Passive Locking Assembly for Solar Tracker Torsional Divergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar photovoltaic arrays face damage from environmental loads, particularly high wind events, due to torsional divergence, which existing systems attempt to mitigate with active locks that increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A passive locking assembly for solar trackers using a hydraulic system with piston and valve assemblies that transition from an unlocked to locked state in response to movement, providing resistance to torsional divergence without the need for motors or electronic subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If active locks with motors and electronic subsystems are used to reduce torsional divergence, then the array stability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electronic locking systems with a passive mechanical locking mechanism. The locking assembly uses a cam follower that engages with a cam surface on the torque tube, creating a mechanical lock that activates automatically under wind load without requiring motors, sensors, or electronic control systems. This substitution eliminates complex electronic subsystems while maintaining the stability function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is self-activating based on the operational conditions. When wind loads cause the torque tube to exceed a threshold angle, the cam follower automatically engages with the cam surface, locking the array in place. The system uses the mechanical energy from the wind load itself to activate the locking mechanism, requiring no external power source or electronic control.
2Reliability
If active locks are used to prevent torsional divergence during high wind events, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly uses simple, inexpensive mechanical components including a cam follower, cam surface, and spring. These components are designed to be cost-effective and easily manufactured, replacing expensive motors, electronic controllers, and sensors. The mechanical design allows for simple fabrication processes and minimal assembly requirements, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.
3Strength
If the locking assembly provides high resistance to movement during high wind events, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on operational conditions. During normal operation with low wind loads, the spring maintains the cam follower in a disengaged position, allowing free movement of the torque tube for tracking. During high wind events, the increased load causes the cam follower to engage with the cam surface, providing strong mechanical locking. This dynamic behavior ensures ease of operation during normal conditions while providing strength when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces torsional divergence and associated damage during high wind events while maintaining low resistance to panel movement during normal operation, thus enhancing the durability and efficiency of solar tracker systems without adding complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first valve assembly and a second valve assembly. The first valve assembly controls fluid flow in a first direction through the flow path from the compression portion to the extension portion. The second valve assembly controls fluid flow in a second direction through the flow path from the extension portion to the compression portion.
Implementation Method 2
The piston includes a seal that seals against the shell.
Data Source
AI summary
Solar tracker systems include a torque tube, a column supporting the torque tube, a solar panel connected to the torque tube, and a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a first end pivotably connected to the torque tube and a second end pivotably connected to the column. A shell defines a fluid chamber and a piston is positioned within the shell. The piston includes a seal and defines compression and extension portions of the fluid chamber. A flow path extends between the compression portion and the extension portions. A first valve assembly controls fluid flow in a first direction through the flow path and a second valve assembly controls fluid flow in a second direction through the flow path. The valve assemblies are each passively moveable from an unlocked state to a locked state in response to movement of the piston.