Variable Superstructures for Renewable Energy Along Roadways

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing superstructure designs for renewable energy systems along traffic infrastructure compromise driving comfort and safety due to uniform construction patterns, which can lead to visual and mental fatigue, and poor integration with the surrounding landscape, while also failing to meet high local energy demands.

Innovation Solution

A system of superstructures with varying structural and energy envelope constructions along a longitudinal direction, incorporating different spatial orientations, formats, dimensions, and materials, tailored to local aspects such as terrain, visibility, and traffic conditions, to create a dynamic and non-repetitive visual experience that maintains safety and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If superstructures are installed in regular distances apart with similar constructions, then the total photovoltaic area per kilometer is maximized, but driving comfort and safety deteriorate due to visual monotony and mental fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetotal photovoltaic areaVSAvoidvisual monotony and mental fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by varying the dimensions, spatial orientations, and configurations of superstructures along the roadway. Instead of uniform repeating patterns, the superstructures are designed with different heights, widths, and arrangements of photovoltaic panels, creating visual diversity that reduces monotony while maintaining high energy generation capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by adapting the design of each superstructure to its specific location along the roadway. Factors such as local terrain, visibility requirements, traffic conditions, and landscape characteristics are considered to create site-specific variations in superstructure configuration, ensuring both aesthetic integration and functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If superstructures are installed with high linear density to meet high local energy demand, then energy generation capacity increases, but driving safety and comfort deteriorate due to reduced surrounding vision field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstalled generation capacityVSAvoidreduced surrounding vision field

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes vertical dimension by designing superstructures that extend upward from the roadway. Photovoltaic panels are arranged in three-dimensional configurations, including elevated mounting structures and multi-level arrangements, which increase energy generation capacity without expanding the horizontal footprint that would obstruct driver vision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the photovoltaic collection area into multiple distributed superstructures rather than one large continuous structure. This segmentation allows energy collection surfaces to be distributed at different locations and heights, maintaining high total capacity while ensuring that no single structure creates excessive visual obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If superstructures are designed with uniform constructions for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing simplicity increases, but integration into local surrounding landscape deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction standardizationVSAvoidintegration into local landscape

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal modular components that can be configured in multiple ways to serve different local requirements. Standardized photovoltaic modules, structural elements, and connection systems are designed to be reconfigurable, allowing the same basic components to be adapted to various landscape types, climate conditions, and aesthetic requirements through different assembly patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances driving comfort and safety by reducing visual monotony and mental fatigue while ensuring flexible integration into the local environment, effectively addressing the high linear density of energy demand through adaptive and varied superstructure designs.

Implementation Method 1

carrying solar energy means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9133585B2System of superstructures and section presenting such system of superstructures

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 CARDOSO PAULO ALEXANDRE TEIXEIRA E SILVA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system of superstructures carrying renewable energy means along a section comprising, or in the proximity of a circulation area and addresses the goal of minimizing the visual impact resulting from such superstructures by means of a variation of at least some of the design parameters of said superstructures or of respective renewable energy means, preferentially at least as perceived by people circulating along said section. The present invention further relates to a section, for example of a traffic infrastructure, presenting such system of superstructures.