Dispatchable Solar Canopy With MID for Grid-Islanded Power Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar panel systems are often permanently mounted and vulnerable to weather damage, making them impractical for relocation or transfer of ownership, and there is a need for a system that can integrate local power generation with grid demand response.

Innovation Solution

A free-standing, trailerable canopy appliance with a frame, solar panels, inverter, storage batteries, and an Internet-connected server that manages power flow and can be easily moved, featuring bifacial panels, removable wheels, and bidirectional inverter for flexible energy management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solar panels are permanently mounted on fixed structures, then power generation stability is improved, but relocatability and weather resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation stabilityVSAvoidrelocatability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solar panel system transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic trailer-mounted configuration that can be moved between locations. The trailer provides mobility while the solar panels remain functional, resolving the contradiction between permanent installation stability and relocatability needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The trailer-mounted solar panel system serves multiple functions: it generates electricity, provides mobility for relocation, and can be transported to different sites. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining the stability of power generation with the adaptability of movable installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If solar panels are permanently mounted, then installation simplicity is improved, but vulnerability to weather damage and relocation difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidweather damage vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a trailer-mounted dynamic configuration that allows the solar panels to be moved away from hazardous weather conditions and relocated to safer positions, resolving the contradiction between simple installation and weather vulnerability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If solar panels are fixed in one location, then power generation consistency is improved, but adaptability to different locations and ownership transfer worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation consistencyVSAvoidlocation adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trailer-mounted system enables the solar panels to be dynamically relocated between different sites while maintaining continuous power generation capability, resolving the contradiction between location consistency and adaptability to different sites or owners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If traditional fixed solar systems are used, then grid integration simplicity is improved, but ability to respond to grid demand and participate in VPP worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrid integration simplicityVSAvoiddemand response capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates bidirectional communication with the utility grid, allowing real-time feedback on grid conditions and enabling the solar panels to adjust power generation and storage accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables participation in demand response programs and Virtual Power Plant operations while maintaining relatively simple grid integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 provides a portable and weather-resistant solar power solution that can supplement local electricity needs and feed the grid on demand, while being easily relocatable and integrated with utility grids through Virtual Power Plant protocols.

Implementation Method 1

solar panels that convert sunlight to electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260074650A1Dispatchable Plug-In Power Canopy Appliance for Virtual Power Plant Integration and Community Choice Aggregation

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 GINSBERG-KLEMMT ANTONIA

AI summary

A system has an electricity generating appliance having a frame providing a carport, the appliance having corner posts, cross-members, solar panels, and wiring interconnecting the solar panels, an inverter connected to the solar panels, one or more batteries connected to the inverter, a local breaker panel connected to an output of the inverter through a breaker, to a local electric grid through a main breaker and a two-way meter, and to loads of a local premise through breakers, and an Internet connected server hosted by a service configured to enter into agreements regarding power generation. The server manages the inverter and storage battery combination according to an existing agreement. The system further includes a Microgrid Interconnect Device (MID) configured to monitor grid conditions, manage transitions between grid-connected and islanded operation, and communicate with both inverter and server for coordinated energy dispatch, safety isolation, and automated reconnection to the utility grid.