Road Shadow-Effect Energy Control for Segment-Based Generator Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar energy harvesting systems, such as those used in road infrastructure, are limited by shadows generated by structures and vehicles, which reduce energy generation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a data-analysis-based control to facilitate energy harvesting through road-based shadow-effect energy generation. This involves determining illumination-to-shadow contrast values for multiple road segments, identifying optimal segments for shadow-effect energy generation, and initiating the installation of shadow-effect energy generators in these segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional solar energy harvesting systems are used in road infrastructure, then solar panels can capture sunlight and convert it to electricity, but shadows generated by structures and vehicles reduce energy generation efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation efficiencyVSAvoidshadow effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by converting the harmful shadow effect into a beneficial mechanism. Instead of treating shadows as merely obstructive, the system uses the contrast between illuminated and shadowed regions of solar panels to generate electricity through the shadow-effect energy generation mechanism, where shadows actually contribute to the energy harvesting process rather than just reducing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of solar panels by selectively illuminating different regions at different times. By controlling which portions of the solar panel array receive sunlight versus shadows, the system optimizes energy generation based on illumination-to-shadow contrast values, transforming a static solar harvesting approach into a dynamic one that adapts to shadow conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If shadow-effect energy generators are installed in all road segments, then energy harvesting capability is maximized, but installation costs and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting capabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies 'Local quality' by implementing shadow-effect energy generation selectively in specific road segments rather than uniformly across all segments. The system evaluates illumination-to-shadow contrast values for different road segments and installs generators only in locations where the shadow effect is most beneficial, creating localized optimization rather than universal deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The road infrastructure is divided into multiple discrete road segments, each evaluated independently for shadow-effect energy generation potential. This segmentation allows the system to identify and target specific high-value locations for generator installation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective energy harvesting capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If data analysis is performed to determine optimal road segments for shadow-effect energy generation, then installation efficiency is improved, but data processing time and computational resources are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoiddata processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary data analysis and evaluation of illumination-to-shadow contrast values before the actual installation of shadow-effect energy generators. By conducting this analysis in advance and identifying optimal road segments beforehand, the system streamlines the installation process and avoids time-consuming evaluations after deployment, improving overall installation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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 method enhances energy harvesting by optimizing the installation of shadow-effect energy generators in road segments with suitable illumination-to-shadow contrast values, thereby increasing energy generation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

solar cell panels, or photovoltaic panels, which are an assembly of photovoltaic solar cells that capture sunlight as a source of radiant energy that is converted into electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250038571A1Data-analysis-based control optimization of shadow-effect energy generation

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

Data-analysis-based processes for optimizing road-based, shadow-effect energy generation are provided. The processes include obtaining a data-analysis-based control to facilitate energy harvesting using road-based, shadow-effect energy generation. The data-analysis-based control determines, for multiple road segments of a road, a respective illumination-to-shadow contrast value, and based on the respective illumination-to-shadow contrast values, identifies one or more road segments of the multiple road segments for shadow-effect energy generation. In addition, the data-analysis-based control initiates install of a shadow-effect energy generator in a road segment of the identified one or more road segments to facilitate energy harvesting from the road segment.