Solar Panel and Down-Sun Wind Turbine Layout to Avoid Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing renewable energy systems face interference and inefficiencies when integrating solar and wind generators due to structural and operational incompatibilities, leading to reduced energy output and increased interference between components.
Innovation Solution
A system is designed with a solar panel and wind turbine positioned down-sun from each other, using a rotating extension arm to maintain optimal orientation and minimize interference, with a motor-controlled rotation schedule based on sun path and wind direction, and a storage battery for energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wind turbine is positioned close to the solar panel for integrated deployment, then the system compactness and integration efficiency are improved, but the wind turbine creates wind block conditions that reduce its operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the wind turbine in the down-sun direction (horizontal dimension) rather than vertically above or beside the solar panel. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows both components to operate independently without interfering with each other's functional zones, resolving the wind block issue while maintaining integration.
2Productivity
If the solar panel is continuously oriented to track the sun for maximum energy collection, then the solar energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the orientation control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sun-tracking function with the wind turbine positioning function into a single extension arm rotation mechanism. By merging these two functions, the system achieves continuous solar orientation while maintaining wind turbine in the down-sun position, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate tracking mechanisms for each component.
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 ensures continuous, non-interfering operation of solar and wind components, optimizing energy collection and allowing connection to a public grid for efficient energy distribution and revenue generation.
Implementation Method 1
A solar panel is mounted at one end of the extension arm for collecting solar energy
Implementation Method 2
A wind turbine is mounted at the other end on the extension arm for collecting wind energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for collecting renewable energy includes a solar panel and a down-sun wind turbine that are mounted on a same crossbeam. In this combination, as the crossbeam is rotated on a support pole, the solar panel is simultaneously rotated through a directional arc θ and an inclination arc Φ in accordance with a predetermined daily schedule that is based on the time of day and the latitude of the system. Also, as the solar panel is moved, the wind turbine is free to follow wind direction and maximize its collection of wind energy. To further maximize the energy collection capability of the system, the wind turbine is located on the crossbeam to remain down-sun from the solar panel and to remain free from wind flow interference that may be caused by the solar panel.