Solar Canopy Battery Superstructure for Easier Compartment Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional renewable energy systems face challenges in consistency and practicality due to the cumbersome and heavy nature of components like battery storage compartments, making loading and unloading them into solar power canopies difficult and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pivotally coupled superstructure with scissor linkage or cable linkage mechanisms allows for easy loading and unloading of battery compartments by lowering the superstructure, along with the use of rails, tracks, and lifting mechanisms to facilitate the movement and securement of heavy components, enabling efficient swapping and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery storage compartments are made heavy and large capacity, then energy storage capability is improved, but loading and unloading becomes difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The superstructure is made pivotally coupled to the canopy frame, allowing it to dynamically change position between a raised engaged configuration (for operation) and a lowered load/unload configuration (for maintenance). This dynamic positioning reduces the effective weight and improves accessibility during loading/unloading operations while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
A scissor linkage assembly acts as an intermediary mechanical advantage system between the superstructure and the ground/support. This linkage provides mechanical assistance to lift and position heavy battery compartments, making the loading/unloading process easier despite the heavy weight of high-capacity batteries
2Ease of operation
If superstructure is lowered to facilitate loading and unloading, then accessibility is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The superstructure transitions between fixed stable positions (raised engaged configuration) and temporary mobile positions (lowered load/unload configuration). The pivotal coupling with scissor linkage provides inherent mechanical stability in the raised position while allowing controlled lowering when needed, balancing stability and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor linkage assembly and pivotal coupling mechanism are designed to control the lowering process, providing mechanical guidance and support throughout the transition. This prevents uncontrolled collapse or instability during the lowering process, ensuring safe and stable access for loading/unloading operations
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 solution simplifies the process of loading and unloading heavy components, enhancing the modular design of solar power canopies and improving operational efficiency by allowing for easier access and replacement of battery compartments, thus addressing the practicality and consistency issues in renewable energy systems.
Implementation Method 1
The superstructure pivots from an engaged configuration to a load/unload configuration because one end of the superstructure is pivotally connected to the solar power canopy frame and the other end is movably coupled by a scissor linkage assembly or the like
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides methods for loading and unloading high capacity storage equipment to a solar power canopy. The methods and structures may include horizontal support members have mechanisms to engage corresponding mechanisms on a compartment housing the high capacity storage equipment. The mechanisms may include plates, flanged surfaces, rails, tracks, hook assemblies, and ridges. The methods and structures may include a superstructure that is coupled to an moves with respect to the solar power canopy frame. The superstructure may pivot and/or rotate to allow loading and unloading. The methods and structures also may include cabinets or cubicles sized to receive one or more compartments housing the high capacity storage equipment.