Foldable Solar Array Tracking on Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable solar power systems inefficiently track the sun and are not adaptable to various terrain conditions, leading to suboptimal energy generation, especially when the sun's position deviates from an east-west alignment and in uneven terrain environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable solar power system featuring a foldable plate with rotating mechanisms and a mast, coupled with motor drives that adjust the solar cell array about different axes to align with the sun's position throughout the day, using a software algorithm to determine optimal orientations based on location and time, and adjustable ground supports for stability on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solar panels are mounted on rotating beams positioned parallel with the equator for portable deployment, then the system is portable and can be easily deployed, but the solar panels cannot effectively track the sun when it deviates from east-west alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dual-axis tracking mechanism that allows the solar panels to dynamically adjust their orientation in two independent directions (azimuth and elevation). This enables the panels to continuously track the sun's movement across the sky, maximizing energy capture while maintaining portability through motorized rotation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-axis rotation system (parallel with equator) to a dual-axis system by adding elevation adjustment capability. This dimensional expansion allows the solar panels to operate effectively at any time of day, including morning and afternoon when the sun is at low angles, thereby resolving the contradiction between portability and energy capture efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If the solar power system uses a fixed orientation structure for simple deployment, then the system is easy to deploy, but it fails to adapt to various terrain conditions and sun positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through two independent rotation mechanisms: one for azimuth adjustment (east-west orientation) and another for elevation adjustment (angle from horizon). This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt to any terrain condition and track the sun's position throughout the day, while maintaining relatively simple deployment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing independent adjustment of two key orientation parameters: azimuth angle and elevation angle. These parameters can be modified based on terrain conditions and sun position, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance across diverse environments without complicating the basic deployment process.
3Device complexity
If solar panels are oriented only along longitudinal direction with equator-parallel beams, then the structure is simple, but the system cannot track the sun effectively in the morning and afternoon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a second rotational dimension (elevation axis) to the existing azimuth rotation capability. This dimensional addition enables the solar panels to tilt at various angles from the horizon, allowing effective energy capture during morning and afternoon hours when the sun is at low angles, while keeping the structural complexity manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing motorized control for both azimuth and elevation rotations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize its orientation for any time of day, significantly improving morning and afternoon energy generation without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
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 effectively and efficiently tracks the sun's movement, enhancing energy generation and allowing deployment on diverse terrain, ensuring maximum solar power capture regardless of sun position or terrain complexity.
Implementation Method 1
both of which have respective surfaces on which solar cells of a solar cell array are mounted
Data Source
AI summary
A portable solar power system and a method for deploying the portable solar power system are disclosed. The portable solar power system may include a foldable plate including a non-foldable portion and at least one foldable portion with respective to the non-foldable portion, both of which have respective surfaces on which a solar cell array is mounted; a rotating mechanism for rotating the foldable plate at least in a generally horizontal plane; and a mast for supporting at least a part of the rotating mechanism and the foldable plate.