Modular Solar Waveguide Arrays Without Mechanized Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar collection systems are inefficient, lack modularity, require mechanized tracking, and are not suitable for low-profile, horizontal, or vertical installations, making them unsuitable for applications like roads and building exteriors.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar collector system using solar/optical waveguides that collect and channel solar radiation in linear or planar arrays to a radiation sink without the need for mechanized tracking, allowing for flexible installation angles and expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parabolic reflectors with mechanized tracking systems are used, then solar energy collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collection system is divided into multiple independent linear Fresnel reflector modules, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high productivity through modular deployment without requiring complex centralized tracking mechanisms, as each module operates autonomously with simple fixed or minimally adjusted geometry
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional parabolic reflectors that require complex mechanized tracking to follow the sun, this invention inverts the approach by using linear Fresnel reflectors with fixed or simple adjustable geometry that channel sunlight along linear paths to focal lines, eliminating the need for complex tracking while maintaining collection efficiency
2Productivity
If traditional solar collectors are used, then solar energy collection is achieved, but horizontal and vertical footprint area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear Fresnel reflector design transitions the solar collection approach from two-dimensional surface area occupation to a more space-efficient linear configuration. By channeling sunlight along linear paths to focal lines rather than requiring large two-dimensional collector surfaces, the system dramatically reduces both horizontal and vertical footprint while maintaining or improving energy collection productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The use of curved linear Fresnel reflector surfaces optimizes the concentration and channeling of sunlight along compact linear paths, enabling high energy collection density within minimal spatial footprint. The curved geometry efficiently directs solar radiation to focal lines without requiring the extensive flat surface areas characteristic of traditional collectors
3Ease of manufacture
If modular solar collector system is used, then ease of installation and expansion is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into standardized modular linear Fresnel reflector units with uniform dimensions and optical characteristics. This segmentation enables mass production with controlled precision requirements for each module, while field installation becomes simplified through modular assembly. The repetitive geometry of each module allows for standardized manufacturing processes that balance precision requirements with ease of fabrication and installation
Solution Approach 2:
Each linear Fresnel reflector module is designed as a universal unit that can be deployed in various configurations and orientations to meet different installation requirements. The standardized interface and optical design of each module allow them to function independently or in combination, providing manufacturing simplicity through repetition while maintaining flexibility in deployment scenarios
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 system provides a cost-effective, modular, and efficient means of solar energy collection that can be easily manufactured and installed on various surfaces, including roads and building exteriors, without the need for mechanical tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
optically reflective surfaces within the body direct solar energy from the front top radiation injection port and the front face radiation input port to the rear face radiation output port
Data Source
AI summary
A modular solar collector system (MSCS) and modular solar collector method (MSCM) utilizing one or more solar/optical radiation waveguides (SOWs) having radiation input, radiation output, and radiation injection ports is disclosed. The MSCS permits individual SOWs to be cascaded in a modular fashion to permit collection and transmission of incident solar radiation in combination with radiation received from adjacent SOWs. The collection/summation nature of the SOWs may be utilized in vector and/or array configurations to permit collection and transmission of arbitrary areas of incident solar radiation to a focal point, vector, and/or area for the purposes of utilizing the collected radiation for a variety of purposes. The SOWs may optimally incorporate optically reflective areas on surfaces not comprising the radiation input, radiation output, and radiation injection ports to maximize the overall collection and transmission of radiation from the radiation input and radiation injection ports to the radiation output port.