Cable-Supported Solar Panel Array for Elevated Sun Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar panel arrays require significant land space and are prone to dust and debris accumulation due to their low mounting height, limiting land use and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel assembly with articulating support poles and cables that allow for universal adjustment, enabling the panels to track the sun's movements while being mounted higher off the ground, reducing dust accumulation and allowing land use underneath for grazing or vegetation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar panels are mounted close to the ground using traditional mechanical support systems, then the structure is simpler and more stable, but the land underneath becomes unavailable for practical use and the panels accumulate dust and debris more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates solar panels from ground level to elevated positions using vertical support poles, transitioning the mounting dimension from horizontal (ground-level arrays) to vertical (elevated structures). This dimensional change frees the ground underneath for agricultural use while maintaining panel functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cables as intermediary elements that connect elevated support poles to anchor points, providing lateral support and stability to the elevated panels without requiring complex mechanical structures at ground level. These cables act as mediators that enable the elevated configuration while maintaining structural integrity
2Stability of the object's composition
If solar panels are mounted close to the ground, then the support structure is more stable, but the panels accumulate dust, dirt and other debris more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
By elevating panels vertically off the ground using support poles, the system removes panels from the harmful ground-level environment where dust and debris accumulate, while cables provide the necessary lateral stability to maintain structural integrity at the elevated position
3Productivity
If dual-axis or full axis trackers are used to track the sun's movements, then more electricity is generated, but significantly more land space is required and the cost is not competitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable mechanisms that allow support poles and panels to change orientation dynamically. This enables the panels to track the sun's movement and optimize energy generation without requiring the extensive land space of traditional dual-axis trackers, as the adjustment is achieved through cable tension changes rather than large mechanical structures
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional mechanical support systems are used, then the installation is simpler, but the ability to track the sun's movements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines simple vertical support poles with adjustable cable mechanisms that enable dynamic orientation changes. This allows the system to maintain installation simplicity while gaining the adaptability to track the sun's movement throughout the day and across seasons
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel system includes a plurality of solar panel assemblies arranged into an array having a plurality of rows and columns. A plurality of support cables are connected to the solar panel assemblies and that support the solar panel assemblies with support poles thereof in a vertical orientation. Support structures are disposed at the perimeter of the array and connected to ends of the support cables. The support structures include one or more pitch poles and/or one or more cable adjustment mechanisms.