WO2019148269A1 - Système de production d'énergie solaire - Google Patents

Système de production d'énergie solaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019148269A1
WO2019148269A1 PCT/CA2019/050028 CA2019050028W WO2019148269A1 WO 2019148269 A1 WO2019148269 A1 WO 2019148269A1 CA 2019050028 W CA2019050028 W CA 2019050028W WO 2019148269 A1 WO2019148269 A1 WO 2019148269A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solar
solar cell
solar energy
sunrays
generating system
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Application number
PCT/CA2019/050028
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Raja Tuli
Original Assignee
Raja Tuli
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Raja Tuli filed Critical Raja Tuli
Publication of WO2019148269A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019148269A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/054—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means
    • H01L31/0547—Optical elements directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. light-reflecting means or light-concentrating means comprising light concentrating means of the reflecting type, e.g. parabolic mirrors, concentrators using total internal reflection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/042—PV modules or arrays of single PV cells
    • H01L31/048—Encapsulation of modules
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/04—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof adapted as photovoltaic [PV] conversion devices
    • H01L31/052—Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
    • H01L31/0521—Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells using a gaseous or a liquid coolant, e.g. air flow ventilation, water circulation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • Y02E10/52—PV systems with concentrators

Definitions

  • This invention relates to solar energy concentrating system where reflectors are kept at static position and solar cells are moved to capture maximum solar radiation.
  • the typical solar concentrators can be classified according to several aspects.
  • the ones relevant for the purpose of the present description are the kind of focusing employed (point, line or area), positional adjustability of the reflectors involved in the concentration process (fixed or tracking devices) and characteristics of the conversion systems— solar panels, heat absorbers, or both.
  • the sunlight concentrated toward a photovoltaic solar panel is magnified.
  • solar energy concentrator systems benefit more than non-concentrating solar energy systems from using relatively more performing solar panels. Efficiency improvements are fast in the field of photovoltaic solar cells, and solar energy concentrator systems thus benefit particularly from an easy upgrade to a more efficient solar panel.
  • Line focus systems of solar energy concentration typically perform less in concentrating solar radiation than area or point focus.
  • line focus systems tend to be bulky. The size and shape of these bulky systems entail higher manufacturing costs (for materials) and require a larger area for their installation. These characteristics make line focus systems rather inadequate for implementation for a standard household or small real estate unit.
  • point focus as in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20110088684 Al (Tuli) and others, typically requires multiple sets of concentrating reflectors. A substantially high degree of precision is thus required, both in terms of mechanical adjustments of the reflectors and in terms of data analysis and predictions.
  • the solar energy concentrator disclosed therein includes several physical components that potentially block the solar radiation reflected by the primary concentrating reflector before it can be collected by the receiver.
  • the supporting components are in itself vulnerable to wear and tear, wind and other weather conditions, thus necessitating a suboptimal retraction of the elongated arm to prevent damages to the structural integrity of the elongated arm when wind conditions are threatening.
  • the elongated arm can also be vulnerable when the position of the sun requires the elongated arm to be sharply inclined in order to receive solar radiation redirected by the primary concentrating reflector.
  • the invention described herein is designed to work as solar energy generating system having multiple solar panels. Multiple solar panels are arranged in arrays of rows, wherein each row has multiple solar panels. Each of the solar panel has two reflecting troughs. Each reflecting troughs are identical in shape and orientation. Further, each one of the reflecting trough receives sunlight and focus them on to a high efficiency solar cell. The length of the high efficiency solar cell is same as that of the reflecting troughs. Each high efficiency solar cell is kept at focus of its reflecting trough using strings attached to a structure of the panel. Each of the solar panel is kept at an angle with the ground. The angle is preferably kept same as that of the earth’s angle of inclination to its own axis.
  • each of the solar panels has at least two side walls that are used to keep the troughs at their position.
  • the side walls are also kept at an inclination from a base plate so as to create a tub like structure within which the reflecting troughs are kept.
  • Each of the solar energy panels has a glass top that allows sunrays to pass through it and hit the reflecting troughs.
  • the solar cells are placed beneath the glass top and on top of the reflecting troughs.
  • Each of the solar cells can be moved by the strings to keep the solar cells in focus.
  • the strings are attached to the sidewalls of the panel.
  • the high efficiency solar cells within a panel are not connected to each other electrically.
  • each of the high efficiency solar cells are connected in series to its corresponding high efficiency solar cell present in its adjacent panel in the same row.
  • a single row of panels has two rows of serially connected high efficiency solar cells.
  • All the serially connected rows of solar cells are then connected to each other as per parallel connection.
  • each one of the high efficiency solar cells is provided with a heat sink on top of it.
  • an elongated low efficiency solar cell can be placed on top of each of the heat sink to capture sunrays that do not reach the reflecting troughs.
  • the heat sink, the low efficiency solar cell and the high efficiency solar cell are kept at pyramidal structured way with high efficiency solar cell forming the base of the pyramid, followed by the heat sink and the low efficiency solar cell.
  • Such a structure helps in reducing amount of shadow falling on the reflecting troughs placed beneath the solar cells.
  • small fans or blowers are present inside the sidewalls to blow cold air into the heat sink so as to reduce the temperature of the solar cells.
  • a pair of terminating units is provided, one at each end of a row.
  • the terminating units are just two rows of troughs that are aligned as per the troughs in the panels of the row, and are present to direct sunrays towards the high efficiency solar cells, during morning and evening.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a solar energy generating system as per one of the embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1B is a side view of the solar energy generating system as per one of the embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1C is a plan view of sunrays hitting Earth.
  • FIG. 1D is a plan view of panels placed on Earth at a latitude tilt angle.
  • FIG. 1E is a top view of the solar energy generating system having multiple rows of panels and each row having multiple panels.
  • Fig 1F is a plan view depicting different planes on which a solar cell can be placed.
  • Fig 1G is graphical representation of solar energy received by a solar cell at the different planes.
  • FIG. 2A is a side view of a solar panel.
  • FIG. 2B is a side view of the solar panel showing the benefits of having sidewalls at an inclination.
  • FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a solar energy generating system as per one of the embodiments of the present invention, wherein solar cells are kept in place by strings.
  • FIG. 2D is a top view of a solar energy generating system as per one of the embodiments of the present invention, wherein solar cells are kept in place by strings.
  • FIG. 3A-3D are side views of a comer between a sidewall and a top glass of a solar panel.
  • FIG. 3A-3D are a top view of a solar energy concentrating system illustrating movement of the top glass.
  • FIG. 3E-3F are side views of two rows of panels having comer at an inclination angle.
  • FIG. 4A is side view of parts of a panel having a heat sink on top of a solar cell.
  • FIG. 4B-4C are side views of a solar cell and a trapezoidal shaped heat sink.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of parts of a panel having a secondary solar cell on top of a heat sink.
  • FIG. 6A-6D is a side view of a solar energy concentrating system with studs, as per another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6E-6F are side views of a solar panel with moveable solar cells.
  • FIG. 7A-7B are side views of a panel having blowers blowing cold air towards heat sinks.
  • FIG. 7C is a side view of a panel having blowers blowing cold air towards heat sinks, wherein the air leaves the panel using a hole present on a glass sidewall.
  • FIG. 7D is a top view of a panel having blowers blowing cold air towards heat sinks, wherein the air leaves the panel using an opening present on a glass sidewall.
  • FIG. 7E is a side view of a panel having a blower and a glass sheet acting as guidance for the air from the blower.
  • FIG. 8A is a top view of a two rows of panels wherein solar cells of a row are connected in series to each other.
  • FIG. 8B is a plan view of a solar cell having multiple solar cell units.
  • FIG. 9A is a side view of a row of panels without any terminating units.
  • FIG. 9B is a side view of a row of panels with the terminating units.
  • FIG. 9C is a side view of a row of panels with the terminating units.
