Frameless solar module mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking mechanisms are inadequate in optimizing energy conversion from solar panels due to suboptimal sun angles, leading to inefficient energy capture.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly for glass-on-glass solar modules that includes a torque tube system with a top-hat shaped rail structure and locking spacers, allowing the modules to pivot radially and securely attach to a torque tube, preventing slippage and maintaining position during tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can be mounted and tracked, but energy conversion efficiency is insufficient due to suboptimal sun angle alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The solar module mounting system incorporates a torque tube that enables dynamic radial pivoting of solar modules. This allows the modules to continuously adjust their orientation angle in response to changing sun positions throughout the day, maintaining optimal alignment and maximizing energy conversion efficiency while minimizing energy loss from suboptimal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of solar modules by allowing radial pivoting motion around the torque tube axis. This parameter adjustment enables the modules to track the sun's movement across the sky, optimizing the angle of incidence for maximum energy capture while reducing energy losses associated with fixed or poorly aligned configurations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If solar modules are securely mounted to prevent slippage, then positioning stability is improved, but mechanical stress on the modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a locking spacer as an intermediary component between the clamp assembly and the solar module. This locking spacer engages with a key structure on the module to prevent slippage and maintain positioning stability, while the compliant nature of the locking mechanism distributes mechanical stresses more evenly, reducing peak stresses on the module itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly utilizes a composite structure combining rigid components (clamp structures, rail, locking spacer) with compliant elements. This composite approach provides sufficient friction and mechanical interlocking to prevent slippage and ensure positioning stability, while the distributed compliance reduces concentrated mechanical stresses on the solar modules during tracking operations.
3Productivity
If frameless glass-on-glass solar modules are used, then aesthetic appearance and efficiency are improved, but mounting difficulty and security increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system segments the clamping function into distinct components: upper and lower clamp structures, a locking spacer, and key structures. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mounting process for frameless modules while ensuring secure attachment. The modular design makes installation and maintenance easier despite the challenging nature of working with frameless glass-on-glass modules.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a clamp assembly for a glass on glass solar module for a tracker is included. The assembly has a lower clamp structure characterized by a top-hat shaped rail structure having a length extending from a first end to a second end. In an example, the assembly has an upper clamp structure configured to sandwich a pair of edges of a pair of solar modules with a portion of the lower clamp structure. In an example, the assembly has a locking spacer configured to the pair of edges of the pair of solar modules. In an example, the pair of edges comprises substantially glass material. In an example, the assembly has a pair of key structures configured with the locking spacer. Each of the key structures is affixed to each of the solar modules to physically lock each of the solar modules to the upper clamp structure.