Fixed-Tilt PV Table Tracking for Higher Solar Energy Harvest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power arrays face limitations in energy harvest due to their fixed installation on flat surfaces, with single-axis trackers offering limited orientation adjustments, which restricts optimal sun exposure and increases costs with dual-axis trackers.
Innovation Solution
A photovoltaic tracking system that includes PV modules oriented at a fixed tilt angle in the north-south direction, allowing rotation about a single axis from east to west, with a control unit adjusting orientations to maximize energy capture and minimize shadowing, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual-axis trackers are used to orient solar modules optimally toward the sun, then energy harvest is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or rows, each capable of being tilted at different angles. This segmentation allows the system to achieve optimal energy capture for each segment without requiring complex dual-axis tracking for the entire array, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining productivity benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical tilt dimension to the traditional horizontal single-axis tracking system. By adding the ability to tilt arrays vertically at optimal angles while maintaining horizontal rotation capability, the system achieves enhanced solar capture without the full complexity of dual-axis mechanical tracking, effectively using dimensional optimization to resolve the contradiction
2Ease of operation
If single-axis trackers are used to rotate PV tables from east to west, then ease of operation is improved, but energy harvest is limited compared to dual-axis systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the tilt angle of solar arrays based on seasonal and temporal variations in sun position. Rather than using fixed single-axis tracking, the tilt angle becomes a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted to optimize energy capture at different times of day and year, thereby enhancing productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the tracking system by introducing variable tilt angles as an additional degree of freedom. This parameter change allows the system to optimize energy harvest without complicating the basic single-axis rotation mechanism, effectively improving productivity while preserving ease of operation through parameter optimization rather than mechanical complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If PV arrays are installed on flat surfaces with panels parallel to the ground, then ease of manufacture is improved, but energy capture efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The solar arrays are pre-configured with optimal tilt angles during manufacturing or assembly, allowing them to be installed in a tilted state rather than requiring complex on-site angle adjustments. This preliminary action maintains ease of manufacture by standardizing the tilt configuration while ensuring optimal energy capture efficiency from installation
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 enhances energy production by optimizing solar module orientation, reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) through increased energy harvest and cost-efficient structural design, offering improved performance with single-axis tracking and adjustable tilt angles.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional solar power arrays are typically installed on flat land or a flat rooftop. The photovoltaic panels in the system are parallel to the underlying surface when in a neutral state.
Data Source
AI summary
A photovoltaic (PV) tracking system can include PV modules having support frame assemblies. Base frame assemblies also can be included. Each base frame assembly can have an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion can be coupled to a respective support frame assembly such that the PV modules are oriented at a tilt angle with respect to horizontal to form a solar array of PV tables. Elongated members can extend in a north-south direction. Each elongated member can be coupled with a respective base frame assembly. The elongated members can rotate the PV tables about a rotational axis that is oriented at the tilt angle. The tilt angle can be fixed. A control unit can be coupled to the base frame assemblies and the elongated members such that the control unit rotates the PV tables about the rotational axis.