I. Introduction
Solar power systems have long been expensive, and the main reason for this is the low energy density of sunlight. The average solar irradiance reaching Earth’s surface is about 1 kW/m². While monocrystalline silicon cells can convert up to 23% of that light into electricity, polycrystalline silicon reaches around 16%, and thin-film technology only about 8%. Gallium arsenide (GaAs) cells, which have the highest efficiency at over 35%, are not widely used in full-scale systems due to their high cost and environmental concerns. Even though GaAs has higher efficiency, when integrated into a complete system, the overall conversion rate rarely exceeds 25%. This inefficiency makes it difficult to reduce the overall cost of solar power systems. To make solar energy more affordable, one effective approach is to increase the intensity of sunlight. This can be achieved using convex lenses, Fresnel lenses, or reflectors, which concentrate the sunlight onto smaller, more efficient photovoltaic cells. By doing so, we can significantly reduce the amount of silicon and gallium arsenide needed, thus lowering the cost. This concept forms the basis of Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) systems.II. Technical Challenges of CPV Systems
Although the principle of CPV systems seems straightforward, there are several technical challenges that have limited their widespread adoption. The idea is simple: the higher the concentration of sunlight, the lower the cost per watt. However, increasing the light intensity introduces several complications. First, handling high-intensity light is challenging. While GaAs can withstand up to 1,000 times the normal sunlight, it is both costly and toxic. Due to environmental concerns, large-scale use is impractical. As a result, most systems still rely on monocrystalline silicon, which can only handle 3 to 5 times the normal light intensity. To achieve significant cost reductions, a concentration of at least 10 times is needed, requiring specialized silicon cells designed for high concentration. Second, heat dissipation becomes a critical issue. Ordinary PV panels can reach temperatures above 75°C under direct sunlight. At 2x concentration, they begin to blister, and at 5x, they may degrade rapidly within minutes. At 10x concentration, the damage occurs even faster, leading to oxidation and reduced efficiency. Cooling solutions like air or water cooling add complexity and cost, while also reducing reliability. Fans require power and maintenance, and water cooling systems are prone to leaks and mechanical failure. Third, reflectors are another challenge. Many materials used for reflectors, such as glass mirrors or plastic films, suffer from thermal expansion issues. Over time, the reflective layer can peel off, especially in harsh environments like deserts. Aluminum plates, although highly reflective, are vulnerable to hail and wear down quickly. Even with protective coatings, their performance degrades over time, making them unsuitable for long-term use in solar systems that require 25-year durability. Fourth, tracking systems are essential for CPV. Since the sun moves across the sky, the system must continuously adjust to keep the photovoltaic cells in focus. Mechanical trackers are prone to wear and tear, and if they fail, the entire system stops working. Maintaining precision over years is difficult, and any loss of accuracy can lead to inefficient or failed operation.III. The Solution
To overcome these challenges and develop a reliable, cost-effective CPV system, Beijing Anxin Hi-Tech Co., Ltd. led by General Manager Chen Pingjian, invested millions of dollars and spent over two years conducting extensive research. After numerous trials and failures, the team successfully developed core technologies that allow monocrystalline silicon to withstand 10 times the light intensity. 1. **High-Intensity Light Tolerance**: Through multiple design improvements, the company created a monocrystalline silicon cell capable of withstanding 15 times the light intensity, with 15% higher output than similar products on the market. 2. **Efficient Heat Dissipation**: A unique, low-cost radiator was developed without moving parts or power consumption. It can maintain safe operating temperatures even under 13x concentration, ensuring long-term stability and minimal maintenance. 3. **Durable Reflectors**: The reflector design achieves a reflectivity of 77% and a lifespan of at least 25 years. It is resistant to hail and easy to clean, with a cost of about 200 yuan per square meter. The production process is simplified, solving many of the problems associated with traditional reflectors. 4. **Advanced Tracking System**: A full-motion tracker was developed with improved stability and reduced wind resistance. It uses a special bushing that resists sand and lasts for 100,000 cycles. The intelligent control system ensures continuous tracking, even during cloud cover, allowing immediate power generation once the sun reappears. These innovations have enabled the development of a stable, efficient, and cost-effective CPV system, paving the way for a more sustainable future in solar energy.Die casting is a metal casting process that involves forcing molten metal under high pressure into a mould cavity. The mould cavity, also known as a die, is typically made of hardened steel and is custom-designed to produce the desired shape of the final product.
The process begins with melting the metal, usually non-ferrous metals such as zinc, aluminum, magnesium, or copper alloys, in a furnace. Once the metal reaches the desired temperature, it is injected into the mold cavity at high pressure using a hydraulic or mechanical press.
The high pressure helps to quickly fill the mold cavity and ensures that the molten metal solidifies rapidly to produce precise and complex shapes with fine surface details. After the metal solidifies, the mold is opened, and the casting is ejected from the die.
Die casting is commonly used to produce a wide range of metal components and products with high dimensional accuracy, excellent surface finish, and tight tolerances. It is widely employed in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods manufacturing.
alloy die casting,gravity die casting,gravity casting,high pressure die casting,pressure die casting
Taiyuan Simis Investment Casting Co., Ltd , https://www.precision-casting.biz