Gantry-based photovoltaic panel attachment system for attaching photovoltaic panels above ground using cables and a photovoltaic power plant comprising said system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for fixing photovoltaic panels above the ground are bulky and require significant space for supporting structures and stays, limiting the use of land below for activities like agriculture due to the need for extensive posts and cables that cause structural stress and deformation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a gantry structure with uprights and beams to support cables, allowing for efficient use of space by reducing the need for additional stays and enabling the use of land below for agricultural activities, with the gantries designed to accommodate photovoltaic panels and allow passage of agricultural machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If photovoltaic panels are fixed to structures positioned on the ground close to the ground, then easy access for maintenance and replacement is achieved, but the ground surface is occupied and cannot be used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent elevates photovoltaic panels from ground level to an aerial position using carrier cables suspended between supports, transitioning the installation from a two-dimensional ground plane to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This allows the ground surface to be freed for agricultural or other uses while panels remain accessible at elevated heights.
2Area of stationary object
If photovoltaic panels are fixed to structures at a determined distance from the ground, then ground surface is freed for other uses, but bulky structures with significant quantity of poles are required which limit space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the supporting function from traditional bulky pole structures and transfers it to tensioned carrier cables anchored at endpoints. This removes the need for intermediate vertical poles, freeing ground space while maintaining panel elevation and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pole-based support system with a cable-based suspension system. Instead of rigid vertical structures, flexible tensioned cables carry the photovoltaic panels, achieving the same support function with minimal ground interference.
3Area of stationary object
If carrier cables and panels fixed on the carrier cables are used, then photovoltaic panels can be positioned above ground, but the assembly is relatively heavy causing significant force on posts which deforms them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the heavy load of panels and cables across multiple anchor points and uses tensioned cable systems that leverage mechanical advantage. The force is counterbalanced through proper anchoring and cable routing, preventing deformation of support structures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If additional cables in the form of guy wires are used to prevent deformation of posts, then structural stability is improved, but a lot of space is required which is a real disadvantage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for guy wires by eliminating intermediate vertical posts that required lateral bracing. The cable-supported system achieves stability through tension and proper anchoring without requiring additional stabilizing cables that would consume ground space.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for fixing photovoltaic panels by means of cables, the system comprising a plurality of modules, each module comprising an assembly of at least one carrier cable and at least two supports for fixing the ends of the carrier cable and fasteners for fixing the solar panels to the carrier cable, characterized in that at least one of the two supports is in the form of a gantry.