Solar Panel Motion Control to Avoid Livestock Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moveable energy generation systems, such as solar panels, can encounter obstacles and pose a risk to agriculture and livestock, necessitating a control system to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling energy generation assemblies, including a photovoltaic design and system management platform, that allows for co-location with agriculture production. The system includes a communication module to receive control signals, a processor to adjust operational parameters, and a panel actuator to modify the position or angle of the solar panels to avoid contact with livestock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are made moveable to track the sun for maximum energy generation, then energy production efficiency is improved, but the risk of contact with livestock and potential damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel system employs dynamic motion control, transitioning between tracking mode (for maximum energy generation) and static mode (when livestock are present). The control system dynamically adjusts panel position based on real-time detection of livestock presence, allowing the system to optimize between energy production and livestock safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from cameras and sensors that detect livestock presence to automatically adjust solar panel positioning. When livestock are detected near the panels, the system receives feedback signals and modifies the tracking behavior to prevent contact, creating a closed-loop control system that balances energy generation with safety
2Area of stationary object
If solar panels are positioned closer to the ground to reduce clearance, then space utilization is improved, but the likelihood of impacting livestock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the vertical clearance of solar panels based on livestock presence. When livestock are detected in the area, the panels transition to a higher clearance position. When no livestock are present, the panels can operate at lower clearance to maximize space utilization and energy generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting livestock presence before contact can occur. Once livestock are detected, the control system proactively adjusts panel positioning to prevent potential impact, rather than reacting after damage occurs
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 effectively prevents contact between energy generation systems and livestock by adjusting the position or angle of the solar panels, thereby protecting both the panels and the livestock while allowing for shared use of space.
Implementation Method 1
capturing solar energy using a plurality of assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for controlling one or more assemblies of an energy generation system. The method may include selecting at least a portion of the one or more assemblies, transmitting at least one control signal associated with the selected at least a portion of the one or more assemblies, receiving the control signal at a communication module of the one or more assemblies, and modifying an operational parameter of the one or more assemblies responsive to the received control signal to avoid contact between the one or more assemblies and livestock. The operational parameter may be associated with a position of the at least a portion of the one or more assemblies relative to a ground surface. The operational parameter may additionally or alternatively be a range of angle of the at least a portion of the one or more assemblies.