Solar Panel Driven Mobile Tower Irrigation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural irrigation systems face high costs due to the expense of powering multiple motors and the complexity of electrical power transmission to remote locations, particularly in large-scale irrigation setups like center pivot systems.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered irrigation machine that uses solar panels to collect and convert light energy into electrical energy, which powers the drive motors on mobile towers, eliminating the need for traditional power sources and reducing transmission costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrical power transmission is used to power motors on mobile towers, then the irrigation system can operate reliably, but the cost of power transmission and infrastructure becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power generation function across multiple independent solar panels mounted on each mobile tower, rather than using a centralized power transmission system. Each tower becomes self-sufficient with its own solar panel and motor assembly, eliminating the need for extensive power transmission infrastructure across the irrigation system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each mobile tower generates its own electrical power through an integrated solar panel, eliminating dependence on external power transmission lines. The solar panel directly powers the motor on the same tower, creating a self-contained unit that reduces overall system complexity and infrastructure costs.
2Productivity
If multiple motors are installed on mobile towers for driving wheels, then the irrigation system achieves satisfactory performance, but the cost of powering numerous motors becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power for the motor, provides structural support for the motor assembly, and acts as a mounting platform that integrates power generation and motor function into a single unified component system on each mobile tower.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical power transmission system (engines, belts, shafts) with an electrical system where solar panels generate electricity that directly powers electric motors, eliminating complex mechanical power transmission components and reducing maintenance requirements.
3Ease of operation
If long power transmission lines are extended to remote locations of the irrigation system, then electrical power can be delivered to all areas, but the cost of transmission and potential repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is segmented into independent solar panels on each mobile tower, eliminating the need for continuous long-distance power transmission lines. Each segment (tower) is self-powered, so there are no transmission lines spanning the entire irrigation system that require maintenance or repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power generation function from a centralized location and places it directly on each mobile tower. This removes the power transmission lines entirely from the system, eliminating the maintenance and repair issues associated with extensive electrical infrastructure.
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-powered system reduces operational costs by utilizing abundant sunlight for energy, simplifying power transmission, and minimizing maintenance expenses associated with electrical infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
A solar panel having a collecting surface is provided, wherein the solar panel is operable to collect light energy from the sun and convert the light energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of moving a mobile tower using solar power are disclosed for use with an irrigation system. The disclosed improvement includes a solar panel with a collecting surface to convert light energy to electrical energy, an electrical charge source in communication with the solar panel to receive electrical energy, and a motor to drive a ground-engaging wheel in communication with the electrical charge source. The improvement also includes a direction control system for regulating rotation of the solar panel and a tilt assembly for adjusting the angle of the solar panel to maintain the disposition of the collecting surface in alignment with the direction of incoming sunlight. The method of moving the mobile tower includes collecting light energy with a solar panel, converting the light energy into electrical energy, and driving a wheel of the mobile tower with a motor powered by the converted electrical energy.