Binary Valve Damper Assembly for Solar Tracker Wind Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker systems face challenges in managing high intermittent loads during extreme weather events, as traditional damper systems allow for flexing rotational movement but fail to effectively lock panels in a flat orientation to reduce drag and prevent wear.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker system with a damper assembly that includes a torque tube, column, and a hydraulic damper assembly with a binary damper valve assembly and active damper lock, allowing for passive and active control of fluid flow to provide resistance and lock the panels in a stowed position during high load events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional damper systems are used to provide resistance during normal operation, then damping force is provided, but the system allows flexing rotational movement and cannot lock panels during high load events
Solution Approach 1:
The damper system transitions from a static resistance mechanism to a dynamic system that can adapt its state. The valve assembly can shift between an open position (allowing fluid flow and providing damping) and a closed position (blocking fluid flow and providing locking). This dynamic state change enables the system to respond to varying load conditions, providing both damping during normal operation and locking during high load events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow resistance parameter of the hydraulic fluid by moving the valve assembly between open and closed positions. During normal operation, the valve is open allowing fluid to flow and provide damping force. During high load events, the valve closes to block fluid flow, dramatically increasing resistance and preventing movement. This parameter change enables the system to meet both damping and locking requirements.
2Ease of operation
If panels are allowed to rotate freely during normal operation, then tracking functionality is maintained, but drag and wear increase during high wind events
Solution Approach 1:
The damper system applies preliminary anti-action by providing resistance force during normal operation to reduce oscillations and wear, and by enabling a locked state during high wind events to prevent movement. The binary valve assembly allows the system to proactively block fluid flow when high load events are detected, creating a counter-force that opposes wind drag and prevents harmful rotational movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic damper provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing external forces during normal operation and preparing for high load events. The fluid-filled chamber acts as a cushion that can gradually absorb energy, and when the valve closes, it provides a firm barrier against further movement, protecting the tracker system from wind damage.
3Reliability
If a binary valve assembly is added to enable locking, then high load protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binary valve assembly serves multiple functions within a single component structure. It acts as both a flow control valve (regulating fluid movement for damping) and a locking mechanism (blocking flow completely for high load protection). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate damping and locking systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving high load protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the damping function and locking function into a single integrated damper assembly. The valve assembly is incorporated directly into the hydraulic circuit, combining the fluid flow regulation and mechanical locking capabilities in one component. This merging approach avoids the complexity of having separate systems and simplifies the overall structure while providing both normal operation damping and high load locking.
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 effectively absorbs external loads during normal operation while providing a torsional locking mechanism during high load events, reducing wear and drag on the tracker system.
Implementation Method 1
a piston within the outer shell and moveable relative to the outer shell to direct fluid through the chamber
Implementation Method 2
A biasing assembly that moves the valve between a first position, in which the seal is spaced from the first chamber wall, and a second position, in which the seal contacts and seals against the first chamber wall to prevent the flow of fluid through the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Solar tracker systems include a torque tube, a solar panel attached to the torque tube, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes an outer shell, a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall within the outer shell at least partially defining a chamber, and a piston to direct fluid through the chamber. A valve is within the chamber that includes a first axial end, a second axial end, and a seal positioned on the first axial end. The damper assembly further includes a biasing assembly that biases the valve into a first position within the chamber in which the seal is spaced from the first chamber wall. The valve is moveable within the chamber from the first position to a second position in which the seal contacts and seals against the first chamber wall to prevent the flow of fluid through the chamber.