Foldable Solar Array for Portable EV Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face limitations in range and access to charging stations, particularly in remote areas without access to the electrical grid, and require a portable and cost-effective solution for charging that can be easily deployed and reconfigured for transport.
Innovation Solution
A portable unit with a moveable docking pad and a solar array that can be reconfigured for transport, featuring a tracking mechanism to maximize sunlight exposure and an inverter system to convert solar energy into usable power for electric vehicles, allowing for both DC and AC output configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solar array is made large and rigid to maximize energy harvesting, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but transportability and ease of deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be folded together. Each section contains photovoltaic panels that can be folded flat against one another, allowing the large array to be compacted into a small package for transport while maintaining full surface area for energy harvesting when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array employs collapsible support structures and folding mechanisms that allow it to dynamically change between a large, rigid operational configuration for maximum energy harvesting and a compact, flexible configuration for easy transport and deployment
2Power
If the solar array is extended to increase charging capacity, then charging power is improved, but wind resistance and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array uses collapsible support structures that allow the array to be configured at optimal angles for energy harvesting while maintaining the ability to be fully retracted or folded flat to minimize wind resistance during transport or in high-wind conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are designed with flexible mounting structures that allow them to be folded flat against each other, creating a streamlined profile that minimizes wind resistance when the array is not in use or during transport
3Reliability
If a permanent charging station is installed to provide reliable charging, then charging reliability is improved, but cost and installation time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The portable solar charging system is self-contained with integrated photovoltaic panels, battery storage, and charging electronics that can be deployed independently without requiring connection to the electrical grid or professional installation, providing reliable charging at remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The portable charging station can be deployed at multiple locations and used with various electric vehicle types, providing versatile charging capability without requiring location-specific permanent infrastructure
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
Enables flexible and efficient charging of electric vehicles at various locations without grid access, providing a cost-effective and simple-to-manufacture solution that minimizes wind resistance during transport and maximizes energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
a solar array which is affixed to a second end of the column
Implementation Method 2
an inverter system to convert solar energy into usable power for electric vehicles, allowing for both DC and AC output configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile solar array is provided which can be reconfigured between an operational (i.e. flat) configuration, and a retracted (i.e. folded) configuration. This is a two-step process. First, the structure that supports the solar array in its operation configuration on a docking pad is collapsed. This lowers the solar array toward the docking pad. Next, the solar array, which includes three sections of photovoltaic modules is folded lengthwise. Specifically, side sections of the solar array are folded out-of-plane from the center section. This places the solar array in its retracted configuration.