Stowable Solar Array With Sun-Tracking Segments and Interlocking Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic energy systems for powering electric and hybrid electric vehicles are not cost-effective for widespread commercial adoption, as they have not achieved significant efficiency in harnessing solar power for long-distance travel.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic array apparatus with a central hub, adjustable length struts, and a control system that dynamically orients photovoltaic segments to maximize power collection by tracking the sun, allowing for both stowed and deployed configurations, and interlocking segments to increase structural stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic segments are deployed to increase power collection area, then power collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic array is divided into multiple independently controllable segments that can be deployed or stowed separately. Each segment is mounted on an adjustable strut with independent actuation, allowing selective deployment to optimize power collection while managing structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic segments are mounted on adjustable-length struts that can dynamically change position and orientation. The struts incorporate actuators (motors, scissor mechanisms, or telescopic components) that enable real-time adjustment of segment deployment status, transitioning between stowed and deployed configurations based on operational requirements
2Productivity
If photovoltaic segments are dynamically oriented to track the sun, then power collection is maximized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The struts supporting the photovoltaic segments incorporate adjustable-length mechanisms with actuators that enable dynamic repositioning. These actuators (motors, scissor mechanisms, or telescopic components) allow the segments to change orientation and track the sun's movement, maximizing power collection while the modular design keeps complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives input from radiation sensors or calculates sun position based on time and location data, then automatically adjusts the strut extensions and segment orientations to maintain optimal tracking. This closed-loop control maximizes power collection while automating the complex tracking operations
3Volume of moving object
If photovoltaic segments are stacked in stowed arrangement, then device compactness is improved, but power collection area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic segments are designed to stack vertically or horizontally in a nested arrangement when not in use, similar to nested dolls. This compact stowed configuration minimizes the volume occupied by the array while preserving the full power collection area for deployment, allowing the system to transition between compact storage and full operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable struts enable the segments to transition dynamically between the compact stacked configuration and the fully deployed power-generating configuration. By controlling the strut extension, the system can optimize between compactness during storage/transport and maximum power collection area during operation
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 apparatus effectively increases the efficiency of solar power collection and structural stability, enabling the use of photovoltaic energy to charge vehicle batteries, thus addressing the cost-effectiveness and efficiency challenges in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The photovoltaic segments can be configured to supply a potential difference across electrical terminals when exposed to incident radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies related to a photovoltaic array apparatus are generally described. In some examples, the apparatus may comprise a central hub, adjustable length struts, and a plurality of photovoltaic segments coupled to the central hub and struts. The photovoltaic segments may be selectively positioned between a stowed arrangement and a deployed arrangement by operation of the central hub and/or struts. In the stowed arrangement, the photovoltaic segments may be stacked, and in the deployed arrangement, the photovoltaic segments may be azimuthally displaced about the central hub. A control system coupled to the struts may be configured to control the struts to dynamically orient the photovoltaic segments so as to maximize, or otherwise adjust, power collected from incident radiation.