Foldable Solar Panel Frame for Mobile Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile and self-sufficient devices for converting solar energy into electrical energy are limited by the size of the container, restricting the usable energy output due to the fixed arrangement of solar modules, which hinders optimal energy harvesting, especially for large energy requirements.
Innovation Solution
The device features foldable solar panels with two partial plates that can be arranged in a gabled roof configuration, allowing for maximum exposure to sunlight and easy deployment on uneven terrain, with a container design that enables vertical storage and expansion to optimize solar panel area usage, combined with a wind turbine and energy storage system for multi-energy conversion capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If solar modules are arranged in a fixed configuration on the container, then the device structure is simple and compact, but the solar energy harvesting area is limited and energy output is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel system is divided into multiple independent panels that can be individually deployed and positioned. Each panel can be independently adjusted to optimize sunlight exposure, allowing the system to harvest energy from multiple directions simultaneously, thereby increasing total energy output without requiring a single large complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat panel arrangement on the container surface to a three-dimensional spatial configuration where panels are elevated on adjustable stands and positioned at various angles and heights. This vertical and angular dimensionality allows panels to capture sunlight from different directions and times of day, significantly increasing energy harvesting capacity
2Productivity
If solar panels are arranged at fixed angles on the container, then the structure is stable and simple, but optimal solar irradiation cannot be achieved throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are mounted on adjustable stands that allow dynamic repositioning of panel angles and orientations. This dynamic capability enables the panels to be adjusted throughout the day to track the sun's movement across the sky, maximizing energy harvesting efficiency at different times while maintaining structural simplicity through modular, manually-adjustable components
3Quantity of substance
If the container size is increased to accommodate larger solar panels, then energy production capacity increases, but mobility and portability of the device are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar energy system is segmented into multiple independent panels that can be deployed in various configurations. Instead of requiring one large container to hold all panels, the system uses several smaller panels that can be arranged in arrays, allowing high energy production capacity while maintaining a compact container size for easy transport and deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional positioning by elevating panels on adjustable stands and arranging them at various angles. This allows the deployment of a large total panel area without increasing the horizontal footprint or container dimensions, thereby maintaining mobility while achieving high energy production capacity
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
This configuration allows for a significant increase in electrical energy production by ensuring optimal solar irradiation and providing a flexible, space-efficient setup that can handle large energy demands, while also enabling energy generation from wind power when sunlight is absent.
Implementation Method 1
devices for converting solar energy into electrical energy with solar modules arranged in panels
Implementation Method 2
The second frame with panels with solar modules is further pivotally connected to a guided support member of the container for moving the frames with the panels with the solar panels in and out of the container
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to mobile and self-sufficient devices for converting solar energy to electrical energy, comprising solar modules arranged in panels, and a container. Said devices provide a large amount of electrical energy. For this purpose, the panels have at least two panel portions which can be folded against one another. In addition, a pivotable panel is located on each side of a first frame, the first frame, when unfolded, forming a stand for the inclined panels that have a gabled roof form. The first frame is displaceably arranged in or on a second frame having pivotable panels on each side such that, when pushed apart, the frames having inclined panels have a gabled roof form, and when pushed into each other, the frames with their folded panels have a cuboid form. In addition, the second frame is hinged to a guided holding element of the container for moving the frame comprising the panels with their solar modules, into and out of the container.