Solar Controller Logic for Reliable Actuator Operation in Low Sunlight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar-powered actuators face reliability and predictability issues in periods with limited sunlight, such as polar regions or locations with short dark periods, where accumulator charging is inconsistent, leading to uncertain actuator operation.

Innovation Solution

A Solar Operated Actuator System (SOAS) with a solar controller that manages power feed from a solar panel, incorporates sensors for data input, and controls accumulator charging to ensure reliable actuator operation by optimizing power up and power down based on sunlight availability, using thresholds to determine charging and system operation states, and includes a discharging interface for efficient energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If solar panels charge an accumulator for actuator operation, then the actuator can operate autonomously without AC power, but the actuator operation becomes uncertain during periods with limited sunlight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operation capabilityVSAvoidactuator operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The solar controller performs preliminary assessment of accumulator charge levels before enabling actuator operation. It predicts whether sufficient charge will be available for the complete actuator cycle, and only permits operation when confidence is high, preventing uncertain partial operations during limited sunlight periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors accumulator charge levels and provides feedback to the solar controller. This feedback loop enables real-time decision-making about whether to permit actuator operation, charge the accumulator, or enter standby mode, ensuring reliable operation only when sufficient energy is available

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If the solar controller permits actuator operation based on current charge levels, then operation can start quickly, but the charge may be insufficient to complete the full operation cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation start speedVSAvoidactuator operation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Before permitting actuator operation, the solar controller performs preliminary prediction of the complete power cycle requirements. It assesses whether the accumulator contains sufficient charge to complete the entire actuator cycle, not just to start it, ensuring operation duration matches available energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system builds up accumulator charge in advance during periods of sunlight availability, creating an energy cushion that ensures sufficient power is available for complete actuator operation cycles even when sunlight becomes limited

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the solar controller monitors and predicts power cycles to ensure complete operation, then operation reliability improves, but the controller complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation completion reliabilityVSAvoidcontroller complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solar controller implements partial monitoring and prediction - it focuses on the essential power cycle parameters needed to ensure complete actuator operation, rather than comprehensive system monitoring. This selective approach achieves reliability improvement with controlled complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 ensures reliable and predictable actuator operation by optimizing energy use and extending functionality during periods of limited sunlight, with automatic power management and communication for maintenance, reducing the need for frequent service and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a solar panel converting the sunlight energy to electric energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11824494B2Solar power operated actuator system controlled by a solar controller

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 LEHTOVUORI

AI summary

The embodiments of the disclosure concern solar power operation controller to control a solar operated actuator system. An embodied solar controller, of a solar power operated actuator system, includes, an input for power feed from a solar panel for the solar controller powering, at least one sensor input in an ensemble of sensor inputs for providing sensor data to the solar controller, a functional connection to control a solar panel produced electricity for an accumulator charging, a functional connection to control accumulator laden charge for an actuator operation.