Integrated Inclinometer Drive for Solar Tracker Angle Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of sun-tracking solar collector systems, particularly in concentrated photovoltaic systems, due to the need for precise alignment and weatherproofing of inclinometers, lead to increased hardware and labor expenses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inclinometer into the motor housing of the drive system, which eliminates the need for separate weatherproofing and reduces the requirement for additional connectors by integrating the inclination sensor directly onto the motor controller circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inclinometer is placed on a solar collection device with separate weatherproof housing and electrical connections, then the inclination sensor can provide feedback signal for sun-tracking control, but the hardware cost and complexity increase due to weatherproofing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inclinometer with the motor housing to create an integrated assembly. The inclinometer is mounted inside the motor housing and electrically connected to the motor controller through the motor housing, eliminating the need for separate weatherproof housing and external electrical connections for the inclinometer. This integration maintains feedback signal reliability while significantly reducing device complexity and weatherproofing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an inclinometer is placed on a solar collection device with separate mounting and connector cables, then the inclination sensor can be independently positioned, but the labor cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inclinometer mounting with the motor housing structure. The inclinometer is directly mounted inside the motor housing and electrically connected through integrated conductors within the housing, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and external connector cables. This integration maintains positioning flexibility while significantly simplifying installation and reducing labor costs.
3Measurement precision
If concentrated photovoltaic systems use precise tolerances for component manufacturing, then sun-tracking accuracy improves, but the hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the inclinometer with the motor housing, creating a unified assembly where the inclinometer measures the actual orientation of the motor and solar collection device. This integration ensures that the precision measurement is directly tied to the drive mechanism, improving sun-tracking accuracy while reducing the need for separate precision mounting structures and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.