Container-Mounted Solar Arrays With Deployable Rotating Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient and sustainable power generation solutions for cargo containers and remote locations that are not connected to a standard energy grid, as traditional methods of providing power are expensive and impractical.
Innovation Solution
The development of modular, solar-powered generators that can be easily deployed and configured to attach to cargo containers, featuring rotatable solar panels and actuation systems for efficient sunlight exposure, allowing for compact transport and secure power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar panels are deployed to provide power to cargo containers and remote locations, then power availability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for deployable mechanisms and actuation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is divided into modular units that can be independently deployed and configured. Each module includes its own solar panels, frame structure, and mounting mechanisms, allowing the system to be scaled and adapted to different container sizes and power requirements without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are designed with deployable mechanisms that allow them to transition between stowed and deployed configurations. Actuation systems enable the panels to be positioned at optimal angles for sunlight exposure while maintaining structural integrity during transport, resolving the conflict between power generation capability and system complexity
2Productivity
If solar panels are made rotatable to optimize sunlight exposure, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional actuation and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are mounted on rotatable frames with actuation mechanisms that allow adjustment of panel orientation. The system can dynamically position panels to track the sun's movement across the sky, maximizing energy capture while using standardized mechanical components to control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of solar panels to optimize sunlight exposure. By adjusting the angular position of panels throughout the day or season, the system maximizes energy generation efficiency without requiring complex control systems, as the actuation mechanisms use simple mechanical advantage principles
3Volume of moving object
If the system is designed for compact transport, then transportation cost is reduced, but ease of operation worsens due to more complex deployment and stowing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels and support structures are designed to nest within each other during stowed configuration, minimizing transport volume. The frame structures interlock and the panels fold or stack compactly, allowing the entire system to be transported in a small fraction of its deployed space while maintaining ease of deployment through standardized mechanical interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions dynamically between compact stowed configuration for transport and expanded deployed configuration for operation. Deployable mechanisms such as telescopic supports, folding frames, and hinge-connected panels enable this transformation, reducing transport volume while maintaining operational effectiveness through standardized actuation interfaces
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 provides reliable, efficient, and secure power to cargo containers and remote locations, optimizing space and reducing transportation costs while ensuring continuous energy availability.
Implementation Method 1
one or more solar panels configured to be unexposed to sunlight with the panel support frame in a stowed configuration and exposed to sunlight with the panel support frame in a deployed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Features for a solar generation system. The system includes a solar generator that may be installed on a shipping container. The solar generator includes one or more deployable rotating solar arrays. The rotating solar arrays may be deployed and stowed using actuators. The rotating solar arrays may be stowed for transport of the system on ships or to remote locations. The solar panels of the array are unexposed when stowed. A base frame with corner castings may attach to standard connections on cargo containers. The solar generators may be stacked on top of each other when stowed for transport. An actuation system may include linear actuators with two arms connecting at a moving pivot point that attach to a base frame and to the panels for deployment. Another actuation system may include end-mounted linear actuation arms with panel backside-mounted deployment arms.