Rotating Solar Cell Modules in Aircraft Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar cell modules attached to aircraft wings are vulnerable to environmental factors and energy collection efficiency varies with flight path, posture, and sun position, making it difficult to obtain a consistent and large amount of energy.
Innovation Solution
The integration of first and second solar cell modules on rotating shafts within the aircraft wing, with a controller to independently rotate them towards the sun and directed energy sources, respectively, using GPS and sensors to optimize energy collection, and a communication component for directed energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar cell modules are attached to the surface of aircraft wings, then the aircraft can collect solar energy during flight, but the modules are vulnerable to environmental factors such as contamination and external collisions, and energy collection efficiency varies with flight path and sun position
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell modules are nested inside the aircraft wing structure rather than being mounted on the external surface. The wing itself becomes the housing for the photovoltaic panels, protecting them from environmental damage while maintaining aerodynamic integrity. This internal nesting resolves the contradiction by shielding the energy collection modules from contaminants and collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs rotating shafts that enable the solar cell modules to dynamically reorient themselves toward the sun and directed energy sources. This rotational capability allows the modules to maintain optimal energy collection angles regardless of flight path or sun position, resolving the efficiency variation problem while keeping the modules protected within the wing structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar cell modules are attached to the surface of aircraft wings, then the aircraft can obtain solar energy, but the amount of energy obtained varies with flying path, posture change, and relative position of the sun
Solution Approach 1:
Rotating shafts are integrated into the wing structure to enable dynamic reorientation of solar cell modules. These shafts allow the modules to track the sun's movement and adjust to directed energy sources regardless of the aircraft's flight path or posture changes. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures consistent energy collection productivity throughout the flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and controllers that detect the position of the sun and directed energy sources, providing feedback to the rotating mechanism. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of module orientation to maintain optimal energy collection angles, ensuring consistent productivity despite varying flight conditions.
3Reliability
If solar cell modules are mounted inside the aircraft wing with rotating shafts, then environmental protection and consistent energy collection are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides aerodynamic lift, houses and protects the solar cell modules, and incorporates the rotating shafts for module orientation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by integrating what would otherwise be separate components into a single universal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective housing function with the structural wing itself, eliminating the need for separate protective enclosures. The rotating shafts are integrated directly into the wing's internal structure, combining the support, rotation, and protection functions into a unified system that minimizes overall complexity despite the added capabilities.
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 configuration enhances energy collection by minimizing environmental impact and improving durability, allowing for a larger and more consistent energy harvest while reducing exposure to contaminants and improving module longevity.
Implementation Method 1
first solar cell modules which are positioned in a wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and receive solar energy directly from the sun
Implementation Method 2
second solar cell modules which are positioned in a wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and supplied with directed energy from the earth
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling solar panels in a solar propelled aircraft which has a wing having solar cell modules mounted therein. The solar propelled aircraft includes: first solar cell modules which are positioned in a main wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and receive solar energy directly from the sun; second solar cell modules which are positioned in a main wing or a tail wing of the aircraft and supplied with directed energy from the earth; and rotating shafts which rotate the first solar cell modules and the second solar cell modules so that the first solar cell modules and the second solar cell modules correspond to each other in both directions. The first solar cell module at the upper surface obtains solar energy from the sun, and the second solar cell module at the lower surface obtains directed energy transferred from the earth.