Off-Set Drive Assembly for Solar Tracker to Reduce Mechanical Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in optimizing energy conversion from solar panels due to inefficiencies in tracking the sun's angle, leading to suboptimal energy production.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker apparatus with an off-set drive assembly and clamp assembly that allows for full adjustability and reduced load on the drive motor, featuring a cylindrical torque tube with notches and a clam shell clamp assembly, enabling efficient tracking of solar panels across a wide arc and reducing mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can track the sun, but they are unable to convert energy at full potential due to inadequate tracking capability and suboptimal alignment with sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracker apparatus employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms including a torque tube that can rotate and pivot, allowing the solar panels to continuously adapt their orientation to track the sun's movement across the sky. The drive assembly enables the torque tube to rotate about a central axis while clamp assemblies allow pivoting motion, creating a dynamically adjustable positioning system that optimizes energy capture throughout the day
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system is divided into segmented components: a drive assembly for rotational movement, clamp assemblies for securing and pivoting, and a torque tube structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling precise control over the solar panel orientation and improving overall tracking capability
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional drive assemblies are used, then solar panels can be mounted, but mechanical stress and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive assembly is positioned at an offset location rather than directly at the center of the torque tube. This offset positioning strategically places the drive mechanism to reduce mechanical stress concentrations on the torque tube structure, preventing premature fatigue and failure while simplifying the overall mounting process
3Productivity
If conventional mounting systems are used, then solar panels can be installed, but welding requirements and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assemblies replace traditional welding-based mounting systems with mechanical clamping mechanisms. These clamps can be easily attached and detached without requiring welding equipment or skilled welders, significantly reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining secure mounting of the solar panels to the torque tube
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus configured with an off-set drive assembly. In an example, the apparatus has an inner race structure, which has a cylindrical region coupled to a main body region, the main body comprising an off-set open region. The cylindrical region is an annular sleeve structure coupled to the main body region, which occupies the spatial region within the cylindrical region. In an example, the apparatus has an outer race structure coupled to enclose the inner race structure, configured to couple the inner race structure to allow the inner race structure to move in a rotational manner about a spatial arc region; and configured to allow the inner race structure to pivot about a region normal to a direction of the spatial arc region. In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly that is configured to pivot a torque tube.