Solar-Powered Computation Module Integrating Photovoltaic and Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar PV energy generation is variable and unpredictable, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in matching data center energy demand with renewable energy production, particularly due to the need for rigid electrical infrastructure and high costs associated with co-locating solar PV arrays with data centers.
Innovation Solution
Integration of computation modules with solar PV modules to convert solar energy directly into computational power, using fiber optic cables for data transmission, allowing for flexible management of energy variability and reducing reliance on electrical infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar PV arrays are co-located with data centers, then data centers can access renewable energy directly, but the cost and complexity of electrical infrastructure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines solar PV generation, energy storage, and data center operations into a single integrated system. The solar arrays are mounted on the data center roof, and excess energy is stored in batteries connected to the same electrical system, eliminating the need for separate solar farm infrastructure and grid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical infrastructure is designed to serve multiple functions: it powers the data center operations, stores excess solar energy in batteries, and can feed back to the grid when needed. This multi-functional design reduces overall infrastructure complexity compared to dedicated solar farm connections.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar PV generation is used to power data centers, then renewable energy usage increases, but the variable and unpredictable nature of solar production creates mismatches with data center energy demand
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing excess solar energy in batteries during periods of high solar generation. This stored energy is then available during periods of low solar production, ensuring continuous power supply to the data center without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal distribution of energy availability by storing energy when solar generation is high and releasing it when generation is low. This parameter change in energy delivery timing resolves the mismatch between variable solar production and constant data center demand.
3Power
If solar PV arrays are located in remote areas with available land, then energy generation capacity increases, but energy transmission losses and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy generation and consumption locations by mounting solar PV arrays directly on the data center roof. This eliminates the need for long-distance transmission lines and associated energy losses, while still providing substantial generation capacity through optimized rooftop space utilization.
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 approach reduces energy transmission losses, lowers costs by eliminating the need for electrical infrastructure, and enables scalable, efficient, and flexible data center operations powered by renewable energy, decoupling energy generation from the electrical grid.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional solar photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation generally relies on the generation of energy using solar PV panels connected in large arrays to inverters that are then connected to the electric grid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a photovoltaic module and a computation module that is coupled to the photovoltaic module and is configured to receive power therefrom, the computation module being configured to communicate an active message to a controller in response to the computation module transitioning to a power on state and configured to receive a task command from the controller in response to communicating the active message to the controller.