Solar Tracking Blinds: Dynamic Slat Adjustment for Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar window blind systems face inefficiencies in sunlight generation due to fixed slat distances and angles, which reduce power generation and fail to optimize shading and lighting, especially when the sun is at its meridian altitude in summer, leading to reduced energy production and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A tracking-type window blind apparatus using solar modules that adjusts the distance and inclination angle of sunshades based on operation mode, season, time, and solar altitude angle, allowing for perpendicular alignment with sunlight to prevent shading and optimize energy generation, while also allowing for manual or automatic adjustment of sunshade angles and distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the blind slates are oriented toward the direction of the sun when the sun is at its meridian altitude in mid-summer, then the blind slats can be placed almost horizontal to block sunlight, but most areas of the blind slates become shaded and power generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-axis tracking system that dynamically adjusts the inclination angle and azimuth angle of the blind slates in real-time. Unlike fixed horizontal positioning, the system continuously changes the slate orientation to maintain optimal angles for both sunlight blocking and power generation, resolving the contradiction between shading effectiveness and energy capture
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (inclination angle and azimuth angle) of the blind slates based on solar position data. By adjusting these parameters dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed horizontal position, the system optimizes both the shading function and the photovoltaic power generation simultaneously
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inclination angle of the sunshade and solar altitude angle form an angle of 14° to 76° to prevent shading, then shading is avoided, but the angle is not orthogonal and the solar tracking device effect is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic angle adjustment where the inclination angle of the sunshade is continuously modified based on the solar altitude angle. Rather than maintaining a static angle within the 14°-76° range, the system actively tracks the sun's position and adjusts the angle to achieve near-orthogonal alignment, maximizing both shading prevention and power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses solar position data as feedback to continuously adjust the sunshade inclination angle. By monitoring the solar altitude angle and responding with appropriate angle adjustments, the system maintains optimal positioning that prevents shading while maximizing the orthogonal relationship between sunshade and sunlight for enhanced power generation
3Device complexity
If a fixed distance between slats is used at manufacturing stage, then the structure is simple, but the distances between the slats cannot be variably adjusted and shading problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed static distance between slats into a dynamic variable parameter. The system adjusts the distance between adjacent slats based on solar position, season, and power generation requirements, enabling the structure to adaptively prevent shading while maintaining relative simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of temporal variability to the slat distance parameter. Rather than a single fixed distance, the system varies the distance across different times of day, seasons, and operational conditions, transforming a one-dimensional fixed parameter into a multi-dimensional adaptive parameter that optimizes both structure and function
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 enhances power generation efficiency by ensuring sunshades are closely perpendicular to sunlight, optimizing sunlight entry and indoor brightness and temperature control, thereby improving energy output and economic feasibility compared to prior art.
Implementation Method 1
solar modules which are respectively attached to the plurality of sunshades and generates power by using solar light
Data Source
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AI summary
An exemplary embodiment provides a tracking-type window blind apparatus using solar modules. The window blind apparatus includes a plurality of sunshades which are separated from each other by a predetermined distance and adjust a light transmission amount; solar modules which are respectively attached to the plurality of sunshades and generating power by using solar light; a driver which is connected with the plurality of sunshades to adjust an inclination angle of each sunshade and a distance between the sunshades; and a controller which sets one of operation modes among a power generation mode, a privacy protection mode, and a lighting mode according to a user's command, and controls the inclination of each sunshade and the distance between the sunshades according to the set operation mode, a current season and time, and a solar altitude angle.