Multi-Drive Solar Tracker with Twisted Profile for Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-drive solar-tracking systems face challenges with wind loads that can twist torque tubes, leading to instability and reduced efficiency due to high wind drag, and require additional structural materials to withstand wind excitation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-drive solar-tracking system with motor drives inputting torque to a torque tube at longitudinally separated locations, allowing for a twisted or aerodynamic profile that reduces wind excitation and improves stiffness, while also enabling correction of system misalignment and shading issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-drive solar-tracking system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but wind loads twist the torque tube leading to instability and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive system is segmented into multiple independent drive units positioned at different locations along the torque tube. Each drive unit independently inputs torque to a specific section, dividing the single function into multiple distributed functions that collectively improve wind stability while maintaining tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the torque tube are provided with local drive capability rather than relying on a single centralized drive. This allows each local section to independently resist wind loads applied to that specific area, creating a distributed resistance system that prevents twisting and instability.
2Reliability
If additional structural materials are added to withstand wind excitation, then wind stability is improved, but the weight and cost of the structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, over-engineered structure to a dynamic system where multiple drives actively adjust torque input to counteract wind loads. This dynamic response allows the existing structure to operate near its optimal capacity without requiring excessive structural materials for static wind resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the torque tube by applying controlled torque from multiple drives to maintain a twisted or aerodynamic profile. This active parameter adjustment allows the structure to withstand wind excitation through operational control rather than increased structural mass.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a twisted or aerodynamic profile is implemented, then wind excitation is reduced and stiffness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple drives are positioned in advance at specific locations along the torque tube to create the twisted or aerodynamic profile before wind loads are applied. This preliminary configuration of drive positions and torque distribution prepares the system to naturally resist wind excitation through its pre-established aerodynamic shape.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are improved solar tracker systems having variable profiles and related operating methods thereof. Solar-tracking PV systems with variable twisted or aerodynamic profiles offer several advantages including improved wind stability, improved shading characteristics and/or capability to correct system component misalignment. In an embodiment, motor drives (and locking devices if present) of a PV system can be driven against each other to cause a desirable twisted or aerodynamic profile of a torque tube and associated PV modules mounted on the torque tube. The desired twisted or aerodynamic profiles can range from a substantially flat horizontal plate to a twisted helix-like profile and combinations thereof so as to establish improved wind and/or shading characteristics. Advantages can also include a reduction in structural materials, increased structural strength, increased solar energy yield or a combination thereof.