Deployable Folded Solar Array Structure for 360° Sun Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar arrays require extensive space for optimal sunlight exposure, leading to space inefficiencies in both deployment and retraction, and their electricity output fluctuates due to changing sun orientations.
Innovation Solution
A deployable and retractable structure with a central hub and intersecting parallel folds that transform between fully retracted and deployed configurations, allowing solar arrays to be positioned 360 degrees for maximum exposure while minimizing space usage, using translational and rotational forces to adjust surface area exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar arrays are deployed to maximize surface exposure to the sun, then electricity output is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array structure employs deployable and retractable configurations that allow it to dynamically change its surface area exposure. The structure can be extended to maximize sunlight capture for high electricity output, and retracted to minimize space occupation when not in use or during nighttime, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and space usage through dynamic adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array is divided into multiple modular panels that can be independently deployed or retracted. This segmentation allows the structure to adjust its effective surface area dynamically - deploying only the necessary number of panels to meet electricity demands while keeping the remaining panels retracted, thereby optimizing both electricity output and space occupation.
2Productivity
If solar arrays are fixed in position to maximize exposure, then electricity generation is improved, but adaptability to different sun orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array structure incorporates movable and adjustable components that enable it to adapt its orientation and surface area exposure dynamically. By deploying panels at different angles and configurations, the structure can track the sun's movement across the sky throughout the day and across different seasons, maintaining optimal electricity generation while adapting to varying sun orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be configured for maximum sunlight exposure during daytime, retracted during nighttime, adjusted for different weather conditions, and positioned at various orientations. This multi-functionality allows the solar array to maintain high productivity across diverse environmental conditions and sun positions.
3Productivity
If solar arrays are deployed to maximize surface area, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is segmented into multiple independent modular panels, each capable of being deployed or retracted individually. This modular approach simplifies the overall structural complexity by breaking down the large-scale deployment into manageable units, while still achieving the goal of maximizing total surface area for high energy conversion efficiency when fully deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure employs dynamic deployable mechanisms that allow the solar panels to transition between compact and expanded configurations. These mechanisms use simple mechanical principles such as hinges, sliders, or telescopic elements that, while adding some complexity, enable the structure to achieve large surface area deployment from a compact base form, improving energy conversion efficiency without excessive structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable/retractable structure, or a template thereof, is disclosed. The structure comprises a plurality of pleating folds among peaks and valleys, which extend away, retract towards, and/or rotate around a central hub. The folds, with extended continuous planar surfaces, can be configured to host objects, such as solar arrays. In a retracted configuration, solar arrays are protected and folded away, taking up much less space. Electricity generated via the arrays is coupled with signals to instruct the structure to transition among stages of retractions and/or deployments. This structural design enables the solar arrays to be positioned in many angles and facets, which makes it an overall non-flat unit, less dependent on the directions of sunlight. A smaller scaled down unit can be light, portable, and operated by hand. A larger scaled up unit can be stationed on the ground or atop existing charging stations, which affords easier access and maintenance.