Vibration damping system in solar tracker

Abstract

The utility model relates to a vibration damping system, which is used for absorbing vibration generated in a solar tracker (1) through at least one damping device (2) with a damping device (4), and is characterized in that the damping device (2) is detachably attached to at least one panel (1.1) of the solar tracker (1); the damping device (2) comprises at least one mass (3) which is movably suspended along a cavity (2.1) of the device (2) by attachment to a damping device (4), and the mass (3) is movable in the cavity (2.1) perpendicular to the panel in a working position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In the photovoltaic field, the problem of vibrations generated in solar trackers is well known, for example, by the rotation of the axis of the solar tracker and by meteorological conditions on the panels (such as wind), so it is necessary to establish a damping system to prevent or minimize said vibrations and improve the durability and efficiency of the solar tracker. Background Art

[0002] Known solar trackers essentially consist of a rotating shaft supported by a support and on which solar panels are arranged, the orientation of which depends on the solar radiation. When the rotating shaft is actuated, even in a controlled motion, vibrations are generated due to friction or sudden changes in speed during starting or braking. In addition, since the panels arranged on the rotating shaft are flat surfaces, atmospheric conditions (such as rain, hail or wind) can have an impact, thereby generating vibrations in the components. These vibrations, as well as other known vibrations, can shorten the service life of components in the solar tracker and lead to inefficient operation.

[0003] One common way to damp vibrations is to use a torsional vibration damping device, such as the device in document US2021167721, which has a moving member rigidly connected to a rotating shaft to move therewith and a fixed member rigidly attached to a fixed structure.

[0004] An alternative solution is described in document CN213521776, which discloses a way to solve the vibrations induced in the solar panel by means of a passive damping device attached to the ground at one end and to the panel at the other end. The device has a rod attached to the panel, which is inserted into a cylinder rotatably attached to the ground or to the base of the solar tracker. In the cylinder, springs can damp the vibrations transmitted from the panel by the rod, thereby generating damping. The biggest disadvantage of this system is that it involves a complex installation and requires changes to the solar panel, and provides different damping depending on the angle of the panel and the position of the rod relative to the spring, so it is not a constant damping.

[0005] In view of the described drawbacks of currently existing solutions, a solution is needed that allows damping of vibrations generated in a solar tracker, without involving modifications of the solar tracker. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to achieve this purpose and solve the technical problems discussed so far, as well as to provide other advantages that may arise subsequently, the utility model relates to a vibration damping system, which is used for those vibrations generated in a solar tracker, absorbing the generated vibrations by at least one damping device having a damping device, characterized in that the damping device is detachably attached to at least one panel of the solar tracker, the damping device includes at least one mass block, which is movably suspended along the cavity of the device by attachment to the damping device, and the mass block is movable in the cavity perpendicular to the panel in a working position.

[0007] The working position of the system is understood as the position when the damping device of the vibration damping system is attached to the panel while the solar tracker is working. The upper part is understood as the part closest to the position where the sun hits the panel, and the lower part is the part closest to the ground.

[0008] Preferably, the device has a longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the panel to which it is attached, inside which is a cavity, along which a movable mass is arranged and thus movable perpendicular to the panel for vibration damping.

[0009] This allows the vibration of the panel to be damped by the mass in its damping motion provided by the damping means, which remains suspended in the same manner in the damping device of the present invention. Thus, the device can be adjusted so that the mass suspended in the cavity vibrates according to the frequency of the vibration to be damped.

[0010] Preferably, the damping means is in the form of an elastic means, and more preferably in the form of at least one spring. Since the mass is suspended, the elastic means is attached at one end to the upper part of the cavity, and the mass is suspended by its attachment at the other end of the elastic means. In this case, the elastic means is attached at the upper part of the cavity, so that the mass is suspended under the action of gravity.

[0011] Alternatively, the damping means may be several elastic elements attached to the mass in different ways from different points of the cavity, as long as they allow movement in the direction of vibration, ie perpendicular to the direction of the solar panel.

[0012] Preferably, the mass is suspended by an elastic element attached to an upper portion of the cavity and an elastic element attached to a lower portion of the cavity.

[0013] Due to the damping properties of the damping device and the walls of the cavity, the maximum displacement that the mass can achieve in the cavity is the maximum displacement allowed by the damping device. Therefore, the cavity will have enough space for the mass to move freely without contact with the upper or lower parts. The cavity has dimensions such that they allow guided displacement of the mass as it moves in the cavity. Optionally, the walls of the cavity will have guiding elements for the mass or elements that minimize the friction of the mass relative to the cavity.

[0014] The system is formed by at least one damping device which can be attached to the panel, preferably to its frame in a nestable manner. Thus, the device has a nesting groove in the upper part corresponding to the dimensions of the panel frame, so that once the device is nested in the frame, the two act in conjunction. Furthermore, it has both removable and permanent attachment means.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment, the nesting grooves may be adjusted on the device to accommodate different types of frames.

