Solar Panel Positioning Assembly Using Thermal Expansion Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and low efficiency of solar power generation systems, particularly due to the need for expensive hydraulic and computerized systems to maintain optimal solar panel orientation with the sun, result in increased initial investment and reduced cost-effectiveness per watt of electricity generated.

Innovation Solution

A solar panel positioning assembly that automatically adjusts the orientation of solar panels using fluid-filled tanks and pistons, eliminating the need for external electrical power or computer systems, where the pressure change in the fluid-filled tanks drives the movement of the panels to maintain optimal alignment with the sun.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hydraulic systems and computer systems are used to maintain solar panel orientation with the sun, then the efficiency of solar power generation is improved, but the initial investment cost and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar power generation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hydraulic and computerized control systems with a purely mechanical passive system. Fluid-filled tanks connected to pistons automatically adjust solar panel orientation through thermal expansion and contraction of the fluid in response to temperature changes, eliminating the need for active control mechanisms while maintaining tracking functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the natural thermal environment to drive its operation. The fluid in the tanks expands when heated by sunlight and contracts when cooled, automatically causing the pistons to move and adjust the solar panel angle without requiring external power sources or control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar power generation efficiencyVSAvoidinitial investment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive components such as fluid-filled tanks and basic mechanical pistons instead of expensive hydraulic systems and computerized actuators. These passive mechanical elements are much cheaper to manufacture and install while achieving the same functional outcome of solar panel tracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If hydraulic systems are used to maintain solar panel orientation, then the efficiency is improved, but the need for external electrical power increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar power generation efficiencyVSAvoidexternal electrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is entirely self-powered through passive thermal responses. The fluid in the tanks naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes, driving the mechanical pistons to adjust panel orientation without consuming any external electrical energy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system exploits changes in physical parameters (temperature-induced thermal expansion and contraction of the fluid) to drive the mechanical adjustment mechanism, converting thermal energy directly into mechanical work without requiring electrical power conversion systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution reduces the initial cost of solar power systems while maintaining efficiency by automating the panel positioning without external power or electronics, thereby lowering the cost per watt of electricity generated and enhancing the economic feasibility of solar energy collection.

Implementation Method 1

the fluid filled tank will become exposed to the solar energy causing the fluid inside the tank to heat and increase in pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy absorption and heating: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

This pressure increase is transferred to an attached piston, which transfers the fluid pressure into a pressure causing movement of the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure transfer and mechanical movement: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9109815B2Solar panel positioning assembly

Publication Date: 2015.08.18 JORDAN TRAVIS

AI summary

A solar panel positioning assembly having at least one fluid filled tank that is connected to at least one piston. The fluid filled tank is shaded by a solar panel when the panel is perpendicular to the sun. When the panel is not perpendicular to the sun, the fluid filled tank is heated by the sun, causing the fluid to expand and increase pressure in the piston. As the pressure increases the piston moves the solar array until the solar panel is perpendicular to the sun.