Origami Inspired Solar Panel Design

TL;DR

This paper introduces an origami-inspired approach using evolutionary algorithms to optimize the arrangement of solar panels for maximum energy absorption without tracking, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

Contribution

It presents a novel application of origami principles combined with evolutionary algorithms to optimize solar panel configurations for enhanced energy capture.

Findings

Optimized panel arrangements increased energy absorption.

Evolutionary algorithms performed comparably to flat panels.

Stationary design reduces maintenance and energy use.

Abstract

The goal of this paper was to take a flat solar panel and make cuts on the panel to make smaller, but still viable solar panels. These smaller solar panels could then be arranged in a tree-like design. The hope was that by having solar panels faced in different directions in 3-dimensional space, the tree system would be able to pick up more sunlight than a flat solar panel. The results were promising, but this project did not take every factor into account. Specifically, optimum shape, temperature and the resistance of system, reflection of sun-rays were not explored in this project. This paper will take an approach from origami paper folding to create the optimum arrangement that will allow the overall system to absorb the maximum energy. Since the system stays stationary throughout the day, it can reduce the maintenance cost and excess energy use because it does not require solar tracking. In this project we have implemented a variety of Evolutionary Algorithms to find the most efficient way to cut a flat solar panel and arrange the resulting smaller panels. Each solution in the population will be tested by computing the amount of solar energy that is absorbed at particular times of the day. The EA will be exploring different combinations of angles and heights of the smaller panels on the tree such that the system can produce the maximum amount of power throughout the day. The performance of our Evolutionary algorithms are comparable to the performance of flat solar panels. Keywords: - Evolutionary Programming, Evolution Strategy, Genetic Algorithm, Solar Panel Optimization.