Vertical Axis Solar Generator with Rotating Arms and Transparent Dome
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power generation systems face challenges such as high costs, complex designs, and susceptibility to damage due to their large size and delicate precision requirements, as well as the need for steering to follow the sun, which affects efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A vertical axis solar powered generator with a central rotating hub, solar energy collecting and converting units enclosed in a transparent dome, rotating arms with dual-V roller bearings, and a circular shroud for protection and support, which reduces aerodynamic drag and allows for efficient energy generation without the need for a tall tower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large structures and precise manufacturing are used to achieve sufficient efficiency from the conversion system, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but construction cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the solar energy collection and conversion process into separate functional components: solar panels for energy collection, a vertical rotor shaft for mechanical conversion, and a generator for electrical output. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system efficiency without requiring gigantic integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal/planar solar collector arrangements to a vertical axis configuration. The vertical rotor shaft and vertically oriented solar panels create a three-dimensional structure that achieves sufficient energy conversion efficiency without requiring large horizontal footprints or towering structures, thus reducing construction complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If large sized solar collecting units and tower structures are used to raise air to the air channeling device, then energy collection capacity is improved, but construction cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the tower structure from the system entirely. Instead of using a tower to raise air to a solar collecting device, the solar panels are mounted directly on the vertical rotor shaft at operational height, achieving sufficient solar energy collection capacity without the complex and costly tower infrastructure.
3Power
If unitary systems with parabolic mirrors and fresnel tubes are used to generate energy from solar rays, then energy generation capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and susceptibility to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces delicate, precision-manufactured components like parabolic mirrors and fresnel tubes with more robust, commercially available solar panels. While solar panels have shorter operational lifetimes compared to well-maintained optical systems, they are significantly more resistant to damage, easier to manufacture, and can be replaced more easily, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
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 achieves efficient and reliable electrical power generation with a small-sized solar energy collecting unit, reducing construction costs and environmental impact while providing consistent electricity supply.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solar energy collecting and converting unit enclosed in a transparent dome mounted on a top side of the central rotating hub
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor with a propeller mounted proximate to the distal end of each of the plurality of rotating arms
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power generation system comprises a vertical axis solar powered generator having a bottom side grounded and a top side connected to a vertical rotor shaft, a central rotating hub having a center connected to the vertical rotor shaft, a solar energy collecting and converting unit enclosed in a transparent dome mounted on a top side of the central rotating hub, and a plurality of rotating arms having a proximal end secured to the central rotating hub and a distal end connected to a dual-V roller bearing. The system further comprises an electric motor with a propeller mounted proximate to the distal end of rotating arms, a shroud attached to ground, and a pair of hollow tubes attached to the shroud. Solar energy collecting and converting unit provides electric energy to electric motor which turns the propeller and rotates the rotating arms thereby causing electric energy generation by generator.