PV Panel Arrangement Optimization for Irregular Sites
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in photovoltaic power generation is optimizing the installation angle and position of solar panels to maximize energy production while minimizing costs, especially in irregularly shaped or inclined sites, where shadowing and environmental factors affect solar radiation and panel durability.
Innovation Solution
A construction design support apparatus that acquires site and panel data, processes topographic data for earth cutting and filling, and calculates optimal panel arrangements to balance development costs and power generation, using a computer system to create temporary development surfaces and panel arrangements that maximize cumulative power generation while minimizing development costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inclination angle of photovoltaic panels is increased to receive more solar radiation and prevent snow/dust accumulation, then power generation efficiency is improved, but shadows are cast over adjacent panels and wind susceptibility increases, requiring wider spacing and stronger mounts which reduces the number of installable panels and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the inclination angle parameter to find the optimal value. The system calculates power generation amounts for different inclination angles (e.g., 10 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees) and selects the angle that maximizes total facility power generation rather than individual panel efficiency, thereby resolving the contradiction between panel efficiency and total installable quantity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If photovoltaic panels are installed in irregularly shaped or inclined sites to utilize available land, then site adaptability is improved, but shadowing from terrain features and structures increases, reducing solar radiation receipt and power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing individualized inclination angle calculations for different regions or zones within the facility based on their specific local conditions. The system divides the facility into multiple regions, calculates optimal angles for each region considering local shadowing from terrain features and structures, and determines panel arrangements tailored to each zone's characteristics rather than applying a uniform angle across the entire facility.
3Manufacturing precision
If earth cutting and filling is performed to create flat development surfaces for optimal panel installation, then installation precision is improved, but development cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by treating the development surface inclination as a variable parameter rather than requiring it to be zero (completely flat). The system calculates optimal panel arrangement and inclination angle combinations for different development surface conditions, allowing the surface to retain certain natural inclinations where this requires minimal earthwork while still achieving optimal power generation through adjusted panel angles, thereby reducing development costs.
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 allows for the determination of optimal installation angles and positions for photovoltaic panels, enhancing energy production while reducing development costs and considering environmental factors, thereby improving the economic viability of photovoltaic power generation facilities.
Implementation Method 1
The amount of power generation is affected not only by the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic panels but also by the installation angle (inclination angle and azimuth angle) and the installation position of each photovoltaic panel
Data Source
AI summary
A construction design support apparatus has: an input data acquisition unit; a temporary design unit that creates a plurality of pieces of temporary development surface data and creates temporary panel arrangement data for each piece of the temporary development surface data; a calculation unit that calculates a point value of a development amount for each piece of temporary development surface data and calculates a point value of a cumulative power generation amount for each piece of temporary panel arrangement data; and an extraction unit that extracts a combination of pieces of the temporary development surface data and the temporary panel arrangement data in which the point value of the development amount and the point value of the cumulative power generation amount match a predetermined evaluation condition.