Shipping Container Solar Mounting System for Rapid Off-Grid Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar PV power systems face challenges in deploying and assembling solar panels in remote, off-grid locations without existing infrastructure, requiring efficient and cost-effective solutions for transportation and installation.
Innovation Solution
A solar PV mounting system configured to be assembled on top of a standard shipping container, where all components are stored and transported within the container, allowing for quick and intuitive assembly using minimal hardware, with the container serving as both the base and storage unit, and providing stability and shading for solar modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If solar PV systems are deployed in remote off-grid locations without existing infrastructure, then the system can provide power to remote areas, but the complexity of transportation and assembly increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into modular components including shipping container bases, adjustable mounting frames, and standardized PV module racks. Each module can be independently transported and assembled, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining deployability to remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The shipping container serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural base for the mounting system, provides protected storage for components during transportation, and offers a standardized platform that can be deployed globally. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly while enabling deployment in remote areas
2Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are transported to remote locations, then the solar panels can be installed, but the transportation and installation costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
All mounting system components are pre-assembled and stored within the shipping container before transportation. The container itself is configured as the base structure, eliminating the need for on-site base construction. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces installation time while ensuring reliable power generation upon deployment
3Productivity
If minimal hardware is used for assembly, then the installation becomes faster and more economical, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system merges the shipping container structure with the PV module support structure into a single integrated system. The container walls and roof serve as the primary structural support, eliminating the need for separate heavy-duty support structures. This integration maintains structural stability while reducing the quantity of additional hardware required, thereby speeding up assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A solar mounting system stored within a shipping container prior to deployment and wherein the mounting system includes: laterally extending beams that extend outwardly from the top of the shipping container; support mounts connected to the laterally extending beams at positions over the top of the shipping container and at the ends of the laterally extending beams; a first set of higher longitudinal beams spanning between the support mounts; a second set of lower longitudinal beams spanning between ends of the laterally extending beams at positions beside the shipping container; a plurality of PV module support rails extending between the first and second sets of longitudinal beams; and PV modules mounted onto the PV module support rails such that the PV modules slope downwardly from above the center to beyond the sides of the shipping container.