Floating Energy Harvester Orientation for Solar and Wind Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional energy harvesting units, such as solar panels and wind turbines, are often fixed in predetermined positions, leading to inefficiencies due to varying solar radiation and wind directions, requiring more expensive cells or larger areas to compensate, and lack flexibility in placement and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvesting unit with a chassis that can rotate on a liquid surface or within a liquid reservoir, allowing solar panels and transverse flow wind turbines to follow optimal solar radiation or wind direction, using a motor-driven positioning system and control unit for optimal energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fixed-position solar panels are used, then installation is simple and structure is stable, but energy efficiency decreases due to inability to follow solar radiation patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed solar panels to a rotatable platform that can dynamically adjust its orientation to follow solar radiation patterns. The platform rotates on a liquid surface, allowing continuous adaptation to changing sun positions throughout the day and seasons, thereby maximizing energy capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulics by employing a liquid surface (water or other fluid) as the bearing medium for the rotatable platform. The platform rotates on the liquid surface without mechanical contact, using fluid dynamics to enable smooth, frictionless rotation while maintaining stability, thus achieving dynamic positioning with minimal mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If more expensive solar cells are used to compensate for fixed positioning inefficiency, then energy efficiency improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the positional and orientational parameters of the solar panels through rotation on the liquid surface. Instead of changing the quality parameter (solar cell efficiency), the system changes the spatial parameters (position and orientation) to maximize energy capture, thereby achieving high productivity with standard-cost solar cells.
3Area of stationary object
If solar panels are placed on building roofs, then space utilization is good, but maintenance and repair become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (liquid surface) between the solar panel system and the ground/building. This intermediary allows the solar panels to be positioned in locations that would otherwise be inaccessible for maintenance, as the platform can be easily moved or accessed from the liquid surface, greatly improving maintenance accessibility while still utilizing available space effectively.
4Productivity
If traditional fixed wind turbines are used, then structural stability is maintained, but energy generation decreases due to inability to follow wind direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the wind turbine platform to rotate dynamically in response to wind direction changes. The rotatable design allows the turbine to continuously face the prevailing wind, maximizing energy capture while the liquid surface bearing provides inherent stability and damping, maintaining structural integrity during rotation and operation.
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 energy generation by adapting to seasonal variations and environmental conditions, reduces costs by using less expensive solar cells, and facilitates easier maintenance through flexible placement and longer operational periods.
Implementation Method 1
a tank with walls defining a cavity and an upper edge, the tank comprising a liquid, such as water, within its cavity, said liquid defining a substantially horizontal surface within the cavity of said tank; a chassis adapted for floating a) on the surface of said liquid
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy harvesting unit that is adjustable relative to solar radiation or wind direction.