PASSIVE TWO PHASE HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMS

Synopsis

Patent US 11,073,340 B2 describes a novel system and method for a multi-axis solar energy harvester that significantly improves the efficiency of solar energy collection by actively tracking the sun's position across multiple axes and seasons, while also mitigating the impact of shading and temperature. This invention addresses the limitations of traditional fixed-angle solar panels or single-axis trackers, which often suffer from suboptimal energy capture due to variations in sun angle and environmental factors.

The core innovation lies in a dynamic, multi-axis tracking system that goes beyond simple azimuthal or elevational adjustments. It incorporates:

• Active Multi-Axis Tracking: The system precisely tracks the sun's position across multiple axes (e.g., azimuth and elevation) throughout the day and year, maximizing incident solar radiation on the photovoltaic (PV) array.

• Seasonal Adjustment: It intelligently adjusts the tilt angle of the solar array based on the season, optimizing performance for different sun paths.

• Shading Mitigation: The system is designed to minimize or completely eliminate the impact of shading from adjacent panels or obstacles by adjusting the array's position. This ensures that the entire PV array operates at its peak efficiency, unlike static or single-axis systems where even partial shading can drastically reduce output.

• Temperature Management: The invention also considers temperature effects on PV panel efficiency. By actively adjusting the array's position, it can contribute to cooling the panels, further enhancing energy yield.

• Adaptive Control: The control system is dynamic and responsive, adapting to real-time changes in sun position and environmental conditions, which is crucial for maximizing instantaneous and cumulative energy harvest.

This patented technology offers substantial commercial potential across various sectors of the renewable energy industry:

• Utility-Scale Solar Farms: Licensees can deploy this multi-axis tracking system in large-scale solar power plants to significantly increase overall energy output and revenue. The shading mitigation feature is particularly valuable in dense panel layouts typical of utility-scale installations.

• Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Installations: For businesses with significant energy demands and available rooftop space, this system can maximize the efficiency of their solar investments, leading to faster payback periods and greater energy independence.

• Residential Solar Systems: While potentially more complex for individual homeowners, advanced residential systems could benefit from this technology, especially in regions with highly variable sun paths or potential shading issues from trees or nearby structures. The increased efficiency makes solar more attractive for homeowners.

• Off-Grid and Remote Power Solutions: For applications like telecommunications towers, remote monitoring stations, or agricultural pumps where consistent and maximized power generation is critical, this system ensures reliable energy supply even in challenging conditions.

• Integrated Building Systems: The technology could be integrated into building designs where solar panels are a primary energy source, allowing for optimized energy capture while potentially contributing to building thermal management.

By offering a comprehensive approach to solar energy harvesting that addresses both sun tracking and environmental factors like shading and temperature, this invention provides a compelling opportunity for licensees to deliver higher-performing, more reliable, and ultimately more profitable solar energy solutions.