Vehicle Photovoltaic System Segmented Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle energy generation systems, particularly those with photovoltaic systems, face challenges in maximizing energy yield and efficiently supporting the electrical system of commercial vehicles, such as buses and trucks, while avoiding deep battery discharge and powering air conditioning, ventilation, and cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic energy generation system divided into multiple subsystems with dedicated control devices, integrated into the vehicle's outer perimeter, including roof and side surfaces, to optimize energy harvesting across different orientations and orientations, using semi-transparent and flexible photovoltaic modules connected to the vehicle's electrical network and air conditioning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic modules are arranged on the roof surface only, then the system structure is simple, but the energy yield is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The energy generation system is divided into multiple independent subsystems (first subsystem on roof surface, second subsystem on outer circumference) with separate control devices. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific location and orientation, maximizing overall energy yield while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional roof surface mounting to three-dimensional utilization by extending photovoltaic modules to the outer circumference (vertical surfaces) of the vehicle. This dimensional expansion captures solar radiation from additional angles and orientations, significantly increasing the effective energy harvesting area without proportionally increasing structural complexity
2Area of stationary object
If photovoltaic modules are integrated into the outer circumference, then the usable area for energy generation is extended, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into separate control devices for each subsystem. The first control device manages the first subsystem on the roof surface, while the second control device manages the second subsystem on the outer circumference. This segmentation reduces control complexity by allowing independent optimization and management of each area, preventing the need for a single complex centralized control system
Solution Approach 2:
Each control device is specifically optimized for its assigned subsystem's local conditions (roof surface vs. outer circumference orientations). This local quality approach allows each control device to be tailored to the specific geometric and environmental characteristics of its area, maximizing energy generation from each location without requiring a universally complex control architecture
3Productivity
If a single control device is used for the entire photovoltaic system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy optimization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented across multiple independent control devices, each responsible for a specific subsystem. This segmentation enables parallel optimization of different photovoltaic areas (roof and outer circumference) with different orientations and irradiation patterns, significantly improving overall energy optimization efficiency compared to a single centralized controller that would have to manage all areas sequentially or with reduced granularity
4Reliability
If photovoltaic systems are used to support the electrical system, then battery deep discharge is avoided, but the system cannot sufficiently power high-energy consumers like air conditioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from limited two-dimensional roof mounting to three-dimensional energy harvesting by utilizing the outer circumference (vertical surfaces) in addition to the roof. This dimensional expansion increases the total energy generation capacity by a factor that enables the system to not only protect batteries from deep discharge but also provide sufficient power for high-energy consumers such as air conditioning, ventilation, and cooling systems
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
This configuration enhances energy yield and power provision, supports the vehicle's electrical system, prevents deep battery discharge, and reduces the need for fossil fuel-based energy generation, while allowing for efficient operation of air conditioning and ventilation systems, even when the vehicle is parked.
Implementation Method 1
an energy harvesting system which is a photovoltaic system and is useful for converting a portion of solar radiation into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle (F), preferably a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The vehicle (F) comprises a roof surface, an outer perimeter, and an energy generation system (1.1, 1.2), in particular a photovoltaic system, and is characterized in particular in that the energy generation system (1.1, 1.2) comprises a first subsystem (1.1) and at least a second subsystem (1.2), and the first subsystem (1.1) is assigned its own first control unit (2.1) for controlling the first subsystem (1.1), and the second subsystem (1.2) is assigned its own second control unit (2.2) for controlling the second subsystem (1.2), and/or the outer perimeter is used at least partially as a usable area for the first subsystem (1.1), so that the first subsystem (1.1) preferably extends over at least a part of the outer perimeter.