Movable Rail Vehicle Solar Cell Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle solar cell systems are not suitable for use in extreme environmental conditions such as sandstorms or abrasive loads, as they suffer from surface clouding and damage due to sand and water during washing, leading to performance impairment.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle with movably mounted solar cells that can be shifted between an operating and inactive position, protected by a carrier frame and seals, allowing for environmental shielding and reduced heat input, enabling operation in harsh conditions and during washing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solar cells are fixed on the outer skin of the rail vehicle, then they are stable and easy to install, but they are damaged by abrasive materials during sandstorms and washing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell is mounted on a movable support frame that can rotate between an operating position (exposed to sunlight) and an inactive position (protected from abrasive materials). This dynamic mounting allows the solar cell to be moved to a protected position during sandstorms and washing, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are exposed to sunlight continuously, then energy generation is maximized, but heat input to the rail vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support frame allows the solar cell to be positioned at an angle that generates electricity while casting shade on the rail vehicle roof. When rotated to the inactive position, the solar cell continues to provide shading protection, reducing heat input to the vehicle interior while maintaining energy generation capability.
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 solution effectively protects solar cells from abrasive materials and reduces heat input, maintaining performance and extending the lifespan of the solar cells in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply for rail vehicles, especially passenger rail vehicles, is usually provided by the traction vehicle... The use of solar cells on rail vehicles is described in WO 2007 090966 A1... at least one solar cell which is provided on the outer skin of the rail vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a seal can be provided that prevents or significantly reduces the ingress of abrasive material to the light-absorbing surface of the solar cell in its inactive position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Rail vehicle (1) having a solar cell (2), in the case of which rail vehicle at least one solar cell (2) is provided on the outer shell (8) of the rail vehicle (1), wherein the at least one solar cell (2) is mounted in a movable manner and can be moved between an operating position and an inactive position, wherein the light-receiving surface of the at least one solar cell (2) is covered in the inactive position.