Solar Collector Linkage Tracking for Seasonal Tilt Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Current solar collector module tracking systems, particularly dual axis systems, face inefficiencies in adjusting for seasonal changes in the sun's path, leading to suboptimal energy collection due to limited mechanical designs and lack of precise control systems.

Innovation Solution

A solar collector positioning apparatus with a base structure, intermediate frame, and solar collector support frame connected by hinged legs, utilizing linear actuators and a control system that calculates and adjusts tilt angles based on the Sun Vector's components to maintain optimal perpendicular orientation to the sun's rays, incorporating a four-bar linkage and Chebyshev linkage mechanisms for precise motion control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dual axis tracking system is used to orient solar module perpendicular to sun's rays, then energy collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy collection efficiencyVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking system is divided into two independent single-axis trackers: one for azimuth adjustment (east-west rotation) and one for elevation adjustment (tilt angle). Each axis operates independently with its own motor and control, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving dual-axis functionality. This segmentation reduces mechanical complexity and cost compared to traditional integrated dual-axis systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: it calculates sun position based on geographic location and time, controls both azimuth and elevation motors, stores operational data, and interfaces with user input devices. This multi-functional controller reduces the need for separate control systems for each axis, simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If dual axis tracking system is used to compensate for seasonal inclination and declination, then energy collection efficiency is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy collection efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking system is divided into two independent single-axis trackers: one for azimuth adjustment (east-west rotation) and one for elevation adjustment (tilt angle). Each axis operates independently with its own motor and control, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving dual-axis functionality. This segmentation reduces mechanical complexity and cost compared to traditional integrated dual-axis systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically calculates the optimal sun-tracking positions based on pre-programmed geographic location and time data, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The system self-regulates both azimuth and elevation angles throughout the day and season, reducing operational complexity and maintenance requirements compared to manually adjusted systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If precise control system with sun vector calculation is implemented, then orientation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical orientation adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that calculates sun position using astronomical algorithms. The microcontroller computes azimuth and elevation angles based on geographic coordinates and time, then drives simple rotary motors to achieve precise positioning. This substitution of mechanical complexity with computational simplicity maintains high orientation accuracy while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically calculates the optimal sun-tracking positions based on pre-programmed geographic location and time data, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The system self-regulates both azimuth and elevation angles throughout the day and season, reducing operational complexity and maintenance requirements compared to manually adjusted systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9027545B2Solar collector positioning apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 DEVILLIER WILLIAM J

AI summary

A solar collector positioning apparatus including a base structure and an intermediate frame connected to the base structure by at least two base support legs. The base support legs have a hinged connection to the base structure and a hinged connection to the intermediate frame, thereby constraining the movement of the intermediate frame to a plane substantially orthogonal to a plane occupied by the base structure. A solar collector support frame is connected to the intermediate frame by at least two intermediate support legs. The intermediate support legs have a hinged connection to the solar collector support frame and a hinged connection to the intermediate frame, thereby constraining the movement of the solar collector support frame to a plane substantially orthogonal to a plane occupied by the intermediate frame.