Single-axis solar tracker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-axis solar trackers face challenges in maintaining orientation precision, balancing structural weight, managing thermal expansions, and accommodating sloping ground installations while minimizing structural interruptions and costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-axis solar tracker design with a rotation axis positioned at the center of gravity, featuring a half-moon shaped connection element and guide rollers that allow continuous panel surfaces without interruptions, along with adjustable twist and thermal expansion compensation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the axis of rotation is positioned at the centre of gravity to balance the apparatus, then rotational efforts and torsional deformations are minimized, but the succession of photovoltaic panels is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular sections (first support section, second support section, etc.) that can be independently positioned and connected. This segmentation allows the rotation axis to pass through the structure without requiring a continuous unbroken panel surface, enabling the axis to be positioned at the centre of gravity while maintaining panel continuity through the gaps created by modular connections.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements with guide surfaces act as intermediaries between adjacent support sections. These guide surfaces enable relative movement and positioning of the modular sections while maintaining structural integrity, allowing the rotation axis to pass through without interrupting the photovoltaic panel succession.
2Productivity
If the structure dimensions are reduced to lower costs, then power density increases, but orientation precision and structural strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure utilizes composite construction with multiple interconnected sections and support elements. This composite design provides high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing reduced overall dimensions while maintaining the structural integrity and orientation precision needed for accurate sun tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow dynamic adaptation during assembly and operation. This enables optimization of structural dimensions and configuration to achieve the desired balance between power density and orientation precision.
3Measurement precision
If rigid connections are used between support elements to reduce deformations, then orientation precision improves, but thermal expansion management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between support elements incorporates dynamic characteristics through guide surfaces that allow controlled relative movement. This enables the structure to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining sufficient rigidity for accurate orientation through the guidance mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parameters between support elements are designed to change with temperature conditions. The guide surfaces allow variation in relative positioning of connected elements, enabling thermal expansion management while maintaining structural integrity and orientation precision through the guidance constraint.
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
This design enhances orientation precision, reduces structural deformations, allows for installation on sloping ground, and manages thermal expansions, thereby improving power density and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
said connection means further comprise guide rollers associated with said support element and configured to allow the rotation of said tubular element about said longitudinal axis by rolling along said guide surface
Implementation Method 2
a bi-metallic strip configured to compensate for thermal expansions of the structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The present invention relates to a single-axis solar tracker (1) comprising one or more support elements (11) for the constraint to the ground and defining a substantially vertical direction (Z), and at least one tubular element (12) for supporting one or more photovoltaic panels (20). Connection means (13) connect the tubular element (12) to said one or more support elements (11) and are configured to allow the rotation of said tubular element (12) about an axis (X) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. Means can also be advantageously provided for managing thermal expansions and suitable means for correcting the "twist" of the structure.