Cable-Controlled Solar Tracker Structure for Wind-Stable Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar generator systems are limited in their ability to adjust to the azimuth angle of the sun, leading to reduced solar energy availability, and existing wind-solar hybrid systems face structural weaknesses from strong winds due to insufficient connection strength between the cylinder and solar generator module.
Innovation Solution
A solar generator apparatus with cable-controlled tracking, featuring a middle column and cables that allow for adjustable angles of the solar generator module, supported by first and second winding devices and anchors, enabling stable support and sun-tracking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the solar generator module is directly and slantingly fixed to the cylinder, then the structure is simple, but the structural strength is insufficient to withstand strong winds
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent components: middle column, first support arm, second support arm, and cable system. This segmentation allows each component to bear specific loads and provides structural flexibility to withstand strong winds while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple support mechanisms (middle column, support arms, and cable system) into a unified hybrid support structure. This merging of different structural elements creates a composite system that achieves both structural strength for wind resistance and controlled adjustability for tracking.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the solar generator module is fixed in a fixed manner, then the structure is stable, but the ability to adjust to the azimuth angle of the sun is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates dynamic elements including the rotatable middle column, adjustable support arms, and cable-controlled positioning mechanism. These dynamic components enable the solar generator module to adjust its orientation to track the sun's azimuth angle while maintaining structural stability through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in the solar generator module's orientation and position through the adjustable support arms and cable tensioning mechanism. The middle column's rotation capability and the support arms' angle adjustments allow the module to change its azimuth angle to follow the sun's movement throughout the day.
3Power
If the solar generator module area is increased, then the power generation capacity is improved, but the module may be damaged by strong winds due to insufficient connection strength
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent components: middle column, first support arm, second support arm, and cable system. This segmentation allows each component to bear specific loads and provides structural flexibility to withstand strong winds while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system acts as a pre-configured cushioning mechanism that provides additional support and load distribution before strong winds arrive. The cables are tensioned in advance to create a protective support network that prevents excessive movement and reduces stress on the connections during high-wind events.
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 apparatus provides stable support and multiple degrees of freedom for sun-tracking, enhancing solar energy availability and withstanding strong winds, making it suitable for larger applications.
Implementation Method 1
a solar generator module (10), which converts light into electricity
Implementation Method 2
a middle column (20), which has a first end (21) mounted on a fixed structure (2), a second end (22) pivotally connected to a middle portion (10M) of a bottom (10B) of the solar generator module (10), and rotatably supports the solar generator module (10)
Implementation Method 3
first and second winding devices (31, 32), a first cable (50) and a second cable (60)... An angle of the solar generator module (10) is adjusted by rotating one or both of the first winding device (31) and the second winding device (32)
Implementation Method 4
The first cable (50) has a first end (51) connected to the first corner portion (11) and a second end (52) connected to the third corner portion (13), and is wound around the first winding device (31). The second cable (60) has a first end (61) connected to the second corner portion (12) and a second end (62) connected to the fourth corner portion (14), and is wound around the second winding device (32)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A solar generator apparatus (1) includes a solar generator module (10), a middle column (20), first and second winding devices (31,32) and first and second cables (50,60). The generator module (10) has first to fourth corner portions (11-14). The middle column (20) has a first end (21) mounted on a fixed structure (2), and a second end (22) pivotally connected to a middle portion (10M) of a bottom (10B) of the generator module (10), and rotatably supports the generator module (10). The first and second winding devices (31,32) are attached to the middle column (20). The first cable (50) has a first end (51) connected to the first corner portion (11) and a second end (52) connected to the third corner portion (13), and is wound around the first winding device (31). The second cable (60) has a first end (61) connected to the second corner portion (12), and a second end (62) connected to the fourth (14) corner portion, and is wound around the second winding device (32). An angle of the generator module (10) is adjusted by rotating one or both of the first and second winding devices (31,32).