Solar-Powered AC Motor Drive for High-Torque Building Closures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorized closure systems for larger masses, such as garage doors, require high drive torque and are not capable of operating autonomously using solar energy due to the need for alternating current motors and public power distribution.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a low-voltage alternating current electric motor, a direct current electrical energy accumulator, a solar electrical energy source, and a DC-AC converter that converts direct voltage from the accumulator to alternating voltage for powering the motor, allowing the system to operate autonomously with solar energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a direct current motor is used for low mass shutter components, then the system can operate autonomously with solar energy, but the drive torque is limited to less than 10 Nm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoiddrive torque

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A DC-AC converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the solar energy source and the AC motor. This converter transforms the direct current from solar panels into alternating current, enabling the use of AC motors while maintaining autonomous solar-powered operation. The intermediary device resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to use higher torque AC motors without requiring public power distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If an alternating current motor is used for large mass closure components, then the drive torque exceeds 10 Nm, but the system requires public power distribution and cannot operate autonomously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive torqueVSAvoidautonomous operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The DC-AC converter serves as a mediator that enables AC motor operation while maintaining solar autonomy. It converts the direct voltage output from solar panels (lower than motor operating voltage) into the alternating current required by the AC motor, eliminating the need for public power distribution and enabling autonomous operation of high-torque motors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electrical parameters (voltage type and level) to enable autonomous operation. The DC-AC converter transforms the electrical characteristics from low-voltage direct current to higher-voltage alternating current, allowing the motor to operate at its optimal voltage range (50-1000 V) while being powered by solar energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If a 230 V alternating current motor is powered from solar energy, then autonomous operation is achieved, but the power supply assembly size must be small enough to fit in the motor enclosure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidpower supply assembly volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply assembly is nested within the motor enclosure, with the DC-AC converter and accumulator element integrated into the existing motor housing. This nesting approach minimizes the overall volume by utilizing the space already allocated for the motor assembly, allowing autonomous operation without requiring additional external power supply equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 system achieves sufficient drive torque for larger shutter or closure components while operating autonomously with solar energy, reducing installation and operational costs, and improving reliability by eliminating internal friction parts.

Implementation Method 1

solar electrical energy source (1) delivering a direct voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

a DC-AC converter (5) that converts the electrical energy with a direct output voltage of the electrical energy accumulator element (2) into electrical energy with an alternating output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Implementation Method 3

a low-voltage alternating current electric motor (3) having an effective electric voltage in the range ranging between 50 to 1.000 V

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12234685B2Device for driving a closure or shading member in a building by means of a solar energy source

Publication Date: 2025.02.25 ABC VOLET

AI summary

A device for driving a closure component (9) in a building from a solar energy source (1), comprising at least one low-voltage alternating current electric motor (3) mechanically coupled to the closure component, a direct current electrical energy accumulator element (2), a solar energy source delivering a direct voltage. The electrical energy accumulator element has a nominal voltage lower than said effective electric voltage and greater than the direct voltage delivered by the solar energy source. A DC-DC charger (4) converts the output electrical energy from the solar energy source into electrical energy with an electric voltage for charging the electrical energy accumulator element. A DC-AC converter (5) converts the electrical energy with a direct output voltage of the electrical energy accumulator element into electrical energy with an alternating voltage that is able to power said electric motor.