Foldable Solar Module With Retractable Lamella Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar modules designed for mobile use are not suitable for stationary outdoor applications, particularly for energy supply systems in single-family homes, as they lack protection from weather conditions and efficient installation methods.
Innovation Solution
A solar module with pivoting lamellar panels mounted on an elongate carrier that can be extended and retracted within a housing, featuring a closable opening for protection, a small installation depth for flush installation, and an automatic sun-tracking system with sweeping lips for self-cleaning, along with electric drives for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar modules are designed for mobile use with fanned-out panels, then portability and compact storage are improved, but protection from weather conditions and suitability for stationary outdoor use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar module employs a dynamic carrier system that can pivot between a retracted position (for protection and compact storage) and an extended position (for energy generation). The carrier rotates about an axis, allowing the solar panels to be dynamically positioned based on weather conditions and operational needs, thus achieving both portability and weather protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar module is divided into multiple lamellar solar panels mounted on a common carrier, allowing independent pivoting and fanning out. This segmentation enables the panels to be stored compactly in a retracted position for protection while allowing full deployment for energy generation, resolving the contradiction between portability and weather protection.
2Productivity
If solar panels are extended and fanned out for energy generation, then energy production is improved, but exposure to damage from weather conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system allows dynamic positioning of solar panels between retracted (protected) and extended (productive) states. This enables the module to maximize energy production when needed while minimizing exposure to harmful weather factors by retracting when conditions are adverse.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides preliminary protection by enclosing the solar panels in a retracted position within the housing body. This preliminary protective action prevents weather damage before it can occur, allowing the panels to be safely stored and deployed as needed without exposure to harmful environmental factors.
3Reliability
If a housing structure is added for protection, then weather protection is improved, but installation depth and space requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier pivots about an axis that allows movement in a rotational dimension rather than requiring linear extension. This dimensional change enables the solar panels to be stored within the housing depth by rotating into a retracted position, reducing the required installation depth while maintaining protective enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are nested within the housing structure when in the retracted position, with the lamellar panels stacked congruently parallel to the carrier. This nesting arrangement allows the panels to be contained within the housing body, minimizing the required installation depth while providing comprehensive weather protection.
4Ease of manufacture
If sweeping lips are added for self-cleaning, then maintenance requirements are improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar module performs self-cleaning through sweeping lips that automatically remove dirt and debris from the panel surfaces during operation. This self-service function reduces maintenance requirements without requiring external cleaning systems or additional operational interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sweeping lips are integrated into the existing carrier and panel structure, combining the cleaning function with the structural components already present in the module. This merging approach adds the self-cleaning capability while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing existing structural elements.
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 provides a protected and efficient solar module for stationary outdoor use, ensuring optimal energy generation and easy installation, while maintaining a compact design and automatic operation for varying weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each solar panel is preferably formed by a flat array of photovoltaic solar cells in order to generate electrical energy directly
Implementation Method 2
at least one solar panel is equipped on its rear side with a sweeping lip that slides off the underlying solar panel when it fans out
Implementation Method 3
it is particularly advantageous if the solar panels can be moved between their positions by means of an electric drive and the carrier can be moved in and out by means of an electric drive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Solar module (1) having a multiplicity of lamella-form solar panels (10), which are mounted on an elongate carrier (3) so as to be pivotable about a common axis (11) and can be moved between a first position, in which they are located substantially congruently one above the other and parallel to the carrier (3), and a second position, in which they are fanned out substantially one beside the other about the aforementioned axis (11), wherein the carrier (3) can be extended out of a housing (2), which accommodates the carrier with the solar panels (10) in the first position, via a closable opening (5) of the housing.