Low-Profile Solar Panel Tracking for Rooftop Area Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar energy collection systems face inefficiencies due to suboptimal panel orientation, maintenance challenges, and poor rooftop area utilization, with stationary mounts maximizing panel count but reducing efficiency and single/dual axis trackers improving efficiency but at the cost of reduced rooftop space and increased structural loads.
Innovation Solution
A modular solar energy collection system with a combination of fixed and tracking panels, utilizing a dual-axis tracking mechanism driven by motors and software to optimize panel orientation daily and seasonally, featuring a hinge mechanism for reduced standoff height and easy maintenance, and integrated reflectors to minimize shading, along with a cleaning system for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If stationary flush mount configuration is used, then rooftop area utilization is maximized, but energy efficiency is reduced due to suboptimal panel orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple independently movable panels that can be selectively positioned. Each panel can be independently adjusted or removed, allowing the system to maintain high area utilization while enabling efficient sun tracking for individual panels when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static flush mount configuration to a dynamic configuration where panels can be moved between a flush mounted position (for maximum area utilization) and a tracking position (for optimal sun orientation). This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between area utilization and energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If single or dual axis tracker configurations are used, then energy efficiency is improved through optimal sun orientation, but rooftop area utilization is reduced due to required spacing between rows
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than requiring spaced rows as in conventional trackers, the invention segments the array into individually controllable panels that can be closely spaced in a contiguous flush mount arrangement, eliminating the need for row spacing while maintaining tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds the dimension of individual panel mobility to the conventional row-based tracker approach. Instead of moving entire rows with required spacing, individual panels within a contiguous array can be selectively moved to tracking positions, achieving efficiency gains without sacrificing area utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tracker systems with high standoff height are used, then panel rotation is enabled, but structural loads and aesthetic appeal are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotation mechanism from a centralized high-standoff structure and distributes it to individual panels at low standoff heights. Each panel has its own simplified rotation capability, eliminating the need for high structural supports while maintaining rotation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of raising panels high off the roof to enable rotation (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by keeping panels low and providing rotation capability through individual mechanisms at each panel level, thereby reducing structural loads while maintaining adaptability.
4Area of stationary object
If panels are rigidly attached in large contiguous arrays, then rooftop area utilization is maximized, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contiguous array is segmented into individually removable panels. Each panel can be independently detached from the flush mount configuration, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service individual panels without needing to walk on or disassemble large portions of the array, thus maintaining area utilization while improving maintenance ease.
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 system achieves higher rooftop area utilization, improved energy production, aesthetically pleasing low-profile design, and simplified maintenance while minimizing structural loads and shading effects, ensuring efficient solar power collection and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The solar collection systems devised in the present invention have either a combination of fixed panels and tracking panels or only tracking panels, both kinds of panels converting sunlight incident upon them to electrical power
Implementation Method 2
The present invention includes systems for providing both single axis and dual axis solar tracking... integrated reflectors to minimize shading
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy collection system comprises a frame for mounting the system on a suitable substrate and a plurality of solar panels disposed adjacent to one another on the frame. A first set of the solar panels are movable relative to a second set of the solar panels, for tracking movement of the sun during the day. Solar panels of the first set are arranged in alternating fashion with solar panels of the second set. In some embodiments of the invention, the panels in the second set of solar panels are stationary. The second set of solar panels, in some embodiments, are disposed substantially flat, relative to the frame and the substrate on which the frame is mounted. In some embodiments, differing from those in which the second set of solar panels are stationary, the second set of solar panels may be arranged to be movable relative to the first set of solar panels.