Self-Ballasted Solar Tracker Truss 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 complicates the deployment of solar panels in field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A self-ballasted, modular, collapsible truss structure is used to support solar tracking units, allowing for interconnectible frames that eliminate the need for external ballast and facilitate electrical connections and data communication, enabling efficient grounding and alignment of solar panels without requiring extensive ground preparation.
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 extracts and eliminates the need for external ballast and concrete foundations by integrating the stabilizing function directly into the truss structure itself. The truss structure is designed to derive stability from its own configuration and interconnection rather than requiring separate stabilizing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support function and stabilizing function into a single integrated truss structure. The supporting truss and stabilizing truss work together as a unified system, eliminating the need for separate ballast elements and concrete foundations that were required in conventional systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional solar tracker systems use concrete foundations, then system stability is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The truss structure is designed with pre-configured geometric arrangements that inherently provide stability upon assembly. The supporting and stabilizing trusses are configured in advance to work together, eliminating the need for time-consuming concrete pouring and curing processes required by conventional foundations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the time-intensive concrete foundation requirement entirely by using a self-supporting truss structure that achieves stability through its own design and interconnection, allowing for rapid assembly without waiting for concrete to cure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are mounted away from center of gravity, then mounting flexibility is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the solar panel assembly. The mounting structure is specifically designed with localized features that enable precise center-of-gravity alignment while maintaining overall system flexibility. The truss structure provides specific mounting points optimized for accurate panel positioning.
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.