Modular Fleet Solar Arrays With REC Allocation Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transportation companies face high diesel fuel costs and environmental issues due to idling engines, while solar energy systems are becoming cost-effective, there is a need for modular, mobile renewable energy systems that can generate electricity on fleet vehicles and link multiple units to reduce fuel consumption and offset deployment costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar array system mounted on fleet vehicles with battery storage to generate electricity while in motion and stationary, linked through a network that tracks individual contributions and allocates Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to incentivize investment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar panel arrays are mounted on fleet vehicles to generate electricity, then fuel costs are reduced by decreasing alternator load, but device complexity increases due to integration of solar systems with vehicle electrical systems
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel array is integrated with the vehicle's existing electrical system by connecting to the battery and alternator circuits. The system merges solar energy generation with the vehicle's power distribution network, allowing solar power to directly charge batteries or supply electrical loads, thereby reducing alternator load and fuel consumption without requiring a completely separate system
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array system is designed to perform multiple functions: generating electricity to charge vehicle batteries, directly powering electrical systems during operation, and providing auxiliary power when the vehicle is stationary. This multi-functionality maximizes fuel savings while utilizing a single integrated system rather than multiple separate devices
2Productivity
If modular solar arrays are linked together into larger arrays to offset deployment costs, then energy generation capacity increases, but device complexity increases due to network integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent modular units, each consisting of a solar array mounted on a individual vehicle with its own control system. These segmented modules can operate autonomously or be connected to form larger arrays, allowing flexible scaling of energy generation capacity while maintaining simple individual unit designs that reduce overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A network intermediary system is introduced to manage connections between multiple modular arrays. This intermediary handles the complexity of network integration, power distribution coordination, and performance monitoring, allowing individual modules to remain simple while enabling collective operation at higher capacity levels
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
Reduces fuel costs by generating electricity on vehicles, allows for collective power generation and REC tracking, providing financial incentives for fleet owners to invest in solar infrastructure, and promotes the use of renewable energy.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes a solar panel array mounted to the roof of the trailer that will generate a portion of the electricity required by the truck
Implementation Method 2
The system further includes a battery storage system located in the truck that will be used to store electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A modular photovoltaic (PV) array system includes a PV array installed onto a fleet vehicle such as a trailer, bus etc., a host control system into which a plurality of fleet vehicles can connect to collectively generate electricity, and a subscriber system which collectively tracks energy generation and allocates respective contributions to the system.