Polar-Axis Solar Tracker With Self-Powered Remote Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracking mechanisms for energy collection are complex and require electricity, making them impractical for use in remote or off-grid locations where electricity is not available.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking device utilizing a hydraulic or electric motorized system with a Fresnel lens and photovoltaic cell, featuring a polar alignable shaft, telescoping leg adjustments, and a fluid drip assembly to track the sun's movement without the need for electricity, allowing for simple setup and operation in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If complex drive systems with electric motors and sophisticated software are used for solar tracking, then tracking precision and automation are improved, but device complexity and electricity dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the sun's own light to drive the tracking mechanism through photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into mechanical motion via a sun-tracking motor, eliminating the need for external electricity sources or complex control software while maintaining automatic tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems and software with a mechanical-optical system where a Fresnel lens focuses sunlight onto a photovoltaic cell that directly drives a sun-tracking motor, substituting electronic automation with a self-powered mechanical system
2Measurement precision
If complex drive systems with electric motors are used for solar tracking, then tracking precision is improved, but ease of operation in remote areas without electricity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system is self-powered by capturing solar energy through a Fresnel lens and photovoltaic cell to drive its own tracking mechanism, making it operable in remote areas without external electricity infrastructure while maintaining precise solar tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the energy capture function (Fresnel lens and photovoltaic cell) from the tracking execution function (sun-tracking motor and mirror assembly), allowing the tracking mechanism to be self-powered and independently operable in remote locations
3Ease of manufacture
If simple tracking mechanisms are used to reduce complexity, then ease of manufacture and operation are improved, but tracking precision and energy collection efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a curved Fresnel lens instead of a flat lens to focus sunlight more effectively onto the photovoltaic cell, improving energy collection efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple and manufacturable structure compared to complex optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the Fresnel lens serves both as a structural support and light-focusing element, while the photovoltaic cell simultaneously powers the tracking motor and can be positioned to maximize energy capture, achieving high efficiency without complex separate systems
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
Enables efficient solar energy collection and storage in remote areas by tracking the sun's path using a hydraulic or electric motorized system, focusing sunlight onto a photovoltaic cell or phase change material for energy conversion and storage, addressing the complexity and electricity dependency of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
fitted with a Fresnel lens, or other collection or focusing device
Implementation Method 2
which focuses the sun's rays on a carriage
Implementation Method 3
fitted with a photovoltaic cell
Implementation Method 4
The rotation of the carriage and its attachments are controlled by the use of a hydraulic assembly
Implementation Method 5
A main weight begins descending, resulting in the rotation of the carriage to follow the sun
Implementation Method 6
fitted with an insulated phase change material container
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a solar tracking apparatus containing a polar axis aligned shaft which rotates continuously or intermittently at a rate simulating the apparent approximate fifteen degree per hour movement of the sun across the sky. A Fresnel lens, photovoltaic panel, parabolic dish or other solar collection/concentration device is adjustably mounted to about twenty three degrees either side of perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and directly at the Sun, collecting, focusing or concentrating the solar radiation on a receiving device, which stores the solar energy in the form of heat, re-directs the light or converts the energy into electricity.