Pneumatic Bellows Actuator for Low-Energy Solar Panel Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel actuation systems are either static, unable to adapt to changing sun angles, or costly and complex with high energy consumption due to motorized mechanisms, necessitating an efficient and cost-effective solution for solar panel movement.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic actuation system utilizing compliant pressurized fluid-filled actuators, such as bladders or bellows, to move solar panels about one or more axes, allowing for efficient tilt and positioning to maximize sunlight exposure while reducing installation and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If motorized mechanisms are used to move solar panels, then the solar panels can track the sun, but the installation cost and operational energy cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic actuators (bellows) filled with compressed air to move the solar panels. The compressed air is stored in tanks and released to inflate the bellows, creating mechanical motion without requiring continuous electrical power during operation. This replaces motorized mechanisms with a pneumatic system that uses stored energy rather than continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical motorized mechanisms with a pneumatic mechanical system. Instead of using motors, gears, and electrical controls, the system uses compressed air storage and pneumatic actuators to create the mechanical motion needed for solar panel tracking, thereby reducing operational energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motorized mechanisms are used to move solar panels, then the solar panels can track the sun, but the installation cost and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic actuators that consist of simple bellows structures filled with compressed air. These actuators directly convert pneumatic pressure into mechanical motion without requiring complex transmission mechanisms such as gears, belts, or motors, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining solar tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes complex motorized actuation systems from the solar panel mounting structure. By using standalone pneumatic actuators with compressed air storage, the system eliminates the need for motors, control electronics, and associated mechanical components, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If static solar panel arrays are used, then installation cost is reduced, but the ability to capture solar energy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic movement capability to solar panel arrays through pneumatic actuators. The solar panels can adjust their orientation and tilt angles to track the sun's movement throughout the day and across seasons, significantly improving energy capture efficiency while maintaining relatively simple installation through the use of pneumatic rather than motorized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic actuators to enable solar panel movement, providing a cost-effective alternative to motorized systems. The compressed air storage and pneumatic actuation mechanism offers a balance between installation cost and energy capture efficiency, allowing static arrays to become dynamic tracking systems without the high costs associated with traditional motorized solutions.
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 fluidic actuation system enables cost-effective and efficient movement of solar panels to track the sun, maximizing energy capture while minimizing energy consumption and mechanical complexity, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A fluidic actuation system utilizing compliant pressurized fluid-filled actuators, such as bladders or bellows, to move solar panels about one or more axes
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator comprising a bottom plate, a top-plate and one or more hub assembly extending between and rotatably coupling the bottom and top plates. The actuator also includes one or more bellows units disposed between the top plate and bottom plate, the one or more bellows units comprising a first and second inflatable bellows coupled by a web extending between the first and second bellows, the first and second bellows defining respective and separate first and second bellows cavities, with the first bellows of the bellows units disposed on a first side of the bottom plate, and the second bellows of the bellows units disposed on a second side of the bottom plate, opposing the first side, and between the top and bottom plates.