Solar Pathway Light Circuit for Shaded-Area Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar pathway lights are ineffective in shady areas due to the mismatch between solar panel voltage and current outputs, leading to inefficient energy storage and illumination, and they often require direct sunlight for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of a solar pathway light system that includes a large solar panel incompatible with a low-capacity battery, managed by a safety device with impedance devices and a discharge regulator, allowing energy collection and storage even in shaded conditions, and ensuring continuous illumination without direct sunlight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a traditional solar panel is used in shady areas, then the solar panel can collect energy, but the energy storage is inefficient due to voltage and current mismatch with the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safety device as an intermediary component between the solar panel and battery. This safety device includes impedance devices (resistors) and a discharge regulator that mediate the energy transfer, matching the voltage and current characteristics between the solar panel and battery to enable efficient energy storage even in shaded conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, current, resistance) to optimize energy transfer. The impedance devices provide variable resistance to match the solar panel's output characteristics with the battery's charging requirements, while the discharge regulator adjusts discharge parameters to maintain efficient operation
2Use of energy by moving object
If a solar panel with high voltage output is used, then more energy can be stored, but the battery may be damaged due to overvoltage
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device includes protective components (impedance devices and discharge regulator) that are pre-installed to cushion and limit voltage spikes before they can damage the battery. These components act as a first line of defense, absorbing excess voltage and current to protect the battery from overvoltage damage
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device serves as a protective intermediary between the solar panel and battery, mediating the voltage and current transfer. It prevents direct connection of high-voltage solar panel output to the battery, thereby protecting the battery from overvoltage damage while still enabling efficient energy storage
3Power
If the solar panel is designed for direct sunlight, then maximum power can be generated, but the system cannot operate in shaded areas
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device provides multi-functional capabilities, enabling the solar pathway light to operate universally in both direct sunlight and shaded conditions. The impedance devices and discharge regulator adjust their parameters to optimize performance across different lighting environments, making the system adaptable to various operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device dynamically adjusts its electrical characteristics (resistance, voltage regulation) based on the operating conditions. In shaded areas, the impedance devices provide higher resistance to match the lower solar panel output, while in direct sunlight, the system can handle higher power levels, enabling versatile operation across different environments
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 enables solar pathway lights to operate indefinitely in shaded areas by efficiently managing energy storage and discharge, providing reliable and cost-effective illumination, even in low-light conditions, and compensating for solar panel aging.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel which is incompatible with the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a classification of shaded area and a light unit being configured for illumination. A solar panel is configured for at least providing an energy output during exposure of shade being classified by the classification of shaded area. A rechargeable storage device is configured for storing at least a portion of the energy output as stored energy. The stored energy recharges the rechargeable storage device. A safety device is configured for at least protecting the rechargeable storage device from substantial overcharging during exposure of direct sunlight. A cutoff threshold is configured for at least preventing a deep discharging of the rechargeable storage device. An illumination mode comprises at least the rechargeable storage device providing the stored energy, the light unit providing the illumination, the illumination lasting for at least 5 hours, and the cutoff threshold preventing the deep discharging of the rechargeable storage device.