Ballasted Solar Module Mounting With Curved Base Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar module racking systems are complex, costly, and environmentally invasive, requiring extensive installation efforts and specialized labor, which hinders the widespread adoption of solar energy, especially in developing regions.
Innovation Solution
A ballasted support and mounting system that uses a free-standing, hollow base filled with ballast material like concrete or sand, eliminating the need for metal components and threaded fasteners, and featuring a curved design for stability and adjustability, allowing easy installation and reconfiguration without ground penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solar module racking systems are used, then structural strength and reliability are improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated base structure that provides mounting, ballasting, and positioning capabilities. The base integrates a hollow cavity for ballast material, a curved bottom for stability, and attachment mechanisms for solar modules, eliminating the need for separate metal racking components and threaded fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, anchors the solar module through ballast material, enables adjustable positioning through its curved design, and facilitates easy installation and removal. This multi-functional design replaces complex conventional racking systems with a single versatile component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional racking systems with ground penetration are used, then structural stability is improved, but environmental harm and installation invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ballast material (such as concrete or sand) placed within the hollow base cavity to provide downward force and structural stability without penetrating the ground. The weight of the ballast counteracts uplift forces from wind and snow, anchoring the solar module securely while preserving the ground surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved bottom surface of the base provides stability on uneven surfaces and enables the structure to self-level without ground penetration. The curvature allows the base to conform to slight variations in terrain while maintaining structural integrity and preventing ground damage.
3Reliability
If conventional systems requiring specialized labor and tools are used, then installation reliability is improved, but ease of operation and installation speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into modular components: a reusable base structure and attachable solar modules. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly without specialized tools. The base can be independently installed and reused across multiple modules, simplifying the installation process while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is designed to be self-contained with integrated attachment mechanisms that do not require external fasteners or specialized installation equipment. The system enables installers to mount and dismount solar modules using basic tools, making the installation process accessible to non-specialized labor while maintaining secure connections.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed-angle mounting systems are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and solar exposure optimization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable positioning capabilities into the base structure, allowing the solar module to be mounted at various angles and orientations. The curved bottom and flexible mounting mechanism enable dynamic adjustment to optimize solar exposure throughout the year while maintaining a relatively simple base design that does not require complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mounting and supporting one or more solar modules are provided. The apparatus can include a front wall and a rear wall. The apparatus can further include a curved surface that joins the front wall and the rear wall to form a base of the apparatus. The base of the apparatus can have a curved bottom. Furthermore, the base of the apparatus can be configured to mount and support the one or more solar modules. Related methods are also provided.