3D Solar Envelope Layout for High-Area, Wind-Resistant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic solar energy systems often have limited solar area generation relative to their implantation area and material usage, and they face challenges with wind resistance and deployment efficiency, particularly in ground-level deployments.
Innovation Solution
The design features a solar envelope with a convex shape and adjustable solar panel inclinations, combined with a support structure that forms a three-dimensional mesh, allowing for increased solar area generation while minimizing material usage and enhancing wind resistance through ventilation areas, allowing for efficient ground deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar panels are arranged in planar form with regular matrix distribution, then the spatial distribution is simple and easy to manufacture, but the solar area generation relative to implantation area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar arrangements to three-dimensional spatial configurations by inclining solar panels at angles between 10-45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. This dimensional change allows solar panels to capture radiation from multiple directions (front, side, and top) simultaneously, increasing the effective solar area generation relative to the implantation footprint without complicating the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or inclined surface configurations rather than flat planar arrangements. By positioning solar panels on inclined surfaces that face multiple directions, the system maximizes exposure to solar radiation throughout the day, effectively increasing the solar area generation capacity within the same implantation footprint.
2Area of moving object
If solar planes are made large to increase solar area generation, then more solar energy can be captured, but wind resistance and structural material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar energy collection system into multiple smaller inclined panels distributed across three-dimensional space rather than one large continuous plane. This segmentation reduces the wind load on any single structure, allows for better wind flow through and around the system, and decreases the total structural material required while maintaining or increasing overall solar area generation.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging panels in three-dimensional inclined configurations rather than large horizontal planes, the system reduces wind resistance. The inclined and spaced arrangement allows wind to pass through the structure more easily, reducing uplift forces and the need for heavy structural support materials.
3Productivity
If solar panels are positioned with high inclination angles to maximize energy capture, then conversion capacity is enhanced, but structural complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable or adaptable panel inclination mechanisms that allow the system to optimize its configuration based on seasonal variations in solar position. This dynamic adjustment capability enables high energy conversion capacity during different times of the year without requiring permanently complex fixed structures, as the system can adapt to changing optimal angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes variable inclination angles (10-45 degrees) that can be adjusted according to seasonal requirements. By changing the angular parameter of panel positioning, the system maximizes energy capture during different periods without requiring permanently complex structural arrangements, as the same structure can accommodate multiple angle configurations.
4Ease of operation
If conventional planar solar arrangements are used, then deployment is straightforward, but shadowing effects on neighboring systems occur
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from two-dimensional horizontal arrangements to three-dimensional inclined configurations, the patent reduces shadowing effects. The vertical separation and angular orientation of panels in 3D space minimize the overlap of shadows cast on adjacent systems, allowing for closer spacing of multiple solar installations without significant mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved and inclined surface configurations distribute shadow patterns more widely across space, reducing concentrated shadowing effects on neighboring systems. The angular and three-dimensional arrangement causes shadows to be cast in multiple directions rather than uniformly in one direction, minimizing impact on adjacent installations.
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 configuration results in a solar energy system with a solar area that is at least twice the implantation area, improved wind resistance, and simplified deployment, reducing costs and shadowing effects on neighboring systems.
Implementation Method 1
adapted for shadowing and conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to solar energy systems comprising a solar envelope (1) adapted for conversion of solar radiation into electrical energy and associated with a support structure (2) and to a platform (3) that retains the support structure (2) on the ground, whereby the solar envelope (1) is configured so that maximizes the relation between a solar area (AS) relative to a given implantation area (AI) and minimizes the quantity of material of the support structure (2) associated with said solar envelope (1).