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 requirements, limiting their use to bespoke applications, while existing pre-assembled arrays either lack portability or are expensive and inefficient in energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A portable PV array design featuring foldable, pre-assembled modules with flexible connectors that restrict movement to a predetermined angle, allowing for easy setup and reconfiguration between closed and open conditions, reducing structural needs and installation complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tracking structures are used to optimize energy generation, then energy yield increases, but capital cost and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The PV array is divided into multiple independently foldable modules that can be easily deployed and reconfigured without complex tracking mechanisms. Each module is a self-contained unit that can be stacked for transport and rapidly deployed at the destination, eliminating the need for complex mounting structures while maintaining deployment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The array transitions from a static fixed-orientation design to a dynamic deployable structure that can be folded and unfolded. This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve both as a compact transport package and as an operational PV array, achieving adaptability without requiring complex active tracking mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If fixed arrays are used to reduce cost, then capital cost decreases, but energy generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The modules are pre-assembled and pre-configured during manufacturing with optimal orientations already established. This preliminary action ensures that when deployed, the modules are immediately in their energy-generating configuration without requiring complex on-site adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while ensuring optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that fixed arrays have suboptimal orientation compared to tracking systems, but compensates by optimizing the fixed orientation parameters during the design phase. The modules are configured with specific tilt angles and orientations that maximize annual energy generation for the given location, achieving the best possible performance for a fixed-orientation system.
3Ease of operation
If portable arrays are made foldable for ease of transport, then portability improves, but structural requirements and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, robust connectors and hinge mechanisms that are designed for reliability rather than complexity. These connection components are made as simple as possible to reduce manufacturing cost and assembly complexity, accepting that they may need replacement rather than designing for long-term durability with complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable modules are designed to be self-supporting when deployed, with the structure itself providing the necessary stability and orientation. The modules automatically maintain their configuration once deployed, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms or active control systems to maintain the folded or deployed state.
4Loss of time
If pre-assembled arrays are used to reduce installation time, then installation efficiency improves, but portability and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The PV array is segmented into multiple modular units that can be pre-assembled to some extent but remain independently deployable. This segmentation allows the array to be transported in a compact folded state and rapidly deployed at different locations, achieving both portability and installation efficiency. The modular design enables partial deployment if full array installation is not immediately required.
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 design enhances portability and installation efficiency, reduces structural requirements, and optimizes energy generation by maintaining a pre-set East-West orientation, making it more cost-effective and suitable for various applications.
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.