Spinning Cone-Rotor Solar Generator for Omni-Directional Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar photovoltaic technology faces limitations in efficiency and cost-effectiveness due to fixed orientations of panels, which reduce energy output as the Sun moves across the sky, and requires inefficient DC to AC conversion processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a dynamic 3D spin-effect solar photoelectric generation system that utilizes spinning cone-rotor photovoltaic surfaces, allowing omni-directional tracking of the Sun and direct DC to AC conversion without the need for conventional voltage inversion, using any available photovoltaic material and achieving exponential increase in energy output through magnetic coupling and heat dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fixed-orientation photovoltaic panels are used, then manufacturing and installation are simple, but energy output decreases as the Sun moves across the sky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static photovoltaic panels into dynamic spinning cone-rotor structures that continuously rotate to track the Sun's movement across the sky. This dynamic configuration allows the photovoltaic surface to maintain optimal exposure angles throughout the day, significantly increasing energy capture while the spinning motion itself serves as the tracking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex separate tracking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat panels to three-dimensional cone-rotor structures that spin around a vertical axis. This dimensional change enables omni-directional Sun tracking capability, as the conical surface with photovoltaic material can present its maximum area to sunlight from any azimuthal direction, effectively adding rotational freedom in the horizontal plane while maintaining vertical exposure
2Productivity
If conventional DC to AC conversion systems are used, then electrical power can be generated, but conversion efficiency is reduced due to voltage inversion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electronic DC-to-AC inverter system with a direct electromagnetic conversion mechanism. The spinning cone-rotor structure with photovoltaic material and magnetic coupling creates an electromagnetic field that directly generates AC current through rotational motion, eliminating the need for complex electronic voltage inversion circuits and associated power losses
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service by using the Sun's natural movement across the sky to drive the spinning motion of the cone-rotor. The photovoltaic-generated electricity simultaneously powers the magnetic coupling mechanism that maintains rotation, creating a self-sustaining system where the energy input from sunlight directly drives both the tracking motion and the electrical generation without external control systems
3Productivity
If photovoltaic materials are exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day, then energy capture is maximized, but heat accumulation reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous spinning motion of the cone-rotor structure prevents heat accumulation by constantly moving the photovoltaic material through different positions in the rotational path. This dynamic movement distributes thermal load across the entire conical surface and prevents localized overheating, while the rotation itself maintains optimal sunlight exposure angles throughout the day
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition principle through the rotational motion that periodically changes the thermal state of different portions of the photovoltaic surface. As the cone rotates, portions of the photovoltaic material cycle between direct sunlight exposure and partial shading positions, creating a natural thermal regulation effect that prevents sustained high temperatures while maintaining high energy capture
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 system achieves a minimum four times increase in electrical power output compared to conventional systems, with improved heat management and efficiency, maintaining peak energy capture throughout the day while reducing material costs and energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
photovoltaic cells that generate electrical voltage from solar power
Implementation Method 2
the invention's photovoltaic panels are in full view of all propagating Sunlight and receive the full impact of light and heat energy
Implementation Method 3
Embodiments provide heat dispersion due to the essential spin of each layered cone that resides in multiple conical sections
Data Source
AI summary
A solar power generation apparatus includes a stationary horizontal base. A stator is housed in the base, and a vertical column extends upward from the base. A conical-shaped rotor is rotatingly coupled at its apex to the column, while its base is near the stator. The rotor comprises an array of photovoltaic cells positioned on a surface of the rotor, wherein each cell converts light energy received from a light source to a direct current voltage, and an array of magnets positioned at a perimeter of the base of the rotor, wherein the magnets are electrically coupled to and receive direct current voltage from a respective cell. The rotating of the rotor past the stator converts the direct current voltage present at the array of magnets into an alternating current voltage.