Elevated Dual-Axis Solar Tracker for Land Use and Sun Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracking systems are inefficient in maintaining optimal orientation with respect to the sun, leading to low energy harvest and occupying valuable real estate, while existing solutions do not allow for full utilization of space below the solar power facilities.
Innovation Solution
An elevated dual-axis photovoltaic solar tracking assembly with a self-contained two-stage drive core unit, utilizing dual integrated low-voltage DC motors and a control tracking mechanism, including a global positioning system and sun positioning algorithm, to maintain optimal sun engagement and stowage position, allowing for modular relocation and service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar tracking systems are used to maintain optimal orientation with respect to the sun, then energy harvest efficiency is improved, but valuable real estate is occupied and cannot be used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-level solar arrays to elevated aerial structures mounted on buildings or poles. This vertical dimensionality change allows solar panels to be positioned in three-dimensional space above ground level, enabling optimal sun tracking orientation without occupying valuable ground real estate. The solar arrays can be mounted on building rooftops, walls, or freestanding poles, effectively utilizing vertical space while maintaining high energy harvest efficiency through dual-axis tracking mechanisms.
2Area of stationary object
If solar panels are mounted close to the ground to maximize land use, then real estate utilization is improved, but the panels cannot be easily serviced or relocated
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting solar panels at elevated heights on building facades, rooftops, or freestanding poles, the system maintains optimal land use while dramatically improving serviceability. Technicians can access elevated panels more easily than ground-level panels in densely packed installations, and the modular mounting structures facilitate straightforward relocation or maintenance operations at elevated positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar array system is divided into modular, independently mountable units that can be easily installed, serviced, and relocated. Each module can be independently accessed and maintained, improving serviceability while maintaining efficient land use through vertical placement rather than ground-level spreading.
3Device complexity
If fixed solar arrays are used to minimize complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to track the sun and maximize energy harvest is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dual-axis tracking mechanisms that enable the solar arrays to dynamically adjust their orientation in response to sun position changes throughout the day and year. The system incorporates motors, sensors, and control algorithms that automatically reposition panels to maintain optimal perpendicular alignment with sunlight, maximizing energy harvest efficiency while managing system complexity through automated control rather than manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar tracking system incorporates self-contained control mechanisms with integrated sensors and motors that automatically adjust panel orientation without requiring external intervention. The system uses sun position algorithms and optical sensors to autonomously track and maintain optimal alignment, maximizing energy harvest while keeping the control system relatively simple through self-regulating operation.
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 assembly ensures continuous and efficient sunlight conversion into electrical energy by maintaining an orthogonal orientation to the sun, while allowing space below for other uses, enhancing energy harvest and optimizing land use.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic array to convert sunlight into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An elevated dual-axis photovoltaic solar tracking assembly tracks the position of the sun with a high efficiency photovoltaic array, orienting photovoltaic array orthogonal to the sun, for optimal efficiency in generating electricity every minute of every day year-round. The assembly provides a pole, typically 20 feet, to elevate the photovoltaic array, thereby allowing a minimum 13 feet clearance from the ground at all times to retain use of the real estate space below the photovoltaic array. A structural frame carries photovoltaic array. A drive-core unit has two interdependent slew drives, driven by all-electric motors, to adjust positioning of photovoltaic array in the orthogonal orientation relative to sun while maintaining the photovoltaic array longitudinal axis orientation to the support pole. This drive-core unit includes the control system with GPS, anemometer, snow sensor and encoder transducers that provide data for a positional algorithm to calculate the sun's position, and move the photovoltaic array to optimally track it, at preset time intervals; as well as to move the array to other desired positions for wind and snow safety or owner preference. The control system energizes the slew drives via electric motors for movement and optimal sun tracking.