Integrated tracking drive and mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drive systems for solar power devices require high torque and low speed, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies due to the need for large motors and complex torque transfer systems, which also cause shadowing effects that reduce solar energy collection.
Innovation Solution
A tracking drive system integrating a linear drive actuator and pulley assembly within the support structure, utilizing wire cables for torque transfer, eliminating the need for large motors and reducing the gap between solar devices, thus minimizing shadowing and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional large motors are used to provide high torque for solar device tracking, then sufficient torque and power are achieved, but the device size and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electric motors with a mechanical advantage system consisting of a drum, pulleys, and cable. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for large electric motors while achieving the required torque through mechanical leverage and force multiplication across the pulley system
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using a cable-driven mechanism that can achieve high torque at low speeds through the mechanical advantage of the pulley system, rather than relying on motor specifications. The force is applied through cable tension which can be efficiently transmitted to generate rotational torque
2Ease of operation
If traditional torque transfer systems are used to move solar devices, then tracking function is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex intermediate torque transfer components (gears, shafts, couplings) by using a direct cable-driven system. The cable connects the actuator directly to the drum, which then directly rotates the solar device mount, simplifying the torque transfer path while maintaining full tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The cable-driven mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides torque transfer, enables bidirectional rotation for tracking, and allows for compact integration within the support structure. The same cable system that provides motion also serves as the structural linkage, reducing the need for separate components
3Volume of moving object
If large motors are positioned close to solar devices for compact installation, then space is reduced, but shadowing effects increase and reduce solar energy collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin cable instead of a bulky motor housing, allowing the drive system to occupy minimal space within the support structure. The cable has negligible shadowing effect compared to traditional motors, enabling compact installation without compromising solar energy collection
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a three-dimensional motor housing occupying horizontal space to a linear cable running through the support structure. This dimensional change allows the drive mechanism to be integrated vertically within existing structural elements, eliminating horizontal space requirements and associated shadowing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated drive system provides sufficient torque and power with a smaller form factor, reducing costs and enhancing solar energy collection by minimizing the gap between solar devices and eliminating the need for additional space for traditional motors, thereby increasing overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The linear drive actuator is a drive ram or electric actuator
Implementation Method 2
The pulley assembly has one or more rotating elements for converting the linear motion into rotational motion
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated drive leg and mount suitable for solar power devices, such as trough solar concentrators or PV panels. A drive system including a linear actuator is integrated into the support structure. A pulley assembly converts the linear force into rotational motion, thereby providing tracking adjustments for a solar power device following the sun avoiding larger external electric drive motor which are situated between successive solar power devices. The integrated nature enables a smaller gap between solar power devices in solar installations, reduces the effect of induced shadowing, and enables greater collection of solar energy.