Leading Edge Units for Ground Mount Solar Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Ground Mount Solar PV systems face high costs and inefficiencies due to structural racking systems, which are costly and prone to corrosion, wind loading, and microcracking, leading to reduced module efficiency and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The Earth Mount Technology eliminates the structural racking system by placing solar modules directly on the ground, using leading-edge units that direct wind and water flow, reducing wind loading, corrosion, and microcracking, while maintaining module stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If structural racking systems are used to support solar modules, then module stability and orientation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex structural racking system entirely, extracting only the essential function of supporting modules on the ground. The leading-edge units replace the need for extensive steel racking, eliminating corrosion and wind loading issues while maintaining module stability through direct ground contact and simplified edge support.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing uniform structural support across the entire array, the patent applies support only at the leading edges where modules contact the ground. This localized approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining stability where it is most needed for module support and alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If structural racking systems are used to support solar modules, then module orientation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the expensive structural racking system while retaining the essential function of module orientation through simplified leading-edge units. This extraction reduces manufacturing costs significantly by removing steel materials, corrosion protection requirements, and complex assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The leading-edge units appear to be simpler, more economical components compared to permanent structural racking. These units provide the necessary orientation function at lower cost, potentially using less durable materials that are acceptable for the specific application where modules contact the ground directly.
3Strength
If modules are elevated above ground on structural racking, then wind loading resistance is improved, but corrosion resistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the steel structural racking system that is susceptible to corrosion from DC impressed current. By eliminating this metal infrastructure, the system avoids the corrosion reliability issue entirely while maintaining wind loading resistance through the aerodynamic effect of leading-edge units that direct wind flow over the modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of wind into a beneficial aerodynamic flow pattern. The leading-edge units are shaped to direct wind flow smoothly over the modules, reducing turbulent eddies and vortex formation that cause microcracking. This transforms wind from a harmful loading condition into a controlled flow that maintains cooling and reduces structural stress.
4Productivity
If modules are tilted at high angles to maximize sun exposure, then energy production is improved, but wind loading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of module tilt angles through the leading-edge unit design. Modules can be positioned at optimal angles for energy production during low-wind conditions and adjusted to reduce wind exposure during high-wind events. This dynamic capability allows the system to maximize productivity when beneficial and minimize wind loading when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The leading-edge units are aerodynamically shaped to redirect wind flow over the tilted modules, converting the harmful force of wind into a controlled flow pattern. This reduces the effective wind loading on high-angle modules while maintaining their productive orientation, allowing the system to achieve both high energy production and wind resistance.
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
This approach significantly reduces the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and extends the plant's life expectancy by minimizing structural costs, land use, and maintenance, while maintaining energy production levels comparable to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic downforce to hold modules against the ground
Implementation Method 2
direct water flow, preventing water flow from undercutting the modules
Data Source
AI summary
Leading-edge units for a PV array comprising fastener or component holes for anchoring the array bonding the array and protecting array cabling. The leading-edge units provide a favorable aerodynamic shape to help deflect incoming wind, the channel rainwater and to protect the edge of the array. Methods having steps of placing modules contacting native topography or a smoothed or substantially flat portion of the ground in an array and holding the array together and down are also disclosed.