Floating Solar Array Control for Wave-Adaptive Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floating solar array systems face challenges in optimizing energy harvesting due to varying environmental conditions such as wave frequency and solar irradiance, which affect the efficiency of both solar energy and kinetic energy harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a data-analysis-based control system that determines environmental conditions and dynamically adjusts the configuration of a floating solar array system to optimize net energy harvesting. This includes modulating the piezoelectric resonant frequency of kinetic energy harvesters to match natural wave frequencies and adjusting solar array panel angles to maximize energy capture from both solar and kinetic sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the floating solar array system uses fixed configuration, then the system structure is simple, but the energy harvesting efficiency decreases under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of solar array panel angles and kinetic energy harvester positions based on real-time environmental conditions (wave frequency, solar irradiance, wind speed). The control system continuously modifies the configuration to optimize energy harvesting, transforming the fixed system into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (panel tilt angles, harvester spacing, kinetic energy device activation) based on measured environmental conditions. When wave frequency exceeds thresholds, the system adjusts kinetic energy harvester positions; when solar irradiance is low, it modifies panel angles to maximize capture, thereby optimizing energy harvesting through parameter adaptation.
2Productivity
If the system dynamically adjusts configuration to optimize energy harvesting, then energy harvesting efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors environmental conditions (wave frequency, solar irradiance, wind speed) and uses this feedback to adjust the floating solar array configuration. Sensors detect environmental parameters, the controller processes this information, and actuators modify panel angles and harvester positions accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback system that optimizes energy harvesting while managing control complexity through systematic monitoring and adjustment.
3Productivity
If kinetic energy harvesters are activated during high wave frequency events, then kinetic energy harvesting improves, but the overall system stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is configured to activate kinetic energy harvesters only when wave frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, preventing activation during calm conditions. This preliminary condition-checking ensures that kinetic energy harvesting occurs only when environmentally appropriate, maintaining system stability while capturing kinetic energy during high-wave events.
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 enhances energy harvesting efficiency by dynamically adapting to environmental conditions, thereby optimizing the combination of solar and kinetic energy harvesting, leading to increased overall energy output from floating solar array systems.
Implementation Method 1
a kinetic energy harvester to harvest kinetic energy
Implementation Method 2
modulating the piezoelectric resonant frequency of kinetic energy harvesters
Implementation Method 3
a floating solar array to harvest solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
Data-analysis-based processes for optimizing energy harvesting from a floating solar array system are provided. The processes include obtaining a data-analysis-based control to control energy harvesting from a floating solar array system on water. The floating solar array system includes a floating solar array to harvest solar energy and a kinetic energy harvester to harvest kinetic energy. The data-analysis-based control is configured to determine an environmental condition to effect the floating solar array system, and to dynamically adjust a configuration of the floating solar array system to optimize net energy harvesting of the floating solar array system from the floating solar array and the kinetic energy harvester based on the determined environmental condition to effect the floating solar array system.