Elevated Hybrid Solar and Wind Machine to Reduce Land Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid solar and wind energy systems occupy large surfaces and face challenges in installation, particularly in areas with landscape concerns, and there is a need for a solution that minimizes space usage while ensuring efficient energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A modular reticular structure with two levels of beams connected by diagonals supports both solar panels and vertical wind turbines, allowing installation without additional towers and optimizing energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are mounted on support beams and wind turbines are installed on sturdy towers separately, then the hybrid system can generate energy from both sources, but the system occupies large surfaces and requires significant land area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar panels and wind turbines into a single integrated structure where both energy generation components are mounted on the same support framework. The solar panels are positioned on the upper horizontal beams while wind turbines are mounted on vertical supports within the same structure, allowing both systems to occupy the same land footprint while maintaining functional independence and energy generation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional land occupation model to a three-dimensional spatial utilization model. By stacking solar panels at higher elevations and positioning wind turbines at intermediate heights within the same ground footprint, the system effectively uses vertical space to accommodate multiple energy generation functions without expanding the horizontal land area required
2Power
If wind turbines are installed on sturdy towers to maintain turbine height, then the turbines can effectively capture wind energy, but additional towers and large surfaces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures for wind turbines are merged with the solar panel mounting framework. The same vertical beams and support columns that provide structural integrity for the solar panels also serve as mounting points for wind turbines, eliminating the need for separate dedicated turbine towers and reducing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical support beams and columns of the hybrid structure serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for solar panels, act as mounting structures for wind turbines, and maintain the necessary height for effective wind energy capture. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system design
3Productivity
If solar panels are positioned above the structure and wind turbines inside or below the structure, then space utilization is optimized and energy generation per square meter increases, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid structure is divided into distinct modular zones: solar panels are segmented and mounted on upper horizontal beams, wind turbines are positioned in intermediate vertical spaces, and the lower structure provides support. This segmentation allows for standardized modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled systematically, reducing installation complexity despite the three-dimensional configuration
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 enhances energy generation capacity per square meter and can be installed in compact spaces, including areas with landscape constraints, with reduced costs and improved reliability.
Implementation Method 1
solar energy has many advantages since it is inexhaustible, is an immediately available resource and can be used to generate electricity (photovoltaic)
Implementation Method 2
Wind energy is the product of the transformation of the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical or mechanical energy
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a machine (1) for the contemporary production of solar and wind energy, said machine (1) comprising at least one solar panel (2) and at least one wind turbine (3), said machine (1) being characterised by comprising a raised structure (4) supported by at least four pillars (6), said at least one wind turbine (3) being positioned inside and/or in the lower part of said structure (4) and said at least one solar panel (2) being positioned above said structure (4).