Portable Solar Array Deployment With Retractable Weather Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel systems are costly, difficult to optimize, and prone to damage from harsh weather conditions, with bulky and expensive mounted systems on roofs complicating energy storage and output optimization.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained solar panel deployment system with a main support frame, tilt-lift mechanism, and array extender/retractor, allowing for easy deployment, adjustment, and energy storage, including a battery bank and sensors for monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar panels are mounted on a roof, then solar energy generation is achieved, but the system becomes bulky, expensive, and difficult to optimize
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple individually adjustable panels rather than a fixed mounted structure. Each panel can be independently positioned and angled to optimize energy capture, allowing the system to achieve high power generation without requiring a complex fixed mounting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than statically mounted. The panels can be repositioned and reangled based on sun position and weather conditions, replacing the need for complex fixed mounting systems while maintaining optimal energy generation.
2Productivity
If solar panels are exposed to elements without protection, then energy generation continues, but panels are damaged by harsh weather
Solution Approach 1:
The system can be retracted into a protective housing before harsh weather occurs, preventing damage to the panels in advance. This preliminary protective action allows the panels to remain exposed during favorable conditions for continuous energy generation while being protected when needed for reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array is designed with dynamic deployment and retraction capability, allowing it to be exposed to elements when conditions are favorable for energy generation and retracted into protective housing when harsh weather is anticipated, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If solar panels are fixed at a single angle, then deployment is simple, but energy optimization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each solar panel is equipped with individual adjustment mechanisms that allow simple manual repositioning and reangling without complex automated systems. This dynamic adjustability enables users to easily optimize energy capture by changing panel angles based on sun position while maintaining deployment simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows easy modification of panel orientation parameters (angle and position) to optimize energy conversion. By enabling simple parameter adjustments rather than requiring complex automated tracking systems, the design maintains ease of operation while significantly improving power generation efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are made portable, then deployment flexibility increases, but structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar system is segmented into individual panels that can be independently deployed and positioned. This segmentation provides deployment flexibility as panels can be arranged in various configurations while each panel's self-contained design reduces the overall structural support requirements compared to a single large fixed array.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular panel design serves multiple functions: generating energy, being easily deployed in various locations, and requiring minimal structural support. Each panel is a universal unit that can be independently positioned and adjusted, providing adaptability while the distributed weight and modular nature reduce structural demands.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective generation of 1 kW or more of solar energy, with the system being easily retractable and adjustable for optimal energy conversion, while protecting panels from harsh weather and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel array providing at least one solar panel, wherein each of the solar panels are mounted in a solar panel frame
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel deployment system includes a main support frame and a solar panel array providing at least one solar panel, wherein the solar panel array is coupled to the main support frame, and each of the solar panels are mounted in a solar panel frame. The system also includes a lift mechanism coupled to the main support frame and solar panel array, and an array extender/retractor coupled to the solar panel array, wherein the array extender/retractor is actuated to deploy the solar panel array or to retract the solar panel array.