Concentric Rail Solar Panel Support to Reduce Shading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel support structures are cumbersome, cause significant shading, and are inefficient in terms of energy and material usage, limiting their scalability and usability as building covers or in reducing environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with variable geometry featuring concentric circular tracks and movable pylons controlled by an electronic unit for optimal solar radiation tracking, allowing azimuthal and zenithal movement, and capable of being mounted on poles or buildings, reducing shading and enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a central pillar structure with modular panels is used, then scalability for industrial production is improved, but the structure becomes cumbersome and occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent pylons instead of a single central pillar. Each pylon supports a subset of solar panels and can operate independently, allowing the system to scale by adding or removing individual pylons rather than redesigning the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional array of panels on a central pillar to a three-dimensional configuration where panels are distributed across multiple vertical pylons arranged in space, utilizing vertical and horizontal dimensions more efficiently to reduce the structure's footprint.
2Productivity
If multiple rows of solar trackers are installed, then installed electrical power increases, but shading between adjacent trackers increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the solar panel array into multiple independent pylons rather than one large tracker, the distance between adjacent panel-supporting structures is increased. This segmentation allows more space between rows, reducing mutual shading while maintaining or increasing total installed capacity.
3Productivity
If the size of single solar tracker increases, then installed power per structure increases, but tracking accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pylon supports a manageable subset of panels, maintaining compact dimensions that enable precise angular tracking. The segmentation allows each unit to achieve high tracking accuracy while the collective array provides substantial installed power capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamic tracking mechanisms at each pylon that can independently adjust panel angles in real-time. This dynamic capability allows smaller tracking units to maintain high precision while collectively handling large power generation capacity.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional solar tracker structure is used, then solar panel support is achieved, but visual impact and environmental footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed pylon configuration creates a more dispersed visual profile compared to large continuous tracker structures. The segmented approach reduces the visual dominance of any single structure element, lowering overall visual impact while maintaining support functionality.
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 structure achieves 30-35% higher energy efficiency compared to fixed panels, reduces visual impact, and allows for versatile installation options while minimizing shading and environmental footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The movable structures rotate on the rails and constitute a solar tracker for tracking the solar radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for solar panels is comprised of two or more circular and concentric tracks or rails on which a plurality of pylons are mounted. The pylons are parallel and equipped with support wheels so as to support, through respective frames, a plurality of solar panels. The pylons rotate with respect to the common center of the concentric tracks so as to carry out a rotational movement for the azimuthal tracking (RA) of the sun (from east to west), while a plurality of actuators, which are mounted within each pylon, move one or more panels in order to obtain a rotational movement for the zenithal tracking (RZ). The combination of the two rotations is controlled by an electronic control unit, so as to follow at every moment of the day the sun's position. The support structure may be mounted on poles and can be isolated or can be installed on coverings, building roofs or generic flat surfaces.