  • FIG. 9D is a side view of a row of panels explaining the advantages of the termination units.
  • FIG. 9E is a side view of a row of panels with a triangular shaped termination unit.
  • FIG. 10A-10B illustrates termination units having connectors to connect solar cells.
  • FIG. 11A is a side view of parts of two adjacent panels in a row without any transparent unit.
  • FIG. 11B is a side view of parts of two adjacent panels in a row with a transparent unit.
  • FIG. 12A is a side view of a row of panels without any trough units.
  • FIG. 12B is a side view of a row of panels without any trough units.
  • FIG. 12C is a perspective view of trough units.
  • FIG. 12D is a side view of operation of a trough unit.
  • FIG. 12E is a plan view of solar cell with variable sized solar cell units.
  • FIG. 13A is a perspective view of manufacturing process of a reflecting trough of a solar panel as per one of the embodiments.
  • FIG. 13B is a perspective view of manufacturing process of a reflecting trough of a solar panel as per one of the embodiments.
  • FIG. 13C is a side view of manufacturing process of a reflecting trough of a solar panel as per a primary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14A is a pan view of a solar cell with solders and solder masks.
  • FIG. 14B is a side view of a solar cell with connectors placed on the edges of the solar cell.
  • FIG. 14C is a plan view of a solar cell units connected in series.
  • FIG. 14D is a side view of a heat sink where the heat sink acts a s a connector.
  • FIG. 15A-15C are side views of parts of a panel with moveable glass sheet acting as a guide for cold air blown by a blower.
  • FIG. 16A-16B are side views of parts of a panel with reduced angle of inclination of the sidewalls.
  • the invention described herein is designed to work as solar energy generating system having multiple solar panels. Multiple solar panels are arranged in arrays of rows, wherein each row has multiple solar panels. Each of the solar panel has two reflecting troughs. Both the reflecting troughs are identical in shape and orientation. Further, each one of the reflecting troughs receives sunlight and reflects them on to a high efficiency solar cell. Thus, a solar panel have two reflecting troughs and two solar cells.
  • the high frequency solar cell is an array of serially connected solar cell units. The length of the high efficiency solar cell is nearly same as that of the reflecting troughs. Each high efficiency solar cell is kept at a height from the reflecting troughs, where it receives maximum amount of reflected sunrays throughout a year.
  • the position of the solar cells should be such that they remain near the focus so that the solar cell can receive most of the sunrays reflected back by the reflecting trough.
  • Each high efficiency solar cell is kept at that position using strings.
  • Each of the solar panel is kept at an angle with the ground. The angle is preferably kept same as that of the latitude tilt of the geographical location at which the solar panel is placed.
  • the structure of each of the solar panels has at least two side walls that are used to keep the troughs at their position. The side walls are kept at an inclination from a base plate so as to create a tub like structure within which the reflecting troughs are kept. The angle at which side walls are from the base plate is 90°+23.5°, and 90°-23.5°.
  • the angle of inclination of the sidewalls is kept same as that of earth’s inclination to its own axis. This inclination of the side walls causes maximum sunrays to enter the solar panel throughout a year.
  • Each of the solar energy panels has a glass top that allows sunrays to pass through it and hit the reflecting troughs.
  • the solar cells are placed beneath the glass top and on top of the reflecting troughs.
  • Each of the solar cells can be moved in a two dimensional plane by the strings to keep the solar cells at optimal positions where the solar cells receive maximum reflected sunrays throughout a year. The plane should be such that the solar cell remains near the focus of the reflecting trough.
  • the strings are attached to rollers present within the sidewalls of the panel.
  • each one of the high efficiency solar cells is provided with a heat sink on top of it.
  • an elongated low efficiency solar cell can be placed on top of each of the heat sink to capture sunrays that do not reach the reflecting troughs.
  • the heat sink, the low efficiency solar cell and the high efficiency solar cell are kept at pyramidal structured way with high efficiency solar cell forming the base of the pyramid, followed by the heat sink and the low efficiency solar cell.
  • Such a structure helps in reducing amount of shadow falling on the reflecting troughs placed beneath the solar cells.
  • small fans or blowers are present inside the sidewalls to blow cold air into the heat sink so as to reduce the temperature of the solar cells.
  • a pair of terminating units is provided, one at each end of a row.
  • the terminating units are just two rows of troughs that are aligned as per the troughs in the panels of the row, and are present to direct sunrays towards the high efficiency solar cells, during morning and evening.
  • One of the primary embodiments of the present invention is that the solar panels and the reflective troughs are kept motionless during operation of the solar energy generating system. The present invention and all its embodiments will be described in details below.
  • Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the solar energy generating system 100 having multiple solar panels 1.
  • the solar panels 1 are also referred as panels throughout the detail description of the invention.
  • two rows of panels 1 are shown having only two solar panels la and lb in each row.
  • multiple panels l(la and lb) can be placed adjacent to each other in a row and multiple such rows can be present in the solar energy generating system 100.
  • a, b, c...z are used to denote same components present in different rows of the solar energy generating system 100.
  • panels 1 present at two adjacent rows are depicted as la and lb and so are their components.
  • Each one of the solar panels 1 has two reflecting troughs 2 and 3 that reflect sunrays to two solar cells 4 and 5.
  • the solar cells 4 and 5 are high efficiency solar cells.
  • Two sidewalls 6 and 7 are present at to opposite side of the reflecting troughs 2 and 3, so as to keep the reflecting troughs 2 and 3 at their position.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7 also act as a support over which a glass top 8 is provided.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7 are also kept at an angle with a base plate 10 of the panel 1 so as to create a tub like structure.
  • the structure of the panels 1 can also be called as trapezoidal structure.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7 are kept at an internal angle of 90°+23.5° with respect to the base plate 10, wherein the sidewalls bent outwards in that angle from the base plate 10.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7, base plate 10 and top glass 8 forms a structure of the panel 1.
  • the solar cells 4 and 5 are present between the reflecting troughs 2 and 3, and the glass top 8, and held at their position by multiple strings (not shown).
  • the reflecting troughs 2 and 3 are made up of one plastic fdm that is vacuum moulded to create a complex semi-circular structured mirror surface. As per a preferred embodiment, the shape of the reflecting troughs 2 and 3 are exactly semi-cylindrical.
  • a plastic sheet having a reflective surface is pushed inside the panel structure to form a bent mirror surface that act as the reflecting trough 2 or 3.
  • the mirror surface is kept facing the sun so that most of the sunrays hitting the mirror surface is reflected back.
  • Each of the solar cells 4 and 5 are arranged to be at a plane that can collect most of the sunrays reflected back by the reflecting troughs 2 and 3, throughout a year. It should be noted that the solar cells 4 and 5 should not be at exact focus point of the reflecting troughs 2 and 3. Being at focus can cause too much concentrated sunrays to hit the solar cells 4 and 5, and cause permanent damage to them.
  • each one of the panels 1 is kept at an angle with respect to the ground. This angle is same as the latitude tilt at which the panels are placed. Hence, at equator, the panels will be lying flat on the ground, whereas at tropic of cancer, the panels will be lying at 23.43695° (approximately 23.5°). Also, the space between each row of panels 1 is kept such that a row of panels 1 does not obstruct sunrays from reaching the panels 1 placed in adjacent row, at any time of the year. This will be further explained using a side view of the solar energy generating system 100 shown in Figure IB.
  • Figure IB is a side view of the solar energy generating system 100 viewed from Y axis.
  • the panels 1 are kept at an inclination with respect to the ground. Angle of the inclination is kept same as that of the latitude tilt of the geographic location at which the panels 1 are placed.
  • Figure 1C and ID Fig 1C explains inclination of earth’s axis which causes sunrays 101 to hit at an angle.
  • Earth’s inclination is 23.5°, with respect to its own axis. This causes the sunrays 101 to hit the earth surface at that specific inclination. As earth’s revolves round the sun, the tilting of earth’s axis causes formation of seasons.
