A-Frame Truss Foundation with Optimized Leg Angles for Solar Trackers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-axis solar tracker foundations, such as monopiles, are inefficient in resisting lateral loads due to their design, leading to oversized and deeply embedded structures, while alternative A-frame foundations with steep angles result in excessive tensile and compressive forces, making them costly and impractical for utility-scale solar arrays.
Innovation Solution
A truss or A-frame foundation system with moderately sloped legs, optimized to reduce tensile and compressive forces from lateral loads, using a range of angles that limits these forces and reduces the amount of steel and depth of embedment required, while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monopile foundations are used, then structural stability is achieved, but material usage and construction costs increase due to oversized and deeply embedded structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the foundation by transitioning from monopile to A-frame configuration with specifically optimized leg angles (30-60 degrees from vertical), which transforms the structural mechanics to reduce material requirements while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structural design combining concrete or steel materials in an A-frame configuration with optimized angle geometry, creating a hybrid structural system that achieves both stability and material efficiency
2Quantity of substance
If A-frame foundations with steep angles are used, then material usage is reduced, but tensile and compressive forces become excessive making the structure impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the leg angle parameter to a specific range (30-60 degrees from vertical) that balances material efficiency with force management, avoiding the excessive tensile and compressive forces that occur with steeper angles while still reducing material usage compared to conventional foundations
3Quantity of substance
If A-frame foundations with steep angles are used, then material usage is reduced, but the depth of embedment required increases making construction more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optimized leg angle parameter (30-60 degrees from vertical) creates a more favorable force distribution that reduces the required embedment depth compared to steeper A-frame configurations, while still achieving material efficiency benefits
Data Source
AI summary
An A-frame shaped truss foundation system for a single-axis tracker with moderately sloped legs that translate lateral loads into tension and compression without substantially increasing the magnitude of the lateral load force while optimizing material usage. Several such truss foundation systems are installed in a row to support a torque tube of a single-axis solar tracker. An adapter joins ends of adjacent upper legs and separates the truss legs by an angle more than 35-degrees up to 70-degrees. In some cases, the adapter may have an integrated bearing.