Articulating Joint Solar Panel Array for Uneven Terrain Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar panel mounting systems, such as fixed tilt and single axis tracker systems, are limited in their ability to efficiently generate power on sloped and rolling terrain, as they either require significant grading or lack the flexibility to rotate panels effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of articulating joint solar panel mounting structures that allow for variable orientation and rotation of solar panels, enabling them to be installed on diverse terrain and optimize power generation by adjusting their position based on environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single axis tracker solar panel mounting structures are used to rotate panels to follow the movement of the sun, then power generation increases, but significant grading and flat land are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mounting structure movable and adjustable. The solar panel array is mounted on a support structure that can rotate and adjust its orientation dynamically to follow the sun's movement while adapting to various terrain conditions. The articulating joints enable the structure to change its configuration based on terrain slope and panel tracking requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mounting structure into multiple independent components including articulating joints, support structures, and panel arrays. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and positioned to accommodate varying terrain conditions while maintaining the overall tracking functionality. The articulating joints act as independent segments that can rotate and adapt to different angles.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed tilt solar panel mounting structures are used to reduce installation complexity, then installation ease improves, but power generation is limited due to inability to rotate panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed tilt structure into a dynamic system with articulating joints that enable rotation and adjustment. The support structure can actively change its orientation to track the sun's movement throughout the day and across seasons, significantly enhancing power generation potential while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a support structure for fixed panels and as a tracking mechanism for sun-following panels. The articulating joints provide universal adaptability, allowing the same structure to be used in various terrain conditions and orientations, maximizing power generation across different locations.
3Productivity
If articulating joint mounting structures are used to enable rotation and terrain adaptability, then power generation and terrain flexibility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex articulating joint system into modular segments that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and maintained. Each articulating joint is a self-contained module with standardized components, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality. The segmented design allows for easier installation and maintenance compared to a monolithic complex structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing and controlling solar panel arrays are provided. The solar panel array may include one or more articulating joints that may provide variability in the arrangement of solar panels, which may allow the solar panel array to be distributed over varying types of underlying surfaces. The articulating joints may allow orientations of solar panels to be different relative to one another. The articulating joints may convey rotational force across the joints, so that a rotational force used to drive a first solar panel may also be conveyed across the joint and used to drive a second solar panel. The controls system may include row-specific semi-autonomous, or autonomous, controllers as well as controllers to interface with multiple rows. The controllers may include sensors to measure system power generation and basic operations aspects of the solar field to directly measure, or infer, module shading within the solar field. The controller may use this shading and operations data to identify shading, mitigate shading, identify methods to increase power generation, and identify optimum tilt angles for the tracker rows.