Spacecraft Light Collecting Unit for Solar Cell Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of space machines equipped with solar cell systems is a significant challenge, particularly when solar cell panels are attached to the entire surface of the machine.
Innovation Solution
A space machine design featuring a light collecting unit on its surface to collect sunlight, which is then directed internally to a single solar cell, allowing for the use of a drive unit and control system to adjust the solar cell's orientation for maximum energy harvesting, reducing the need for extensive solar cell coverage and associated costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar cell panels are attached to the whole surface of the space machine, then the solar cell system can effectively collect sunlight, but the cost becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sunlight collection function into two separate components: light collecting units arranged on the surface and a solar cell installed inside. This segmentation allows the solar cell to be smaller and less expensive while still effectively collecting sunlight through the light collecting units that are optimized for surface mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional surface-mounted solar cell panel to a three-dimensional configuration where light collecting units on the surface focus sunlight through optical paths to an internally positioned solar cell. This dimensional change enables more efficient use of space and reduces the need for extensive surface coverage with expensive solar cell material.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single solar cell is installed inside the body with multiple light collecting units, then the cost is reduced, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a drive unit that can dynamically adjust the orientation of the single internal solar cell to face different light collecting units as sunlight incident directions change. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain optimal sunlight collection efficiency while using only one solar cell, thereby reducing cost despite the added control complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives information about the incident direction of sunlight and uses this feedback to control the drive unit, which adjusts the solar cell's orientation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the single solar cell is always positioned to receive sunlight from the appropriate light collecting unit, maintaining system efficiency while minimizing the number of solar cells required.
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 configuration significantly reduces the overall cost of the space machine by minimizing the number of solar cells required and allowing for efficient energy generation while enabling the use of additional equipment on the surface.
Implementation Method 1
The light collecting unit is arranged on the surface of a body of the space machine to collect the incident sun light inside the body
Implementation Method 2
The solar cell is installed inside the body to receive the sun light collected by the light collecting unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique which can reduce a cost of a space machine installed with a solar cell. The space machine is composed of a light collecting unit and the solar cell. The light collecting unit is arranged on a surface of the body of the space machine to collect incident sun light inside the body. The solar cell is installed inside the body to receive the sun light collected by the light collecting unit.