Foldable Photovoltaic Panel Sections With Reflective Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Silicon photovoltaic panels are rigid and cannot be folded, limiting their application in space and portable systems where lightweight, flexible, and foldable solar panels are required to maximize surface area for solar energy collection.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic system comprising interconnected sections with bifacial PV elements and reflective surfaces that can be switched between folded and unfolded states, using metallized plastics or glasses with conductive or non-conductive properties, and actuated by telescoping segments for reversible deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional silicon photovoltaic panels are used, then power production capability is achieved, but the panels are rigid and cannot be folded, limiting space and portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic system is divided into multiple interconnected sections that can be independently folded and deployed. Each section contains PV elements and reflective surfaces that work together to maintain structural integrity while enabling foldability through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible substrates and thin-film structures to replace traditional rigid silicon panels, enabling the system to be folded while maintaining photovoltaic functionality. The flexible nature of these materials allows reversible switching between folded and unfolded states
2Volume of moving object
If foldable solar panels are implemented, then portability and space efficiency are improved, but the exposed surface area for solar energy collection is reduced when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the folded panels to be nested within a compact configuration while maintaining the capability to expand to large surface areas when deployed. The interconnected sections can be stored in a space-efficient manner and expanded when solar energy collection is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic system transitions dynamically between folded and unfolded states, allowing reversible switching between low-volume storage and high-surface-area operation. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements
3Use of energy by moving object
If reflective surfaces are added to concentrate sunlight, then energy concentration is enhanced, but the system complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surfaces are integrated directly into the photovoltaic sections, merging the light-concentrating function with the structural components. This integration reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple functions into unified elements rather than adding separate complex subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surfaces serve multiple functions: concentrating sunlight onto PV elements, providing structural support for the folded configuration, and enabling the interconnection between sections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components
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 increases unfolded area by up to 20 times, reduces weight by 50% for the same power production, enhances sunlight concentration by 2x, and minimizes radiation damage by redirecting harmful radiation away from the PV elements.
Implementation Method 1
each section includes a PV element and a reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
Silicon photovoltaic (PV) panels
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a photovoltaic (PV) system that includes a plurality of interconnected sections, where each section includes a PV element and a reflective surface, where at least two sections have a folded state and an unfolded state, and each section is configured to be switched between the folded state and the unfolded state.