Three-dimensional solar electrical generation systems and methods of deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel systems face inefficiencies in power output, land use, and maintenance due to fixed orientations, increased costs, and shadow effects, particularly during peak demand times and varying solar angles throughout the day and year.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a three-dimensional solar panel system, referred to as the Maximized Energy Reference (MER) system, which includes pole and equator-facing panels, along with top and side panels forming a segmented and dome-shaped assembly, optimized for specific angles and orientations to enhance power generation and reduce shadow effects, while providing improved wind-loading characteristics and simplified installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fixed orientation solar panels are used, then installation is simple, but power output efficiency is reduced during early morning and evening hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional flat panel arrays to a three-dimensional dome-shaped configuration with panels oriented at multiple angles (equator-facing, pole-facing, and side panels). This dimensional change allows panels to capture sunlight from different directions throughout the day, improving power output during early morning and evening hours when the sun is at lower angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar system is divided into multiple segmented panels with different orientations (equator-facing panels, pole-facing panels, and side panels). Each segment is optimized for specific times of day, with the dome configuration allowing sunlight to strike various panel segments at different times, thereby extending productive hours.
2Productivity
If traditional solar arrays are deployed, then land use is straightforward, but land footprint is excessive for equivalent power generation
Solution Approach 1:
By configuring panels in a three-dimensional dome shape rather than a two-dimensional flat array, the system increases the vertical utilization of space. Multiple panels are positioned at different heights and angles within a compact footprint, allowing more panels to be installed per unit area without excessive land occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dome-shaped configuration allows panels to be nested within a compact three-dimensional structure. Panels are arranged concentrically and at varying distances from the central axis, maximizing the number of panels that can fit within a given land footprint while maintaining optimal spacing.
3Productivity
If pole-facing and equator-facing panels are used, then power distribution is more balanced, but shadow effects between panels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional dome configuration spaces panels vertically and radially, reducing shadow overlap compared to flat arrays. The curved surface and varying panel orientations ensure that shadows cast by one panel are minimized on adjacent panels, particularly during morning and evening hours when shadow lengths are greatest.
Solution Approach 2:
The dome configuration uses asymmetric panel placement with varying distances from the central axis and different orientation angles. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes spacing to minimize shadow effects while maintaining balanced power distribution across equator-facing and pole-facing panels.
4Reliability
If customized support structures are designed for each installation, then structural stability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dome-shaped support structure is designed as a universal configuration that can be adapted to various installation locations without requiring extensive customization. The modular dome framework provides inherent structural stability while maintaining consistency across different installations, reducing both cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable and adaptable elements that allow the same dome configuration to accommodate varying ground conditions, slopes, and installation requirements. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for completely customized structures for each site while maintaining structural integrity.
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 MER system achieves improved power densities on a given land area, particularly during early morning and evening hours, reduces land footprint, and enhances operational efficiency by minimizing shadow effects and wind-loading forces, leading to a more balanced power distribution and reduced installation and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The use of photovoltaic (PV) cells to convert the radiant energy of sunlight into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Three-dimensional solar power generation systems have a plurality of solar panels configured to include pole and equator facing panels and, in various embodiments additional top and/or side panels that form a segmented and dome-shaped assembly. The systems have improved efficiencies particularly with respect to early morning and evening power generation that enable improved power densities on a given land area as compared to traditional solar panel arrays. Methods of deploying the systems are also described.