Robotic PV Module Distribution Device for Reduced Installer Fatigue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of large-scale solar installations is logistically and labor-intensive due to the numerous solar components that need to be physically moved, assembled, and installed, leading to increased time and risk of injury for installers.
Innovation Solution
The development of distribution devices, such as PV panel and PV module distribution devices, that facilitate the movement and installation of solar components by positioning them relative to existing components, allowing installers to couple them without lifting or bending, using transportation devices and installation arms to streamline the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solar components are manually moved and installed by installers, then installation can be completed, but physical fatigue and risk of injury increase while installation time extends
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic installer acts as an intermediary between the solar components and human installers, performing the physically demanding tasks of moving and installing components while allowing human installers to oversee the process from a comfortable position, thereby reducing physical fatigue and injury risk without extending installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic installer is equipped with sensors and automated mechanisms that allow it to independently locate, retrieve, transport, and install solar components without continuous human intervention, enabling the system to service itself while maintaining high installation speed
2Quantity of substance
If numerous solar components are distributed across large landmass, then solar installation capacity increases, but logistical complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is segmented into modular robotic units that can independently handle different tasks (retrieval, transport, installation) at various locations across the landmass, allowing the system to scale to large numbers of components without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic installer is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple types of solar components (panels, inverters, mounting structures) and perform multiple operations (retrieval, transport, installation, assembly) using the same platform, thereby managing large component quantities without requiring separate specialized systems for each function
3Productivity
If installers physically move and assemble solar components at installation site, then components can be installed, but labor intensity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operations of lifting, carrying, and assembling solar components are replaced with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, actuators, and control algorithms to perform these tasks, thereby increasing installation efficiency while simplifying the operational process for human supervisors who no longer need to perform physical manual labor
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic (PV) module distribution device may include a platform and an installation arm. The platform may be configured to store a plurality of PV modules in a pre-determined orientation. Each of the PV modules may include solar components that are pre-assembled to form a corresponding PV module. The installation arm may be configured to retrieve a PV module of the plurality of PV modules from the platform. The installation arm may also be configured to position the PV module proximate a support column physically located proximate the PV module distribution device to permit a user to attach the PV module to the support column.