Self-Ballasted Solar Tracker Frame for Foundation-Free Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracker systems require ground preparation and additional equipment for stability, increasing installation costs and complexity due to the need for concrete foundations and ballast, which hinders cost-effective implementation of solar energy collection.
Innovation Solution
A self-ballasted, modular, collapsible truss structure supports solar tracking units, allowing for interconnectible frames that eliminate the need for ground preparation and ballast, facilitating stability and electrical connection while enabling efficient installation and data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional solar tracker systems use concrete foundations and ballast for stability, then system stability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional concrete foundation and ballast components from the solar tracker system, replacing them with a self-ballasted modular structure that achieves stability through its own weight distribution and interlocking design, thereby eliminating the need for ground preparation and additional stabilization equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The solar tracker system is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating self-ballasting capabilities through its modular structure and weight distribution, eliminating the need for external ballast materials and ground preparation, allowing the system to stabilize itself through its own components
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional solar tracker systems use concrete foundations, then system stability is improved, but installation time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solar tracker system into modular units that can be independently assembled and interconnected, allowing for rapid deployment without the time-consuming process of pouring concrete foundations, as each module is self-contained and can be installed independently
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are pre-designed and pre-assembled to include built-in stabilization features and interconnection mechanisms, eliminating the need for现场 ground preparation and foundation work, thereby significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If solar panels are mounted away from center of gravity, then structural support is simplified, but system stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mounting configurations for different panels within the modular structure, positioning each panel at its center of gravity to optimize individual panel stability while maintaining overall system simplicity through the standardized modular framework
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for mounting a plurality of solar tracking units is provided. The frame comprises a plurality of leg assemblies interconnected by trusses to provide a stable structure that is ballasted by the frame's own weight, rather than relying on external ballast such as concrete blocks. Each leg assembly is provided with a shaft with a mounting end for mounting a solar tracking unit. Each solar tracking unit includes an armature assembly and at least one motor for controlling the orientation and position of a solar panel mounted thereon. Solar tracking assemblies, each comprising the frame and plurality of solar tracking units, can be assembled in an array using connectors spacing the assemblies, thus providing enhanced stability. Each of the assemblies can be provided with a local control unit for controlling each individual solar tracking unit, and a global control unit may be used to control the local control units.