Internal Wing Solar Assembly With Adjustable Cell Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar cell integration on movable objects, such as aircraft, faces challenges in maximizing light collection while preserving aerodynamic properties, as traditional designs require mounting on external surfaces and are not suitable for curved structures due to the fragile nature of crystalline solar cells.
Innovation Solution
A solar assembly design that integrates solar cells within the internal volume of structures like aircraft wings, using a slotted carrier system to orient cells for maximum light exposure and featuring a reflective coating and transparent skin to maintain aerodynamic profiles, with adjustable options for dynamic orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If solar cells are mounted on external surfaces of wings, then light collection area is maximized, but aerodynamic properties are disturbed and curved structures cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell array is nested within the internal volume of the wing structure, placing one object (solar cells) inside another (wing). This allows the solar cells to be protected and integrated without disrupting the external aerodynamic shape, resolving the contradiction between maximizing light collection and preserving aerodynamic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface mounting to three-dimensional internal integration. By utilizing the internal volume of the wing rather than external surface area, the design accommodates curved structures while maintaining light collection capability through strategic cell orientation.
2Shape
If solar cells are integrated into internal wing volume, then aerodynamic profile is preserved, but light collection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cells are oriented at specific angles within the internal volume to optimize their local exposure to incident light. This local optimization of cell orientation compensates for the reduced overall light collection efficiency, allowing efficient energy capture while maintaining the aerodynamic profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention accommodates curved internal surfaces within the wing structure, allowing solar cells to be mounted on curved carriers that follow the wing's internal geometry. This enables effective light collection on non-planar surfaces while preserving the external aerodynamic shape.
3Ease of manufacture
If flat solar cell designs are used on curved airfoils, then manufacturing is simplified, but aerodynamic performance is sacrificed
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cells are nested within the wing structure rather than mounted on the external curved surface. This allows the use of standard flat or slightly curved solar cells in carriers that are themselves integrated into the wing's internal volume, simplifying manufacturing while preserving aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier structure serves as an intermediary between the solar cells and the wing structure. This carrier can be shaped to optimize both solar cell mounting and aerodynamic performance, acting as a buffer that simplifies the integration process while maintaining performance 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
Enables efficient light energy capture and conversion without compromising aerodynamic performance, allowing for integration of solar cells in complex geometries and optimizing power generation across varying orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The inside of the solar assembly may be coated with a reflective coating to maximize the capture and conversion of light energy into electrical energy.
Implementation Method 2
A solar cell is generally understood to be a device that collects and converts irradiated light energy into an electrical current.
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspect provide for a solar assembly. The solar assembly may be a mechanical structure that allows many small solar cells to be integrated into the wing design of an aircraft without placing them on the surface area of the wing or the vehicle. Additional aspects may provide for an adjustable solar assembly. The adjustable solar assembly may be configured to be installed into a structure having a structural profile. When installed, the solar assembly may conform to the structural profile such that the structural profile is maintained. The solar assembly may further comprise an adjustable carrier system comprising a plurality of solar cells attached thereto. The adjustable carrier system may be configured to dynamically adjust the orientation of the solar cells so as to maintain an optimal angle with respect to an external light source.