Moveable Solar Panel Arrays With Removable Wheel Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agrivoltaic systems are limited by the inability to move solar panel arrays after installation, reducing available land for agricultural production and often requiring costly or cumbersome movement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of moveable solar panel systems with wheel assemblies and connecting mechanisms that allow solar panels to be easily relocated between locations, using removable wheel assemblies and temporary connectors to facilitate movement without permanent pathways, enhancing land use for both agriculture and electricity generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panel arrays are permanently installed to generate electrical power, then power generation efficiency is improved, but land availability for agricultural production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel arrays are designed to be moveable rather than fixed, allowing them to be relocated between agricultural areas and non-agricultural areas. The system includes wheeled mounting structures that enable easy transport of the arrays, transforming the static installation into a dynamic system that can adapt its position based on seasonal or operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic relocation of solar panel arrays between different locations throughout the year. During certain periods, arrays are positioned over agricultural land for power generation, while during other periods they are moved to allow full agricultural access or to different locations, creating a time-based division of land use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar panel arrays are made moveable to increase land flexibility, then land utilization is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel system is divided into modular segments that can be independently moved. Each array is a self-contained unit with its own mounting structure and wheels, allowing individual arrays to be relocated without moving the entire solar installation, thereby reducing the complexity of the overall moving system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as wheeled mounting structures and connecting mechanisms that facilitate movement. These intermediary elements serve as mediators between the solar panels and the ground, enabling easy relocation without requiring complex integrated systems.
3Ease of operation
If wheel assemblies are permanently attached to solar panel frames for movement, then ease of relocation is improved, but material costs and exposure to weather elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assemblies are designed to be removable and reusable. After the solar panels are moved to their new positions, the wheel assemblies can be detached and stored or reused for future relocation operations. This prevents permanent attachment and allows the system to recover the moving components, reducing overall material consumption and protecting the wheels from continuous weather exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment state of the wheel assemblies is dynamic rather than fixed. The system allows for easy attachment and detachment of wheels based on operational needs, enabling the panels to transition between mobile and stationary states without permanent modifications to the frame structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure relate to multi-position solar panel arrays. Solar panel arrays may be configured for movement between regions that may allow for a dual use of land, such as for both agricultural production and electricity generation. In at least some examples, one or more wheel assemblies may be configured to removably attach to a frame of a solar panel array to facilitate lifting and/or movement of the solar panel array. A plurality of solar panel arrays may be configured for movement along a surface, such as along rails/tracks between pedestals, whereby the pedestals may be configured to: (1) secure solar panel arrays at fixed solar power generation locations, and (2) release the solar panel arrays to allow movement of the solar panel arrays between the pedestals. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of solar panel arrays may be configured for movement along moveable connectors between connecting mechanisms located at the ends of the moveable connectors, whereby the connecting mechanisms may be configured to: (1) secure solar panel arrays at solar power generation locations, and (2) release the solar panel arrays to allow movement of the solar panel arrays between the connecting mechanisms when the solar panel arrays are not being used for solar power generation, and whereby the moveable connectors may be removed after movement of the solar panel arrays to facilitate increased access to land for agricultural purposes.