Stowable Solar Array Container for Wind Protection and Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel systems are prone to damage from high winds and flying debris, particularly in storm-prone areas, and are inflexible, leading to high installation costs and reduced electricity production due to fixed structures that do not adjust to the sun's position.
Innovation Solution
A stowable Solar Panel Protective Container that houses a flexible solar array, allowing it to be deployed and retracted as needed, combined with a suspension system and tilting mechanism to maximize solar exposure and withstand high winds, with components assembled and tested centrally for simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixed steel structures are used to mount solar panels, then wind resistance is improved (rated to 140 mph), but device complexity and cost increase due to steel reinforcements and concrete foundations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fabric substrate to mount solar panels, replacing rigid steel structures. The fabric can be tensioned and suspended to create a mounting surface that is both lightweight and capable of withstanding wind loads, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotatable gimbal mechanism that allows the solar panel array to dynamically adjust its orientation and angle in response to wind conditions and sun position. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain optimal solar exposure while adapting to environmental forces, reducing the need for overly robust fixed structures.
2Productivity
If single axis or dual axis tracking systems are used to maximize solar power output, then energy yield is improved, but wind resistance deteriorates (reduced to 120 mph)
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible fabric substrate allows the tracking mechanism to operate with reduced structural mass compared to rigid systems. The fabric can flex and deform under wind loads, absorbing energy that would otherwise require heavier reinforcement, thus maintaining both tracking capability and wind resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gimbal-based tracking system provides dynamic adjustment capabilities while being designed to withstand higher wind loads through proper engineering of the rotation joints and support structure, achieving a balance between productivity and reliability.
3Reliability
If fixed steel beams or girders are used for mounting, then wind resistance is improved (140 mph rating), but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates due to assembly requirements at installation site
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are pre-assembled on the fabric substrate at a manufacturing facility, creating a complete module that can be transported and deployed as a single unit. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for complex on-site construction, significantly improving ease of manufacture and installation while maintaining wind resistance through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components (fabric substrate with pre-mounted panels, support posts, tensioning mechanisms) that can be manufactured separately and assembled through simple connection processes at the installation site, reducing complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed structures are used to mount solar panels, then stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates, limiting use in functional land areas
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable gimbal mechanism enables the solar array to dynamically adjust its position and orientation, allowing the same mounting structure to adapt to different sun positions throughout the day and year, as well as to respond to environmental conditions, thereby improving versatility without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible fabric substrate can be configured in various shapes and orientations, allowing the solar mounting system to adapt to different terrain and land use requirements while maintaining structural stability through tensioning and support mechanisms.
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 effectively protects solar panels from damage, reduces installation complexity and cost, and enhances electricity production by adjusting to the sun's position, doubling the exposed surface area per post while withstanding higher wind speeds.
Implementation Method 1
Photovoltaic modules can convert solar energy into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, which is a process by which the energy contained in photons is converted into electrical current.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a large surface area solar energy generation apparatus and method that protects the solar system from meteorological or any other ambient threat and restores the solar system to operating condition once the threat has passed. The system is sufficiently large to cover parking lots and other large ground surface structures and offers double the conventional solar exposure surface area per supporting post. The apparatus generates more electricity with single axis and dual axis tracking. The apparatus is pre-assembled in a central production facility to avoid costly onsite construction and installed at the utilization site with minimal effort.