Two-Axis CPV Tracker Assembly With Laser Field Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic systems with two-axis trackers face challenges in efficient installation and alignment, particularly in ensuring precise three-dimensional alignment of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar cells, which affects the overall efficiency and performance of the solar array.
Innovation Solution
A modular two-axis tracker system with adjustable leveling mechanisms and pre-aligned CPV solar cells, utilizing a common roll axle and tilt axles, allows for easy field assembly and alignment using lasers, ensuring accurate positioning of CPV cells across multiple axes to maximize irradiance capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the solar array is assembled as a single integrated unit in the factory, then the alignment precision is improved, but the transportation and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple independent modules, each containing a subset of CPV cells and associated tracking mechanisms. These modules can be manufactured separately with precise alignment in the factory, then transported and assembled on-site without requiring the entire array to be pre-assembled as one large unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Critical alignment features and leveling mechanisms are pre-installed and calibrated on individual modules during factory manufacturing. This preliminary alignment work is performed on smaller, manageable units rather than the complete array, ensuring precision while facilitating easier transportation and field assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If the CPV solar cells are pre-aligned in fixed positions, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different installation sites decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable leveling mechanisms and movable mounting structures that allow the pre-aligned modules to be adapted to various ground conditions and orientations at different installation sites. The modules maintain their internal alignment precision while accommodating external site-specific requirements through adjustable support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal units that can be deployed at different locations with varying terrain and orientation requirements. Each module is designed to function independently while maintaining its pre-aligned configuration, allowing the same standardized module to be adapted to multiple site conditions through adjustable mounting rather than requiring custom manufacturing for each location.
3Power
If the tracker mechanism uses a single large array configuration, then the power output is improved, but the ease of installation and maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The large solar array is segmented into multiple smaller modular units that can be independently handled, transported, and installed. This segmentation maintains the total power output capability while dramatically improving installation ease, as each module can be assembled and positioned separately before being integrated into the complete array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independently movable modules are combined to form the complete large-scale array. Each module contributes to the total power output while maintaining its own independent tracking capability. The modules work together as a unified system to achieve high power output while retaining the installation advantages of modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are described for a two-axis tracking mechanism for a concentrated photovoltaic system. Two or more components forming the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism, which are assembled in the field and manufactured to allow one or more lasers to align the support structure of the two-axis tracker mechanism in three dimensions, vertical (X) dimension, horizontal (Y) dimension, and diagonal (Z) dimension, at a site where the concentrated photovoltaic system is to be installed. Adjustable leveling mechanisms are built into the two or more components forming the support structure.