Autonomous Actuator Solar Charging Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous electromechanical actuators used for maneuvering movable solar protection or screen elements face unreliability due to photovoltaic panels not being adequately exposed to solar radiation, leading to insufficient battery charging and motor supply issues.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous actuator method that determines and adjusts to a position ensuring optimal exposure of the photovoltaic panel to light radiation for charging, involving steps to check the accumulator's state of charge and move the actuator to positions where sufficient solar radiation is available, using light intensity data to calculate and record the best charging positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the photovoltaic panel is arranged on the movable element or actuator to limit wiring constraints, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the panel may not be exposed to solar radiation in certain positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the movable element's position based on photovoltaic panel charging efficiency. The control unit monitors the state of charge and commands position changes to optimize solar radiation exposure, transforming a static positioning problem into a dynamic adaptation process that resolves the contradiction between fixed installation simplicity and variable exposure reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the state of charge of the electrical energy accumulator and using this information to determine optimal positions. The control unit compares actual charging performance against desired thresholds and adjusts positioning accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains reliability while preserving installation flexibility
2Ease of operation
If the actuator operates autonomously using onboard photovoltaic charging, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to insufficient solar radiation exposure in unfavorable positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning actions to optimize photovoltaic panel exposure before main operational tasks. By proactively adjusting the movable element to favorable positions when charging opportunities arise, the system ensures adequate energy accumulation is available for subsequent autonomous operations, preventing reliability issues before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system serves itself by autonomously monitoring its own energy state and independently positioning the photovoltaic panel to optimize charging. The control unit automatically manages the trade-off between operational positioning and charging positioning without external intervention, maintaining both autonomy and reliability through self-directed energy management
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
Ensures reliable operation by avoiding positions with weak solar radiation, maintaining battery charge and motor functionality, thus enhancing the actuator's autonomy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic panel (4) intended to recharge an electrical energy accumulator (9) supplying a motor (5) of the actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating method for an actuator, in particular an autonomous actuator, for manoeuvring a movable closing, sun protection, concealing or screen element, the actuator and/or the movable element comprising a photovoltaic panel designed to recharge an electricity storage battery for powering a motor of the actuator, the operating method comprising, as the result of an order to move the movable element, a phase for determining at least one first position of the actuator and/or the movable element in which the exposure of the photovoltaic panel to the light rays makes it possible to charge the electricity storage battery.