Using a programmable aerial drone assembly configured to actuate a gearbox that repositions one or more solar panels, automated drones may be deployed to adjust the position of the solar panels throughout the day according to a programmable schedule. In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of docking stations may be deployed throughout a solar farm, such that one or more solar panels are mechanically coupled to the docking station, wherein the docking station includes a landing platform and a gearbox mechanically configured to adjust the position of the solar panels. One or more gearbox arms protrude from the top of the docking station landing platform, and corresponding arms on the aerial drone assembly engage the gearbox arms to actuate the gearbox. The aerial drone assembly also includes landing posts that register with the docking station.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    System and method for positioning solar panels with automated drones


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2019-10-08


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    F16M Rahmen, Gehäuse oder Grundplatten von Kraftmaschinen oder anderen Maschinen oder von Apparaten, nicht auf eine besondere Art von Maschine oder Apparat eingeschränkt, die anderweitig vorgesehen ist , FRAMES, CASINGS, OR BEDS, OF ENGINES OR OTHER MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO AN ENGINE, MACHINE, OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE / B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge / H02S GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRA-RED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, E.G. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES , Erzeugung elektrischer Energie durch Umwandlung von Infrarot-Strahlung, sichtbarem Licht oder ultraviolettem Licht, z.B. unter Verwendung von Photovoltaik [PV]-Modulen / B64D Ausrüstung für Flugzeuge , EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT / G06K Erkennen von Daten , RECOGNITION OF DATA



    Pre-positioning aerial drones

    GORDON MICHAEL S / KOZLOSKI JAMES R / KUNDU ASHISH et al. | European Patent Office | 2017

    Free access

    PRE-POSITIONING AERIAL DRONES

    GORDON MICHAEL S / KOZLOSKI JAMES R / KUNDU ASHISH et al. | European Patent Office | 2017

    Free access

    AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR CLEANING SOLAR PANELS

    CONTRERAS HERRERA CAMILO ANTONIO / FLORES GARRIDO CAMILO EMMANUEL / MUÑOZ ESTRADA DIEGO LUIS et al. | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access

    AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR CLEANING SOLAR PANELS

    CONTRERAS HERRERA CAMILO ANTONIO / FLORES GARRIDO CAMILO EMMANUEL / MUÑOZ ESTRADA DIEGO LUIS et al. | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access

    Automated Assembly of Solar Panels

    Hagerty, J. J. | NTRS | 1984