Solar Generator Cable Tracking With Elastic Wind-Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar generator systems face limitations in adjusting to the azimuth angle of the sun and are prone to damage from strong winds due to insufficient structural strength and high rigidity, while elastic member-controlled sun-tracking systems can be damaged by typhoons.
Innovation Solution
A solar generator apparatus with elastically restrictive and cable-controlled tracking, featuring a middle column, winding devices, cables, and elastic anchors that form W-shaped structures to provide stable and elastic support, allowing for adjustable sun-tracking and resistance to strong winds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the solar generator module is directly and slantingly fixed to the cylinder, then the structure is simple, but the structural strength is insufficient to withstand strong wind
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent cables instead of a single rigid connection. Each cable independently supports a corner of the solar generator module, creating a segmented support system that distributes wind loads across multiple points rather than concentrating stress at a single fixed point.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a flexible cable-based system with adjustable tension. The cables can be tensioned to provide structural strength while maintaining flexibility to absorb wind loads, changing the mechanical parameters from rigid to elastic.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the solar generator module is made with high rigidity, then the structural stability is improved, but the module is prone to damage when external force is suddenly applied
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members are pre-installed in the cable support system to provide cushioning against sudden external forces. When wind or other external forces suddenly apply load to the module, the elastic members stretch and absorb the shock, preventing damage to the rigid module structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system uses flexible cables with elastic members instead of rigid connections. These flexible elements can deform under sudden loads, allowing the rigid solar generator module to move slightly without incurring structural damage, while still maintaining overall stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic members are used to control the sun-tracking function, then the sun-tracking flexibility is improved, but the elastic members are damaged by typhoons due to exceeding elasticity limit
Solution Approach 1:
The winding devices serve as intermediaries between the elastic members and the solar generator module. They control the tension and length of the cables, allowing the system to adjust to wind loads without exceeding the elasticity limit of the members. The winding devices can reel in or release cable length to maintain elastic member tension within safe limits during typhoons.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is made dynamically adjustable through the winding devices, which can change the cable length and tension in real-time. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying wind conditions, maintaining sun-tracking flexibility while protecting elastic members from damage by preventing excessive deformation during extreme weather.
4Ease of manufacture
If the solar generator system is mounted in a fixed manner, then the installation is simple, but the system cannot be adjusted according to the azimuth angle of the sun
Solution Approach 1:
The cable support system with winding devices enables dynamic adjustment of the solar generator module's position. The winding devices can be rotated to change cable tension and length, allowing the module to track the sun's azimuth angle while maintaining a relatively simple fixed mounting structure on the building.
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 apparatus achieves stable and elastic support for sun-tracking, enabling multiple degrees of freedom for solar panel adjustment, enhancing energy availability and reducing damage from external forces like strong winds.
Implementation Method 1
one or each of the first to fourth elastic anchors includes an elastic member and a restricting member connected in parallel
Implementation Method 2
The first and second winding devices are attached to the middle column. The first cable is wound around the first winding device. The second cable is wound around the second winding device.
Implementation Method 3
a second end pivotally connected to a middle portion of a bottom of the solar generator module, and rotatably supports the solar generator module
Data Source
AI summary
A solar generator apparatus includes: a generator module having first to fourth corner portions; a middle column mounted on a fixed structure and pivotally connected to the generator module; first and second winding devices attached to the middle column; first to fourth cables; and first to fourth elastic anchors. The first to fourth cables have first ends respectively connected to the first to fourth corner portions. The first and third cables are wound around the first winding device. The second and fourth cables are wound around the second winding device. The first to fourth elastic anchors are elastically mounted on the fixed structure. The first to fourth cables respectively pass through the first to fourth elastic anchors to form two W-shaped structures. Each elastic anchor includes an elastic member and a restricting member connected in parallel. The restricting member restricts a maximum deformation amount of the elastic member.