Pendulous Photovoltaic Wing for Hybrid Wind-Solar Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid photovoltaic systems that combine solar and wind energy face inefficiencies due to the incompatibility of wing orientation for optimal sunlight and wind direction, and are environmentally criticized for their spinning motion, which poses risks to birds and generates noise.

Innovation Solution

A photovoltaic wing with a rectangular-like surface, utilizing harmonic pendulous movement caused by wind, featuring a tilting axis of 20° to 45° with a return mechanism and electricity-generating mechanism, designed to optimize energy capture from both solar and wind sources without the need for spinning motion, made from high-strength, low-specific-gravity materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If photovoltaic panels are integrated with windmills by arrangement directly on the working surface of the wings, then the device can generate electricity from both solar and wind energy, but the wing orientation cannot be optimized for both sunlight and wind direction simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy generation efficiencyVSAvoidorientation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wing is designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing it to change its orientation dynamically. The wing can be tilted and rotated to optimize its position for both sunlight capture and wind direction, resolving the contradiction between fixed orientation and multi-directional optimization. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the photovoltaic panels to maintain optimal angles for energy generation under varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The windmill structure is divided into separate functional components: the wing carrying photovoltaic panels, the rotor blades for wind capture, and the adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the wing can be positioned for solar exposure while the rotor blades capture wind energy, enabling both functions to operate at peak efficiency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If traditional spinning windmills are used for wind energy generation, then electricity can be generated from wind, but the spinning motion poses environmental risks to birds and generates noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind energy generationVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional continuous spinning rotor is replaced with an oscillating wing mechanism that moves back and forth in a controlled manner. This substitution of mechanical motion type reduces the harmful effects - the oscillating motion is less disruptive to birds compared to high-speed rotation, and the mechanism operates more quietly. The wing still effectively captures wind energy through its reciprocating motion while minimizing environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous spinning, the wind energy conversion mechanism uses periodic oscillating motion of the wing. The wing moves back and forth in a controlled periodic cycle, which maintains energy generation effectiveness while reducing the continuous rotational forces that harm birds and create noise. This periodic action transforms the harmful continuous rotation into a gentler, more environmentally friendly reciprocating motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 photovoltaic wing effectively generates electricity using harmonic motion, allowing optimal utilization of wind and sunlight regardless of direction, suitable for installation on roofs without additional directional mechanisms, reducing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

Photovoltaic is the field of technology engaged in processing of sunlight into electrical energy, in other words - power generation from sunlight using photovoltaic phenomena

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

utilizing harmonic pendulous movement caused by the wind

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHarmonic oscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Data Source

PatentEP2599998B1Photovoltaic wing
Publication Date: 2016.04.27 WOJTASIK LECH
  • EP2599998B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2599998B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP2599998B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention refers to photovoltaic wing intended to obtain electricity through the conversion of light with simultaneous using wind energy. Photovoltaic wing having surface similar to rectangle shape, covered with photovoltaic structure, according to the invention has the form of pendulous wing (1), pendulously mounted on the basis at one end and set obliquely to the horizontal, which is linked with the return mechanism and the electricity generating mechanism.