Tilting PV Module Rail Structure for Protected Deck Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic modules used on large-scale installations, such as those on merchant ships, are not suitable for mobile use and are prone to damage due to their weight and glass surface, which limits their installation and utilization on ship decks.
Innovation Solution
A structure comprising parallel rails fastened to a support surface and a planar support element mounted on the rails, allowing photovoltaic modules to be easily installed and rotated between a working position for energy production and a protective position to prevent damage during operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If standard photovoltaic modules with aluminum frame and glass surface are used, then electricity production efficiency is improved, but weight increases and handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the aluminum frame and glass surface from traditional photovoltaic modules, extracting only the essential photovoltaic cells and mounting them directly onto a lightweight substrate. This extraction of non-essential heavy components resolves the contradiction by maintaining electricity production efficiency while dramatically reducing weight and improving handling characteristics.
2Area of moving object
If photovoltaic modules are installed on hatch covers, then available space for energy production is improved, but exposure to impact damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable and rotatable mounting structure that allows photovoltaic modules to be dynamically repositioned between a working position (exposed to sunlight for energy production) and a protective position (shielded during loading/unloading operations). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling full utilization of hatch cover space while providing protection when impact risk is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure enables change in the spatial orientation and position parameters of the photovoltaic modules. By rotating and moving modules between different angular positions and locations, the system optimizes both energy production (when exposed) and damage protection (when repositioned), resolving the area versus safety contradiction.
3Area of moving object
If photovoltaic modules are installed on flat deck surfaces, then available space for installation is improved, but wind and wave penetration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical dimensionality through adjustable mounting heights and angular orientations. By elevating modules above the deck surface and enabling angular adjustment, the system captures sunlight effectively while creating aerodynamic and hydrodynamic gaps that reduce wind and wave penetration, thus resolving the area versus environmental exposure contradiction.
Data Source
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AI summary
Photovoltaic module installation structure, comprising a pair of parallel rails (11) configured to be fastened to a support surface (S), and a planar support element (13) mounted onto the rails (11), whereupon at least one photovoltaic module (1) is fastened. Each of the lateral sides (13c, 13d) of the planar support element (13) comprises a pair of pins (13c', 13c", 13d', 13d") resting upon the respective rail (11). The planar support element (13) is rotatable with respect to the rails (11), about a tilting axis (y) defined by the pins (13c', 13c", 13d', 13d"), the tilting axis (y) being slidable along the rails (11) in such a way that the planar support element (13) is tiltable between a working position, wherein the photovoltaic module (1) is exposed, and a protective position, wherein the photovoltaic module (1) is hidden.