Solar Collector Joint Failure Detection Using Retraction Settling Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar power systems face inefficiencies and environmental risks due to improper functioning of ball joints in solar collectors, which can lead to misalignment and hydraulic fluid leaks, requiring a method for automatic failure detection without manual monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for failure detection in solar collectors using processors to analyze retraction data, calculate settling times, and detect anomalies in joint functionality, outputting alerts for maintenance, which includes receiving retraction data, retrieving reference data, calculating settling times, and comparing them to thresholds to identify joint issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual monitoring and check-ups are performed on ball joints, then joint functionality can be detected, but it is not feasible for solar power systems having a large number of solar collectors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-detection of joint anomalies through processors that continuously monitor retraction data and settling times without requiring manual intervention. Each solar collector's joint status is autonomously assessed by comparing measured parameters against predefined thresholds, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring external manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated electronic monitoring system. Processors analyze retraction data and calculate settling times to detect joint anomalies, substituting the mechanical/manual check-up process with computational analysis that can handle large numbers of collectors simultaneously.
2Extent of automation
If automatic detection system is implemented, then monitoring feasibility is improved for large numbers of collectors, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal processors that can monitor multiple solar collectors simultaneously using the same detection algorithm. The same hardware and software architecture serves all collectors, allowing the system to scale to large numbers of units without proportionally increasing complexity. The standardized approach enables one monitoring system to handle many collectors efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects joint anomalies by monitoring changes in specific parameters (retraction time, settling time) rather than requiring complex multi-parameter analysis. By focusing on key measurable parameters and their variations, the system achieves effective anomaly detection with relatively simple measurement and computation requirements.
3Reliability
If ball joint failures are not detected, then misalignment and hydraulic fluid leaks occur, but early detection requires continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring of joint parameters throughout solar collector operation. Processors continuously analyze retraction data and settling times to detect anomalies in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance of joint health without requiring periodic stoppages or manual inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where measured settling times are continuously compared against threshold values, and alerts are generated when anomalies are detected. This closed-loop monitoring provides immediate feedback on joint status, enabling rapid response to potential failures before they result in misalignment or fluid leaks.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for failure detection in solar collectors receives first retraction data including a first retraction time associated with a first retraction process of a solar collector from a first position to a second position. The system also retrieves reference data including a reference retraction time associated with a reference retraction process of the solar collector from the first position to the second position based on the received first retraction data. The system also calculates a first settling time associated with the first retraction process of the solar collector based on the first retraction time and the reference retraction time. The system also detects a first anomaly in a functionality of one or more joints of the solar collector based on the calculated first settling time. The system also outputs a first alert based on the detected first anomaly.