Smart Power Slat Solar Generator for Rapid Deployment and Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar photovoltaic (PV) modules are limited in their ability to generate power efficiently under non-uniform light conditions and shading, and they are not easily portable or deployable for rapid power generation applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of Rapidly Deployable & Portable Smart Power Generators (RDP-SPG) using modular, scalable Smart Power Slat (SPS) units with bifacial solar cells and multi-modal power-maximizing semiconductor integrated circuits, allowing for compact storage and rapid expansion, and integration with MPPT power optimizers for enhanced power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional glass-covered solar PV modules are used, then power generation can be achieved, but portability and rapid deployment capability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The solar PV system is divided into modular panels that can be independently assembled and deployed. Each panel contains integrated solar cells with power management electronics, allowing rapid deployment without complex assembly while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
Power management electronics including Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) circuits are integrated directly into the solar panel structure rather than being separate components. This merging reduces overall system complexity and enables faster deployment while maintaining efficient power generation.
2Productivity
If conventional monofacial solar modules are used, then manufacturing is simple, but power generation efficiency under non-uniform light conditions and shading is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) electronics are integrated into each solar panel to continuously monitor and adjust operating conditions. This feedback mechanism optimizes power extraction under varying light conditions and shading scenarios, significantly improving productivity while the integration keeps overall complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each solar panel operates independently with its own power management electronics, allowing local optimization of power generation. This distributed approach enables each panel to maximize its own output under local lighting conditions without requiring complex system-wide control.
3Power
If solar PV modules are designed for high power output, then electric power density increases, but portability and ease of transportation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple portable panels that can be transported separately and assembled at the deployment site. Each panel maintains high power density through integrated electronics while the modular nature preserves portability, allowing users to carry and deploy only the required number of panels.
Solution Approach 2:
Power management electronics are merged into the panel structure itself rather than being separate heavy components. This integration achieves high electric power density within each portable unit while maintaining ease of transportation.
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 RDP-SPG modules achieve high electric power densities, efficient power generation under variable light conditions, and can be easily transported and deployed, offering a significant increase in power output compared to conventional PV modules.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional glass-covered solar PV modules may capture light only from one face (monofacial), and power generation varies widely based on various factors, such as non-uniform light conditions and presence of various localized and full shading conditions affecting portions or all of the module.
Implementation Method 2
at least one multi-modal power-maximizing semiconductor integrated circuit collecting and delivering electricity generated by the plurality of solar cells
Data Source
AI summary
A portable solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generator module comprises a plurality of smart power slat (SPS) units, each SPS unit comprising a plurality of solar cells electrically connected together based on a specified cell interconnection design, and, at least one power maximizing integrated circuit collecting electricity generated by the plurality of solar cells. The plurality of SPS units are mechanically connected such that the SPS units can be retracted for volume compaction of the module, and can be expanded for increasing PV electricity generation by the module. The module can be used as part of an electric power supply with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) power optimizer, storage battery and leads to connect to a load. The load can be AC or DC.