Dual Parallel Axis Solar Tracker with Linked Self-Balancing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single axis solar trackers face limitations in load distribution, torque management, and balance due to misalignment and varying PV module weights, leading to high gravity loads and mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A dual parallel axis solar tracker system with a linked self-balancing mechanism using two drive shafts and belts to distribute torque loads evenly, allowing for perfect balance and adjustable geometry to accommodate different PV module sizes and weights, reducing gravity loads and mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single torque tube design is used to support a row, then the structure can be simplified, but the drive support requires stronger grounding to hold torque reaction from the entire row
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single torque tube support into multiple individual post supports distributed along the row. Each post supports a local section of the tracker, distributing the torque reaction loads across multiple grounding points rather than requiring one strong centralized grounding. This segmentation allows structure simplification while reducing the strength requirement for each individual drive support grounding point.
2Force
If cable or belt driven systems are used, then torque loads are held at large radius reducing forces, but the system requires more complex drive mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a centralized single-axis drive mechanism to a distributed multi-point drive system. By placing drive mechanisms at multiple locations along the row (another spatial dimension), the system achieves large effective radius for torque application without requiring complex centralized cable or belt wrapping mechanisms. This dimensional redistribution simplifies the drive mechanism while maintaining low force characteristics.
3Strength
If modular table designs are used, then torque reaction is distributed through all posts, but misalignment between tables requires accommodation in drive shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable drive shaft parameters including telescopic sections and universal joints that can accommodate misalignment between modular tables. The drive shaft parameters (length, angle, position) are made variable to adapt to the actual alignment state of connected tables, maintaining torque reaction distribution benefits while compensating for manufacturing and installation tolerances.
4Power
If high ratio gearbox is used, then shaft torque requirements are reduced, but forces at small radius are high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies torque at multiple locations along the row before the loads accumulate to high values. By distributing the drive points along the length of the tracker row, each drive mechanism encounters lower cumulative torque requirements, eliminating the need for high ratio gearboxes. The preliminary application of torque at distributed points prevents force multiplication that would occur in centralized high-ratio gear systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual drive shaft solar tracker system comprises a photovoltaic (PV) structure, which includes at least one solar panel, a support structure and first and second drive shafts. The first and second drive shafts comprise first and second belt mechanisms wherein movement of the PV structure occurs by wrapping belts of the first belt mechanism onto the first drive shaft and by wrapping belts of the second belt mechanism onto the second drive shaft so as to provide a non-linear wrapping rate to accommodate the non-linearity of the belt wrapping onto the first and second drive shafts. A linkage, which ties two rows that are unbalanced in opposite directions, cancels out the imbalance as long as both rows have identical components. This allows trackers to use PV modules of any size and weight and the perfect balance is unaffected.