Articulating Solar Array with Sun Tracking and Shading Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels are expensive, inefficient, and require more capacity than needed due to fixed angle limitations, leading to increased area requirements and higher costs, especially in space-constrained mobile environments like RVs.
Innovation Solution
A solar generator with an articulating solar array on a turntable, equipped with motors and a motor control unit to track the sun's azimuth and elevation, minimizing shading between rows and optimizing solar radiation collection, along with a dome that filters out infrared and ultraviolet radiation to enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed solar panels are used, then installation is simple, but power output is insufficient due to inability to track the sun
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel array is mounted on a movable platform with motors that enable dynamic adjustment of the panel orientation. The panels can rotate to track the sun's movement across the sky, transforming from a static fixed installation to a dynamic tracking system that continuously optimizes its angle for maximum solar energy capture.
Solution Approach 2:
Light sensors are positioned to detect the direction and intensity of incoming sunlight. These sensors provide feedback to a control system that adjusts the motor positions to orient the solar panels perpendicular to the sun's rays, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically optimizes power generation based on real-time solar position data.
2Productivity
If more solar capacity is installed to compensate for fixed angle limitations, then power needs are met, but area requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling the solar panels to dynamically track the sun's movement, the system extracts significantly more energy from the same panel area compared to fixed installations. This dynamic tracking capability allows the system to meet higher power demands without proportionally increasing the mounting area, as each unit of panel area generates more power throughout the day.
3Productivity
If solar panels are oriented to maximize power collection, then energy efficiency improves, but shading of adjacent panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple independently controllable panel segments or rows. Each segment can be individually adjusted in orientation and angle, allowing the control system to optimize each segment's position to capture sunlight while minimizing the casting of shadows on adjacent segments. This segmentation enables fine-grained control over the entire array's performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes multi-dimensional adjustment capabilities, allowing panels to move not only in azimuth (horizontal rotation) but also in elevation (vertical angle). This multi-dimensional freedom of movement enables the panels to clear each other's shadow paths while maintaining optimal collection angles, effectively using additional spatial dimensions to resolve the shading conflict.
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
Increases solar power output per unit area, reduces the need for oversized solar panels, and provides a cost-effective solution by maximizing energy collection while minimizing space and cost requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar cell segments arranged in a plurality of rows
Implementation Method 2
The dome can comprise a material that blocks transmission of solar radiation in at least a portion of the infrared spectrum
Implementation Method 3
and/or the ultraviolet spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A solar generator includes a base, a rotary plate provided to the base such that the rotary plate can rotate with respect to the base, a cover disposed atop the rotary plate, solar panel disposed atop the cover such that the solar panel is angled with respect to a horizontal plane, and a motor provided to the rotary plate such that the motor can engage the base to enable rotation of the rotary plate with respect to the base. A photosensor and a method of rotationally aligning a solar panel with the sun in an azimuth orientation are also provided.