Ballast Connection Structure for Wind-Resistant Photovoltaic Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic systems with concrete ballasts and metal stiffening bars face deformation and corrosion issues due to wind resistance and lack flexibility and versatility in design.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic system utilizing concrete fairlead conduits and metal connectors with anti-corrosion coatings to connect ballasts, enhancing structural stiffness and wind resistance while allowing for cable housing and water drainage, with a modular design for improved maintenance and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal bars are used to connect concrete ballasts to increase wind resistance and structural stiffness, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the metal bar deforms over time and is subject to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining concrete ballasts with stainless steel connectors. The stainless steel connectors provide both the structural stiffness needed for wind resistance and the corrosion resistance that plain metal bars lack. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of concrete (compressive strength, stability) and stainless steel (tensile strength, corrosion resistance) to resolve the contradiction between structural rigidity and durability.
2Force
If metal bars are used to connect ballasts, then wind resistance is enhanced, but the metal bar risks deformation under wind and ballast loads
Solution Approach 1:
The stainless steel connectors combined with concrete ballasts create a composite structure that maintains shape and resists deformation under wind loads and ballast weights. The stainless steel provides tensile strength while the concrete provides dimensional stability, together preventing the deformation issues that plague plain metal bar connections.
3Reliability
If galvanised metal is used for the connection bar, then corrosion resistance is improved, but over time corrosion phenomena still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces galvanised metal with stainless steel connectors in a composite construction with concrete ballasts. Stainless steel inherently resists corrosion without relying on protective coatings that can degrade over time, thereby extending the service life of the connection system while maintaining corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves away from using inexpensive galvanised metal that requires frequent maintenance and replacement due to corrosion, opting instead for durable stainless steel that provides long-term reliability without the need for protective coatings that wear away over time.
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic system includes photovoltaic panels arranged in a row. The photovoltaic panels may include at least a first photovoltaic panel and a second photovoltaic panel. The photovoltaic system may further include support ballasts supporting the photovoltaic panels and a connection system configured to mutually connect at least one group of said ballasts. The connection system may include a concrete fairlead conduit.