User-preference driven control of electrical and thermal output from a photonic energy device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Solar energy systems face inefficiencies due to inadequate heat extraction and failure to adapt to changing demand levels, lacking user preference integration and proactive utilization of forecast information.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically modulates thermal and electrical output of solar photovoltaic modules by adjusting fluid variables and reflective surface angles based on user preferences, incorporating a controller with memory and processor to manage these adjustments, and utilizing structured glass for enhanced solar and thermal trapping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If solar energy systems operate without user preference integration and demand adaptation, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy generation efficiency and user satisfaction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the tilt angle of reflective surfaces and fluid flow rates based on real-time user preferences and forecasted demand levels, transforming a static solar energy system into an adaptive one that optimizes energy generation efficiency without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes operational parameters (reflective surface angles, fluid flow rates, thermal storage levels) based on user preferences and demand forecasts, allowing the system to optimize energy generation efficiency by adjusting these parameters rather than increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If thermal output is not actively managed, then system simplicity is maintained, but heating effects reduce electrical generation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power outputVSAvoidpanel temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful thermal heating effect into a beneficial resource by capturing excess heat through the fluid circulation system and storing it in thermal storage tanks, thereby reducing panel temperature to improve electrical generation efficiency while simultaneously providing useful thermal energy for user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid circulation system acts as an intermediary between the solar panels and thermal storage, transferring excess heat away from the panels to maintain optimal operating temperatures for electrical generation while storing the thermal energy for later use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If forecast information is not utilized, then system simplicity is maintained, but proactive output optimization is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput efficiencyVSAvoidforecast information utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by analyzing forecast information about future demand levels and weather conditions, then proactively adjusting operational parameters (fluid flow rates, reflective surface angles, thermal storage levels) in advance to optimize energy generation efficiency before actual demand occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Improves solar energy system efficiency by dynamically adjusting output to match user demands, reduces heating effects, and increases energy generation through effective heat management and reflective surface optimization.

Implementation Method 1

solar photovoltaic module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

fluid positioned on the solar photovoltaic module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

fluid positioned on the solar photovoltaic module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

configurable reflective surfaces that (i) collect direct solar radiation and diffuse solar radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10490675B2User-preference driven control of electrical and thermal output from a photonic energy device

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer program products for user-preference driven control of electrical and thermal output from a photonic energy device are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes automatically modulating an amount of thermal output and/or electrical power output generated by a solar photovoltaic module in response to an input of one or more user preferences by: adjusting at least one variable pertaining to a fluid positioned on the solar photovoltaic module based on the one or more user preferences; and adjusting at least one variable pertaining to one or more reflective surfaces physically connected to the solar photovoltaic module based on the one or more user preferences.