Off-Set Drive Assembly for Precise Solar Tracker Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in maximizing energy conversion from solar panels due to inefficiencies in tracking the sun's angle, leading to suboptimal energy capture.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker apparatus with an off-set drive assembly and adjustable hanger assembly, featuring a cylindrical torque tube and clam shell clamp system, allows for precise alignment and movement of solar panels to optimize energy capture by aligning the center of mass with the center of rotation, reducing the load on the drive motor and enabling independent tracking of each row of solar panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can track the sun's movement, but the tracking precision and energy capture efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tracking by allowing the solar panel array to rotate about a vertical axis and tilt about a horizontal axis, enabling continuous adjustment to follow the sun's movement. The drive mechanism includes a motor coupled to a gear system that provides controlled rotational movement, ensuring the panels maintain optimal orientation throughout the day to maximize energy capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes geometric parameters (angular orientation and position) of the solar panel array to optimize energy capture. By adjusting the tilt angle and azimuth angle independently, the system can precisely track the sun's position across different times of day and seasons, directly improving both tracking precision and energy capture efficiency.
2Productivity
If solar panels are fixed in position, then installation is simpler, but energy conversion is not maximized due to inability to track sun's angle
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into independent rotational and tilting mechanisms. The array can rotate about a vertical axis independently from its tilting motion about a horizontal axis. This segmentation allows for simpler control of each degree of freedom separately while achieving comprehensive sun tracking capability, balancing complexity with energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides both rotational movement for azimuth tracking and tilting movement for elevation adjustment. The motor and gear system is designed to accommodate both degrees of freedom, reducing the need for separate mechanisms and thereby managing overall system complexity while maximizing energy conversion through dual-axis tracking.
3Measurement precision
If drive mechanism is positioned at center of torque tube, then structural symmetry is achieved, but adjustment flexibility and tracking precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is deliberately positioned asymmetrically at one end of the torque tube rather than at the center. This asymmetric placement provides several advantages: it simplifies the mechanical connection between the motor and the torque tube, allows for easier access during installation and maintenance, and enables independent adjustment of the drive mechanism's position along the torque tube length. This configuration achieves precise alignment through adjustable mounting positions while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
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.