Marina Solar Energy System with Dock Box Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marinas lack the infrastructure to effectively harness and distribute solar energy, as they are not typically equipped with solar panels despite having unobstructed sun-facing surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A marina solar energy system that integrates solar panels into existing structures such as dock boxes and other utility items, along with an energy distribution network to collect, store, and distribute generated energy to various areas within the marina, including rechargeable power sources and outlets for occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are installed on traditional rooftops and structures, then solar energy generation is achieved, but marinas lack the necessary infrastructure and adapted surfaces to support solar panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing solar panel assemblies that can be mounted on multiple types of marina surfaces including dock boxes, light posts, and other utility structures. This multi-functional approach allows solar energy generation across diverse marina environments without requiring specialized infrastructure for each surface type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the solar energy system into modular solar panel assemblies that can be independently installed on various marina surfaces. Each assembly is a self-contained unit that can be mounted on different structures, allowing flexible deployment across the marina without requiring a unified continuous mounting surface.
2Productivity
If solar panels are integrated into existing marina structures, then solar energy generation capability is added, but the system complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar panel functionality with existing marina utility structures such as dock boxes and light posts. By combining these previously separate functions into integrated assemblies, the system adds solar energy generation without requiring completely new infrastructure, thereby managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel assemblies are designed to be self-contained units that include their own mounting, electrical connections, and protective elements. This self-service design reduces installation and maintenance complexity by minimizing the need for additional infrastructure or complex integration procedures with existing marina structures.
3Ease of operation
If an energy distribution network is implemented throughout the marina, then solar energy can be distributed to occupants, but the infrastructure requirements and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy distribution network that acts as an intermediary between the solar panel assemblies and marina occupants. This network includes electrical connections and distribution points that facilitate energy transfer without requiring direct connections from each solar assembly to each user, thereby simplifying the overall infrastructure requirements.
4Productivity
If solar panels are installed on marina surfaces, then solar energy is generated, but protection against water and corrosion is required to ensure reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials and protective coatings on solar panel assemblies and marina structures to provide both structural integrity and protection against water and corrosion. These composite solutions combine materials with complementary properties to achieve both durability in the marine environment and functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective measures such as waterproof seals, corrosion-resistant coatings, and protective enclosures as integral parts of the solar panel assemblies and marina structures. These protective elements are built in from the beginning rather than added later, ensuring reliability against water and corrosion from the start of operation.
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 the generation and efficient distribution of solar energy within marinas, utilizing existing surfaces and providing power to marina occupants while minimizing environmental impact through waterproof and corrosion-resistant designs.
Implementation Method 1
solar panel assemblies 200 adapted to be received by the solar panel base assemblies and convert sunlight to energy
Data Source
AI summary
A marina solar energy system and method is provided. The system includes one or more base assemblies designed to support corresponding solar panel assemblies. For example, the system may include dock box lids with recesses adapted to receive and secure one or more solar panels, and an energy distribution system to receive and distribute the energy produced by the solar panel assemblies (e.g., to other areas of the marina, to a local power grid, etc.). The system also may include rechargeable power sources, such as rechargeable battery packs, that may store the energy produced by the solar panels. The system also may include electrical outlets for use by occupants of the marina.