Hybrid Solar Array and Wind Turbine Layout for Steadier Energy Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind and solar energy generation systems are inefficient and impractical in many applications due to variability in energy production based on weather conditions and time of day.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid wind and solar energy generating system that combines wind and solar power production into a single integrated unit, featuring a rotatably mounted solar array with a windward surface that increases wind speed by forming a resultant wind vector, and a computer-implemented control system to optimize energy generation based on solar and wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind and solar energy systems are operated separately, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall energy production is inconsistent and inefficient due to weather variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wind turbine and solar array into a single integrated hybrid system where the solar array serves dual purposes: generating electricity and accelerating wind flow to the turbine. This merging of functions allows the system to produce energy more consistently by leveraging both solar and wind resources simultaneously or alternately, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electrical energy through photovoltaic conversion and simultaneously acts as a wind acceleration device by channeling and focusing wind flow toward the turbine blades. This multi-functionality increases overall system productivity while maintaining reliability through diversified energy capture mechanisms.
2Productivity
If a hybrid wind and solar system is integrated, then energy production consistency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than integrating two completely separate systems, the patent merges the wind turbine and solar array into a unified structure where components serve multiple purposes. The solar array becomes part of the wind turbine support structure, and the foundation supports both functions, reducing overall system complexity despite the hybrid nature.
Solution Approach 2:
Each component is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The solar array generates power and accelerates wind; the foundation supports both the turbine and solar array; the structure serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. This approach increases energy output while minimizing the number of separate components needed.
3Productivity
If the solar array is fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy generation optimization based on environmental conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the solar array and/or wind turbine to adjust their orientation based on wind direction and solar position. This dynamic adjustment optimizes energy capture throughout the day and across varying weather conditions, significantly improving productivity without requiring complex independent tracking systems for each component.
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 hybrid system increases energy output by leveraging the increased wind speed generated by the solar array's windward surface, and optimizes energy generation through dynamic adjustments based on environmental conditions, resulting in more consistent and effective energy production.
Implementation Method 1
The windward surface has an area which is angled relative to a horizontal plane of reference. As such, wind travels from a leading boundary at a forward end of the angled area and exits or departs from the windward surface at a trailing boundary downwind from the source of wind. The angled area is sufficiently large and oriented relative to source wind vector to form a resultant wind vector at the trailing boundary. The resultant wind vector is directed outwardly downwind from the trailing boundary and has a greater force than the wind source vector.
Implementation Method 2
A hybrid wind and solar energy generating system comprises a solar array and a wind turbine
Implementation Method 3
A hybrid wind and solar energy generating system comprises two solar arrays in the form of solar panels mounted at 180 degrees from each other and having lower and upper edges
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid wind and solar energy generating system includes one or more solar arrays of solar panels arranged at an angle relative to a horizontal plane of reference, defining leading and trailing boundaries on such panels. A wind turbine is mounted proximate to the trailing boundary on a horizontal axis with blades extending longitudinally and in operative proximity to the trailing boundaries. A source of wind is amplified passing over the windward side of the solar panels to form a resultant wind vector extending outwardly off the trailing boundary.