Modular Solar Roadway Panels with Stacked Collection Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy generation systems face challenges in optimally gathering solar energy from panels on roadways and railways due to the need for ruggedized forms, reliable interconnection mechanisms, and high labor costs associated with installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar roadway system utilizing interlocked solar/optical collection panels with stacked solar collection strips configured in an anti-symmetrical alignment pattern, allowing efficient solar energy collection while supporting vehicle traffic, and integrated with photovoltaic cell cavities for electricity generation, which can be installed in a flexible rolled sheet form using an automated mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If solar panels are installed on roadways using traditional methods, then solar energy collection is achieved, but labor costs are high and installation is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The solar roadway system is divided into modular panels that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each panel contains integrated solar collection elements, support structures, and interconnection mechanisms, allowing for standardized production and simplified installation processes while maintaining effective solar energy gathering across the entire roadway surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated panel structure: solar energy collection, mechanical support for vehicle traffic, and interconnection with adjacent panels. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and installation steps, thereby reducing labor costs and installation complexity while achieving solar energy collection
2Reliability
If solar panels are made ruggedized for roadway use, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel design employs asymmetric structural elements optimized for specific loading conditions: the support structure is configured to handle vertical vehicle loads differently from lateral forces, with reinforced areas positioned where stresses are highest. This asymmetric design achieves ruggedized durability without requiring uniform reinforcement throughout the entire panel, thereby controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting vehicle traffic loads, providing a mounting surface for solar collection elements, enabling interconnection with adjacent panels, and withstanding environmental conditions. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate specialized components, achieving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Use of energy by stationary object
If solar panels are individually combined to form arrays, then solar energy collection is achieved, but labor costs increase due to manual assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are pre-assembled with interconnection mechanisms and solar collection elements integrated before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary assembly allows panels to be manufactured in controlled environments with higher precision and speed, then rapidly deployed on-site by simply positioning and securing the complete panels, thereby reducing on-site labor costs and increasing installation productivity while maintaining effective solar energy collection
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 labor costs and enhances solar energy collection efficiency while providing a ruggedized form factor for solar panels on roadways, enabling efficient electricity generation from solar energy on transportation surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
integrated with solar cells in the PCC for the generation of electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A modular solar roadway/railway system (MSRS) and method (MSRM) utilizing interlocked solar/optical collection panels (SCP) having stacked solar collection strips (SCS) is disclosed. The SCS are configured with an optical input surface (OIS) configured to collect solar energy and a road support surface (RSS) configured to support automobile traffic. The SCS are stacked in an anti-symmetrical alignment pattern that allows solar energy to be efficiently collected while simultaneously supporting automobiles and other vehicles. The SCS as formed within the SCP are configured with a matrix of bottom photovoltaic cell cavities (PCC) that permit the SCP to be mated to a road/railway surface while simultaneously integrated with solar cells in the PCC for the generation of electricity. The MSRS may be configured in a flexible SCP array in rolled sheet form (RSF) suitable for installation via the use of a vehicle equipped with axial support for the RSF.