Mirror Angle Control for Solar Panels and Shadow Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel installations face inefficiencies due to the use of mirror reflectors, which increase ground coverage ratio and shadowing, necessitating a need to improve efficiency while utilizing the larger footprint.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for adjusting the inclination angle of mirrors adjacent to solar panels and shadow-effect energy generators (SEGs) based on solar irradiance and shadow profiles, using inclinometers and actuators to optimize power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mirror reflectors are added to solar panels to increase power generation efficiency, then energy output is improved, but ground coverage ratio increases causing shadowing of adjacent panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mirror inclination angle adjustable rather than fixed. The control system dynamically changes the mirror angle based on real-time solar position and shadow analysis to optimize reflection to adjacent panels while minimizing unwanted shadowing, resolving the contradiction between maximizing reflected energy and minimizing ground coverage impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of mirror inclination angle to optimize system performance. By adjusting this parameter based on solar irradiance data and shadow analysis, the system maximizes power generation efficiency while controlling the adverse effects of increased ground coverage ratio
2Productivity
If mirror reflectors are added to solar panels to increase power generation, then energy output is improved, but shadowing of adjacent solar panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful shadowing effect into a beneficial control mechanism by using shadow analysis to determine optimal mirror angles. The shadowing potential is analyzed and used to adjust mirror inclination, ensuring that reflected energy is directed precisely where needed while minimizing harmful shadows on adjacent panels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control system that continuously monitors solar position, calculates shadow profiles, and adjusts mirror angles accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the mirror reflectors maximize power generation while automatically compensating for potential shadowing effects on adjacent 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
Enhances energy production by approximately 15% with a 5% increase in cost by leveraging shadow contrast for additional energy harvesting without increasing the solar panel installation area.
Implementation Method 1
Solar mirror solar reflection increases power generation, adding mirror reflectors to solar panels
Implementation Method 2
predicting a shadow contrast ratio based on the data; predicting, by the one or more processors, a SEG shadow profile based on the data
Data Source
AI summary
An approach for adjusting an inclination angle of a mirror to maximize power output of an adjacent solar panel and shadow-effect energy generator (SEG). The approach retrieves data associated with a solar irradiance profile and a SEG shadow profile. The approach predicts an irradiance profile based on the data. The approach predicts a shadow contrast ratio based on the data. The approach predicts a SEG shadow profile based on the data. The approach calculates optimized control parameters associated with a mirror based on the irradiance profile, the shadow contrast ratio and the SEG shadow profile. The approach adjusts the mirror inclination angle based on the optimized control parameters.