Frameless solar module mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in maximizing 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 allowing pivotal movement, a top-hat shaped rail structure, and locking spacers with key structures to securely attach the modules to the torque tube, ensuring stable positioning and preventing slippage during tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can be positioned to follow the sun, but the panels are unable to convert energy at their full potential due to suboptimal sun angles and inadequate tracking precision
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly enables dynamic adjustment of solar module positioning through its locking mechanism that allows pivotal movement while maintaining secure attachment. The torque tube and clamp structure permit the modules to be repositioned to optimal angles for energy capture while preventing slippage during operation, thus resolving the contradiction between tracking capability and conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly with key structures and locking spacers enables precise control of module positioning parameters. By adjusting the angular position and securing the modules at optimal angles, the system maximizes energy conversion efficiency while maintaining reliable tracking performance throughout the day.
2Stability of the object's composition
If solar modules are securely attached to prevent movement, then positioning stability is improved, but the complexity of the attachment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into distinct functional components: the clamp body, locking spacers, key structures, and torque tube. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (clamping, locking, positioning) independently, achieving stable module attachment while keeping the overall design manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The key structures are nested within the locking spacers, which are in turn nested within the clamp assembly. This nested configuration allows multiple functions (positioning, locking, securing) to be integrated in a compact manner, providing stable module attachment without excessive structural complexity.
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.