Modular Solar-Rain Collector Layout for Portable Power and Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a portable, modular, and configurable solar-energy and rainwater collection system that can be easily deployed in various spaces, including disaster zones, without the high costs associated with permanent installations, and capable of efficiently collecting and storing potable water while generating power.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar-energy and rainwater collection apparatus featuring an angularly-adjustable support, collector mounts, solar cells, rainwater collectors with integrated solar-cell retainers, and connection means that allow for flexible configuration and efficient rainwater collection and storage, including the use of bridging and corner infill elements to form a modular rainwater collection area with a discharge aperture, and optional UV purification and heated-water reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a permanent solar power system installation is implemented, then energy generation capability is improved, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar power system is divided into modular panels that can be independently assembled and configured. Each panel contains integrated components (solar cells, water collection channels, storage containers) that function as self-contained units, allowing flexible deployment without complex permanent installation infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: generating electricity through photovoltaic cells, collecting rainwater through integrated channels, and storing both energy and water in built-in containers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate permanent installations for each function
2Ease of operation
If a portable modular system is used, then ease of deployment and configurability are improved, but structural stability and power generation efficiency may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented modular panels that can be easily transported and assembled. Each panel maintains structural integrity through integrated framing while allowing flexible configuration through standardized connection interfaces between modules
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels incorporate adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the angle and orientation of panels to be dynamically adjusted for optimal sun exposure. This dynamic adjustability compensates for the portable nature of the system, maintaining power generation efficiency across different deployment locations
3Area of stationary object
If solar cells are integrated with rainwater collectors, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cells, rainwater collection channels, and storage containers are merged into single integrated panels. The manufacturing process combines these components during panel production, creating a unified structure that maximizes space utilization while managing manufacturing complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
Each panel is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that simultaneously performs photovoltaic energy generation, rainwater collection, and storage. This standardization allows the same manufacturing process to produce all panels, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the multiple functions integrated into each unit
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 provides a compact, efficient, and flexible solution for both solar energy generation and rainwater collection, allowing for easy deployment and scalability, with the ability to heat collected rainwater using generated power, and includes features for maintaining water quality and portability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one solar cell
Implementation Method 2
an upper surface of the solar-cell retainer includes an inwardly-directed slope for runoff precipitation onto said at least one solar cell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A modular solar-energy and rainwater collection apparatus (10) comprising: a collector mount (12) adapted both for securement to a building and to an angularly-adjustable support (110); a plurality of rainwater collectors (14) supportable by the collector mount (12), each rainwater collector (14) having a base (18), and at least one solar-cell retainer (20), for securing at least one solar cell (22) relative to the base (18) of at least one said rainwater collector (14); and connection means (16), for rigidly interconnecting a plurality of like rainwater collectors (14) so that the bases (18) are in abutted liquid communication with each other thus forming a modular rainwater collection area (36).