  • any specific location in the northern hemisphere of earth during winter will receive sunrays lOlb at angle which is equal to the sum total of latitude of that location plus earth’s angle of inclination plus 90°.
  • the angle at which sunrays 101 will hit the equator will be 113.5 °(0° + 23.5° + 90°).
  • tropic of cancer will receive sunrays 101 at an angle of 137° (23.5° + 23.5° + 90°).
  • the northern hemisphere will be closer to the sun and thus, will receive sunrays 101 more directly.
  • the angle at which the sunrays 101 will hit the surface at an angle which is sum of the latitude of the location minus earth’s angle of inclination plus 90°.
  • tropic of cancer will receive sunrays 101 at an angle of 90° and equator will receive sunrays 101 at angle of 66.5°.
  • overall variation at which sunrays 101 hits a location varies between +23.5° to -23.5°.
  • panels should be placed at an angle equal to the latitude tilt of that location.
  • Fig. ID illustrates a panel 1 placed at 23.5° with respect to ground on tropic of cancer.
  • sunrays 101a As earth’s inclination causes sunrays 101a to hit the earth’s surface perpendicularly during summer, placing a panel 1 at that latitude tilt angle causes sunrays to hit the panel 1 at an angle of 66.5°. As a result, the sunrays hit the reflecting troughs 2 and 3, at an angle of 66.5° during summer. At winter, the northern hemisphere will be further away from sun and hence, sunrays 101b will hit the tropic of Cancer at an angle of 137°. Having the panel 1 paced at the latitude tilt angle means, the sunrays 101b will hit the panel at an angle of 113.5°.
  • sunrays 101a that hit the northern hemisphere during summer are called as summer sunrays and the sunrays 101b that hit the earth’s northern hemisphere during winter are called winter sunrays.
  • having panels 1 at latitude tilt angle makes sunrays 101 to vary between +23.5° to -23.5° throughout a year.
  • the distance between panels 1 placed in adjacent rows should be such that the shadow of panel lb placed in one row does not fall on panel la placed in adjacent row.
  • sunrays 101 will hit the panels 1 perpendicularly. In the Fig.
  • sunrays 101a represent sunrays 101 hitting the panels 1 during summer and sunrays 101b represents sunrays hitting the panels during winter.
  • panel lb will block winter sunrays 101b from reaching panel la.
  • amount of sunrays 101 received by panels la will be reduced, which in turn will reduce solar energy generated by the panels la placed in that row.
  • sunrays 101b will fall on the ground and will be not be converted to solar energy.
  • the distance d between adjacent rows of panels 1 is predetermined so as to convert most of the sunrays falling on the solar energy generation system 100 without increasing the overall size of the solar energy generating system 100.
  • the distance d should be such that the winter sunrays 101b which hit at winter should fall on the reflecting trough 3a of the adjacent row.
  • the panel la will always receive sunrays 101 throughout a year, even though some of the sunrays 101a that hit during summer will fall in between two rows of panels 1 and will get wasted.
  • Fig. IE is a top view of the solar energy generating system 100 with multiple rows of panels 1, each row having multiple panels 1, as seen from Z axis.
  • solar panels 1 placed in adjacent rows will have suffix a,b,c...z.
  • solar panels 1, placed in a row will have ⁇ , ⁇ M'' ⁇ ..h suffix as shown in the figures of the present invention.
  • the number of panels 1, present in each row and the number of rows present in the solar energy generating system 100 shown in the figures of the invention is merely a non-limiting example and can be easily altered by any one ordinary skilled in the art.
  • Fig. IE is a top view of the solar energy generating system 100 with multiple rows of panels 1, each row having multiple panels 1, as seen from Z axis.
  • solar panels 1 placed in adjacent rows will have suffix a,b,c...z.
  • solar panels 1, placed in a row will have ⁇ , ⁇ M'' ⁇ ..h suffix as shown in the figures of the present invention.
  • IF is a side view of a reflecting trough 2 and solar cell 4 as viewed from Y axis. Sunrays hitting the reflecting trough 2 get reflected back to a focus O.
  • the solar cell 4 has a width of w and can be placed at a plane above the reflecting trough 2.
  • Fig. 1G explains distribution of energy at various planes across the width w of the solar cell 4.
  • solar cell 4 When solar cell 4 is placed on the focus O, it will receive concentrated sunrays at a location within the width w of solar cell 4. Thus a spike of solar energy will be present at particular location within the solar cell 4. Such a spike of energy can cause the solar cell 4 to bum out and get damaged.
  • the solar cell 4 should be placed either on plane A-Al or B-Bl to capture most of the reflected sunrays. Within a plane too, location of the solar cell 4 should be such that it receives maximum amount of evenly distributed reflected sunrays across its width w. Thus, the solar cell 4 should be near the focus O but not exactly at the focus O of the reflecting trough 2. The solar cell 4 is moved within a plane across various locations to capture sunlight throughout a year.
  • Fig. 2A is a side view of a panel 1 used in the solar energy concentrating system 100 as per one of the embodiment of the present invention. Please note that Fig. 2A illustrates a side view of a panel 1 when viewed from Y axis, wherein the panel 1 is placed flat on the ground. Each panel 1 comprises of two reflecting troughs 2 and 3 that focuses most of the sunrays on to two focuses.
  • Two high efficiency solar cells 4 and 5 are placed as close to the focuses, such that solar cell 4 can collect most of the sunrays reflected from the reflecting trough 2 and solar cell 5 can collect most of the sunrays reflected from reflecting trough 3.
  • Each of the two reflecting troughs 2 and 3 has complex semi-circular shaped mirror surfaces that are aligned to face sunrays and reflect them back on to its corresponding solar cell 4 or 5.
  • the solar cells 4 and 5 are high efficiency solar cells that convert most of the concentrated sunrays falling on them to solar energy.
  • Each of the solar cells 4 and 5 should be placed in position close to their respective focus so as to collect most of the sunrays reflected back from their corresponding reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • each of the high efficiency solar cells 4 and 5 themselves comprises of multiple solar cell units that are connected to each other in a serial connection to form each one of the elongated solar cells 4 and 5.
  • the reflecting troughs 2 and 3 are kept in their position by two sidewalls 6 and 7.
  • the two sidewalls 6 and 7 are connected to a base plate 10 that holds the entire structure together.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7 are made up of glass and coated with anti-reflective coating.
  • the solar cells 4 and 5 are kept in their position of collecting maximum reflected sunrays by strings 9 that run across at multiple places throughout the entire length of the panel 1.
  • the strings 9 run from sidewall 6 to sidewall 7 holding the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • Each one of the strings 9 can be a single string or multiple strings connected to each other and the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • the objective of the strings 9 is to hold the solar cells 4 and 5 on their ideal positions throughout a year, without obstructing sunrays from reaching the reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • a glass top 8 is placed on top of the sidewalls 6 and 7 that act as a cover for the panel 1.
  • the glass top 8 is coated with anti-reflective coatings to allow sunrays to pass through it without any alteration.
  • the glass top 8 is placed in such a way that it forms a cover for both the reflecting troughs 2 and 3, and the solar cells 4 and 5 remain in space between the glass top 8 and the reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • the glass top 8, the sidewalls 6 and 7, along with the base plate 10 forms a rigid structure for the panels 1.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7 are kept at an inclination of 23.5° with the base plate 10, so as to create a tub like structure for the panels 1.
  • Such a structure of the panels 1 helps in reducing the overall size of the compact solar energy generation system 100 without causing any reduction in the amount of sunrays getting converted to solar energy. This is further explained using Fig 2B.
  • the sunrays during summer 101a will hit at an angle of 90°+23.5° with respect to the panel 1.
  • a small portion 101ai of the summer sunrays 101a can get obstructed by the sidewalls 6 from hitting the reflecting trough 2, in case the sidewall 6 is kept perpendicular to the base plate 10.
