Reconfigurable Solar Array for Dual-Use Crop Field Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy production technologies face challenges in widespread deployment due to infrastructure and real estate costs, and traditional solar collection systems interfere with crop fields, preventing simultaneous use of land for both solar energy and agriculture, while crops suffer from environmental stresses like heat, drought, and hail that reduce yield.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable solar array system that can be deployed in crop fields, providing adaptable shading, wind protection, and hail protection, with a permanently installed base that retracts for farming activities and flexible solar collectors that adjust to wind conditions, allowing for simultaneous optimization of solar energy collection and crop yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional solar collection systems are deployed, then solar energy production is achieved, but crop fields are interfered with and cannot be used simultaneously for agriculture
Solution Approach 1:
The solar collection system employs movable and reconfigurable panels that can be dynamically adjusted between different positions and configurations. The panels can be moved to provide shade during high solar stress periods and repositioned or removed to allow full sun exposure during other times, enabling the same land to serve both solar energy production and agriculture functions adaptively
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array is divided into individually controllable panel segments rather than a fixed monolithic structure. This segmentation allows selective positioning of panels to optimize both energy collection and crop growth conditions, with panels that can be independently adjusted in height, angle, and horizontal position to accommodate varying agricultural and energy production needs
2Productivity
If solar panels provide shade during high solar stress, then crop yield is improved through better pollination and reduced evaporation, but solar energy collection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are periodically repositioned based on environmental conditions and crop growth stage. During periods of high solar stress (excessive heat, drought), panels are positioned to provide shade and protect crops. During periods when crops benefit from full sun or when energy production priorities increase, panels are repositioned to maximize solar energy collection. This periodic adjustment optimizes the trade-off between crop yield and energy production over time
3Use of energy by moving object
If the solar array structure is rigid to maximize energy collection, then solar energy production is optimized, but the structure is vulnerable to damage from excessive wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel support structures incorporate movable and flexible components that allow the panels to dynamically respond to wind conditions. During excessive wind events, panels can be repositioned to a more aerodynamic configuration or lowered to reduce wind load and prevent structural damage. Between wind events, panels are positioned to optimize solar energy collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes wind detection capabilities and control mechanisms that anticipate dangerous wind conditions and proactively adjust panel positions before extreme wind loads occur. This preemptive adjustment reduces structural stress and prevents damage during high-wind events while maintaining optimal energy collection during normal conditions
4Ease of operation
If the base structure is permanently installed above ground for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but farming activities like plowing and seeding are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure incorporates movable components that can be dynamically adjusted between an above-ground position for easy solar collector access and a retracted position below ground level to accommodate farming activities. The base can be raised when agricultural operations are complete and lowered when plowing, seeding, or harvesting is required, enabling both easy operation of solar equipment and full compatibility with farming cycles
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 system enables zero land and maintenance costs for solar energy, higher power purchase agreement returns, increased crop yields, reduced risk of environmental damage, and decreased soil erosion, while maintaining economic viability for solar energy production.
Implementation Method 1
An array of adaptable, reconfigurable solar collector assemblies is deployed in a crop field
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided that combine solar technology and agriculture in a symbiotic relationship that optimizes revenue from both sources. An array of reconfigurable solar collector assemblies is deployed in a crop field. As various crops benefit from varying degrees of shade through their development cycles, and are prone to damage from high winds and hail, the array of adaptable, reconfigurable solar collectors is deployed in the crop field and allows for the easy reconfiguration of each solar collector assembly to vary the amount of shade that is applied to the crops below the assembly, and to provide maximum hail and wind protection when necessary.