Flexible Solar Anode Assembly for Cathodic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cathodic protection systems for metal sections in ionically conductive concrete or mortar materials face challenges in efficiently reducing corrosion, especially on non-planar surfaces and in low-light conditions, where traditional solar panels may not generate sufficient voltage or current.
Innovation Solution
A method and anode assembly that integrates a solar panel with an anode, where the solar panel generates voltage in response to incident light, and the anode is connected to the metal section to reduce corrosion, with the option of flexible components and energy storage devices to ensure consistent protection, including the use of sacrificial anodes and conductive adhesives for installation on non-planar surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional solar panels are mounted on stands at required angles to efficiently receive sunlight, then voltage generation efficiency is improved, but installation complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar panel and anode into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and complex installation procedures. The integrated design allows the solar panel to be directly applied to the concrete surface at various angles without requiring traditional stand-mounted installations, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining voltage generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel is designed with flexible mounting capabilities that allow it to be installed at various angles directly on the concrete surface. This dynamic installation approach eliminates the need for fixed angular mounts while maintaining efficient sunlight reception, resolving the contradiction between power generation efficiency and installation complexity.
2Reliability
If solar panels are used in low-light conditions, then corrosion protection coverage is improved, but voltage generation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using solar panels designed for low-light conditions, which have altered parameters (such as higher quantum efficiency at low irradiance levels) compared to traditional solar panels. This parameter change enables the system to generate sufficient voltage even in low-light environments, maintaining both corrosion protection coverage and voltage generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple smaller solar panels distributed across the structure rather than relying on a single large panel. This approach uses simpler, potentially lower-cost panels that can be individually replaced if needed, while collectively providing sufficient voltage generation in low-light conditions to ensure reliable corrosion protection coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid solar panels are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to non-planar surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible solar panels or thin-film solar technologies that can conform to non-planar concrete surfaces while maintaining manufacturing precision. These flexible panels can be bent and shaped to match the contours of the substrate, eliminating the contradiction between manufacturing precision and adaptability to irregular surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the solar panel system into multiple smaller modular units that can be individually installed on different sections of the concrete structure. This segmentation allows each module to be precisely manufactured and then adapted to fit various surface geometries through flexible mounting, resolving the conflict between manufacturing precision and surface adaptability.
4Ease of repair
If solar panels are supplied as separate components, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs modular solar panel units that are supplied as separate, self-contained components. Each module is independently installable and replaceable, which simplifies repair operations while the standardized interfaces and mounting systems reduce overall assembly complexity, resolving the apparent contradiction between ease of repair and device complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces or halts corrosion of metal sections in ionically conductive concrete or mortar materials, including those with non-planar surfaces, and operates effectively in low-light conditions, ensuring reliable protection through flexible installation and energy storage components.
Implementation Method 1
providing a solar panel having two terminals and arranging the solar panel so as to generate a voltage across the terminals in response to incident light thereon
Implementation Method 2
providing an anode for communication of an ionic current to the metal section in the material
Data Source
AI summary
A metal section in concrete or mortar material is protected against corrosion by providing an anode and a solar panel where the solar panel and the anode are supplied for installation as a common unit where the anode is mounted to the rear of the solar panel with an optional storage component therebetween. At least a part of the anode is attached to a surface of the material and one or both of the anode and the solar panel is flexible to conform to the surface. In installation, a light meter is used to determine levels of ambient light for example in an interior location not in receipt of direct sunlight and details of the material and metal section at the location to calculate a required location and size of the solar panels and the anodes.