Sail-Integrated Solar Panel Propulsion for Simplified Boat Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sailboats with solar panels face challenges in optimizing solar power generation due to fixed or small, separately adjustable solar panel structures that are not always in the optimal orientation for energy production, complicating operation, especially for novice sailors.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system featuring a main mast with displaceable aerofoils that can adjust between open and closed positions, integrated with solar panels, allowing for simultaneous wind and solar power generation optimization without separate adjustments, using a displacement mechanism, stub mast rotation, and a controller to optimize sail area and orientation based on wind and solar conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solar panels are arranged on a separate fixed structure (deck or cabin roof), then the boat structure is simple, but the solar panels cannot be optimally oriented for power generation and require separate adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solar panel support structure with the sail structure into a single integrated system. The solar panels are mounted on the aerofoils that form the sail, eliminating the need for separate solar panel mounting structures and adjustment mechanisms. This merging resolves the contradiction by achieving both structural simplicity and functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail structure serves dual functions: it provides wind propulsion and simultaneously supports the solar panels for power generation. The aerofoils that make up the sail also serve as the mounting structure for the solar panels, allowing a single structure to perform multiple functions and eliminating the need for separate adjustment systems.
2Productivity
If solar panels are arranged on a separate adjustable structure, then solar power generation can be optimized, but the structure cannot hold a large number of panels and requires separate adjustment from the sail
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are integrated directly onto the sail's aerofoil structure, allowing the sail itself to serve as the support framework. This eliminates the need for a separate adjustable structure and enables the sail to provide sufficient support area for multiple solar panels while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sail and solar panel support structure are made dynamically adjustable through the displaceable aerofoils that can be moved along the mast. This allows simultaneous optimization of both wind capture (sail area) and solar power generation (panel orientation) through a single integrated adjustment mechanism rather than separate controls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate adjustment mechanisms are used for sail and solar panels, then each can be independently optimized, but operation becomes difficult especially for novice sailors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sail adjustment mechanism with the solar panel support structure into a single integrated system. The displaceable aerofoils that adjust the sail also provide the mounting structure for the solar panels, meaning that a single adjustment mechanism controls both wind propulsion and solar power generation, greatly simplifying operation for novice sailors while maintaining optimization capability.
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 system simplifies operation by integrating solar panels with the sail, providing efficient solar power generation even when optimized for wind power, and allows for automatic adjustments to maximize energy production based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the aerofoils having a solar panel thereon
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of aerofoils connected to the main mast, at least one of the aerofoils being a displaceable aerofoil
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion system for a boat comprises a plurality of aerofoils connected to a main mast. At least one of the aerofoils is a displaceable aerofoil adapted to be displaced along the main mast between an open position and a closed position. When the displaceable aerofoil is in its open position the aerofoils together form a sail of open sail area. When the displaceable aerofoil is in its closed position at least some of the aerofoils overlap to form a sail of closed sail area, the closed sail area being less than the open sail area. The propulsion system can include a displacement mechanism to displace the displaceable aerofoil between its open and closed positions; at least one of the aerofoils having a solar panel thereon; and/or a stub mast extending along and free to rotate about a stub axis and connected to the main mast by a stub pivot.