Solar Wheel Rim Segmentation and MPPT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle wheels equipped with solar cells face challenges in optimizing surface area utilization and managing shading effects, leading to reduced energy generation efficiency, and require non-standard cell developments for different wheel diameters, increasing industrial costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wheel with photovoltaic solar cells arranged in radial angular sectors on both faces of the rim, connected in series or parallel to optimize energy collection, using a module for tracking the maximum power point and an energy management system to balance power production and consumption, with optional inductive connectors for energy exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solar cells are installed on the rim of a bicycle wheel to increase surface area, then the electrical power generation is improved, but the fork casting shadow on the cells reduces the effective power output
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel rim is divided into multiple independent circuits, each comprising several photovoltaic cells arranged in series on radial angular sectors. This segmentation allows each circuit to be independently managed and optimized, enabling the system to tolerate shading on some sectors while maintaining power generation from others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of circuit connections between series and parallel configurations based on operating conditions. The system can switch between series connection (for higher voltage when illumination is sufficient) and parallel connection (for higher current when partial shading occurs), optimizing power extraction under varying shadow conditions.
2Power
If the entire rim surface is covered with solar cells to maximize power generation, then the energy production is improved, but non-standard cell shapes require additional industrial costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard rectangular photovoltaic cells that can be universally manufactured and applied to wheels of different diameters. By arranging these universal cells in radial angular sectors and configuring multiple circuits, the system achieves adaptability to different wheel sizes without requiring custom-shaped cells, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective power generation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional solar cells with low nominal voltage are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the voltage is insufficient for wheel motorization and energy storage
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple photovoltaic cells are connected in series within each circuit to combine their individual voltages into a higher cumulative voltage suitable for wheel motorization and energy storage applications. This merging approach maintains compatibility with standard low-voltage cells while achieving the required system voltage through series connection of multiple cells.
4Ease of operation
If the fork position varies relative to the wheel, then the mobility and operation of the vehicle is improved, but the relative shadow position on the solar cells changes making energy management more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates maximum power point tracking (MPPT) modules for each circuit that continuously monitor and adjust the operating point of the photovoltaic cells to extract maximum power. This feedback mechanism dynamically adapts to changing shadow conditions caused by fork movement, automatically optimizing energy harvest without requiring complex external energy management systems.
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
Enhances energy generation efficiency by optimizing surface area utilization and managing shading effects, reduces industrial costs through standard cell usage, and allows for real-time power balancing and energy storage or usage.
Implementation Method 1
a vehicle wheel equipped with photovoltaic solar cells
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle wheel (15) fitted with solar cells. According to the invention, the wheel (15) comprises: several circuits (44, 45, 46) each comprising at least one of the photovoltaic solar cells and a module for tracking a point of maximum power of the at least one of the photovoltaic solar cells of the circuit, and a module for collecting the energy delivered by the various tracking modules.