Orientable Photovoltaic Panel System for Crop Microclimate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for combining photovoltaic energy production and agricultural land use do not effectively optimize photovoltaic production and plant growth, as they lack precise control over panel orientation to balance energy production and crop needs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where photovoltaic panels are oriented automatically using electric actuators, controlled by a computer system that considers meteorological data, crop needs, and growth stages to optimize light, heat, and water usage, allowing for improved agricultural production and increased electrical energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If photovoltaic panels are installed to maximize electricity production, then electrical energy generation is improved, but crop growth is worsened due to excessive shading and reduced sunlight availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the photovoltaic panels movable rather than fixed. The panels are equipped with actuators that enable them to change their inclination angle and orientation dynamically. This allows the system to adapt its shading effect on crops throughout the day and across different seasons, optimizing both electricity generation and crop growth conditions by adjusting panel position based on solar trajectory and crop light requirements.
2Device complexity
If photovoltaic panels are kept stationary, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to optimize both electricity production and crop needs according to varying environmental conditions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, where panels can adjust their position in response to environmental conditions. The control system processes meteorological data, crop growth stage information, and solar position to dynamically modify panel orientation, enabling adaptation to varying light, heat, and water conditions throughout the year.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, solar radiation) and crop status, then using this information to adjust panel positioning. The control system receives data about meteorological conditions and crop needs, processes this information, and modifies panel orientation accordingly to optimize both energy production and agricultural outcomes.
3Power
If panels are oriented to maximize sunlight interception for electricity production, then electrical energy generation is improved, but crop heating and water stress are worsened during hot periods
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning system allows panels to change their inclination angle throughout the day and across seasons. During hot periods, the panels can be tilted to reduce direct sunlight interception while still generating electricity, thereby providing shade to crops and reducing thermal stress and water evaporation from the soil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of panel shading (reduced light for crops) into a beneficial effect (protection from excessive heat and water stress). By strategically positioning panels to cast shade during hot periods, the system protects crops from temperature extremes and reduces water evaporation, turning what could be a negative into a positive outcome.
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
This approach enhances agricultural productivity and electrical energy production by dynamically adjusting panel orientation to meet crop requirements, reducing excessive heating and optimizing sunlight interception, thereby improving yield and quality compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The production of electrical energy of photovoltaic origin is experiencing significant development
Implementation Method 2
the orientation of the sensors can be controlled so as to automatically prevent, during a heat wave, the plants from being subjected to excessive heating
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electricity generation method using orientable photovoltaic sensors (10) disposed above crops (C), the shadow projected onto the crops being altered by changes in the orientation of the sensors. The method is characterised in that the orientation of the sensors is controlled in a computerized and automatic manner in order to affect the microclimatic conditions of the crops by changing the orientation of the sensors, in particular in order to place crops in microclimatic conditions more suited to obtaining a desired agricultural result, while seeking to achieve an optimum, reducing electricity generation as little as possible in relation to a reference that is not combined with crops.