  • Perpendicular position of the sidewall 6 is shown by the dotted line 6 .
  • the panel 1 For winter, when sunrays 101b hits the panel 1 at an angle of 90°- 23.5°.
  • Perpendicular position of the sidewall 7 is shown by the dotted line This is true for all the panels 1 and thus, may cause huge loss of sunrays.
  • sidewalls 6 and 7 at angle of 23.5° away from their perpendicular position with respect to the base plate 10, allows the small portions of summer sunrays lOlai and winter sunrays lOlbi to hit the reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7 are kept at an angle of +23.5° and - 23.5° respectively from a perpendicular position, so as to capture maximum sunrays 101 both during summer and winter.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7 are made up of transparent glass. Even then, the sidewalls 6 and 7 are kept at the angles described above. Fig.
  • FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of the solar energy generation system 100 with two panels la and lb, with strings 9 holding the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • Fig. 2D is a top view of the solar energy generation system 100 with multiple panels 1 arranged in multiple rows and each having strings 9 to hold their respective solar cells 4 and 5.
  • Fig. 3A-3B illustrate a side view of a comer between the sidewall 6 and the glass top 8 of the panel 1, as seen from Y axis.
  • the Fig. 3A shows a part of the panel 1 with part of the reflecting trough 2, part of the glass top 8, and part of the string 9 holding a solar cell 4.
  • a part 101b of the winter sunrays 101b is obstructed by part of the sidewall 6 and part of the glass top 8 forming the comer.
  • Fig. 3B shows a comer between the sidewall 6 and the glass top 8 of the panel 1 as per yet another embodiment of the present invention, where a part of the comer is chopped.
  • edge portion 601 of the sidewalls 6 and edge portion 801 of the glass top 8 are sliced.
  • the angle at which the portion 601 is sliced from the sidewall 6 should be 23.5° + 23.5°, so that the comer between the sidewall 6 and the glass top 8 remains parallel to the winter sunrays 101b. This is explained further using Fig. 3C.
  • the angle of the comer with respect to the glass top is 66.5° (90°-23.5°). This angle is specifically chosen so that the comer remains parallel to the winter sunrays 101b.
  • the comer becomes parallel to the winter sunrays 108. This, the comer does not cause any obstruction to the winter sunrays 101b to pass through.
  • the angle at which the top glass is chopped should be 23.5°, to have a comer that is parallel to the winter sunrays 101b.
  • top of the sidewalls 6 and 7 is structured as a clip on which the glass top 8 rests.
  • the comer of the clip portion is chopped at an angle of 23.5° to allow maximum of the winter sunrays 101b to pass through.
  • Fig. 3D As shown in the Fig. 3D, the comer of the top of the sidewall 6 is chopped at an angle 23.5°. This causes the comer of the sidewall 6 to be parallel to the winter sunrays l08b.
  • Such a structure of the comer allows maximum winter sunrays lOlb to pass through to the panels 1 placed at adjacent rows.
  • Figs. 3E and 3F illustrate parts of two rows of panels 1 as viewed from Y axis.
  • Figs. 3E and 3F only parts of various components of panels la and lb are shown for easy understanding of the invention. It should not be considered as a limitation of the invention.
  • Fig. 3E shows parts of two rows of panels 1 of a solar energy generation system 100, where the edge portions of the glass top 8 and the sidewall 6 are not chopped off.
  • edge portion 801b of glass top 8b, and edge portion 601b of sidewall 6b are chopped off as explained earlier in the embodiment. This allows the small portion lOlb of winter sunrays 101b to pass through to the panel la. Further, to capture the sunrays lOlb , the panel la is kept further close to the panel lb, so that the reflecting trough 3a receives the sunrays lOl bi. Earlier, position of the panel la is shown using dotted lines in Fig. 3F.
  • FIG. 4A illustrates side view of another embodiment of the present invention, where a high efficiency solar cell 4 has a heat sink 11 placed on top of it, as viewed from Y axis. It should be noted here that Figs. 4A-4D only show parts of the solar energy generating system 100 and not all the components of the same. It is well known in the art that a portion of sunrays falling on a solar cell gets converted into heat, which increases the temperature of the solar cell. Further, with increase in temperature overall efficiency of a solar cell decreases. As mentioned earlier, each high efficiency solar cell 4 is a serially connected array smaller solar cell units. Hence, temperature of each of the solar cell unit needs to be controlled for full efficiency operation of the high efficiency solar cell 4.
  • a heat sink 11 is placed on top of the solar cells 4.
  • the fig. 4A shows only one solar cell 4 with a heat sink 11.
  • all the solar cells 4 and 5 of all the panels 1 should be provided with a heat sink 11 attached on top of it and running the entire length of the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • the heat sink 11 is attached on top of the solar cell 4 so that it remains in contact with the solar cell 4 and can receive temperature from the solar cell 4.
  • the heat sink can be made up of multiple fins or holes made up of metals like aluminum or other types of alloys.
  • the heat sink 11 has a top aluminum plate 11a, a bottom aluminum plate lib and fins 11c extending between the plates.
  • Fig. 4B illustrates heat sink in more details.
  • the bottom aluminum plate lib is in physical contact with the solar cell 4. Having such a structure of the heat sink 11 creates an I-beam type structure which increases the overall stability of the structure.
  • the bottom aluminum plate lib is kept larger than the top aluminum plate 11a.
  • the fins 11c are designed such that the heat sink 11 forms an isosceles trapezoid shaped structure.
  • the fins 11c are designed in such a way that angle of the side of the isosceles trapezoid are 66.5° (90° - 23.5°).
  • Such a trapezoid shaped heat sink 11 does not cast a shadow on the reflecting troughs 2 positioned beneath the solar cell 4.
  • Fig. 4C illustrates how heat sink 11 with isosceles trapezoid shape does not cast a shadow on the concentrating troughs placed beneath it.
  • Fig. 4C illustrates an isosceles trapezoidal structured heat sink 11 and its associated solar cell 4.
  • height of the fins 11c of the heat sink 11 are designed in such way that top of the fins 11c have an angle of 66.5° with the bottom aluminum plate lib. This angle is effective to pass portion of the sunrays 101 during winter and summer.
  • summer sunrays 101a hit at an angle of 90°-23.5°.
  • the angle of the isosceles trapezoidal shaped heat sink 11 is very essential to pass through portion 101 an of the summer sunrayslOla.
  • the portion lOlaii will be obstructed and will cause a shadow on the underlying reflecting trough 2 (not shown).
  • the winter sunrays 101b hits at an angle of 90°+23.5°.
  • a portion lOlbii of the winter sunrays 101b will get obstructed in case the shape of the heat sink 11 is not trapezoidal or in case the angles of the isosceles trapezoidal shaped heat sink 11 are chosen otherwise.
  • such a structure of the heat sink 11 causes maximum sunrays 101 (both summer and winter) to pass without causing any shadow.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of yet another embodiment of the present invention, where a low cost solar cell 12 is placed on top of the heat sink 11 that is placed on top of a high efficiency solar cell 4, as viewed from Y axis.
  • the high efficiency solar cell 4 can be termed as a primary solar cell where as the low cost solar cell 12 can be termed as a secondary solar cell.
  • the high efficiency solar cell 4 and heat sink 11 blocks a portion 103 of sunrays 101 to reach the reflective troughs 2 placed beneath the high efficiency solar cell 4.
  • the portion 103 of the sunrays 101 is not converted to solar energy.
  • Placing a low cost solar cell 12 on top of the heat sink 11 helps in capturing a portion 104 of the portion 103 of the sunrays 101 that is not converted to solar energy. Thus, at least a portion 104 of the sunrays 101 that was previously not utilized is converted to solar energy. Thus, overall solar energy generated by the solar energy generation system 100 can be increased.
  • the solar cell 12 being attached to the heat sink 11 helps in controlling temperature of the solar cell 12. Further, the solar cell 12 is of low cost so that overall cost of the solar energy generation system 100 is also not increased too much.
