Autonomous Solar Array Assembly on Uneven Terrain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of solar panels on open areas is hindered by the need for secure anchoring against external loading forces like wind, which increases costs due to the requirement of separate beam and post structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of autonomous systems and methods for planning and executing the installation of solar modules on various terrains, including the use of robots and mobile platforms equipped with sensors to position and assemble solar modules and their supporting structures without the need for additional tools or fasteners, allowing for efficient and rapid deployment on different topographies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate beam and post structures are used to secure solar panels against wind loading forces, then the structural stability and resistance to external loading forces is improved, but the device complexity and material costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam and post structures into a single integrated ground-mounted support structure. The support structure includes a ground-mounted post and a beam that is directly coupled to the post, eliminating the need for separate anchoring systems. This integration maintains structural stability while reducing complexity and material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-mounted support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the solar panel, anchors the system to the ground for wind resistance, and eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms. The single structure performs both support and anchoring functions that were previously required from separate components.
2Strength
If traditional anchoring systems with separate beam and post structures are used, then the structural integrity is improved, but the installation time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the beam and post into a single integrated structure, the number of assembly steps is reduced. The pre-coupled beam and post arrive as one unit, requiring fewer on-site connections and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam is pre-coupled to the post during manufacturing, creating a pre-assembled unit that requires minimal on-site assembly. This preliminary action transfers assembly work from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase, reducing installation time and labor requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If extensive anchoring systems are used to secure solar panels on diverse terrains, then the stability and resistance to external forces is improved, but the material costs and site preparation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of beam and post reduces the total number of components required for anchoring. The single ground-mounted support structure eliminates redundant parts from traditional separate beam and post systems, reducing material quantity while maintaining stability on diverse terrains.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-mounted support structure can be manufactured with varying parameters (height, material composition, anchoring depth) to adapt to different terrain conditions. This flexibility allows the same basic structure to maintain stability across diverse terrains without requiring additional materials or complex modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, the present disclosure describes a system for constructing a solar module array. The system can comprise one or more mobile platforms; one or more carriers operatively coupled to the one or more mobile platforms, wherein the one or more carriers support a plurality of posts and/or a plurality of solar modules; one or more robotic components for retrieving one or more posts from the plurality of posts and one or more solar modules from the plurality of solar modules from the one or more carriers; and at least one controller in operative communication with the one or more mobile platforms and the one or more robotic components, wherein the at least one controller (i) directs the one or more mobile platforms to transport the one or more carriers over a terrain and (ii) controls the one or more robotic components to (1) autonomously position and install the one or more posts on the terrain, and (2) autonomously position and assemble the one or more solar module to the one or more posts installed on the terrain to thereby construct the solar module array on the terrain.