Mobile Agrivoltaic Shading Platform for Crop Water and Power Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photovoltaic power generation systems face challenges in urban settings due to poor power generation efficiency, inconsistent light exposure, and aesthetic issues, while also posing a counterproductive removal of prime farmland for solar panel arrays, which can damage crops and require excessive water and labor for shading solutions.
Innovation Solution
A scalable, mobile agrivoltaic system with adjustable shade structures and integrated solar panels that can move to optimize crop irradiation, reduce water usage, and generate electricity, equipped with sensors for precise irrigation and LED lighting to enhance crop growth, allowing for modular and self-sustaining operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large arrays of solar panels are deployed for practical electrical generation, then power generation efficiency is improved, but the system becomes infeasible for urban settings due to poor power generation to panel area ratios and inconsistent light exposures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mobile, adjustable shading structures that can dynamically reposition themselves to optimize both solar panel illumination and crop light exposure. The system transitions from static large-scale arrays to dynamic modular units that adapt their position and orientation based on real-time conditions, enabling practical power generation in urban environments with limited and variable sunlight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the traditional large solar array into multiple smaller, modular agrivoltaic units that can be independently deployed and positioned. Each module contains integrated solar panels and adjustable shading structures, allowing flexible deployment in urban settings while maintaining effective power generation through optimized panel-to-crop area ratios.
2Power
If prime productive farmland is removed for solar panel arrays, then electrical generation is improved, but crop production is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges solar power generation and crop production into a single integrated agrivoltaic system. Solar panels are positioned above crops with adjustable shading structures that allow both functions to coexist on the same land area, eliminating the need to choose between electricity generation and agricultural productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile agrivoltaic modules serve multiple functions simultaneously: generating electrical power through solar panels, providing adjustable shade to protect crops from excessive sunlight, and enabling controlled light exposure for optimal crop growth. This multi-functionality allows prime farmland to continue producing crops while generating electricity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shade netting or kaolin clay spray is used to protect crops from excessive solar exposure, then crop protection is improved, but labor intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated mobile shading structures that self-adjust their position and orientation based on solar position and crop needs. The motorized towers and adjustable panels eliminate the need for manual application of shade netting or kaolin clay, providing automated crop protection that reduces labor intensity while maintaining effective shielding from excessive solar exposure.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If additional water is applied to crops during hot days to mitigate heat stress, then crop survival is improved, but water consumption increases in areas with seasonal water shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile agrivoltaic system provides preliminary protection by positioning adjustable shading structures over crops before excessive heat and solar exposure occur. By preemptively reducing solar radiation and heat stress on crops, the system prevents water loss through evaporation and transpiration, eliminating the need for additional irrigation during hot periods and conserving water in resource-limited environments.
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 system effectively reduces crop water demand, optimizes solar energy generation, and improves crop growth rates while maintaining agricultural productivity, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for both electricity production and crop management.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solar panels attached to the support structure, said solar panels configured to provide shade to crops, said solar panels configured to provide electrical power to the motorized towers
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of mobile support towers attached to the support structure and configured to move the support structure from location to location
Implementation Method 3
an irrigation system attached to the support structure and configured to provide irrigation to crops
Implementation Method 4
a sensor system configured to monitor crop moisture and deploy the irrigation system when crop irrigation is required
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile, modular shading and solar generation platform and system that provides adjustable shade for crops sensitive to excessive sunlight or as mobile paddock system for animals while optimizing power generation. The system has a platform with solar panels and shade panels that is supported by motorized mobile towers with batteries for electrical storage and transfer. The system can be equipped with different environmental sensors to detect biotic and abiotic stress in plants and control shading needs. Use of mobile, adjustable shading will reduce plant water use by decreasing the evapotranspiration rate. The platform may also include an irrigation system for controlled watering and growth lights to improve crop growth rate and quality. The system may also include a master controller for controlled movement of the apparatus structure, irrigation, sensor data and electricity transfer.