  • width of low cost solar cell 12 should be smaller that width of the top aluminum plate 11a of the heat sink 11 so that it can comply with the trapezoidal structure described in the previous embodiment. Without that, the solar cell 12 will obstruct sunrays at its edges causing an adverse effect on the efficiency of the system 100
  • FIG. 6A-6F illustrate side view of yet another embodiment of the present invention where the solar cells 4 and 5 can move, as viewed from Y axis.
  • This feature is very essential to counter the different angles at which sunrays 101 hit a particular location on earth during various seasons.
  • summer sunrays 101a hits the panel 1 at an angle of 66.5° (90° - 23.5°)
  • the winter sunrays 101b hits the panel 1 at an angle of 113.5° (90°+ 23.5°).
  • the position at which most of the sunrays 101 will be reflected back by the concentrating trough 2 will also change. This is explained in Fig 6A- 6D.
  • a plane needs to be identified, where the solar cell 4 can be kept at different positions such that overall distribution of reflected sunrays is highest for a period of one year for the solar cell 4.
  • the width of the solar cell 4 is w and is generally about 1 inch. That plane should be chosen such that solar cell remains in between the glass top 8 and the concentrating trough 2.
  • a position 201 is selected where solar cell 4 (not shown) needs to be placed.
  • the position should be so chosen that the solar cell 4 is not exactly on the focus, which might cause too much heat to be generated on a particular point in the solar cell 4 causing damage.
  • the position 201 should be such the most of the reflected sunrays 101a r on a particular day fall evenly within the 1 inch width of the solar cell 4.
  • Fig 6B at equinox, when sunrays 101 are perpendicular to the concentrating trough 2, reflected sunrays 101 r are captured by keeping solar cell 4 at location 202.
  • the location 201 and location 202 are positions in a same plane and as a result, the amount of reflected sunrays captured by the solar cell 4 (not shown) at two different locations is different.
  • the position 202 should also be such that most of the reflected sunrays fall evenly within the width w of the solar cell 4.
  • sunrays 101b will hit the reflecting trough 2 at an angle of 113.5°, which get reflected back as 101b r .
  • the solar cell 4 now is placed at location 203, to capture as most of the reflected lOlbr as possible.
  • position of the solar cell 4 (not shown) will shift in location from 201 to 203. All the positions 201, 202, 203 and all the position in between, lie on the same plane. Also, since, the panels 1 are paced at an angle, to capture sunrays at summer and winter, the maximum movement that a solar cell4 has to do is within the range of +23.5° to -23.5°.
  • the solar cell 4 receives as much radiation as possible evenly distributed along its width w.
  • the positions are such chosen that at every point in the day and on every day of a year, the solar cell 4 receives the maximum solar radiation for that day.
  • solar cell 4 is positioned at an optimal position within the preselected plane. The solar cell 4 always moves exactly to a desired position where it can receive the maximum solar radiation across its width w, for that day.
  • the amount of solar radiation falling on the width w of the solar cell 4 will vary. This is shown in Fig 6D.
  • Fig.6D shows a graph of the distribution of reflected sunrays captured by the solar cell 4 (not shown) at three different locations. Since, the solar cell 4 can only move in a plane, the amount of reflected sunrays it receives at every location is not essentially the most of the reflected sunrays. Sometimes, the solar cell 4 is placed such that it can get most, around 95%, of the reflected sunrays.
  • the reflected sunrays cover more area than the width w of the solar cell 4.
  • solar cell 4 even when it is placed at an optimal position, it can capture only part, around 70% of the reflected sunrays.
  • the solar panel 4 needs to be moved to optimal positions in a preselected plane to capture most of the available sunrays throughout a year.
  • total sunrays falling on a width w of the solar cell 4 throughout a year is maximum.
  • solar cells 4 and 5 in a panel 1 to be used in the solar energy generation system 100 are moveable in a plane by the strings 9.
  • Fig. 6E illustrates part of the panel 1 having the solar cell 4 placed on its ideal position with respect to the reflecting trough 2.
  • the solar cell 4 is placed on the position using strings 9.
  • the strings 9 are connected to roller 13 connected to the sidewalls 6 and 7.
  • the sidewalls are hollow and the roller 13 is placed within the sidewalls 6 and 7.
  • the strings 9 are connected to the roller 13 wherein the roller 13 acts as a pulley.
  • a motor or a similar actuator based systems is connected to the roller 13 that helps in moving the strings 9 so as to cause movement of the solar cell 4.
  • Both the solar cells 4 and 5 of the panel 1 move in tandem. This is further illustrated in Fig. 6F.
  • a panel 1 as per one of the embodiment of the present invention is shown.
  • the panel 1 has two reflecting troughs 2 and 3, and two elongated high efficiency solar cells 4 and 5, where each one of the solar cells are placed on focal line of a reflecting trough using strings 9.
  • the strings 9 are connected to multiple rollers 13 present within sidewalls 6 and 7. As per this embodiment of the present invention, the strings 9 run across the entire length of the panel through the sidewalls 6 and 7 and also the base plate 10. Multiple rollers 13 are placed at each comer of the base plate 10 and the sidewalls 6 and 7, so that the strings 9 are connected to the multiple rollers 13.
  • a motor or an actuator means is also provided within the sidewalls 6 and 7, or the base plate 10 to exert pull or push force on the strings 9.
  • Amount of pull or push force exerted by the motor is generally automated by tracking incident radiation from sun or can be pre-programmed basis historical data. It can also be done using various types of sensors that detect amount of sunrays falling on a solar cell 4 or 5.
  • the strings 9 using the rollers 13 cause movement of the solar cells 4 and 5. As both the solar cells 4 and 5 are connected to each other using strings 9, the movement of the solar cells 4 and 5 are also synchronized. Thus, both the solar cells 4 and 5 are kept at their ideal position to receive reflected sunrays from their respective reflecting troughs 2 and 3 throughout a year. Also, it must be noted that the strings 9 cause movement of not only the solar cells 4 and 5, but also the heat sinks 11 and low efficiency solar cells 12 attached on top of the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • strings can move the solar cells 4 and 5 in tandem, either with both the heat sinks 11 and low efficiency solar cells 12, or with only the heat sinks 11.
  • all the panels 1 are arranged in same orientation in rows, focus of all the reflecting troughs of the solar energy system 100 will also change in sync.
  • strings 9 attached to all the panels 1 of the solar energy generation system 100 can be attached to a single motor and can be used to move all the solar cells 4 and 5 in a synchronized manner. Thus, less amount of energy is required in moving the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • blower 14 is used to cool the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • Fig. 7A is an illustration of a blower 14 incorporated within the sidewall 6 to blow highly directional cold air 15 on to the solar cell 4 and the heat sink 11.
  • a small slit can be cut on an inner wall of the sidewall 6 so that the blower 14 can be placed within the sidewall 6.
  • the same slit can also be used to attach strings (not shown) holding the solar cell 4, to a roller (not shown) placed inside the sidewall 6. It must be noted that the cold air 15 can be blown directly on the solar cell 4 or on the heat sink 11 placed on top of it, or both.
  • Fig. 7A shows only part of the panel 1 having a blower 14 present within the sidewall 6. Similarly, another blower 14 can be present in sidewall 7 that can blow laminar cold air 15 on to the solar cell 5 and its associated heat sink 11. Fig.
  • FIG. 7B illustrates a similar example of a panel having two blowers 14 blowing cold air 15 on to two solar cells 4 and 5 and their associated heat sinks 11.
  • the panel 1 as per the present embodiment of the invention comprises of a small gap 16 in between two reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • the gap 16 can act as an outlet for the cold air 15 blown in to the panel 1 by the blowers 14.
  • the cold air 15 can be blown either to the solar cell 4 and 5 directly or on their associated heat sinks 11.
