Elevated Modular Solar Panel Assembly for Agrivoltaic Land Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel systems are inefficient in land utilization, particularly when integrated with agricultural practices, as they either obstruct crop growth or require extensive land area, and do not effectively harness both direct and reflected sunlight for maximum energy production.
Innovation Solution
A modular construction of solar panel batteries with double-sided photovoltaic panels mounted on a circular track at a height of at least 5m, utilizing a drive system with trucks and a controller for optimal sun tracking, combined with a wind turbine and irrigation system for agricultural use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If photovoltaic panels are mounted close to the ground to save space, then land area utilization is improved, but crop growth is obstructed and sunlight exposure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level panel installation to elevated installation on a circular track structure (minimum 5m height). This vertical dimensionality change allows agricultural land to remain accessible and illuminated while panels occupy aerial space, resolving the conflict between land utilization and crop sunlight exposure.
2Device complexity
If single-sided photovoltaic panels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy capture efficiency is limited to direct sunlight only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a circular track system that enables the photovoltaic panels to rotate and track the sun's movement throughout the day. This dynamic positioning, combined with double-sided panels, allows the system to capture both direct sunlight and reflected light from the ground, significantly increasing electricity yield without excessive complexity.
3Productivity
If photovoltaic panels are installed at high altitude, then electricity yield increases due to better sun exposure, but device complexity and support structure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: vertical supports, horizontal link modules, braces with connecting pieces, and a circular track system. This segmentation allows for standardized, easier-to-install modules that can be assembled in a systematic way, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the required 5m+ elevation for optimal sun exposure.
4Productivity
If extensive land area is used for solar panels, then electricity production increases, but agricultural land availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates photovoltaic panels from the ground plane to an elevated circular track structure (minimum 5m height). This vertical displacement allows agricultural activities to continue on the ground while electricity generation occurs in the aerial space, enabling dual-use of the same land area and eliminating the trade-off between agriculture and energy production.
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
Enhances land use efficiency by allowing agricultural activities beneath, increases electricity yield by 75%, and optimizes energy capture through direct and reflected sunlight, while providing supplementary power from wind turbines and irrigation.
Implementation Method 1
an assembly of photovoltaic panels (1) according to the invention application under number P-430917... double-sided photovoltaic panels (1) are mounted on the support structure (2)
Implementation Method 2
the support structure (2) is fitted with wind turbines with a vertical axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
The tank is fitted with a pump connected via pipes to a ground sprinkling system
Implementation Method 4
attached to them - at the lowest edge - there are gutters connected to a funnel located along the axis of the circular track, wherein the funnel is connected to a tank
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
The subject matter of the invention is a modular construction of solar panel batteries as well as an assembly of modules, intended for generating electricity and making it possible to cultivate agricultural land below said construction. The modular construction of solar panel batteries of the invention is placed on a support structure and is connected to a power grid, wherein the photovoltaic panels are arranged in rows and the rows are spaced apart. The modular construction is characterized in that, the double-sided photovoltaic panels (1) are mounted on the support structure (2) that is supported on a circular track (3) via trucks (4), and the track (3) is mounted on a polygonal structure (5), which is placed on supports (6) at a height of at least 5m above ground level. An assembly of modular constructions of solar panels batteries placed on a support structure and connected to a power grid, wherein the photovoltaic panels are arranged intro rows and the rows are spaced apart, characterized in that it comprises a set of at least four modules connected to each other on the support structure, and that a vertical-axis wind turbine (18) is mounted in the middle among them, wherein the wind turbine has a modular vertical construction.