Parallel-Axis Solar Tracker Layout for Lower-Cost Dual-Axis Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual axis solar tracking systems have higher setup costs compared to single axis trackers but offer only a small additional gain in energy output, and existing systems are complex and costly for equatorial tracking, which is not practically implemented due to complexity and high costs, especially when using bifacial cells.
Innovation Solution
A dual axis solar tracking system with a base frame and longitudinal structure that allows both diurnal and seasonal solar motion tracking using parallel tilt axes, utilizing daily and seasonal tilt wire ropes to transfer motion between panel assemblies, reducing complexity and costs by using a stable axis mechanism and energy absorption/damping systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dual axis tracking is implemented, then energy output is improved, but setup cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dual-axis tracking functionality into two separate single-axis trackers, each handling one axis of motion. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and less expensive, while collectively achieving dual-axis tracking capability that increases energy output by capturing both diurnal and seasonal solar motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two single-axis trackers into a unified dual-axis system where they work together cooperatively. By merging the functionality of two simpler systems, the invention achieves the benefits of dual-axis tracking (higher energy output) while avoiding the complexity and cost of designing a completely new dual-axis mechanism from scratch.
2Ease of operation
If equatorial tracking is implemented, then tracking uniformity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex equatorial tracker with non-intuitive coordinate transformations, the system inverts the approach by using two conventional single-axis trackers with simple horizontal and vertical axes. This inversion simplifies the control system while achieving uniform tracking performance by eliminating the need for complex mathematical transformations.
3Productivity
If bifacial cells are used, then energy output is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic dual-axis tracking to continuously optimize the angle and orientation of bifacial panels, maximizing sunlight capture on both front and rear surfaces throughout the day and across seasons. This dynamic positioning ensures that the higher manufacturing cost of bifacial cells is justified by significantly increased energy generation from both sides of the panels.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual axis solar tracking system. The dual axis solar tracking system (100) comprises a base frame comprising a vertical pole (106) that extend from the ground and a longitudinal structure (104) that extends laterally from the vertical pole (106). A first panel assembly (102a) and a second panel assembly (102b) are coupled to the longitudinal structure (104), wherein the first panel assembly (102a) comprises a first solar panel and the second panel assembly (102b) comprises a second solar panel. The first solar panel is configured to track diurnal solar motion by tilting about a first daily tilt axis (402) and the second solar panel is configured to track diurnal solar motion by tilting about a second daily tilt axis (612b). The first daily tilt axis (402) and the second daily tilt axis (612b) are parallel to each other and spaced apart.