Fluidic Bellows Solar Actuator for Low-Cost Panel Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar actuation techniques are expensive and complex, limiting their widespread adoption for efficient energy redirection and collection.
Innovation Solution
A solar actuator system utilizing fluidic bellows actuators with a network-embedded control system, which includes sensors and valves to manage fluid pressure and volume for precise positioning of photovoltaic panels and energy collection, leveraging mass manufacturing techniques like blow molding for cost-effectiveness and high strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solar actuation techniques are used, then solar energy redirection and collection can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluidic bellows actuators that use pneumatic pressure to drive the positioning mechanism. Compressed air or gas is introduced into the bellows chambers, causing them to expand and contract, which in turn moves the photovoltaic panels to optimal positions for solar energy collection. This pneumatic approach replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a simpler, more reliable fluid-driven mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in fluid pressure parameters to control the bellows actuators. By varying the pressure and volume of the introduced gas, the actuators can precisely adjust the position and orientation of solar panels. This parameter-based control simplifies the overall system architecture compared to traditional mechanical actuation with multiple motors and linkages.
2Reliability
If conventional solar actuation techniques are used, then solar energy redirection and collection can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic bellows actuators utilize readily available compressed air or gas sources, eliminating the need for expensive electric motors, controllers, and power supply systems. The pneumatic components (bellows, valves, pressure regulators) are relatively inexpensive and can be manufactured using standard industrial processes, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliable solar tracking functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If high strength positioning structure is used, then precise positioning of photovoltaic panels is achieved, but the structure becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows actuators employ flexible thin-walled structures that can expand and contract while maintaining structural integrity. These thin-film bellows chambers provide the necessary mechanical advantage for precise positioning without requiring heavy rigid components. The flexibility of the thin-walled structure allows for smooth, controlled motion of the photovoltaic panels while keeping the overall system weight low.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic pressure system provides precise control forces to the lightweight bellows actuators, enabling accurate positioning of photovoltaic panels without requiring heavy mechanical structures. The gas pressure can be precisely regulated to achieve the exact positioning needed, replacing the need for robust, weighty mechanical positioning mechanisms.
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 achieves efficient and cost-effective solar energy redirection and collection by using fluidic bellows actuators with embedded control systems, enabling precise positioning and high-strength, low-weight designs suitable for large-scale energy generation and rooftop applications.
Implementation Method 1
A solar actuator comprises a top coupler, a bottom coupler, and a plurality of fluidic bellows actuators, wherein a fluidic bellows actuator of the plurality of fluidic bellows actuators moves the top coupler relative to the bottom coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A solar actuator comprises a top coupler, a bottom coupler, and a plurality of fluidic bellows actuators, wherein a fluidic bellows actuator of the plurality of fluidic bellows actuators moves the top coupler relative to the bottom coupler.