Rotating Polygonal Solar Array Truss for Fast Field Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solar array assembly methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors due to the need for multiple spot welds or fasteners, making them costly and impractical for commercial-scale deployment, especially in harsh desert environments with high winds and low maintenance accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A movable solar array with an elongated support truss of polygonal cross-section, featuring V-shaped longitudinal members and an open web, which allows for rapid assembly using commercially available components and includes rotatable drives to adjust solar panels according to changing solar angles, reducing assembly time and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional support structures are assembled by attaching diagonal braces between longitudinal members with multiple spot welds or fasteners, then structural stability is achieved, but assembly time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: pre-fabricated longitudinal members with integrated brace attachments at predetermined locations. This segmentation allows each component to be prepared independently and assembled quickly without requiring multiple field welds or fastener installations, thereby maintaining structural stability while dramatically reducing assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
Braces are pre-attached to longitudinal members during manufacturing at precise angles and positions. This preliminary action ensures proper geometric configuration and structural integrity are built-in before installation, eliminating the need for complex field alignment and multiple attachment operations, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and assembly speed
2Productivity
If solar arrays are made massive to generate electricity at commercial levels, then power generation capacity increases, but construction cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solar array is divided into multiple identical modular units, each comprising standardized longitudinal members, pre-attached braces, and solar panel assemblies. This modular segmentation allows the array to be scaled to commercial power levels by simply replicating and connecting identical units, thereby increasing capacity without proportionally increasing construction complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized longitudinal members and brace assemblies serve multiple functions: providing structural support, defining panel orientation, and enabling modular expansion. This universality allows the same components to be used throughout the entire array, simplifying construction procedures and reducing the need for specialized components as the array scales to commercial levels
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 enables faster, less error-prone assembly and reduced maintenance requirements, making solar arrays more commercially feasible by utilizing a simpler and faster assembly process that decreases labor costs and increases efficiency in capturing solar energy.
Implementation Method 1
A photovoltaic module or photovoltaic panel with an interconnected assembly of photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, is used for generating electricity
Implementation Method 2
at least one rotatable drive capable of rotatably driving the shafts at the ends of the elongated truss to move the solar panels in relation to a change of direction of incoming solar energy
Data Source
AI summary
A movable solar array and method for capturing solar energy which includes a V-shaped longitudinal support forming a corner of an elongated truss located at each angle of a polygonal axial cross-section where an open web is fixedly attached between each V-shaped longitudinal support extending the length of the elongated truss. An end member is fixedly attached at each end of the support truss and includes a shaft extending longitudinally outwardly from the end member adapted to engage a drive to longitudinally rotate the elongated truss. Solar panels are attached along one face of the elongated truss, and at least one rotatable drive is capable of driving the shafts at the end of the elongated truss to move the solar panels in relation to a change of direction of incoming solar energy.