Modular Solar Canopy with Pivoting Hub and Segmented Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in urban areas is to efficiently and cost-effectively deploy solar power generation and provide shade, as existing solutions face barriers due to high costs and complexity in constructing solar surfaces over varied landscapes, particularly in dense city environments where parking lots occupy large areas with dark albedo, absorbing light energy and converting it to heat.
Innovation Solution
A canopy structure with a main support, hub, and arms that can be easily assembled using a pivoting 'tilt up' method with erection jacks, allowing for rapid and inexpensive deployment of solar canopies that integrate solar panels, battery systems, and charging infrastructure, providing shade and renewable energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional construction methods are used to build solar structures on parking lots, then structural stability and durability are improved, but construction cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solar canopy structure is divided into modular components including panels, beams, columns, and connection nodes that can be manufactured separately and assembled quickly on-site. This segmentation enables parallel construction activities and reduces overall construction time while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection details.
Solution Approach 2:
Structural components are pre-assembled and pre-positioned using temporary support systems before final installation. The canopy structure utilizes temporary jacks and support elements that hold components in their final positions during assembly, allowing workers to complete connections safely and efficiently before removing temporary supports.
2Power
If complex solar canopy structures are constructed over varied landscapes, then solar power generation capability is improved, but construction complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy structure employs adjustable and movable components that can be configured to adapt to varying terrain conditions. Connection nodes and support elements allow for angular adjustments and position modifications, enabling the same standardized components to accommodate slopes and elevation changes without requiring custom-designed structures for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes standardized components with adjustable parameters including panel angles, beam lengths, and connection positions. These parameters can be modified through simple mechanical adjustments rather than requiring different component designs, allowing the structure to adapt to varied landscapes while maintaining construction simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
3Power
If existing parking lots are converted to solar canopies, then renewable energy generation is improved, but loss of open space and altered microclimate occur
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy structure incorporates localized design variations including strategically placed open sections, varying panel densities, and targeted shading areas. These local quality adjustments allow sunlight penetration in specific zones to reduce heat buildup while maintaining solar generation in other areas, creating a balanced microclimate that addresses heat entrapment concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a two-dimensional parking surface to a three-dimensional canopy structure with vertical clearance. This dimensional change creates usable space underneath the canopy for vehicle parking and pedestrian movement while allowing air circulation beneath the panels to reduce heat accumulation. The vertical dimension provides both structural support and environmental control benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
Canopy structures and methods for erecting the same include a main support that is attached to a foot at a first pinned hinge point. A hub is attached to the main support at a second pinned hinge point. One or more arms are attached to the hub. One or more purlins are attached to the one or more arms. An upper surface mounted on the one or more purlins.