Dual-Axis Solar Array Tracker for Low-Profile Rooftop Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar array tracking systems are inefficient on non-horizontal surfaces, require significant structural reinforcement, and cannot effectively support dual-axis tracking with a low profile, limiting energy harvesting efficiency and increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis solar tracker with a low profile design featuring longitudinal and transverse beams, rotatable shafts, and worm drives, allowing for independent rotation and tilting of solar collector nodes, enabling efficient sun tracking on various surfaces without the need for extensive structural reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing solar array tracking systems are used on non-horizontal surfaces, then dual-axis tracking capability is achieved, but structural reinforcement requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the support structure into multiple discrete mounting points distributed across the surface, with each point independently supporting a portion of the solar array. This segmentation allows the structure to adapt to non-horizontal surfaces without requiring extensive reinforcement, as each mounting point bears only a fraction of the total load.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure employs a hierarchical arrangement where solar collectors are mounted on adjustable brackets that nest within a larger support framework. This nested configuration allows the system to accommodate surface irregularities and achieve dual-axis tracking while minimizing the amount of structural reinforcement needed at any single level.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertical structural members are used to increase system height, then dual-axis tracking is enabled, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static vertical structural members with dynamic, adjustable mounting brackets that can be positioned at various angles and heights. These brackets enable dual-axis tracking through controlled movement rather than requiring complex vertical support structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of achieving dual-axis tracking primarily through vertical structural members, the system introduces adjustment capabilities in multiple dimensions at the mounting bracket level. The brackets can tilt and rotate independently, providing the necessary degrees of freedom for sun tracking without requiring increased system height or complex vertical support.
3Productivity
If solar array tracking systems are installed on angled surfaces, then energy harvesting efficiency improves, but loading concentration increases requiring structural reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system distributes the solar array weight and operational loads across multiple discrete mounting points spread along the angled surface. Each mounting point handles a localized portion of the total load, preventing concentration of stress at any single location while maintaining the angled configuration needed for optimal energy harvesting.
Solution Approach 2:
Each mounting bracket is designed with localized reinforcement and adjustment capabilities tailored to its specific position on the angled surface. This allows each mounting point to optimally support the solar collectors assigned to it while adapting to local surface characteristics, thereby enabling efficient energy harvesting without requiring global structural reinforcement.
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 system maximizes energy harvesting efficiency by maintaining solar collectors perpendicular to incoming rays, reduces structural complexity and weight, and allows for distributed loading transmission, making it suitable for horizontal and angled surfaces like rooftops, while minimizing shading and increasing energy density per area.
Implementation Method 1
One type of solar harvesting element is a solar cell, also referred to as photovoltaic cell, which is an electrical device that collects and converts the energy as light from the sun directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual axis solar array tracker for supporting a plurality of solar energy harvesting elements at a plurality of solar collector nodes. Two perpendicular axes of movement, specifically a rotation axis at a rotatable transverse beam and a tilt axis relative to the axis of the transverse beam, enable accurate orientation in a stable configuration. The dual axis design of the solar tracker enables the movement of solar collectors such that they can be directed towards the sun wherein incoming solar rays are perpendicular to the solar cell element of the solar collector to optimize collection of solar radiation. The present solar tracker array also enables integrated solar, electrical and/or thermal energy cogeneration.