  • the blowers 14 are placed inside sidewalls 6 and 7 that are used to blow cold air 15. As cold air 15 passes through the heat sinks 11 and/or the solar cells 4 and 5, it extracts heat from the heat sinks 11 and/or the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • the cold air 15 exiting the heat sinks 11 and/or the solar cells 4 and 5 becomes warm air 1501 and 1502 due to the heat. That warm air exits the concentration unit 1 through the gap 16. Thus, over all temperature of the panel 1 is maintained.
  • the blowers 14 are designed to blow the cold air 15 in such a way that it exits through the gap 16, after passing through the heat sinks 11 and/or the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • a suction unit or an exhaust can be placed within the gap 16 to suck out the warm air 1501 and 1502.
  • FIG. 7C and 7D illustrates a top view of multiple panels 1 having opening 16A present at two different sides of the panels 1.
  • a single blower 14 can be used in a panel 1.
  • Fig. 7E illustrates a panel 1 with a single blower 14 placed within a sidewall 6 blowing cold air 15 on to both the solar cells 4 and 5 and their associated heat sinks 11. As the cold air 15 passes through both the solar cells 4 and 5 and their associated heat sinks 11, it becomes warm air 1503.
  • a small slit 17 is present on the side wall 7 for the warm air 1503 to exit the panel 1.
  • An exhaust fan 18 can also be placed at the position of the slit 17 so that the warm air 1503 can be sucked out of the panel 1.
  • a thin glass plate 19 is placed within the panel 1, between the solar cells 4 and 5 and the reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • the glass plate 19 and the glass top 8 forms a passage for the cold air 15 to enter and exit the panel 1.
  • the glass plate 19 is chosen to be thin enough not to cause any optical deviation to sunrays.
  • the glass plate 19 is also coated with anti-reflective coating to allow all the sunrays hitting on it to pass through.
  • cold air 15 as per this embodiment of the present embodiment should be cold enough so that the cold air 15 passing through the solar cell 4 and its heat sink 11, should still remain cold enough to be able to dissipate the heat generated in the solar cell 5 and its heat sink 11.
  • the position of the blower 14 and the exhaust 18 can be interchanged without affecting the operation of the panel 1, as per yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8A is an illustration of top view of a solar energy generation system 100 having multiple rows of panels 1.
  • Each panel 1 has two solar cells 4 and 5.
  • Each solar cell 4ai or 5ai present in a row is connected serially to its corresponding solar cell 4aii or 5aii present in adjacent column of the same row.
  • an electrical conductor 20a connects solar cells 4ai...4an in an electrically serial circuit.
  • an electrical conductor 21a connects solar cells 5ai....5an in an electrically serial circuit.
  • other electrical conductors 20b...20n, and 21b....21n serially connects their corresponding solar cells 4bi...4bn and
  • the number of conductors 20 and 21 are dependent upon the number of panels 1 present in each row and the number of rows present in the solar energy generation system 100. Further, each of the rows of solar cells 4 and 5 of the solar energy generation system 100 are in parallel connection to each other. As per yet another embodiment of the present invention, solar cells 4a are connected in series with other solar cells 4 of the other rows of panels 1. Thus, all the solar cells 4 of the solar energy generation system 100 are connected in series with each other. Similarly, all the solar cells of all the rows of panels 1 of the solar energy generation system 100 are connected in series.
  • each of the high efficiency solar cell 4 and 5 itself comprises of multiple solar cell units 401 that are connected to each other in a serial connection to form each one of the elongated solar cells 4 or 5. This is shown in Fig 8B.
  • current of the entire solar cell 4 is same as the minimum current generated by one of the solar cell unit 401.
  • sunrays should fall equally on each one of the solar cell unit 401 throughout a day. This is further, explained in the next embodiment.
  • Fig. 9A-9D illustrates various angles at which sunrays hit the solar energy generating system 100 at different times of a day.
  • Fig. 9A depicts a side view solar energy generation 100 having n number of panels lai...lan, as seen from X axis, where panel lai is the east-most panel and the panel lan is the west most panel.
  • a small part 402ai of the solar cell 4ai of the east most panel lai does not receive any reflected sunrays.
  • the amount of current generated by solar cell units 401 present in the part 402ai is very low.
  • a termination unit 22(22ai and 22an) is placed on east of the east most panels li of all the rows, and on west of west-most panels In of all the rows. This is further explained using Fig. 9B.
  • Two termination units 22 are placed at tow ends of a row of panels 1. The termination units 22 are just reflecting troughs that receive incoming sunrays and reflect back. As shown in Fig. 9A terminating unit 22ai placed on east side receives sunrays 104 during morning and reflect that back on to the part 402ai of the solar cell 4ai.
  • Fig. 9C shows a top view of panels 1 present in a row of the solar energy generating system 100, with two termination units 22a and 22n placed at two ends of a row.
  • the termination units 22ai present on east side receive morning sunrays 104 that were previously untapped, and reflect that back to two solar cells 4ai and 5ai of the panel lai.
  • termination unit 22an present on the west side receives sunrays 105 that was previously untapped and reflect that back onto the solar cells 4an and 5an.
  • any one of the termination unit 22 of a row can also act as an electronics circuit where all the solar cells 4 and 5 of that row are connected serially to each other. All such termination units 22 can then be connected to each other electrically to generate a final output of the solar energy generating system 100.
  • the dimension of the termination units 22a and 22n should be so chosen that they can receive sunrays from morning 7 am to evening 5 pm, and redirect them to solar cells 4 and 5. This is further explained using Fig. 9D.
  • Each of the termination unit has a glass top 2208(2208ai and 2208an) and side wall 2206 (2206ai and 2206an).
  • the sidewall 2206ai is designed to be at an angle of 30°. Having a 30° angle allows sunrays 104i at morning 7 am to hit the terminating unit 22ai and reflect back on to the solar cell 4ai.
  • the length of 402ai is the length of the solar cell 4ai that receives sunrays reflected from terminating unit 22a at morning 7 am.
  • the termination unit 22an also has a sidewall 2206an and a glass stop 2206an. The angle between the sidewall 2206an and ground should be around 30°. Having such a design helps in receiving sunrays 105i at 5pm and reflects them back to solar cell 4an.
  • the length 402an that receives reflected sunrays 1051 at 5pm is same as that of the length of 402ai.
  • 402ai is the maximum length of the solar cell 4ai that receives sunrays from termination unit 22ai at morning 7am.
  • the length 402an is the maximum length of the solar cell 4an that receives sunrays from termination unit 22an at 5 pm.
  • the design of the termination units 22 are so chosen that the solar energy generation system 100 can convert sunrays to solar energy from 7am to 5 pm in a day. Intensity of sunrays before 7am and after 5pm is very low and hence, inconsequential to the overall efficiency of the solar energy generating system 100.
  • the length 402ai of the solar cell 4ai and the length 402an of the solar cell 4an is same.
  • the sidewall 2206 of the termination units 22 is also made up of glass.
  • the termination unit 22 does not have a sidewall 2206.
  • the top glass 2208 is provided at an inclination to cover the termination unit 22 as shown in Fig. 9E.
  • the top glass 2208 is a transparent glass similar to top glass 8 of the panels 1 and is coated with non-reflecting coatings.
  • the length of the termination units 22 can be increased or decreased to increase the time period during which sunrays are converted to solar energy. In the previous embodiment, the length of the termination units 22 are so adjusted that they can capture sunrays from morning 7 am to evening 5 pm. However, to capture sunrays from morning 8 am to evening 4 am, the length of the termination units 22 will be lesser.
  • FIG. 10A-10B illustrate yet another embodiment of the current invention, where terminating units 22 acts as electrical termination for solar cells 4 and 5 of a row.
  • solar cells 4 of row are connected to each other serially via electrical connector 20a.
  • the electrical connector 20a terminates at the termination unit 22an.
