Elliptical Main Beam Structure for PV Tracking and Hot Spot Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photovoltaic tracking brackets face challenges in achieving high bending strength and rigidity while minimizing weight and cost, with prior main beams being heavy and costly, and causing hot spot effects in double-sided photovoltaic assemblies due to shading.
Innovation Solution
A main beam design featuring a flat plate and an elliptical curved plate, with a smooth transition section and a reflective layer to improve lateral cross-section resistance moment, reduce material usage, and mitigate hot spot effects, combined with a Z-shaped support structure for even stress distribution and adjustable mounting for faster installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional main beam structure is used to ensure bending strength, then the strength is sufficient, but the weight is relatively large and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The main beam is divided into two distinct plates: a flat plate and an elliptical curved plate, which are fixedly connected at their ends. This segmentation allows each plate to contribute differently to the overall structural performance, optimizing both strength and weight characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The main beam employs a composite structure consisting of two different plate configurations (flat and elliptical curved) working together. This composite approach enables the structure to achieve superior bending strength while maintaining reduced weight compared to traditional single-plate designs.
2Strength
If the main beam structure is optimized for strength, then bending strength improves, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the main beam into two standardized plate types, the design simplifies manufacturing processes and material procurement while achieving enhanced bending strength, thereby reducing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the beam cross-section by introducing an elliptical curved plate combined with a flat plate, optimizing the resistance moment while controlling material usage and manufacturing complexity to reduce cost.
3Power
If a double-sided photovoltaic assembly is installed on the main beam, then power generation capacity increases, but hot spot effects occur due to shading
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic tracking bracket enables the main beam to rotate dynamically, adjusting the orientation of the double-sided photovoltaic assembly throughout the day. This dynamic positioning optimizes light exposure for both front and back surfaces while minimizing self-shading, thereby reducing hot spot effects and maximizing power generation capacity.
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 main beam enhances lateral cross-section resistance by 5.14% while reducing steel usage by 0.04% per meter, extends the life of double-sided photovoltaic assemblies by reducing hot spot effects, and improves load capacity and installation efficiency through even stress distribution and adjustable mounting.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective layer provided on an outer surface of the flat plate and/or the transition section... the present structure reflects light to the shielded part of the double-sided photovoltaic assembly via the reflective layer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a main beam and a use thereof and a photovoltaic tracking bracket, wherein the main beam includes a flat plate and an elliptical curved plate, each of both ends of the flat plate are respectively fixedly connected to a corresponding end of the elliptical curved plate to form a ring shape, and a plane where the flat plate is located is perpendicular to a long axis of an ellipse where the elliptical curved plate is located. Also provided is the use of the main beam in the photovoltaic tracking bracket. The photovoltaic tracking bracket includes the main beam; a stand column; and a bearing seat comprising a bearing ring, a Z-shaped support plate and a bottom plate connected sequentially from top to bottom, wherein the Z-shaped support plate has a Z-shaped cross section, the main beam is installed inside the bearing ring, the flat plate of the main beam faces a photovoltaic assembly, and the bottom plate is connected to the stand column. Under the premise of ensuring the same thickness, the main beam of the present invention improves the resistance moment of the lateral cross section and saves costs, and when applied to the photovoltaic tracking bracket, the main beam can slow down the hot spot effect of the double-sided photovoltaic assembly and prolong the service life of the same.