Horizontal dual-axis solar tracking system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-axis solar tracking systems are complex, lack operational simplicity, and suffer from inaccuracies in positioning, warpage of panels, back lash in tilting, and require excessive torque, limiting their efficiency and practicality.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal dual-axis solar tracking system with a frame assembly, panel holder assemblies, and a unique mechanism for North-South and East-West motion imparting using a ring gear and mechanical linear gear box arrangement, which allows for independent and precise tilting of photovoltaic panels, eliminating warpage and back lash while reducing torque requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dual-axis solar tracking system is implemented to increase productivity, then the solar energy capture efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking function into two independent single-axis trackers working in sequence. The first tracker handles East-West motion while the second tracker handles North-South motion. This segmentation allows each axis to be controlled independently with simpler mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dual-axis tracking capability and high solar energy capture efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic sequential activation of tracking axes based on sun position. The first single-axis tracker operates during morning and afternoon hours for East-West tracking, while the second single-axis tracker operates during midday for North-South tracking. This dynamic operation reduces mechanical complexity by not requiring simultaneous dual-axis mechanisms to operate together
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional tilting mechanisms are used to track the sun, then the solar panels can follow the sun's path, but warpage of panels occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting action is segmented into two separate single-axis tracking operations rather than one complex dual-axis tilt. Each single-axis tracker maintains proper panel orientation while preventing excessive or conflicting tilt forces that would cause warpage. The sequential operation of two simpler tilting mechanisms preserves panel structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary control mechanism that coordinates between the two single-axis trackers. This intermediary control ensures that tilting actions from both axes are properly synchronized and do not create conflicting forces on the panel structure, preventing warpage while maintaining accurate sun tracking
3Ease of operation
If conventional gear mechanisms are used for tilting, then motion transmission is achieved, but back lash in the tilting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces conventional gear-based tilting mechanisms with alternative motion transmission methods in the single-axis trackers. This substitution eliminates the back lash inherent in traditional gear mechanisms while maintaining smooth motion transmission and precise tilting positioning accuracy for optimal sun tracking
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing dual-axis tracking mechanisms are implemented, then sun tracking is achieved, but excessive torque is required
Solution Approach 1:
The torque requirement is segmented and distributed across two independent single-axis trackers rather than one dual-axis mechanism. Each single-axis tracker requires less torque individually because they only need to overcome gravitational and frictional forces for one axis of motion. This segmentation reduces the peak torque requirement compared to a conventional dual-axis mechanism that must handle both axes simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic sequential operation where the first single-axis tracker operates during periods when the second axis requires minimal adjustment. This dynamic timing reduces the simultaneous torque demands on the system, as each tracker operates independently during different time periods, lowering overall torque requirements while maintaining full tracking functionality
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a horizontal dual-axis solar tracking system comprising a frame assembly (5), the frame assembly (5) comprises a plurality of cross frames (35); a plurality of panel holder assemblies (12) linked to the frame assembly (5), each panel holder assembly (12) comprising a photovoltaic panel (6); a first N-S motion imparting assembly and a second N-S motion imparting assembly (16) co-operating with the plurality of panel holder assemblies (12) and adapted to cause the plurality of panel holder assemblies to exhibit N-S tilting motion with respect to the frame assembly (5); a plurality of pillar assemblies (3, 4) pivotally connected to the plurality of cross frames (35); and a ring gear (34) attached to a bottom surface of a cross frames (35), the ring gear (34) being operably connected to a E-W motion imparting assembly (36) located on the pillar assembly (3, 4) with which the cross frame (35) is pivotally connected.