  • At the termination unit 22a there is a special electrical connector 27a, which is fixed to the termination unit 22an at one end and flexible at the other end.
  • the special electrical connector 27a is fixed to a sidewall 2207 of the termination unit 22.
  • the flexible end is connected to the electrical connector 20a that is connecting all the solar cells 4 of the row.
  • Fig. 10B shows a top view of a termination unit 22an having two electrical connectors 27ai and 27aii. Both the electrical connector 27ai and 27aii are identical in nature and are connected to electrical connector 20a and 21a, for two different rows of solar cells 4 and 5.
  • the electrical connector 27ai and 27aii are generally very thin and hence, cast a very negligible shadow on the underlying troughs.
  • the termination unit 22 either on the east side or on the west side can be used for creating electrical termination of solar cells 4 and 5 in a row of panels 1.
  • the terminating units 22ai or 22an can then be connected to each other to form the final electrical circuit of the solar cells 4 and 5.
  • Fig. 11A-11B illustrates parts of two adjacent panels lai and laii of the solar energy generating system 100. As shown in Fig. 10A, a small amount of sunrays 106 that fall near edges of the two glass tops 8ai and 8aii, bends because of refraction. Thus, the sunrays 106 get wasted as it does not get converted to solar energy.
  • Fig. 10B illustrates another embodiment of the present invention, where a transparent unit 23 is placed between two glass tops 8.
  • the transparent unit 23 is made up of gel like substance or transparent plastics that have the same refractive index as that of the glass top 8. Thus, the sunrays 106 hitting at edges of two adjacent glass tops 8 will pass through without any deviation. Thus, those sunrays 106 will also be converted into solar energy.
  • FIGs. 12A-12E illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention where small trough units 28 are present between adjacent panels 1 in a row.
  • Fig. 12A illustrates a side view of a row of panels 1 of the solar energy generating system 100. As shown in the Fig. 12A, small gaps exist between two adjacent panels 1 of a row. The gaps are generally around 6mm wide. When sunrays 107 that hit the gaps, they are not reflected back to any solar cell 4 or 5. Thus, a portion or at least a single solar cell unit 401 of solar cell 4 does not receive any sunlight.
  • each solar cell 4 is an array of serially connected solar cell units 401 and when one single solar cell unit 401 does not receive sunlight, the efficiency of the entire row of solar cell 4 becomes zero.
  • small trough units 28 can be placed in between two adjacent panels 1.
  • Each trough unit 28 is a trough that is aligned with the reflecting trough 2 or 3, with a length of 6 mm.
  • Trough units have the same semi-circular curved mirror surface as that the reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • the trough units 28 can receive the sunrays 107 and can direct them on to solar cells 4.
  • the figure 12B shows trough units 28 receiving the sunrays 107 that were previously unutilized and reflecting them back to solar cells 4.
  • Each trough unit 28 have similar curvature as reflecting troughs 2 and 3 and are placed in the same way as the reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • a perspective view of trough units 28 placed between two adjacent panels 1 having concentrating troughs 2 and 3 is illustrated in Fig. 12C. It must be noted here, that Fig. 12C only shows parts of the concentrating troughs 2 and 3, of the panels 1 of the same row.
  • Two panels lai and laii of a row have four concentrating troughs 2ai, 3ai, 2aii and 3aii.
  • Two trough units 28 are placed in between concentrating troughs 2ai and 2aii, and 3ai and 3aii.
  • the trough units 28 have similar curvature and height as that of the concentrating troughs 2 and 3, and a length of 6mm.
  • the trough units 28 eliminate the gap in reflecting surface between two panels 1 of the same row.
  • the solar energy generating system 100 can convert sunrays to solar energy from morning 7am to evening 5pm.
  • a trough unit 28 receives sunrays throughout a day and reflects that back to two different solar cells 4 of two adjacent panels 1 of the same row. This is explained using Fig. 12D.
  • trough unit 28 present between panel lai and laii, receives sunrays 108 and sends them as 108r to solar cell 4aii.
  • trough unit receives sunrays 109 at a different angle and reflect sunrays 109 r to solar cell 4aii.
  • trough unit 28 receives sunrays 110 and reflect back sunrays 110 r to solar cell 4ai. Finally at 5pm, trough unit 28 receives sunrays 111 and reflect back sunrays lll r to solar cell 4ai. It must be noted that the location in which reflected sunrays from trough unit 28 hit the solar cells 4 changes. At morning 7am, the reflected sunrays 108 r hit 4aii at position 4aii r . Similarly, at evening 5pm, the reflected sunrays 11 l r hit solar cell 4ai at 4ai r .
  • length of the solar cell 4ai between edge and 4ai r is same as the length of the solar cell 4ai between an opposite edge and position 4aii r . It is illustrated as 4a r in the Fig. 12D. This is same for all the solar cells 4 and 5 present in all the rows. Hence, in the solar cells 4, two portions of 4a r will receive sunrays from trough units 28 throughout a day. These two portions of 4ar will be present at opposite ends of the solar cell 4.
  • solar cell units 401 that are present between the portions 4a r will receive sunlight from trough units 28.
  • the solar cell units 401 that are present between the portions 4a r are depicted as 401a r .
  • the trough units 28 reflect back sunlight to solar cells 4, the intensity of sunlight falling on the troughs 28 are very less as the sunlight has to go through various the glass top 8, edges of panels 1.
  • the trough units 28 are not properly optimized to receive the same intensity of sunlight as reflecting troughs 2 or 3.
  • the intensity of reflected sunrays by the trough units 28 are also less.
  • the amount of solar energy generated by the solar cell units 401a r is also less. And, since all solar cell units 401 are connected in series, the total solar energy generated by a row of solar cell 4 also becomes less. To get optimum amount of solar energy, all the solar cell 401 of the solar cell 4 needs to generate same amount of solar energy. If any solar cell unit 401 generates more solar energy, that extra solar energy will get wasted. Thus, solar cell units 401a r produce less solar energy because of disrupted sunlight and lower the solar energy generated by the whole solar cell 4. Therefore, sizes of the solar cell unit 401a r are increased slightly to negate the above mentioned disruptions.
  • Fig. 12E shows a solar cell 4 with solar cell units 401 r that have increased size compared to other solar cell units 401.
  • the solar cell units 401 r are generally made 5% larger compared to other solar cell units 401. This is same for all the solar cells 4 and 5 of the solar energy generation unit 100. This makes the whole system more efficient.
  • the length of 4a r is same as the portion 402ai and 402an, used to capture reflected sunrays from termination units 22, described in one of the previous embodiment.
  • Figs. 13A-13B illustrates a method of manufacturing a panel 1.
  • Fig. 13A shows a perspective view of structure of a panel 1.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7, and the base plate 10 forms the structure of a panel 1.
  • the structure further has a thin support 24 lying on its middle that acts as a separation for the reflecting troughs 2 and 3 to be placed inside the structure.
  • the structure further has multiple clips 25.
  • the clips 25 are attached on edges of the sidewalls 6 and 7, the bottom plate 10 and the support 25.
  • the size of the clips 25 are arranged in such a way that when a sheet of reflecting material 26 is inserted through the clips 25 and the structure, the sheet of reflecting material 26 forms a parabolic shape.
  • Fig. 13A shows a perspective view of structure of a panel 1.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7, and the base plate 10 forms the structure of a panel 1.
  • the structure further has a thin support 24 lying on its middle that acts as a separation for the reflecting troughs 2
  • the sheet of reflecting material 26 is inserted inside the structure in such a way that it passes through all the clips 25 placed on sidewall 6, parts of bottom plate 10 and on one side of the support 24.
  • the sheet of reflecting material 26 forms a parabolic reflecting mirror which acts as a reflecting trough 2.
  • Fig. 13B shows a side view of the structure with the clips 25.
  • another sheet of reflecting material is inserted in such a way that the sheet passes through clips 25 on sidewall 7, parts of bottom plate 10 and on other side of the support 24, it forms the reflecting trough 3.
