Concentric-Track Solar Panel Support Structure for Dual-Axis Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel support structures are cumbersome, cause significant shading, and are inefficient in terms of space usage and energy production, limiting their scalability and visual impact, while being unsuitable for use as building covers or roofs.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with concentric circular tracks and movable pylons, controlled by an electronic unit for optimal azimuthal and zenithal tracking, allowing for reduced dimensions, minimized shading, and increased energy efficiency, enabling use as a roof or on poles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional central pillar solar trackers are used, then solar panels can be supported and tracked, but the structure becomes extremely cumbersome and causes significant shading when multiple rows are installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar tracker structure into multiple independent modular units, each with its own support legs and panel array. Instead of one large central pillar, multiple smaller support structures are distributed across the installation area, reducing individual structure complexity while maintaining overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical central pillar configuration to a horizontal distributed leg configuration. The support structure spreads out horizontally rather than concentrating vertically, changing the spatial dimension of the support system to reduce shading and visual impact.
2Productivity
If traditional solar trackers with larger size are used, then more solar panels can be installed, but the supporting structure becomes more cumbersome and angular tracking becomes less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tracker into multiple smaller modular units, each unit maintains compact dimensions that preserve angular tracking accuracy. The segmentation allows high power installation through increased number of units rather than增大 individual unit size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic tracking mechanisms in each modular unit that can independently adjust panel angles. This dynamic capability maintains tracking precision even as the overall system scales up through addition of more modular units.
3Reliability
If traditional solar trackers are used, then solar panels can be supported, but the surface occupied cannot be used for any other human activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates the support structure to a raised platform configuration, transitioning from ground-level installation to elevated mounting. This dimensional change allows the ground surface beneath the panels to remain accessible for other uses while maintaining solar panel support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated modular platform structure serves dual functions: supporting solar panels for energy generation and providing accessible ground space for other human activities. The structure becomes multi-functional, accommodating both solar energy production and alternative land uses.
4Productivity
If traditional solar trackers are used, then solar panels can be installed, but the ratio between installed electrical power and employed materials is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented structure uses standardized reusable components that can be assembled and disassembled efficiently. This reduces material waste during installation and maintenance, improving the ratio of electrical power installed to materials consumed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes structural parameters such as leg spacing, panel orientation, and support height to minimize material usage while maximizing energy generation capacity. Parameter optimization ensures efficient material utilization for the installed electrical power.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A support structure for solar panels (6) comprising two or more circular and concentric tracks or rails (1), on which a plurality of pylons (5) are mounted, said pylons (5) are parallel and equipped with support wheels (9), so as to support, through respective frames (14), a plurality of solar panels (6); the pylons (5) rotate with respect to the common center of the concentric tracks (1), so as to carry out a rotation movement for the azimuthal tracking (RA) of the sun (from east to west), while a plurality of actuators (21), which are mounted within each pylon (5), move one or more panels (6), in order to obtain a rotation movement for the zenithal tracking (RZ). The combination of the two rotations is controlled by an electronic control unit (22), so as to follow at every moment of the day the sun's position. The support structure may be mounted on poles (4) and can be isolated or can be installed on coverings, buildings' roofs or generic flat surfaces.