Graphical Configuration for Non-Rectangular Ballasted Solar Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing racking components for non-rectangular solar arrays in ballasted roof mount systems is a time-consuming process, as existing automation tools are primarily suited for rectangular arrays and fail to account for the unique engineering constraints and irregularities of non-rectangular shapes.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface and method for configuring ballasted roof mounts of non-rectangular solar arrays, which includes a roof grid for module placement, selection and de-selection tools, mechanisms for storing site parameters, and a server for calculating bill of materials and ballasting requirements, allowing for efficient decomposition of the array into logical sections and determination of load sharing values and ballasting needs based on module positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing automation tools are used for configuring solar arrays, then the configuration process is automated, but these tools are only suited for rectangular arrays and cannot handle non-rectangular shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the non-rectangular solar array into multiple rectangular sub-arrays or sections. Each section can be configured independently using automated tools, and then combined to form the complete non-rectangular layout. This segmentation allows existing rectangular array automation tools to be utilized while achieving versatility for complex geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal configuration system that can handle both rectangular and non-rectangular arrays through a single interface. The system accepts various array shapes by processing them through a unified methodology, making the configuration tool multi-functional and adaptable to different array geometries without requiring separate specialized tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration methods are used for non-rectangular arrays, then custom shapes can be accommodated, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically generating the rectangular sub-arrays and pre-calculating their individual parameters using automated tools. This preliminary configuration of sections reduces the subsequent manual work required to assemble the complete non-rectangular array, significantly reducing total configuration time while maintaining shape accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that acts as a bridge between automated rectangular array tools and the final non-rectangular configuration. This intermediary system automatically processes the rectangular sections, calculates load distribution, and assembles them into the desired non-rectangular shape, reducing manual intervention time.
3Device complexity
If automated tools assume uniform array shapes, then configuration is simplified, but ballasting requirements for individual modules cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining ballasting requirements individually for each module or section based on its specific position and local conditions within the non-rectangular array. Instead of applying a uniform ballasting approach, the system calculates unique ballasting needs for each rectangular section considering its location, orientation, and structural characteristics, ensuring precise and location-specific ballasting specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and user interfaces for graphical configuration for ballasted roof mounts of non-rectangular solar arrays. A graphical interface may be provided to allow a user to view a roof grid, and place solar modules within the roof grid where desired, to account for various obstacles on a roof, to create a non-rectangular solar array. Using the layout of the array and various site parameters (building height, wind speed, etc.) and solar module parameters (wide, length, thickness, etc.), the system may calculate a complete bill of materials, customer pricing, ballasting requirements and overall roof loads for a complete solar project.