Floating Solar Panel Structure With Anchored Tilted Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floating solar panel systems face inefficiencies and high costs due to shading, unstable mounting, and interference from wildlife and water currents, which affect power output and system durability, especially in low-wattage off-grid applications.
Innovation Solution
A floating solar system design featuring a buoyant base with a tower and anchor system, tilted solar panels, and an integrated air compressor and diffuser assembly that maintains stability and optimizes power generation while preventing damage from wildlife and water currents, incorporating a self-sinking diffuser and UV sterilizer for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are mounted on land-based fixtures, then power output is affected by shading from surrounding trees and obstacles, but the system is more costly and less efficient than floating solar panel systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions solar panel mounting from land-based (2D surface) to water-based (3D spatial utilization), placing panels on floating structures over water bodies to eliminate shading from terrestrial obstacles while maximizing sunlight exposure
2Productivity
If floating solar panel systems are tilted and southerly facing, then power generation is optimized, but the system is not efficient or economical for low wattage off grid applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the tilt angle parameter of solar panels to be less than 40 degrees (specifically 10-30 degrees in embodiments), deviating from conventional steep tilts to optimize performance for low-wattage off-grid applications while maintaining efficient power generation
3Ease of manufacture
If floating solar systems use higher center of gravity mounting, then installation is simplified, but the system has difficulty maintaining exact location due to wind and water loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs anchor weights that counterbalance the floating structure's tendency to drift, with weights selected to provide sufficient ballast against wind and water loads while maintaining the simplified floating mounting approach
4Stability of the object's composition
If solar panels are rigidly mounted to the water feature floor, then location stability is improved, but the higher center of gravity leads to mounting complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into separate functional components: a floating base structure for simplicity, an anchor-weight system for stability, and the solar panel array, allowing each segment to be optimized independently without rigid floor mounting
5Ease of manufacture
If diffuser assemblies are attached to weighted bases without correct design features, then installation is simplified, but the floating base may be flipped over by water currents due to lack of consideration towards hydrodynamic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates hydrodynamic design features into the floating base structure before deployment, including appropriate weight distribution and structural configuration that preemptively resist water current forces and prevent flipping during operation
6Volume of moving object
If a low profile flat base is used for diffuser assembly, then space utilization is improved, but the base can be buried under mud which blocks the air bubble outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the diffuser assembly vertically from the bottom surface of the floating base, positioning it in the water column above the base rather than at the same level, which prevents mud burial while maintaining compact space utilization through vertical arrangement
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 power output and stability, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impact by optimizing solar panel orientation and anchoring, while ensuring efficient aeration and water treatment, making it suitable for low-wattage off-grid applications.
Implementation Method 1
a floating base having, a buoyance
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of solar panels affixed to the lower base frame and the center frame to provide electrical power
Implementation Method 3
an anchor coupled to the lower base frame
Data Source
AI summary
A floating solar system, comprising a floating base having, a buoyance and a lower base frame coupled to the buoyance, a center frame coupled to the lower base frame, an anchor coupled to the lower base frame, a plurality of solar panels affixed to the lower base frame and the center frame to provide electrical power, a lightning rod coupled to the center frame and a lightning rod cap coupled to the lightning rod.