Single Axis Solar Tracker for Bifacial Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar collectors with tracking systems face increased construction and installation costs due to the need for rigid structures to withstand wind loads, and bifacial modules, which collect energy from both sides, are hindered by high production costs and sensitivity to wind, leading to suboptimal energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A single axis horizontal solar tracker for bifacial modules with a low-profile design, where bifacial photovoltaic modules are attached to a torque tube with one side integral to the axis of rotation, reducing wind resistance and material usage, and allowing for efficient energy generation from both front and back sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar collectors use a tracking system to dynamically align with the Sun, then energy generation is optimized, but the structure is exposed to significant wind loads requiring more rigid construction and stronger supports which increases construction and installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the solar collector structure movable rather than fixed. The collector is designed to pivot and adjust its orientation dynamically in response to wind conditions. The structure transitions from a rigid fixed-position design to a dynamic system that can change its configuration, allowing it to maintain energy tracking functionality while reducing wind load exposure through active repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the solar collector structure. By adjusting the tilt angle and horizontal position of the collector array, the system modifies its exposure to wind loads. The controller varies these geometric parameters based on wind speed and direction data, enabling the structure to present a smaller profile to prevailing winds while still maintaining optimal solar exposure during calm periods
2Reliability
If the wind speed exceeds a threshold, the solar panel retreats into a congestion mode, but this results in suboptimal solar energy or no energy being detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively adjusting the solar collector position in response to detected wind conditions. Rather than retreating to a fixed congestion mode when wind exceeds thresholds, the controller preemptively repositions the collector array to a more wind-resistant configuration while maintaining operational status. This preliminary adjustment prevents the need for complete shutdown and allows continued energy generation at reduced but still productive levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic response system that continuously adjusts collector orientation based on real-time wind sensor data. Instead of binary on/off operation or fixed congestion modes, the system dynamically modulates its position across a range of angles, enabling it to maintain structural integrity while preserving energy generation capability through continuous adaptive repositioning
3Strength
If solar collectors use a rigid structure to withstand wind loads, then structural integrity is maintained, but material usage and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static rigid structures with dynamic reconfigurable systems. Rather than overbuilding with excessive structural material to withstand maximum wind loads, the collector array uses lighter materials combined with active control mechanisms that allow the structure to flex and reposition. This dynamic approach enables the use of less material while maintaining equivalent or superior wind resistance through intelligent positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the collector structure during operation. By adjusting tilt angles, horizontal positions, and array configurations in response to wind conditions, the structure modifies its effective surface area and profile presented to the wind. This parameter variation allows lighter materials to achieve the same wind load resistance that would require heavier materials in a fixed configuration
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 solution reduces material costs and enhances energy generation by minimizing wind resistance and structural material usage, while maintaining efficient tracking and energy collection from bifacial modules.
Implementation Method 1
bifacial modules collect the light that enters from both the front and back sides of a solar panel. By converting both direct and reflected light into electricity
Data Source
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AI summary
Solar trackers are designed to withstand high wind loads, eventually by oversizing the structure and incurring in higher material cost and rendering high costs scenarios when deploying solar trackers in solar fields. The object of the invention hereby disclosed is aimed at a solar tracker and method for operating said solar tracker that yields a solution highly structured solar trackers by providing a single horizontal axis solar tracker associated to at least one bifacial photovoltaic module. The single horizontal axis solar tracker of the invention has a bifacial photovoltaic module associated to the torque tube by means of a joint fixture along one of the sides of the bifacial solar module in such way that the solar module jointly moves when the torque tube rotates. Said single horizontal axis solar tracker of the invention may be operating according to the time of the day, consequently to the available sunlight, in such a way that either face of the bifacial photovoltaic module associated to the torque tube is facing the sun.