Portable solar photovoltaic array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays are costly due to complex structures and high installation labor, limiting their use to bespoke applications, while pre-assembled arrays with folding structures are expensive and not cost-effective for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A portable PV array design featuring two planar modules connected by flexible connectors that allow for easy folding and deployment into an East-West configuration, reducing structural requirements and enabling preassembly and easy installation, with the flexible connector restricting movement to a predetermined angle for optimal orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex mounting structures are used to achieve optimal module orientation and tracking, then energy generation is improved, but capital cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the PV array to transition between fixed and movable states. The array can be installed on existing structures (fixed) or freely positioned and repositioned (movable), providing adaptability without requiring complex tracking mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by achieving optimal orientation through simplicity rather than complex dynamic tracking structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter from fixed to adjustable through simple repositioning. By allowing the entire array to be freely positioned at optimal angles without complex mounting structures, it achieves high energy generation while maintaining low device complexity. The array's design enables parameter changes in orientation and position without requiring sophisticated mechanical systems.
2Productivity
If tracking structures are implemented to maximize energy yield, then energy generation is improved, but capital cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from complex mechanical structures and replaces it with simple, lightweight mounting components. By removing the need for heavy dual-axis or single-axis tracking mechanisms and using only essential mounting elements, the array achieves comparable energy yield through simplified design, thereby reducing capital cost while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple mounting structures that can be easily replaced or repositioned rather than investing in expensive, complex tracking systems. This approach uses cost-effective components that achieve the necessary orientation functionality without the high capital cost of sophisticated tracking infrastructure, resolving the contradiction between energy yield and capital cost.
3Device complexity
If fixed arrays are used to reduce cost and complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but energy generation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic repositioning capability to a previously static fixed array design. By enabling the array to be freely positioned and adjusted to optimal orientations without complex mounting structures, it transforms from a fixed to a dynamically adaptable system. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining low device complexity while significantly improving energy generation through simple position adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in orientation and position through simple repositioning rather than fixed installation. By allowing the array to be adjusted to optimal angles and locations without complex mechanisms, it achieves high energy generation while maintaining low device complexity. The design facilitates parameter optimization through simplicity rather than complexity.
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 design reduces the cost and installation complexity of portable PV arrays, allowing for efficient energy generation and easy relocation, while maintaining optimal module orientation without the need for on-site angle adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
Solar PV modules are well known as devices that convert light energy (electromagnetic radiation) directly into usable electric energy via a photoelectric effect
Data Source
AI summary
A portable PV module array, the modules being connected along adjacent end edges and being foldable relative to each other about the connected end edges between a closed condition and an open condition, whereby: in the closed condition, the PV modules are stacked together in a generally parallel and close facing relationship with the edges of the PV modules in general alignment, and in the open condition, the PV modules are disposed at an angle to each other so that the PV module array defines triangular configuration, and foldable movement of the PV modules from the closed condition to the open condition being restricted against movement beyond the open condition by a flexible connector that connects with a connection point associated with each of the PV modules of the PV module array and that is tensioned in the open condition and that is slack in the closed condition.