Directional solar panel assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel structures occupy agricultural land and do not effectively utilize ground space beneath them, while also being prone to damage from weather conditions like strong winds.
Innovation Solution
A directional solar panel assembly with anchored stands, optical light guiding elements around the perimeter to redirect sunlight to the ground, and integrated LED grow lights to promote plant growth, along with a retraction mechanism to withstand strong winds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If solar panels are installed in arrays covering substantial land area, then solar energy collection is maximized, but agricultural land usage is lost and ground space beneath panels cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects sunlight that would otherwise be blocked by the panels to the ground beneath them using optical elements and reflective surfaces. This transforms the problem from a two-dimensional land coverage issue to a three-dimensional light redirection solution, allowing both energy collection and ground utilization simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Optical elements and reflective surfaces are introduced as intermediary components between the solar panels and the ground. These intermediaries capture sunlight that would be blocked and redirect it to the ground area, enabling dual functionality of energy generation and ground space utilization
2Loss of energy
If solar panels are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but they cannot effectively track the sun's path to maximize energy collection
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking function is segmented into simple rotational movements around vertical and horizontal axes rather than complex multi-axis tracking. This segmentation allows the panels to follow the sun's path effectively while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static fixed panels to dynamically adjustable panels that can rotate and tilt to track the sun. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to changing sun positions throughout the day and seasons, maximizing energy collection
3Loss of energy
If solar panel structures are designed for maximum energy collection, then they occupy more ground space, but they become more vulnerable to damage from strong winds and bad weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the structure to adapt to weather conditions. The ability to adjust panel angles and reposition components provides a mechanism to withstand strong winds while maintaining energy collection capability when conditions are favorable
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters such as panel angles, support heights, and configuration can be changed based on weather conditions. This flexibility allows the system to optimize for either energy collection or weather resistance depending on the situation
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 assembly allows for efficient use of ground space beneath solar panels, enhances weather resistance, and promotes plant growth with directed sunlight and grow lights, while maintaining energy generation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
optical light guiding or diverting elements (161, 162) around the perimeter of the solar panel (121) arranged to gather and guide incoming light (101) towards an underside (22) of the solar panel (121) so as to be directed, either directly or indirectly, towards the ground (31)
Implementation Method 2
one or more LED grow lights (70) on the underside (22) of the solar panel (121) arranged to generate so-called grow light directed, either directly or indirectly, towards the ground (31)
Implementation Method 3
a solar panel (121) on an upper surface (21) of the platform (20) oriented to the skies
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A solar panel assembly (10) comprises a stand (30) to be anchored on or in the ground (31), a solar panel platform (20) oriented to the skies and one or more directional mechanisms (40; 404, 414) connecting the upper free end of the stand (30) with the solar panel platform (20), allowing the solar panel on the platform (20) to be directed in a number of favorable orientations towards the sun. One or more optical elements (50; 55) are provided at all or a majority of portions of the edges (24) of the platform around the solar panel directing the gathered light under (22) the platform (20) and then to the ground (31) under or near the solar panel assembly (10).