Rotatable Solar Panel Mounting System for Wind Force Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar panel mounting systems struggle to effectively accommodate large wind forces while allowing for active rotation to optimize orientation based on wind conditions, leading to potential damage and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar panel mounting system featuring a rotatable vertical support member with a motor-driven mechanism, controlled by a computing unit, that allows solar panels to rotate relative to wind direction, incorporating dampening members to reduce impact and a ground anchoring system for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong and heavy mounting materials are used to withstand wind forces, then the solar panels can resist wind pressure, but the cost increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the solar panel mounting system to rotate and adjust its orientation in response to wind forces. Instead of using fixed, heavy-duty mounting structures, the system dynamically repositions itself to reduce wind load, allowing for lighter and simpler mounting materials while maintaining wind resistance capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid securing mechanisms are used to prevent solar panel movement, then the panels remain stable, but they cannot rotate to follow the sun's movement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system employs dynamic elements that allow controlled rotation and movement. The connection between the solar panel and mounting structure incorporates movable joints and flexible components that maintain stability during operation while enabling rotation for solar tracking and wind response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its structural parameters by adjusting the orientation angle of the solar panel through rotation. The mounting mechanism allows the panel to transition between different angular positions, maintaining structural integrity while adapting to varying sun positions and wind conditions.
3Productivity
If the solar panels are allowed to rotate freely to optimize orientation, then sun tracking efficiency improves, but the panels become vulnerable to wind damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates wind sensing capabilities that provide feedback to the control mechanism. When wind conditions are detected, the system adjusts the panel orientation to minimize wind exposure, thereby protecting the panels while maintaining optimal positioning for energy generation during calm conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system takes preliminary protective action by detecting approaching wind conditions and proactively adjusting the panel orientation to a wind-resistant position before significant wind damage can occur. This preventive adjustment maintains both productivity and reliability.
4Strength
If deep ground anchoring is used to secure mounting supports, then wind resistance improves, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static, deeply anchored mounting structures with dynamic, lightly anchored supports that can rotate and adjust. The dynamic response to wind forces reduces the need for deep anchoring, simplifying installation while maintaining adequate wind resistance through active repositioning.
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 system effectively reduces damage from wind forces and maintains efficiency by actively rotating solar panels to minimize wind resistance, ensuring optimal orientation and stability.
Implementation Method 1
wind force upon a surface of the at least one solar panel causes the at least one solar panel to rotate around the upper solar panel support member out of the rest position
Data Source
AI summary
A solar panel mounting system includes a rotatable vertical support member, a lower solar panel support member for supporting at least one solar panel in a rest position, and an upper solar panel support member rotatably attached to the at least one solar panel. One or more connection members attach the at least one solar panel to the upper solar panel support member, allowing the at least one solar panel to rotate relative to the upper solar panel support member. Wind force upon a surface of the at least one solar panel causes the at least one solar panel to rotate around the upper solar panel support member out of the rest position. The system may include a motor connected to the rotatable vertical support member for driving rotation, a computing unit for controlling the motor, and a ground anchoring system for the rotatable vertical support member.