Progressive Damper for PV Arrays Managing Wind Buffeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing damping systems for photovoltaic panel arrays, such as digressive and progressive dampers, are inadequate in addressing high velocity vibrations induced by wind buffeting, as they either provide insufficient damping force or exceed the structural strength of the array.
Innovation Solution
A damper assembly that provides a first damping force during slow movement and a second, greater damping force during fast movement, featuring a housing with a piston and bypass grooves, washers, and attachment points, ensuring the damping force does not exceed the structural strength of the array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If progressive damping is used to increase damping force during high velocity vibrations, then vibration reduction effectiveness is improved, but the damping force may exceed the structural strength of the PV array causing structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The damper changes its damping parameter (force output) based on the velocity parameter of the PV array movement. At low velocities, it provides minimal damping force, while at high velocities it progressively increases damping force up to a maximum threshold, thereby adapting to different operating conditions without exceeding structural limits
Solution Approach 2:
The damper incorporates a feedback mechanism where the damping force is automatically adjusted based on the measured velocity of the PV array. The system continuously monitors movement velocity and modulates the damping force accordingly, ensuring the force remains within safe structural thresholds while effectively counteracting vibrations
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
Effectively reduces vibrations in photovoltaic panel arrays by providing progressive damping without exceeding the structural limits, thereby enhancing the durability and efficiency of the array.
Implementation Method 1
a bypass groove having a flow area defined therein to allow fluid to flow from a first side of the piston to an opposing side of the piston
Implementation Method 2
the washer configured to deflect to uncover the flow area of the bypass groove at a selected maximum damping force
Implementation Method 3
A damper assembly that provides a first damping force during slow movement of the photovoltaic array and a second damping force during fast movement of the array, the second damping force being greater than the first damping force
Data Source
AI summary
Damper includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, a first attachment point proximate the distal end of the housing, a rod having proximal and distal ends at least partially disposed within the housing and moveable relative to the housing between an extended position and a compressed position, a second attachment point proximate the proximal end of the rod, a piston joined to the rod within the housing proximate the distal end of the rod, the piston including a bypass groove having a flow area defined therein to allow fluid to flow from a first side of the piston to an opposing side of the piston, and a first washer disposed proximate a first end of the piston and at least partially covering the flow area of the bypass groove.