In the vast fields, a sunflower proudly standing in the wind slowly rotates from east to west in bright sunshine. Every leaf strives to follow the direction of the sun to get more sunlight. This natural imagination is called For the sake of sex.
This interesting natural phenomenon inspired the electrical and computer engineers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He simulated the sunflower activity and invented a passive solar power plant that will be used in a new batch of solar power systems.
Unlike other "active" solar systems that use GPS or an engine-powered reset panel to track the sun's position, Professor Jiang Hongru invented a passive solar panel by exploiting the special properties of the material to maximize vertical sunlight exposure.
"Carbon nanotubes have a wide range of absorption, including visible light and infrared light," Professor Jiang said. "This is worth our time. We may use sunlight as a direct drive."
When the sun shines directly on the mirror surface under the solar panel, it will focus on a multi-layer actuator composed of a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) containing carbon nanotubes. After the carbon nanotubes absorb the sun rays, they gradually heat up, and the liquid crystal elasticity The body begins to shrink under the thermal differential between the external environment and the internal driver.
This series of activities will drive the entire device to the sun's most intense angle. As the sun moves in the sky, the brakes will gradually cool and re-expand, and the new liquid crystal elastomer will continue to shrink, repositioning the solar panel. Where the sun goes, this solar power plant will adjust where it goes.
In Professor Jiang's test, this new solar power system has helped the solar panel to increase efficiency by about 10%, and only needs to improve the solar panel material. In addition, the passive system means that this device does not require an engine and circuitry to help increase energy harvesting.
The materials used in the experiment have only begun to be applied to the photovoltaic field in recent years. At present, Professor Jiang and his team are studying how to improve it in order to control larger solar panels so as to maximize the net energy gain.
Professor Jiang said that he very much hopes to see more solar installations to follow the sun effortlessly, just as he has been inspired by sunflowers. "This comes from the great power of nature." For his new concept, Professor Jiang said so.
