Utility pole solar energy collector system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional solar energy systems on vertical structures like utility poles face inefficiencies due to wind load, shading, and limited energy harvesting capabilities, especially with the increased density of 5G antennas requiring more reliable and sustainable power solutions.
Innovation Solution
The solar ring system employs pie-shaped, bifacial solar panels arranged in a ring configuration around a central clamp, capable of tracking the sun passively and capturing energy from both sides, with optional reflectors to enhance energy production, and can be mounted on various vertical structures, including existing infrastructure, to maximize energy harvesting potential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional rectangular solar panels are mounted on vertical structures, then they can generate solar energy, but they are susceptible to wind loads and have limited energy harvesting capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by arranging solar panels in a circular ring configuration around the vertical structure rather than using flat rectangular panels. This circular arrangement reduces wind load by allowing wind to flow through and around the structure, while the curved geometry enables bifacial panels to capture sunlight from multiple angles, thereby improving energy production and wind resistance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat panel mounting to a three-dimensional circular ring configuration. This dimensional change allows the solar panels to be positioned in multiple orientations around the vertical structure, enabling continuous sunlight exposure from all directions and significantly increasing energy harvesting capability while distributing wind loads more effectively.
2Productivity
If solar panels are elevated on vertical structures, then cooling properties improve and energy harvest increases, but the structures require additional power infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the circular solar ring system to serve multiple purposes: generating solar energy, providing passive cooling through elevated positioning and circular airflow patterns, and potentially integrating with existing vertical infrastructure like light poles or communication towers. This reduces the need for separate power infrastructure by consolidating functions into a single integrated system.
3Productivity
If 5G antennas are deployed in high density with close proximity to ground, then network coverage improves, but traditional backup power systems become impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The circular ring configuration of solar panels enables these systems to be mounted on vertical structures in close proximity to ground level, providing distributed power generation for dense 5G antenna deployments. The curved geometry and elevated positioning create passive cooling effects that allow the system to operate reliably in urban environments where traditional ground-level backup power systems would be impractical.
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 design significantly increases energy production by up to 70% compared to traditional rectangular panels, is more resistant to wind loads, and can be deployed on existing structures without additional land use, providing reliable and sustainable power for communication networks and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
pie-shaped, bifacial solar panels arranged in a ring configuration
Implementation Method 2
optional reflectors to enhance energy production
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy harvesting assembly having a unique attachment that can be arranged, mounted, moved and attached to new or existing structures. Solar rings are mounted on any vertical structure that may benefit from solar power using an aesthetically pleasing design that is resistant to wind load. The assembly does not require the need for pitch, azimuth or bearing measurements. The assembly is also capable of energy harvesting from reflected light below with the use of bifacial photovoltaic panels. The mounting design allows the solar energy harvest device to be installed on any vertical structure, including light poles, power poles, parking structures and other minimal load bearing structures. Further, the assembly can be attached to water towers, existing radio towers (guyed, monopole, stealth, self-supporting towers) all used to create vast amounts of unshaded vertical space for solar energy harvesting.