Cable-Stabilized Solar Collector Structure for Wind-Resistant Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar collector systems are heavy, expensive, and difficult to manufacture due to the need for large structural elements to support and stabilize the system under high winds, which limits their widespread use and acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight solar collector system using cables and a compression element to stabilize solar elements, allowing for efficient tracking and reduced structural material requirements, with a tension-compression system that balances forces and adjusts to wind loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If large structural elements are used to support solar elements, then stability in high winds is improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple cables arranged in a grid pattern, with vertical cables at regular intervals and diagonal cables forming X-structures between them. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve stability through distributed tension members rather than a single heavy rigid support, significantly reducing overall weight while maintaining high-wind resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining lightweight aluminum or steel cables with tensioning mechanisms. The cable network creates a composite structural system that behaves as a unified stable structure while consisting of individual lightweight elements, achieving high strength-to-weight ratio necessary for wind resistance without excessive mass.
2Stability of the object's composition
If large structural elements are used to support solar elements, then stability in high winds is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular repeating units of cable assemblies, each consisting of vertical cables and diagonal cross-cables forming X-patterns. These modular units can be manufactured independently and assembled systematically, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to fabricating large monolithic structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable network functions as a flexible tensioned membrane structure that achieves rigidity through pre-tensioning rather than through massive rigid components. This approach uses thin, lightweight cable elements instead of thick structural beams, dramatically reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy structures are used, then stability is improved, but drive system size and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented cable structure reduces overall mass by distributing structural function across multiple lightweight tension members rather than concentrating it in heavy components. This mass reduction directly decreases the moment of inertia and power requirements for the drive system while maintaining stability through the distributed cable network.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of structural mass from high to low by transitioning from rigid heavy-beam construction to flexible cable-tension construction. This parameter change reduces the power needed for acceleration and positioning while stability is maintained through the tensioned cable geometry and pre-stress configuration.
4Stability of the object's composition
If heavy structures are used, then stability is improved, but positional control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is segmented into adjustable tensioning units at each cable assembly location. These segmented adjustment points allow independent fine-tuning of cable tensions to achieve precise positional control of solar elements, something that would be difficult with heavy monolithic structures where adjustment points are limited and require large forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameter from high mass to low mass with high adjustability. The lightweight cable structure allows for small tension adjustments to achieve precise positioning, whereas heavy structures require large forces for small positional changes, reducing control precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.