Self-powered solar tracker apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in maximizing energy conversion from solar panels due to suboptimal sun angles and mechanical limitations, leading to inefficient energy harvesting.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered solar tracker system with an adjustable hanger assembly and cylindrical torque tubes that align the center of mass with the center of rotation, reducing motor load and allowing for independent operation of each tracker, enabling precise sun tracking without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can adjust to sun angles, but the systems require external power sources and have high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracking system uses the solar panels themselves to generate the electrical energy required for tracking. The solar cells convert sunlight into electricity, which powers the motors that rotate the torque tubes, enabling the system to track the sun without external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the energy generation function and the tracking actuation function into a single integrated system. The same solar panels that generate electricity are used to power the tracking motors, merging power generation and mechanical actuation into one self-sufficient system.
2Productivity
If solar panels are fixed at suboptimal angles, then installation is simple, but energy conversion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking function into independent modular units. Each solar panel assembly has its own torque tube and motor, allowing independent operation of each tracker. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high energy conversion efficiency through continuous sun tracking.
3Force
If motor load is increased to provide sufficient torque for tracking, then tracking power is adequate, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system positions the center of mass of each solar panel assembly to align with the center of rotation of the torque tube. This creates a balanced configuration where gravitational forces act through the rotation axis, eliminating the need for additional torque to counteract weight, thereby reducing motor load and energy consumption.
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 enhances energy conversion efficiency by allowing solar panels to track electromagnetic radiation effectively, reducing energy consumption to less than 15 Watt-hours per day and eliminating the need for external power, while being cost-effective and easy to install.
Implementation Method 1
Solar photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity for a variety of applications
Implementation Method 2
the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a motor
Data Source
AI summary
A solar tracker apparatus includes an adjustable hanger assembly that has a clam shell hanger assembly. The clam shell hanger assembly may hold a torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end. A center of mass of the solar tracker apparatus may be aligned with a center of rotation of the torque tubes, in order to reduce a load of a drive device operably coupled to the torque tube. Solar modules may be coupled to the torque tubes. The solar tracker includes an energy system that includes solar panel, a DC to DC converter, a battery, and a micro-controller. The energy system may facilitate full operation movement of the tracker apparatus without any external power lines.