Foldable Solar Panels on IBC Ballast for Rapid Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power systems are not easily deployable and transportable, especially in remote or disaster-stricken areas, as they require extensive installation and are not designed for rapid deployment or energy generation from a compact form.
Innovation Solution
A foldable solar power system mounted on an intermediate bulk container (IBC) that can be easily transported and deployed, featuring articulating hinges and a support structure allowing solar panels to fold against the IBC for storage and unfold for energy generation, with the IBC serving as ballast and potentially filled with liquids for dual use as a water source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar power systems are designed for high power output, then energy generation capability is improved, but portability and ease of deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is divided into multiple foldable panels that can be separated and reconfigured. Each panel contains solar cells mounted on a rigid support structure with articulating hinges, allowing the system to be segmented for transport and reassembled for deployment. This segmentation enables high power output when deployed while maintaining portability during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs articulating hinges and movable support structures that allow the solar panels to transition between folded and unfolded configurations. The articulating hinges enable dynamic reconfiguration of the panels from a compact folded state for transport to an extended deployed state for maximum energy generation, resolving the contradiction between portability and power output.
2Ease of operation
If solar power systems are designed for rapid deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are pre-assembled with articulating hinges and support structures in a factory setting, allowing for quality control and pre-testing. The pre-assembled units maintain structural integrity through engineered connections while enabling rapid field deployment. The articulating hinges are pre-configured to provide both stability when deployed and foldability for transport, resolving the contradiction between rapid deployment and structural stability.
3Ease of operation
If solar panels are made foldable for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable solar system is segmented into modular panels with standardized articulating hinge mechanisms. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components that can be assembled into complete systems. The modular design reduces manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single large foldable structure, while maintaining portability through the ability to fold and transport multiple smaller panels.
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 rapid and efficient deployment of solar energy generation in remote or disaster areas with reduced installation costs and environmental impact, providing a reliable off-grid power source that can be easily retracted and relocated, capable of producing thousands of watts of power.
Implementation Method 1
Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV)... Photovoltaic cells convert light to an electric current using the photovoltaic effect.
Data Source
AI summary
Foldable solar power systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a solar power system includes a support structure mounted to an intermediate bulk container (IBC) or other tank structure. A plurality of solar panels are mounted to the support structure. The support structure is movable between (a) a first configuration for storage and transport and (b) a second configuration for energy generation. In the first configuration, the solar panels are folded adjacent to a sidewall of the IBC. In the second configuration, the solar panels are opened/expanded and generally coplanar with one another. The solar panels can be aligned with a solar energy source in the second configuration to generate electrical energy. The IBC can be filled with a ballast material to anchor the solar panels in the second configuration.