Apparatus and method for mounting a solar energy device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar energy device mounting systems are inefficient in tracking the Sun's movement, requiring continuous active power to adjust orientations and often fail to effectively clean the solar panels from dust and debris.

Innovation Solution

A solar energy device mounting apparatus with a movable support and piston system driven by a fluid cylinder, where the piston can be driven to a first position using a pump or compressor and released to move under gravity to a second position, allowing the support to adjust orientations and incorporate fluid outlets to clean the solar panels by flowing fluid over them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If continuous active power is used to adjust orientations, then tracking precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic action by operating the piston-cylinder assembly at specific intervals (sunrise and sunset) rather than continuously. The piston is driven to the first position at sunrise and released to move under gravity at sunset, creating a periodic tracking mechanism that maintains precision while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous power input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by utilizing gravity as a free resource to move the support structure during the sunset orientation adjustment. The piston is released to move under gravity to the second position, eliminating the need for continuous active power input and allowing the system to serve itself using natural gravitational forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Speed

If fluid is pumped continuously to drive the piston, then orientation adjustment speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation adjustment speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump or compressor operates periodically rather than continuously - pumping drive fluid to the cylinder only when orientation adjustment is needed (at sunrise), and allowing fluid to escape through the outlet valve when gravity-driven movement is required (at sunset). This periodic operation maintains orientation adjustment speed when needed while dramatically reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the potential waste of gravitational force into a beneficial mechanism. Instead of requiring power to lower the support structure, the system releases the piston to move under gravity, transforming what would be a passive energy loss into an active, energy-saving orientation adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fluid outlets are added to clean solar panels, then panel cleanliness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel cleanlinessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid cylinder and outlet valve system serves multiple functions: it drives the piston for orientation adjustment and simultaneously provides fluid flow through outlets to clean the solar panels. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve panel cleanliness without adding separate cleaning mechanisms, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the orientation control function and the panel cleaning function into a single integrated system. The same drive fluid that actuates the piston also flows through outlets to clean the panels, combining two functions into one unified mechanism and avoiding the need for separate cleaning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enhances energy efficiency by reducing power consumption during orientation adjustments and maintains solar panel cleanliness by using gravity to move the support and fluid flow to remove dust and debris, thereby maximizing energy capture and panel efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the piston can be released to move under gravity to a second position to allow the support to move to a second orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

opening of the outlet valve allows drive fluid to escape from the cylinder to release the piston

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 3

fluid escaping from the cylinder passes out of the fluid outlet and over the solar energy device mounted in or on the support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3431900B1Apparatus and method for mounting a solar energy device

Publication Date: 2020.12.23 VESTEL ELEKTRONIK SANAYI & TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI

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AI summary

Apparatus (10) for mounting a solar energy device (12) has a support (14) on or in which a solar energy device (12) is. The support (14) is movable so as to be able to track movement of the Sun. A piston (20) connected to the support (14) is drivable to a first position to move the support (14) to a first orientation. The piston can be released to move under gravity to a second position to allow the support (14) to move to a second orientation.