) systems face challenges in optimizing energy efficiency due to fixed mirror curvatures that do not adapt to changing sun positions, leading to suboptimal energy concentration and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A solar reflector design featuring a bearing structure with multiple reflective surfaces, each with a different radius of curvature, allowing the system to selectively present the most suitable mirror configuration to the sun's radiation as it moves, thereby optimizing energy concentration throughout the day.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed curvature mirrors are used in solar reflectors, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the optical efficiency decreases because the mirrors cannot adapt to changing sun positions
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is divided into multiple segments with different curvatures (first reflector with first curvature, second reflector with second curvature). Each segment can be independently positioned to face the sun, allowing the system to adapt to different sun positions without requiring a single complex adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-curvature mirrors to a dynamic configuration where multiple mirrors with different curvatures can be positioned dynamically. The supporting structure enables rotation and positioning of individual reflector segments to optimize their orientation toward the moving sun.
2Productivity
If multiple mirrors with different curvatures are used, then optical efficiency and energy concentration improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent reflector segments rather than one complex adjustable mirror. Each segment can be manufactured separately with a fixed curvature, simplifying individual manufacturing processes while achieving superior overall performance through the combination of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the curvature parameter of the reflectors by providing multiple options (first curvature, second curvature) rather than using a single variable-curvature mirror. This allows optimization for different sun positions through selection rather than complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Temperature
If single-curvature mirrors are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but overheating occurs because energy concentration cannot be optimized throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the reflector system into multiple segments with different curvatures, the system can distribute solar energy more uniformly across the receiver throughout the day. Different segments are activated at different times to prevent concentration hotspots and overheating while maintaining efficient energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The curvature parameter is changed by selecting different reflector segments based on sun position. This allows optimization of energy concentration to match the receiver's thermal capacity and prevent overheating, while still maintaining high efficiency energy transfer appropriate for each time of day.
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
This design enhances the optical yield of solar fields by up to 10% without increasing the reflector's physical dimensions, allows for more homogeneous heat distribution to receivers, and prevents overheating by adjusting the curvature to match the sun's position.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of mirrors for solar reflection
Implementation Method 2
mirrors with different radii of curvature... selectively present the first or the second mirror to solar radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The main object of the invention is a solar reflector (1), comprising: a plurality of mirrors (M1, M2, M3) for solar reflection; a supporting structure (2) on which the mirrors are arranged, the supporting structure (2) extending along an axis of rotation (X) and being rotatable about said axis so as to follow the sun's path. The solar reflector (1) is characterized in that the supporting structure (2) further comprises a first reflective surface on which is arranged at least one first mirror (M1) having a first radius of curvature (R1), and a second reflective surface on which is arranged at least one second mirror (M2) having a second radius of curvature (R2), different from the first radius of curvature (R1), and in that the supporting structure (2) is rotatable about said axis of rotation (X).