[0016] One of the advantages of this system is that it does not require structural changes to the panel frame and the device can be attached in a detachable manner, without damaging or changing the frame or the panel. This means a fast assembly of the system and avoids the use of tools on the panels. Furthermore, it allows to install the system in a fast manner on any type of solar tracker already installed, simply by nesting the damping device.

[0017] Optionally, the nesting groove of the damping device comprises an elastic joint for elastic adjustment to the size of the frame. The joint can completely or partially cover the groove, creating pressure between the nesting of the device and the panel, making it easy to adjust to different frames of slightly different thicknesses. In addition, the joint provides friction that makes it difficult to remove the device from the panel and prevents it from being damaged during the attachment process.

[0018] Preferably, the system comprises at least one damping device attachable at each side end of the panel in a symmetrical manner parallel to the rotation axis of the solar tracker. Symmetrical is understood as the same position about a symmetry plane perpendicular to the panel and passing through the rotation axis. In this way, there will be the same distance between the two devices, compensating the weight of each side of the panel.

[0019] The device, and in particular the mass, besides being located at the cantilevered end of the panel, is an additional weight to the panel. This makes the overall weight of the panel greater and makes the natural vibration frequency of the panel with the damping device at a higher frequency.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the damping system may include a plurality of attachment devices, wherein the distribution of the attachment of the damping devices on the panels of the solar tracker is performed according to a vibration calculation along the solar tracker. Said calculation takes into account various factors to establish the vibrations that may occur in the solar tracker. According to said vibration calculation, the optimal position of the device on the panel of the solar tracker is determined to damp the vibrations of the assembly in the most effective way, and the device can be placed alternately on the panels, on all panels, or even several damping devices can be attached to the same panel.

[0021] Due to the application of this damping system in the solar tracker, the natural vibration frequency of the module is much higher and the amplitude is lower, so that the amplitude at low frequencies is greatly reduced. By avoiding mechanical vibrations and resonant frequencies, better module performance is achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 An embodiment of a solar tracker assembly is shown in which several panels have a damping system.

[0023] Figure 2 A panel is shown with a damping system which, according to one embodiment, is formed by two damping devices arranged symmetrically.

[0024] Figure 3 A cross-section of a solar tracker is shown, in which a panel arranged on an axis of rotation is symmetrically provided with one device on each side.

[0025] Figure 4a is a cross-sectional view of a device attached to a panel frame according to one embodiment of a device having a damping device.

[0026] Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view of a device attached to a panel frame according to one embodiment of a device having first and second elastic elements.

[0027] Figure 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a damping device of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The drawings correspond to non-limiting practical exemplary embodiments and the configuration of the system may vary as long as the essence of the system is not changed. The vibration damping system for a solar tracker 1 comprises at least one damping device 2 attached to a panel 1.1 or to a frame 1.2 of the panel 1.1. The device 2 comprises a cavity 2.1 in which there is a mass 3 attached to the cavity 2.1 in a suspended manner by damping means 4 and movable in the cavity 2.1.

[0029] Figure 1A practical embodiment of the invention is shown, in which a plurality of devices 2 are distributed over different panels 1.1 of a solar tracker 1. In this way, the devices 2 are firmly bonded to the panels 1.1 or the frame 1.2. Thus, the vibrations transmitted from the panel 1.1 to the device 2 cause the mass 3 to move within the cavity 2.1, and the damping device 4 transmits the vibrations of the panel 1.1 to the mass 3 and vice versa. Since the vibrations are opposite, the vibrations of the assembly are damped.

[0030] As can be seen in the figure, the device 2 preferably has a rectangular shape, can be attached to the panel 1.1 at the upper part, and extends perpendicularly to the panel 1.1. Alternatively, the attachment can be provided at the bottom or on the side, all being equivalent embodiments.

[0031] Figure 2 The panel 1.1 is shown in more detail, wherein a device 2 is provided attached to each side of the panel 1.1. Preferably, the attachment to the frame 1.2 is by nesting. The nesting is achieved by a groove 2.2 in the upper part of the device, which has a geometry corresponding to the frame 1.2, allowing its detachable attachment. Furthermore, the device 2 is attached symmetrically to compensate for the weight added to the panel 1.1 with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0032] The groove 2.2 is C-shaped, such as Figure 2 Shown, but any other shape allowing the described attachment to the panel is contemplated.

[0033] According to another design, the groove 2.2 may be in the shape of a clip, or it may have a removable part that allows adjustment of the nesting to accommodate panels 1.1 of different thicknesses. In the described embodiment, the removable upper part has attachment means that keep the groove 2.2 attached in the panel 1.1.

