Solar Panel Inclination and Micro-Turbine Pitch for Hybrid Power Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solar farms face inefficiencies due to limited operational hours and high investment costs, necessitating a method to maximize energy output beyond daylight hours through combined solar and wind energy harvesting.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system adjusts the inclination of solar panels and pitch of micro-turbines based on predicted wind velocity and solar irradiance to optimize power output, utilizing motors and gears with program instructions to dynamically adjust positions for maximum energy generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If solar panels are installed in open areas to maximize solar energy capture, then solar power generation is improved, but wind flow rate increases providing opportunities for additional wind energy harvesting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar power generationVSAvoidenergy harvesting capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines solar panels and micro wind turbines into a single integrated system. The micro wind turbines are mounted on the solar panel structure, allowing both solar and wind energy to be harvested from the same installation space. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by enabling dual energy capture without requiring separate installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The solar panel structure is designed to serve multiple functions: generating solar electricity and supporting wind turbines for wind energy generation. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different energy opportunities (solar during day, wind during night or storm periods) while using the same physical infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If solar panels are fixed at optimal inclination for solar capture, then solar energy efficiency is maximized, but wind energy capture is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy efficiencyVSAvoidwind energy capture

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces adjustable mechanisms that allow the solar panel inclination and micro turbine pitch to be dynamically changed based on environmental conditions. During daytime, the system optimizes for solar capture; during nighttime or storm periods, it adjusts to maximize wind energy capture. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between fixed solar optimization and variable wind capture needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If solar farms operate only during daylight hours, then operational simplicity is maintained, but total energy output is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidtotal energy output

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous energy generation by transitioning from solar-only operation to combined solar-wind operation. The micro wind turbines provide power during nighttime and storm periods when solar panels are not generating electricity. This continuity of useful action increases total energy output while maintaining relatively simple operations through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If micro wind turbines are added to solar panels, then additional wind energy harvesting is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy outputVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests micro wind turbines within the solar panel structure itself. The turbines are mounted on the solar panel framework, utilizing the existing structural support. This nesting approach minimizes additional complexity by integrating the wind energy components into the solar installation rather than adding completely separate structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enhances energy production by up to 15% by leveraging increased wind speed at the small opening of solar panels and utilizing wind energy at night, improving the viability and return on investment for solar farms.

Implementation Method 1

When air is passing from a large opening to a small opening, e.g., form the end of the solar panel furthest from the surface under the solar panel to the end of the solar panel closest to surface under the solar panel, the speed of air is increased at the small opening.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi Effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

The passing of storms can also provide a significant increase in wind speed for the duration of the storm.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind Power: Wind Power

Data Source

PatentUS11965482B2Maximizing solar panel power generation with micro wind turbines

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An approach for adjusting the inclination of a solar panel and the pitch of one or more micro-turbines to maximize power output. The approach predicts wind velocity at a small opening of an inclined solar panel wherein a plurality of micro-turbines is located. The approach predicts solar irradiance striking the inclined solar panel. The approach calculates an optimal solar panel inclination angle and micro-turbine pitch based on maximizing power output. The approach adjusts the solar panel inclination angle and micro-turbine pitch based on the calculation.