Dynamic stabilizer for solar trackers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar tracking systems face challenges in resisting environmental forces, particularly wind, due to their flexible and dynamic nature, which can lead to structural instability and increased costs associated with torque transmission and actuator systems.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic stabilizer system that includes a damper and an actuator, capable of switching between flexible and rigid states, redistributes loads, increases structural stiffness and natural frequency, and enhances the structural capacity of solar trackers, using sensors and a control system to actuate the damper based on real-time environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to move multiple solar modules over long distances, then cost is reduced and number of actuators is minimized, but structural flexibility increases making the system more vulnerable to environmental forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a stabilizer mechanism that can dynamically switch between locked and unlocked states. The stabilizer includes a lockable damper that can be engaged or disengaged based on operational conditions, allowing the structure to transition between rigid and flexible states. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing structural stability when needed while maintaining the simplified single-actuator design for normal operation.
2Strength
If the solar tracker structure is made more rigid to resist wind loads, then structural capacity increases, but the ability to track solar positions smoothly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer mechanism provides dynamic rigidity adjustment, allowing the structure to be rigid when structural capacity is needed (e.g., during high wind conditions or when positioned at certain angles) and flexible when smooth tracking is required. The lockable damper can be engaged to provide rigid support or disengaged to allow smooth movement, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameter (rigidity) dynamically through the stabilizer mechanism. By adjusting the state of the damper (locked or unlocked), the effective stiffness of the structure changes, allowing optimization of both structural capacity and tracking smoothness at different operational phases. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making rigidity conditional rather than fixed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dampers are used to prevent dynamic amplification and resonance, then structural damage from wind is reduced, but the rated static load capacity and static stiffness are not increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this limitation by making the damper lockable, transforming it from a purely dynamic element to one that can provide both dynamic damping and static structural support. When locked, the damper becomes part of the rigid structure, contributing to static load capacity and stiffness. When unlocked, it provides dynamic damping to prevent resonance. This dual capability resolves the contradiction between reducing dynamic amplification and increasing static strength.
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 dynamic stabilizer system effectively resists environmental forces, reduces the need for multiple actuators and torque tubes, and enhances the structural capacity and stiffness of solar trackers, making them more cost-effective and resilient against adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a damper, and an actuator, wherein the actuator locks the damper to resist movement of the solar tracker system caused by environmental forces
Data Source
AI summary
A non-drive dynamic stabilizer includes a damper and an actuator. The dynamic stabilizer provides multiple states of support to a solar tracker structure. These states may include 1) flexible movement and/or damping during normal operation (i.e. tracking) and/or 2) rigid or locked, whereby the dynamic stabilizer acts as a restraint. The dynamic stabilizer is actuated by a control system according to the real-time demands on the structure. Sensors to provide input to the control system may include wind speed sensors, wind direction sensors, snow sensors, vibration sensors and/or displacement sensors.