Floating Solar Module With Hydraulic Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar power plants require large land areas to achieve the same generating capacity and supply stability as traditional power plants, limiting the efficient use of available surface area and impacting human living space and natural reserves.
Innovation Solution
A buoyant module with a base and a fluid-holding container that adjusts its vertical position based on fluid level, allowing a solar panel to tilt and optimize orientation towards the sun, using a tilt mechanism that translates vertical motion into pivotable motion of the panel, and a control unit to adjust fluid levels for optimal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar power plants are deployed on land to achieve generating capacity and supply stability, then energy production is improved, but land area consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions solar power deployment from the land surface (2D) to the water body (3D space utilization), allowing solar panels to be mounted on floating structures that deploy into the vertical dimension of water columns, thereby generating energy without consuming valuable land area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic mechanisms including fluid-filled chambers, pistons, and actuators that utilize water pressure and buoyancy forces to provide automatic tilt adjustment of solar panels, enabling the system to harness hydraulic energy from the water environment itself for optimal panel positioning
2Device complexity
If solar panels are fixed in position to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but energy capture efficiency decreases due to inability to optimize orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tilt adjustment mechanisms that allow solar panels to automatically change their orientation angle in response to varying sun positions and environmental conditions, transforming the static fixed-structure approach into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes energy capture throughout the day and seasons
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-regulating mechanisms where solar panels automatically adjust their tilt angles through buoyancy-based hydraulic systems that respond to changes in water level, temperature, and solar position without requiring external control systems or complex actuators, enabling the structure to service itself
3Ease of repair
If solar panels are mounted on fixed supports to reduce maintenance, then ease of maintenance is improved, but adaptability to varying environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tilt adjustment mechanisms that allow solar panels to automatically change their orientation angle in response to varying sun positions and environmental conditions, transforming the static fixed-structure approach into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes energy capture throughout the day and seasons
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters such as water temperature, buoyancy forces, and hydraulic pressure to automatically adjust panel orientation, allowing the system to adapt to seasonal and daily environmental variations without mechanical complexity or increased maintenance needs
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 provides efficient solar energy capture with minimal land use by optimizing panel orientation and reducing maintenance, while being cost-effective and adaptable to varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant module comprising a base configured for being buoyantly supported within a body of water
Implementation Method 2
a fluid-holding container sized and fitted for being received within said space and for moving in a vertical dimension relative to said base; and wherein a vertical position of said container relative to said base is determined, at least in part, by a fluid level in said container
Data Source
AI summary
A buoyant module comprising a base configured for being buoyantly supported within a body of water, wherein said base defines a space which is in fluid communication with said body of water; a fluid-holding container sized and fitted for being received within said space and for moving in a vertical dimension relative to said base; and wherein a vertical position of said container relative to said base is determined, at least in part, by a fluid level in said container.