Box-Shaped PV Panel Carrier for Winter Energy Yield Above Snow Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on roofs or in valleys are less efficient in winter months due to the angle of the sun's rays and are affected by thick fog and snow cover, leading to an electrical energy gap that is currently filled by burning fossil fuels.
Innovation Solution
A box-shaped PV panel carrier system is designed with a 70° inclination towards the sun and mounted above snow cover, utilizing the albedo effect to enhance efficiency, and incorporates storm-resistant features to withstand high winds, using wood for the framework and incorporating a sealed panel carrier with ventilation to dissipate heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PV systems are installed in valleys to utilize available space, then installation cost is reduced, but energy production deteriorates due to fog absorption and lower solar radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal valley installations to vertical mountain slope installations, utilizing the third dimension (elevation). This dimensional change allows PV systems to access higher altitudes above the fog layer while maintaining cost-effectiveness through direct mountain slope mounting, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation ease and energy production
2Productivity
If PV panels are mounted at 70° inclination to maximize winter efficiency and utilize albedo effect, then winter energy yield is improved by 20-30%, but structural stability deteriorates under extreme wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining wooden framework elements with metal fastening components. The wooden panel carrier provides natural wind resistance and structural integrity, while metal fasteners ensure secure panel attachment, resolving the contradiction between achieving 70° inclination for winter productivity and maintaining structural reliability under wind loads
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates pre-designed wind load resistance features in the panel carrier structure, including reinforced joining elements and aerodynamic shaping, that cushion against extreme wind forces before they cause damage, thereby maintaining both high winter energy yield and structural stability
3Productivity
If PV panels are positioned vertically to capture winter sunlight, then effective area is improved to 97%, but heat dissipation deteriorates leading to reduced panel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates porous or perforated panel carrier structures that allow air circulation behind and through the PV panels. This porous design facilitates passive convective cooling, enabling vertical 70° panel positioning for maximum winter effective area while simultaneously managing heat dissipation to maintain panel efficiency
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
The system significantly increases winter energy yield by 20-30% and reduces CO2 emissions by 300%, providing a cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel use, while maintaining durability and ecological benefits.
Implementation Method 1
The conversion of solar energy radiated from the sun to the earth into electrical energy plays a key role
Implementation Method 2
This snow cover reflects the incoming sun rays (the albedo effect) and leads to an improvement in the efficiency of a PV system whose PV panels are arranged above the snow cover
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a sealed panel carrier with ventilation to dissipate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A free-standing structure, on which solar panels for the conversion of radiant energy received from the sun into electrical energy are mounted. The structure has of a box-shaped panel carrier. The panel carrier stands on four posts, two southern posts and two northern posts. The posts are anchored in a foundation. PV panels are mounted on a southern side, on an east side, and on a west side of the panel carrier, wherein openings on a lower side and an upper side of the panel carrier are each closed by a storm grating that is permeable to air. A roof construction is positioned on the upper side of the panel carrier, which roof construction has PV panels facing south towards the sun, and of north side panels, wherein triangular openings provided on the east and west sides are each closed by a storm grating that is permeable to air.