  • the height of the clips 25 are specially designed so that top of the clips 25 forms a parabolic shape.
  • the clips 25 are used to hold the sheet of reflecting materials 26 in a parabolic shape.
  • the support 24 acts a separation between two reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • Fig. 13C illustrates a preferred embodiment of manufacturing the reflecting troughs 2 and 3 of the present invention.
  • the structure of the panel consists of plates 29.
  • the plates are designed in the complex semi-circular shape just like the desired shape of the reflecting trough 2 and 3.
  • a support 24 is present that to separate out the two reflecting troughs 2 and 3.
  • the plates 29 are placed in such a way that when a sheet 26 of plastic with reflecting surface is pushed through the structure, the plates 29 bends the sheet 26 to form the reflecting troughs 2 or 3.
  • a set of clips 30 can be present one on the sidewalls 6 and one on the support 24 to hold the sheet 26 at its position in the shape of concentrating troughs 2 and 3.
  • FIG. 14A illustrates a solar cell 4 having multiple solar cell units 401.
  • solar cell units 401 On solar cell units 401 at one end solder 31 is present and at opposite end mask 32 is present.
  • the position of the solder 31 and mask 32 are interchanged.
  • a series of solder 31 and mask 32 is created on one edge of the solar cell 4 and another series of mask 32 and solder 31 are created on opposite edge of the solar cell 4.
  • multiple copper connectors 33 are present as shown in Fig. 14B.
  • Each of the copper connectors 33 are connected to either the solder 31 or the mask 32 of the solar cell 4.
  • the solder 31, mask 32 and the copper connectors 33 creates an array of serially connected solar cell units 401.
  • the flow of current is maintained from positive terminal to negative terminal of adjacent solar cell units 401.
  • the flow of current is depicted by arrows in Fig. 14C.
  • the heat sink 11 can be used to connect the solar cell units 401 of the solar cell 4.
  • Fig. 14D illustrates a heat sink 11 designed to act as connector between two adjacent solar cell units 401 of a solar cell 4.
  • the heat sink 11 as per this embodiment of the present invention has multiple insulators 34 placed in between aluminum fins 11c and the bottom plate lib. Thus, the insulators 34 divide the heat sink 11 into smaller parts. Each part of the heat sink 11 is designed to act as connector between two adjacent solar cell units 401. Thus, an array of serially connected solar cell units 401 is created, which act as the solar cell 4.
  • a sliding sheet 35 is provided to guide cold air 15 from blowers 14 to solar cells 4 and 5.
  • Fig. 15A -15B parts of the solar panel 1 implementing the siding sheet 35 is shown. Please note that only parts of the solar panel 1 are shown for easy understanding purposes only and should not be considered as a limitation.
  • a sheet of transparent plastic 35 is attached to the side of the solar cell 4 at one end and at other end is supported by rolling mechanisms 36.
  • the sheet 35 can also be made out of flexi glass. The sheet 35 is placed in such a way that it lies beneath the blower 14 blowing cold air 15 on to the heat sink 11 attached on top of the solar cell 4.
  • the sheet 35 is flexible and it acts as a guiding mechanism for directing the cold air 15 on to the heat sinks 11. Being attached to the heat sink 4, when the heat sink 4 moves, the sheet 35 being flexible is directed to bend inwards using the rolling mechanisms 36. As shown in Fig. 15B, when the solar cell 4 moves to the left, the sheet 35 moves through the rolling mechanism and bends and remains close to the side wall 6.
  • the rolling mechanism 36 is such arranged that the sheet 35 remains as close to the sidewall 6 as possible.
  • the length of the sheet 35 is also preselected such that when the solar cell 4 at its extreme left and right positions, the sheet 35 neither moves out of the sliding mechanism 36 nor come in contact with the underlying reflecting trough 2.
  • the sheet 35 being transparent allows sunrays to pass through.
  • the sheet 35 can act as a guide for the cold air 35 to hit the heat sink 11.
  • the sliding sheet 35 is kept inside the panel 1 as to bring the sheet outside through the sidewall 6 will require a slit to be cut across the entire length of the sidewall 6. This will cause structural integrity problem with the panel 1.
  • the sheet 35 is bended and kept inside the panel 1.
  • the sheet 35 and the rolling mechanisms 36 will obstruct a part of the summer sunrays to hit the reflecting trough 2, the amount of summer sunrays obstructed will be negligible.
  • the sheet 35 gets rolled up around a part of the rolling mechanisms 36. This is illustrated in Fig. 15C. Such a rolling can be done using known in the art shutter rolling systems. As per this embodiment of the present invention, the sheet 35 will roll out and roll in based on the position of the solar cell 4 and create a guide for the cold air 15.
  • the sidewalls 6 and 7 are kept at an angle less than 23.5°, as mentioned in the primary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig 16A-16B illustrates the advantages of having solar panels 1 with sidewalls 6 at angles less than 23.5°.
  • Fig. 16A shows parts of the solar panel 1 as per the primary embodiment of the present invention with sidewall 6 at an angle of 23.5° + 90° with respect to the base plate 10. This allows summer sunrays 101a to enter the panel 1 and hit the reflecting trough 2. However, the most of the summer sunrays 101a that enter the panel 1 because of the extra angle 23.5°, are not reflected back to the solar cell 4.
  • Fig. 16B shows a panel 1 with this embodiment of the present invention, where angle between the sidewalls 6 and 7 with respect to the base pate 10 is less. As shown in the Fig 16B, a part of the summer sunrays 101a gets obstructed by the new angle of the sidewalls 6. The angle at which the sidewalls 6 is at form the base plate 10 is now 90° + 15°.
  • This angle helps in capturing part of the summer sunrays 101b that are reflected back to the solar cell 4 and also reduces overall size of the panel 1.
  • the angle of the sidewall 7 can also be made less to capture part of the winter sunrays that can actually be converted to solar energy.
  • the angle of the sidewalls 6 and 7 can be reduced to 90°+7°.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de production d'énergie solaire, comprenant de multiples panneaux disposés en rangées, les multiples panneaux restant immobiles par rapport au sol et chacun des multiples panneaux comprenant en outre au moins deux surfaces réfléchissantes qui réfléchissent la lumière solaire sur au moins deux cellules solaires correspondantes qui peuvent être déplacées dans un plan bidimensionnel et au moins deux parois latérales qui sont inclinées par rapport à une plaque de base.
PCT/CA2019/050028 2018-02-02 2019-01-08 Système de production d'énergie solaire WO2019148269A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US201815887422A 2018-02-02 2018-02-02
US15/887,422 2018-02-02

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WO2019148269A1 true WO2019148269A1 (fr) 2019-08-08

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4546757A (en) * 1982-07-16 1985-10-15 Jakahi Douglas Y Fixed position concentrating solar collector
US20040031517A1 (en) * 2002-08-13 2004-02-19 Bareis Bernard F. Concentrating solar energy receiver
US20080163864A1 (en) * 2006-11-22 2008-07-10 Theodore Edward Larson Adjustable solar collector and method of use
US20110073104A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2011-03-31 Sopogy, Inc. Parabolic trough solar energy collection system
US20110088684A1 (en) * 2009-10-16 2011-04-21 Raja Singh Tuli Solar Energy Concentrator

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4546757A (en) * 1982-07-16 1985-10-15 Jakahi Douglas Y Fixed position concentrating solar collector
US20040031517A1 (en) * 2002-08-13 2004-02-19 Bareis Bernard F. Concentrating solar energy receiver
US20080163864A1 (en) * 2006-11-22 2008-07-10 Theodore Edward Larson Adjustable solar collector and method of use
US20110073104A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2011-03-31 Sopogy, Inc. Parabolic trough solar energy collection system
US20110088684A1 (en) * 2009-10-16 2011-04-21 Raja Singh Tuli Solar Energy Concentrator

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