Balanced Solar Tracker Design to Reduce Drive Motor Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in maximizing energy conversion from solar panels due to suboptimal sun angles, leading to inefficient energy capture.
Innovation Solution
A fully adjustable solar tracker apparatus with a center of mass aligned with the center of rotation of cylindrical torque tubes, reducing the load on the drive motor and allowing for independent angle adjustment of solar panels to optimize energy capture, featuring a clam shell clamp assembly and swage fittings for strong axial and torsional loading, and an elastomeric damper to prevent harmonic waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can track the sun, but the load on the drive motor is excessive and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by positioning heavy components (motor housing, gear train, clutch assembly) at the bottom of the vertical shaft, creating a balanced system that reduces the torque required by the drive motor to rotate the horizontal shaft and move solar panels. This balancing arrangement significantly decreases motor energy consumption while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements equipotentiality by aligning the center of mass of the solar panel array with the rotation axis of the horizontal shaft, and the center of mass of the motor assembly with the vertical shaft. This creates a balanced configuration where gravitational forces are minimized, reducing the energy required for tracking movements while ensuring stable and reliable operation.
2Productivity
If solar panels are fixed at non-adjustable angles, then the structure is simple, but energy capture efficiency is reduced due to suboptimal sun angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a two-axis tracking system with independent vertical and horizontal shafts that can adjust to optimal angles dynamically. The vertical shaft allows elevation angle adjustment, while the horizontal shaft enables azimuth rotation, enabling solar panels to continuously track the sun's movement and maximize energy capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tracking system into independent functional modules: a vertical shaft mechanism for elevation adjustment, a horizontal shaft mechanism for azimuth rotation, and a drive system with motor, gear train, and clutch assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, managing overall system complexity while achieving high productivity through coordinated operation of the segmented components.
3Ease of manufacture
If welding and extensive assembly are used for installation, then structural strength is ensured, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracker apparatus into modular components (mounting brackets, solar panel frames, shaft assemblies, motor housing) that can be manufactured separately and assembled through bolted connections rather than welding. This modular segmentation maintains structural strength through precise mechanical fastening while dramatically reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling key components (motor housing with gear train, clutch assembly with vertical shaft, horizontal shaft with mounting brackets) before field installation. This pre-assembly ensures proper alignment and structural integrity is achieved during manufacturing rather than installation, reducing on-site assembly complexity and maintaining strength without requiring extensive welding.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances energy capture efficiency by allowing solar panels to track electromagnetic radiation effectively, reducing the load on the drive motor and preventing damage from wind and air movement, while being cost-effective and quick to install with reduced welding and component count.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric damper to prevent harmonic waveforms
Implementation Method 2
solar photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.