Deployable solar photovoltaic power generation system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar photovoltaic power generation systems face high costs and inefficiencies due to excessive ballast weight and structural steel requirements for wind load compliance, limiting their cost-effective short-term installation and compliance with building codes.
Innovation Solution
A deployable solar photovoltaic power generation system featuring a foldable solar panel array supported by a four-point expandable truss with intelligent electro-mechanical controls, allowing for adaptive deployment and stowing based on real-time weather conditions, reducing wind resistance and structural weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If photovoltaic panel arrays are designed for full wind loads according to building codes, then structural strength and stability are improved, but ballast weight and structural steel requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a deployable truss structure that can dynamically transition between deployed and stowed configurations. When deployed, the truss provides full wind load resistance; when stowed, it reduces wind surface area by 90% or more. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to meet building code requirements during operation while minimizing ballast weight needs during storage or transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic array is segmented into multiple deployable wings supported by expandable trusses. Each wing can be independently deployed or stowed, allowing partial deployment strategies that balance power generation needs with wind load reduction. The segmented structure enables progressive deployment rather than requiring the entire array to be either fully deployed or fully stowed.
2Reliability
If photovoltaic panel arrays are designed for full wind loads according to building codes, then structural strength and stability are improved, but structural steel requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable truss structure provides full structural strength when deployed but reduces steel requirements overall by eliminating the need for permanent, full-strength support structures. The truss can be designed for full wind loads only during the deployed state, allowing use of lighter gauge steel that would be insufficient for permanent fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural steel is concentrated in the deployable truss components rather than distributed throughout a permanent support structure. This segmentation allows optimization of steel usage in critical load-bearing elements while minimizing steel in non-structural components and ballast structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar photovoltaic power generation systems are installed for short-term periods, then deployment flexibility and adaptability are improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates due to planning, designing, permitting, and installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-engineered as a complete, deployable unit with all structural components, photovoltaic panels, and support structures integrated into a single deployable package. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate planning, designing, and permitting processes for each installation site, reducing administrative costs and enabling rapid deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployable nature of the system allows it to be quickly installed and removed without permanent foundation work or complex installation procedures. The structure can be deployed on existing surfaces without site-specific engineering, dramatically reducing installation time and cost while maintaining adaptability to different locations.
4Device complexity
If mobile rack solar panel systems are used without full wind load resistance, then installation cost and complexity are reduced, but ability to meet building code requirements and withstand wind events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable truss structure provides full wind load resistance when deployed but can be stowed to a compact configuration with 90% or more wind surface area reduction during wind events. This dynamic response allows the system to meet building code requirements during operation while protecting itself from damage during extreme weather without requiring continuous human monitoring or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated controls that detect wind conditions and automatically deploy or stow the photovoltaic array in response. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous human monitoring and manual operation, maintaining reliability while keeping the system simple to operate.
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
Enables rapid, cost-effective deployment and stowing of solar panels, reducing weight by up to 400% compared to traditional systems, while ensuring compliance with wind loading standards and optimizing energy production.
Implementation Method 1
solar photovoltaic power generation system
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable solar photovoltaic power generation system includes an array of photo voltaic panels mounted to expandable truss. In response to environmental input data, the array of photovoltaic panels can be deployed or stowed.