Solar Panel Shield Assembly with Heat-Activated Charging Inhibitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar panels continue to produce electricity during hazardous conditions such as rooftop fires, posing risks to firefighters and potentially supplying oxygen to the fire through air flow beneath the support structure.
Innovation Solution
A releasable solar shield that automatically deploys to cover the solar panels when a heat-sensitive element reaches a certain temperature, preventing electricity production by at least partially covering the solar harvesting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are installed on building rooftops to harvest solar energy, then electricity production is improved, but safety hazards increase during fire conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A solar shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the solar panels and the sunlight. The shield can be positioned to block sunlight from reaching the solar harvesting surface, thereby stopping electricity production during hazardous conditions without damaging the solar panels themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar shield assembly incorporates movable components that allow the shield to transition between different positions (shielding and non-shielding). This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different operational conditions, providing electricity production during normal conditions and safety protection during fire hazards.
2Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels continue to produce electricity during rooftop fires, then energy availability is maintained, but firefighter safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameter of electricity production by using a heat-sensitive element that responds to temperature changes. When the temperature reaches a threshold indicating fire conditions, the element triggers the solar shield to block sunlight, thereby changing the parameter from electricity production to safety protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a solar shield is introduced to block electricity production during hazards, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar shield assembly incorporates a heat-sensitive element that automatically triggers the shielding action without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. The heat-sensitive element self-activates when exposed to fire conditions, causing the shield to move into position and block sunlight, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining safety functionality.
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 solar shield effectively stops electricity production during hazardous conditions without damaging the solar panels or associated components, enhancing safety for firefighting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sensitive element. The solar shield is configured to automatically assume the shielding position after the heat sensitive element reaches and/or exceeds an activation temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel assembly includes a solar panel having a frame and a solar harvesting surface held by the frame; and a shield assembly having a solar shield movable between an operating position and a shielding position and a heat sensitive element. The solar shield is configured to automatically assume the shielding position after the heat sensitive element reaches and/or exceeds an activation temperature.