Cable-Controlled Solar Tracker for Wind-Stable Panel Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solar generator systems are limited by their inability to adjust to the azimuth angle of the sun, leading to reduced solar energy availability, and their structural strength is insufficient to withstand strong winds, potentially damaging the solar generator module.

Innovation Solution

A solar generator apparatus with cable-controlled tracking, featuring a middle column and cables that allow the solar generator module to be rotated and adjusted to track the sun, supported by first and second winding devices and anchors, providing stable support and multiple degrees of freedom for sun-tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

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 flexibility in withstanding wind forces while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the support structure have different functional qualities optimized for their specific roles. The middle column provides vertical support, the support arms provide lateral stability, and the cables provide tension-based reinforcement. This local optimization ensures maximum structural strength where needed while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 track the sun is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsun-tracking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable connections between the middle column and support arms, and adjustable cable tensioning mechanisms. These dynamic features enable the solar generator module to adjust its orientation for sun tracking while maintaining structural stability through the constrained movement paths and support mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If the solar generator module area is increased, then the power generation capacity is improved, but the module becomes more susceptible to wind damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capacityVSAvoidwind damage susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable system acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that provides tensile support to offset the increased wind loads on larger solar generator modules. The cables are tensioned to create stabilizing forces that counteract the overturning moments generated by wind pressure on larger module areas, enabling safe deployment of high-capacity modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

Enhances the availability of solar energy by allowing the solar generator module to effectively track the sun and withstand strong winds, making it suitable for larger applications with improved stability and power generation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a solar generator module (10), which converts light into electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

The middle column has a first end mounted on the fixed structure and a second end pivotally connected to a middle portion of a bottom of the solar generator module, and rotatably supports the solar generator module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 3

The first cable has a first end connected to the first corner portion and a second end connected to the third corner portion, and is wound around the first winding device. The second cable has a first end connected to the second corner portion and a second end connected to the fourth corner portion, and is wound around the second winding device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through winding:

Data Source

PatentUS8399759B2Solar generator apparatus with cable-controlled tracking

Publication Date: 2013.03.19 BIG SUN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A solar generator apparatus includes a solar generator module, a middle column, first and second winding devices and first and second cables. The generator module has first to fourth corner portions. The middle column has a first end mounted on a fixed structure, and a second end pivotally connected to a middle portion of a bottom of the generator module, and rotatably supports the generator module. The first and second winding devices are attached to the middle column. The first cable has a first end connected to the first corner portion and a second end connected to the third corner portion, and is wound around the first winding device. The second cable has a first end connected to the second corner portion, and a second end connected to the fourth corner portion, and is wound around the second winding device. An angle of the generator module is adjusted by rotating one or both of the first and second winding devices.