Mobile PV Robot Network for Flexible Farm Power Without Soil Compaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of fixed photovoltaic (PV) panels on agricultural land causes soil compaction and renders the soil unsuitable for crop growing, while also limiting the flexibility in electrical energy distribution across different areas.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising mobile robots, including collecting robots and producing robots equipped with PV generators, which can be temporarily and flexibly deployed in a target area to generate and distribute electrical energy, minimizing soil compaction and maximizing land use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fixed PV panels are installed on agricultural land, then electrical energy production is achieved, but soil compaction occurs and soil viability for crop growing is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from fixed PV panels to mobile robotic units that can move across the agricultural land. The robots are equipped with wheels or tracks that distribute their weight, preventing soil compaction while maintaining electrical energy generation capability. The system dynamically repositions itself based on energy production needs and crop growth cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fixed installation system with an autonomous mobile robotic system. Instead of heavy machinery permanently installing PV panels on the ground, self-propelled robots with PV generators move across the surface, substituting the static mechanical structure with a dynamic autonomous system that minimizes soil impact.
2Power
If fixed PV panels are installed in a given area, then electrical energy is produced, but the soil in that area can no longer be used for crop growing
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic units can be dynamically relocated from areas where crops are being grown to areas where energy production is needed. This temporal and spatial separation allows the same land to serve both agricultural and energy production purposes at different times, maximizing land use versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the agricultural land into multiple zones that can be alternately used for cropping and energy production. The robotic units operate in specific zones during specific periods, allowing other zones to remain dedicated to agriculture. This segmentation enables flexible land management and multi-purpose utilization.
3Power
If fixed PV panels are installed, then electricity is produced for equipment in the installation area, but new additional connecting installations are necessary for temporary energy needs in other areas
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic units serve multiple functions: they generate electrical energy, store energy in onboard batteries, and can autonomously transport energy to different locations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connecting installations, as the robots themselves become mobile energy distribution units that can serve multiple areas sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the static electrical grid connection system with mobile robotic energy transporters. Instead of installing physical connecting infrastructure between energy production sites and consumption points, autonomous robots with energy storage capabilities physically transport energy between locations, substituting mechanical grid infrastructure with autonomous mobile systems.
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 allows for efficient and flexible electrical energy generation and distribution without causing soil compaction, enabling temporary installations that can be easily moved and adapted to specific energy needs, while maintaining the land's viability for crop growing.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic, PV, generator for generating electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating electrical energy, for instance at an agricultural site. The system includes at least one mobile robot, referred to as “collecting robot” and a plurality of mobile robots, referred to as “producing robots”. Each collect robot includes at least one input port adapted for coupling with an output port of a producing robot and an output port for outputting electrical energy received from each producing robot coupled with the collecting robot. Each producing robot includes a photovoltaic generator, at least one input port adapted for coupling with an output port of another producing robot, and at least one output port for outputting electrical energy generated by the producing robot and received from each other producing robot coupled with the producing robot.