Solar panel assembly and solar power system including same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power systems on water bodies require large installation areas and are inefficient as they can only convert sunlight directly reaching the solar panels into energy, leaving unused sunlight rays unutilized for energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel assembly design featuring a base with tubular bodies for floating, obliquely disposed solar panels, and reflector plates to reflect missed light rays to the bottom surface of the panels for energy conversion, along with a support unit and connectors for structural stability and modular arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional solar panels are installed directly on water bodies, then the installation area is large, but the energy conversion efficiency is low because only direct sunlight rays can be absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reflector plates positioned below the solar panels to redirect sunlight from below the panels onto the panel surfaces. This adds a vertical dimension to light collection, allowing the system to capture sunlight that would otherwise miss the panels, thereby improving energy conversion efficiency without requiring additional horizontal installation area
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector plates act as intermediary elements that intercept sunlight passing underneath the solar panels and redirect it onto the panel surfaces. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to utilize previously wasted sunlight rays, converting them into usable energy and resolving the contradiction between installation area and energy conversion efficiency
2Loss of energy
If solar panels are arranged in a matrix manner on water bodies, then the structural stability is maintained, but the sunlight rays missing the panels cannot be utilized for energy conversion
Solution Approach 1:
By adding reflector plates below the solar panels, the system captures sunlight from the vertical dimension (below the panels) in addition to the horizontal dimension (directly hitting panels). This dimensional expansion allows utilization of previously wasted sunlight without altering the matrix arrangement complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of sunlight passing underneath the panels and being wasted into a beneficial resource by using reflector plates to redirect this otherwise lost sunlight onto the panel surfaces, thereby improving energy utilization without increasing structural complexity
3Productivity
If reflector plates are added to reflect missed light rays to the bottom surface of panels, then energy conversion efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is segmented into distinct functional modules: solar panels for energy conversion, reflector plates for light redirection, and support structures for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system productivity and making the assembly structure more manageable
4Strength
If tubular bodies are used as floating base, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the installation area occupied is large
Solution Approach 1:
The use of tubular (curved/cylindrical) bodies as floating supports provides superior structural integrity compared to flat structures. The curved geometry of the tubes naturally resists deformation and maintains strength while occupying minimal horizontal space on the water body surface, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and water body occupation
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 conversion efficiency by trapping and absorbing sunlight rays of different angles, increasing overall power generation while maintaining structural integrity and facilitating easy maintenance through modular design.
Implementation Method 1
The top and bottom surfaces are configured to convert light energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The at least one reflector plate is disposed between the base and the at least one solar panel to reflect light rays to the bottom surface
Implementation Method 3
The tubular bodies are configured to float on a water body
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel assembly includes a base having tubular bodies, a support unit including support frames connected between the tubular bodies and supporting rods extending upwardly from the supporting frames, a solar power panel disposed on the supporting rods, and a reflector plate disposed between the base and the solar panel to reflect light rays to a bottom surface of the solar panel. A solar power system includes a plurality of the aforesaid solar panel assemblies and multiple connectors.