Wind Turbine Tower PV Assembly for Compact Hybrid Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of wind and photovoltaic systems for renewable energy generation faces challenges due to the need for a compact and efficient combination, as well as the fluctuation in wind and solar energy availability, which affects energy storage and utilization.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic system design that allows for a solar module arrangement to encompass or bypass the wind turbine tower, with adaptable geometry and mobility to optimize space usage and alignment with sunlight, enabling effective and safe collaboration with existing wind turbines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photovoltaic systems are installed at ground level separately from wind turbines, then both systems can operate independently, but additional ground area is sealed and not available for other uses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wind turbine and photovoltaic systems into a single integrated structure where solar modules are mounted on the tower and around the rotor hub, allowing both energy generation systems to occupy the same spatial footprint and eliminating the need for separate ground installations
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic modules are nested around the wind turbine tower and rotor hub, with solar panels arranged in concentric patterns that utilize the vertical space and circumferential area of the tower structure, effectively placing one energy generation system within the spatial envelope of the other
2Productivity
If wind turbines and photovoltaic systems are installed separately on the same site, then combined power generation is possible, but the combination is not compact and uses more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wind turbine and photovoltaic systems into a single compact unit where solar modules are integrated onto the tower structure and rotor hub, achieving combined power generation from wind and solar sources within a minimal spatial footprint
3Ease of manufacture
If solar module arrangement is fixed in position, then installation is simple, but the system cannot adapt to fluctuating wind and solar energy availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates movable and adjustable photovoltaic module arrangements that can change their position and orientation in response to varying wind and solar conditions, allowing the system to dynamically optimize energy capture while maintaining relatively simple installation through modular design
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 achieves a compact and efficient combination of wind and solar energy generation, minimizing space usage and power fluctuations, allowing for optimal solar power generation and utilizing existing infrastructure, while maintaining accessibility of the area for other uses.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic system (3) having a solar module arrangement (5) designed to generate solar power
Implementation Method 2
a wind turbine (2) designed to generate wind power
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a photovoltaic system (3) for a wind turbine (2) which is designed to harvest wind energy and has a tower (4), comprising a solar module assembly (5) which is designed to harvest solar energy. The invention is characterized by designing the solar module assembly (5) such that at least one part of the solar module assembly (5) can surround and/or extend over the circumference of the tower (4) at least in some regions.