Modular Solar Structure With Sun Tracking for Building Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar energy collectors are inefficient due to fixed positions, large and heavy designs, and poor architectural integration, limiting their ability to effectively collect energy from various angles and integrate with building designs.

Innovation Solution

A modular, multifunctional solar structure with variable thermal or photovoltaic receiving elements and support columns that allow for flexible installation, including sun tracking, shading, and tile functions, using elliptical transparent tubes and specific terminations for modular deployment and architectural integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If solar collectors are installed in fixed positions or vertical layouts, then installation is simplified, but energy recovery efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidenergy recovery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements solar collectors with adjustable and rotatable mounting mechanisms that allow the collector planes to dynamically change their orientation and angle relative to the building surface. This enables the system to track the sun's movement and optimize energy collection efficiency while maintaining integration with building structures of various configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If large dimension solar collectors are used, then energy collection capacity is improved, but support structure complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy collection capacityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides large solar collector systems into multiple smaller modular units that can be independently mounted on building surfaces. Each module contains its own support structure, reducing the complexity and weight requirements compared to a single large collector. The modular design allows for flexible distribution across available building surfaces while maintaining total energy collection capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If traditional solar collectors are used, then energy collection function is achieved, but architectural integration capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy collection functionVSAvoidarchitectural integration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs solar collectors that serve dual functions: energy collection and architectural integration. The collectors are designed to be mounted on various building surfaces including facades, balconies, and rooftops, and can provide additional functions such as shading elements, protective coverings, or aesthetic features. This multi-functionality enables seamless integration into building designs while maintaining effective solar energy collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If solar collectors are mounted on building surfaces, then energy recovery is improved, but available building space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy recoveryVSAvoidavailable building space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vertical and three-dimensional building surfaces for solar collector installation, such as facades, balcony railings, and stepped roof structures. By transitioning from horizontal-only mounting to vertical and multi-dimensional mounting options, the system recovers solar energy from surfaces that would otherwise be unused, thereby minimizing the impact on available building space while maximizing energy recovery potential.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables efficient energy collection from various angles, reduces the need for ungainly support structures, and integrates seamlessly with building designs, allowing for the use of previously underutilized building surfaces and spaces.

Implementation Method 1

thermal or photovoltaic energy recovery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

photovoltaic energy recovery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2018504B1Modular multifunctional solar structure (MMSS)

Publication Date: 2017.03.29 JERONIMO LOPES AMILCAR LUIS

AI summary

The Modular Multifunctional Solar Structure is an innovative design in the field of Renewable Energy. This system, the schematic diagram of which is shown in figure 2, will collect the energy from the sunlight by using lightweight rotary thermal or bivalent photovoltaic solar receivers (A), sandwiched between Support Columns (B) which house the technical services. Because of its modular concept, this structure allows: an easy and progressive assembly in places exposed to the sun, with negative angles of down to 90º; and a microprocessor controlled solar tracking device, with alternative fixed or manually adjustable settings. These features solve the traditional problems associated with solar energy collectors, which include: a fixed position which is confined to specific angles, or a vertical layout, both of which are inefficient in terms of energy recovery; large dimensions and heavyweight collectors, which may need ungainly support structures; and wasted space.