Modular Solar Array Mounting for Portable Off-Grid Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable, environmentally-friendly electricity generator that can be easily transported and assembled at remote locations without the need for trained installers or expensive power meter installations, as traditional generators are noisy, costly, and generate unwanted exhaust gases.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar panel array system comprising a plurality of solar panel modules with slotted and hooked flanges for vertical stacking, a support structure for overhead mounting, and a power pack for storing and supplying electricity, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, transportation, and electrical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional gas-powered generators are used to generate electricity at remote locations, then power generation capability is provided, but noise, exhaust gases, and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical combustion-based power generation system with a photovoltaic system that converts sunlight directly into electricity. This substitution eliminates the harmful emissions and noise associated with gas-powered generators while maintaining the ability to generate electricity at remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful components (combustion engine, fuel tank, exhaust system) from the power generation system, retaining only the essential electricity generation function through solar panels and power pack, thereby eliminating noise and exhaust gases.
2Reliability
If power meters and electrical infrastructure are installed by local electrical companies, then reliable power supply is established, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power supply system into modular, portable components (solar panels, power pack, cables) that can be independently assembled and deployed without requiring professional electrical infrastructure installation. This segmentation enables rapid setup by non-specialists while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables end-users to independently assemble and deploy the power generation system without requiring professional electrical installers or complex infrastructure, thereby eliminating installation time delays and labor costs while providing reliable power supply.
3Ease of operation
If solar panel modules are designed for portability and easy assembly, then transportation and setup become simpler, but structural strength and stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solar power system into standardized modular panels with integrated connection mechanisms. These modules can be easily assembled and disassembled for transportation while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection points and frames designed for both portability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs universal connection mechanisms that serve multiple functions: enabling easy assembly and disassembly for portability, providing structural support for panel stability, and ensuring electrical connectivity. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and structural strength.
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 modular solar panel array provides a quiet, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly solution for generating electricity at remote locations, eliminating the need for trained installers and reducing installation expenses by enabling easy setup and use of solar power for various devices.
Implementation Method 1
solar panels mounted centrally thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, modular solar array. The array includes a support structure configured to support a plurality of solar panel modules in a side-by-side co-planar arrangement. The support structure can be configured to support the modules in an elevated position to provide an overhead structure that shades an underlying area. The solar panel modules include solar panels mounted on a frame in a planar configuration. The frame includes a pair of hooked mounting flanges at a first end and a pair of slotted mounting flanges at a second end that enable mounting of the module between opposing support bars of the support structure. The modules are in electrical communication with a battery for storage of electrical energy generated by the solar panels. The frames and the mounting flanges are further configured to enable stacking of a plurality of the modules for storage or transport.