[0034] In another embodiment, the groove 2.2 includes an elastic joint 2.3 so that it can completely cover the groove 2.2, such as Figure 4a As shown, or only partially covers at least one surface or a portion of a surface, such as Figure 4b As shown. This elastic joint 2.3 allows nesting by adapting to different frames 1.2, the sizes of which vary within a certain range. The elastic joint 2.3 provides greater attachment, while it can be made of a material that makes it difficult for the device 2 to slide and prevents damage to the panel 1.1 during attachment.

[0035] In another alternative embodiment, the damping device 2 can be attached to the frame 1.2 by mechanical means (such as screws). In this embodiment, the frame 1.2 needs to be adjusted or holes are punched at specific locations where the device 2 is configured.

[0036] like Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the device 2 comprises a cavity 2.1 therein and the cavity 2.1 can be opened on at least one side thereof or can be closed by a cover 2.4, door or similar device to allow maintenance, but the cavity 2.1 is preferably closed to prevent dust from entering.

[0037] exist Figure 4a In the embodiment shown, the device 2 has a damping device 4 in the cavity 2.1 in the form of a first elastic element 4.1 which attaches the mass 3 in the cavity 2.1 in a suspended manner. The first elastic element 4.1 is a single spring having a length and characteristics that can be adjusted to the desired damping type. Alternatively, there may be two or more springs attached to the upper part of the cavity 2.1.

[0038] Figure 4b is an alternative embodiment in which the cavity 2.1 is closed and has a damping device 4 in the cover 2.4 in the form of a first elastic element 4.1 attached to the upper part of the cavity 2.1 and a second elastic element 4.2 attached to the lower part of the cavity 2.1. In this case, the cavity 2.1 is closed by the lower cover 2.4 which allows opening, but it can also be closed on one side of the cavity 2.1, or even closed and cannot be opened as described above.

[0039] Figure 5 A perspective view of an embodiment of the device 2 is shown, which has a rectangular geometry, wherein the cavity 2.1 also has a square cross section as does the mass 3. This configuration of the mass 3 and cavity 2.1 with a square cross section and displacement adjustment prevents the mass from rotating within the cavity 2.1.

[0040] To facilitate the movement of the mass 3 in the cavity 2.1, the side wall may have inner grooves or ribs that establish contact with the mass 3 to prevent lateral movement. In this way, it is ensured that the mass 3 can only move perpendicularly to the panel 1.1. Sliding means may also be provided for the mass 3 in the cavity 2.1.

[0041] In order to achieve the best vibration damping effect, a vibration calculation must be performed, in which the characteristics of the different components of the device 2 must be known to determine the required damping. In this way, both the weight or shape of the mass 3 and the shape of the damping device 4 can be adjusted.

[0042] The damping effect is also influenced by the planning of the distribution of the devices 2 in the panels 1.1 of the solar tracker 1. Figure 1 The practical embodiment of the system shown shows that the alternating distribution of the damping devices 2 for vibration attenuation is in accordance with the vibration calculations carried out for this purpose.

Claims

1. A vibration damping system for vibrations generated in a solar tracker (1), wherein the generated vibrations are absorbed by at least one damping device (2) having a damping device (4), characterized in that: The damping device (2) is detachably attached to at least one panel (1.1) of a solar tracker (1), the damping device (2) comprising at least one mass block (3), the mass block being movably suspended along a cavity (2.1) of the damping device (2) by attachment to a damping device (4), and the mass block (3) being movable in the cavity (2.1) perpendicular to the panel in a working position.

2. The vibration damping system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The damping device (2) is attachable to the panel (1.1) in the frame (1.2) of the panel by nesting provided by the groove (2.2).

3. The vibration damping system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The groove (2.2) can be adjusted according to the size of the frame (1.2).

4. The vibration damping system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The groove (2.2) comprises an elastic joint (2.3) for adjusting according to the size of the frame (1.2).

5. The vibration damping system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The damping device (4) of the damping apparatus (2) comprises at least a first elastic element (4.1) attachable to the upper part of the cavity (2.1), the first elastic element having a suspended mass (3) attached at its other end.

6. The vibration damping system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The damping means (4) of the damping device (2) comprises a second elastic element (4.2) for attaching the mass to the lower part of the cavity (2.1).

7. The vibration damping system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The side wall of the cavity (2.1) is configured to allow the mass block (3) to move perpendicularly to the panel (1.1) within the cavity (2.1).

8. The vibration damping system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The damping system comprises at least two damping devices (2) which are attachable to the panel (1.1) symmetrically with respect to the axis of the solar tracker (1).

9. The vibration damping system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The damping system comprises a plurality of damping devices (2) attached according to a distribution on the panels (1.1) of the solar tracker (1), the distribution being made according to a vibration calculation along the solar tracker (1).

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