Cable-Stabilized Solar Collector Array With Compression Mast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar collector systems are heavy, expensive, and difficult to manufacture due to the need for large structural elements to withstand high winds, which also complicates fine positional control and motion.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight solar collector system using cables and a compression element to stabilize solar elements, allowing for efficient tracking and reduced structural material requirements, with a tension compression system that minimizes the impact on the active surface area and includes furling capabilities for high winds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large structural elements are used to support solar elements in high winds, then stability and wind resistance are improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind resistanceVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible cables instead of rigid structural elements to support and stabilize solar panels. The cables are tensioned to provide structural support while maintaining flexibility, allowing the system to withstand high winds without requiring heavy rigid frameworks. This flexible cable network provides the necessary wind resistance while dramatically reducing the overall weight of the support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters from rigid heavy elements to flexible tensioned cables. By adjusting the tension parameters of the cables and their spatial arrangement, the system achieves equivalent or superior wind resistance performance with significantly reduced weight. The compression element parameters are also optimized to work in conjunction with the cable tensioning system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If heavy structural elements are used to stabilize the system, then stability in high winds is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible cable system replaces expensive heavy structural components with simpler, lighter cable elements that are easier and less costly to manufacture and install. The cables can be tensioned and adjusted in the field, reducing the need for expensive precision manufacturing and heavy foundation structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs relatively simple cable elements and compression components that can be easily replaced or adjusted if needed, rather than investing in expensive permanent heavy structural frameworks. This approach reduces initial manufacturing costs and long-term maintenance expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Power

If large and powerful drive systems are used to move the heavy structure, then tracking capability is improved, but fine positional control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive system powerVSAvoidpositional control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the weight parameter of the overall structure through the use of lightweight cable-supported panels, the drive system requires less power to move the structure while providing finer positional control. The reduced mass allows for more precise actuation and easier adjustment of the tracking position without requiring overly powerful motors that would be difficult to control precisely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If bulky structural elements are used to support solar elements, then wind load resistance is improved, but the system becomes heavy and expensive to install

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind load resistanceVSAvoidsupport structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a network of flexible tensioned cables to provide the necessary strength to resist wind loads, replacing bulky rigid support structures. The cables are arranged in a geometric pattern that distributes wind forces efficiently across the entire array, providing equivalent or superior wind load resistance with minimal weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The support system combines high-strength cables with compression-resistant elements to create a composite structural system that efficiently handles different types of mechanical loads. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high wind load resistance with minimal overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS7878191B2Solar collector stabilized by cables and a compression element

Publication Date: 2011.02.01 SOLAFLECT ENERGY LLC

AI summary

A solar collector system including solar elements connected to form an array for intercepting the sun's radiation, a compression element that is positioned substantially perpendicular to the array, and pairs of cables that run from opposite sides of the array to the compression element to mutually stabilize each portion of the array to which the pair of cables connects. A support structure is provided for securing the array to a fixed structure. A tracking system further provides the system with two degrees of freedom for tracking the array with the sun's movement.