Solar Platform with Pivotable Panels for Adaptive Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved device and method to efficiently harness and store solar energy for powering electrical and electromechanical devices, particularly one that can adapt to varying solar radiation angles and be integrated with vehicles and building structures.
Innovation Solution
A solar platform with pivotable solar panels that can be manually or motorized to optimize solar energy capture, featuring bifacial panels and a central pivotable panel, integrated with vehicles or building structures, and controlled by a smartphone application for optimal energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are fixed in a single orientation, then the device structure is simple, but the solar energy capture efficiency is reduced due to inability to adapt to varying solar radiation angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pivotable solar panels that can rotate between a first orientation (angled relative to the base panel) and a second orientation (flush with the base panel). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the solar panels to adapt to varying solar radiation angles throughout the day, maximizing energy capture while maintaining a relatively simple hinge-based mechanical structure.
2Productivity
If multiple solar panels are stacked vertically to increase energy density, then the space utilization is improved, but the structural stability and wind load resistance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pivotable solar panels that can dynamically adjust their angle and position. When facing strong winds, the panels can be rotated to a more horizontal position or folded back, reducing the wind surface area and minimizing wind load impact. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain high energy conversion density during normal operation while ensuring structural stability during adverse weather conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are integrated with vehicle surfaces, then the application versatility is improved, but the available surface area for energy capture is reduced due to curvature and shape constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar energy harvesting system into multiple independent pivotable panels that can be separately positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimally angled for energy capture while adapting to the curved or irregular surfaces of vehicles. The modular design enables flexible integration across different vehicle types and surface geometries, maximizing the usable surface area despite shape constraints.
4Productivity
If pivotable solar panels are used to maximize energy capture, then the solar energy harvest is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hinge-based pivot mechanism that allows solar panels to rotate between different orientations. This dynamic design enables maximum energy capture by adjusting panel angles according to solar radiation patterns, while the use of standard hinge components and modular panel structures helps control manufacturing complexity and cost.
5Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are designed to pivot and adjust orientation, then the energy capture adaptability is improved, but the reliability and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pivotable solar panels with hinge mechanisms that provide controlled movement between defined orientations. While this dynamic capability improves energy capture adaptability, the system incorporates features such as limited rotation ranges, mechanical stops, and robust hinge designs to minimize wear and potential failure points, thereby maintaining acceptable system reliability.
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 platform increases energy conversion density by adjusting panel angles to maximize solar energy capture, effectively powering vehicles and building systems while recharging batteries, enhancing energy efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
Solar panels are used to harvest solar energy and convert such energy into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A solar platform having a plurality of solar panels is disclosed. The solar platform may have a plurality of base solar panels and pivotable solar panels where the solar panels, specifically the pivotable solar panels, are pivotable in different orientations. The pivotable solar panels may be bifacial and may have different structural dimensions than the base solar panels. The solar platform may also include a center panel in between the pivotable solar panels. The solar platform may be attached or integrated with a top surface of a vehicle or add-on vehicle component, such as a cap or a tonneau cover. The Solar platform is designed to be incorporated with various types of vehicles, building structures, or simply be placed on the ground.