Solar Module Mounting Stand Geometry to Prevent Wind Tunnels

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing displays for solar modules on underground surfaces, especially those made of plastic, face stability issues due to wind load, as they can create wind tunnels between neighboring displays, leading to instability.

Innovation Solution

The display features a floor with a plate-shaped figure and side walls that extend at an angle of 80 to 100 degrees, allowing neighboring displays to be arranged with minimal air gaps, thereby preventing wind tunnels and enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If molded plastic stands with outwardly sloping side walls are used, then ease of manufacture and setup is improved, but stability under wind load deteriorates due to wind tunnel formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstability under wind load

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side walls are designed to extend substantially perpendicularly from the base at angles between 80-100 degrees, changing the geometric parameters of the stand structure. This perpendicular configuration prevents wind tunnel formation between adjacent stands while maintaining the molded plastic construction method for ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If freestanding structures with air channels between them are used, then ease of operation and setup is improved, but harmful suction effects under wind load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setupVSAvoidsuction effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The perpendicular side wall design eliminates the harmful wind tunnel effect by removing the air channel configuration. Adjacent stands can be positioned closely together with minimal gaps, converting the potential harm of wind flow into a beneficial tight arrangement that prevents suction effects while maintaining easy setup.

Inventive Principle:

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

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 design significantly improves the stability of solar module displays under wind load by minimizing the formation of wind tunnels between displays, ensuring the structural integrity of the setup.

Implementation Method 1

the stability of freestanding structures can be jeopardized by strong winds, especially by the formation of a wind tunnel between adjacent structures, creating a suction effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind tunnel effect:

Implementation Method 2

the formation of a wind tunnel between adjacent structures, creating a suction effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction effect: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4524493A1Stand for mounting at least one solar module on a base and method for mounting at least one solar module on such a stand

Publication Date: 2025.03.19 GPI BETEILIGUNGS GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

Mounting frame (1) for mounting at least one solar module on a base (U), wherein the mounting frame (1) comprises a base (2) that can be laid flat on a flat base (U), a first side wall (7) extending along a first outer edge (3) of the base, and a second side wall (8) extending along a second outer edge (4) of the base, wherein the first section (7.1) of the first side wall (7) extends away from the base (2) at an angle in the range of 80 to 100°. Method for arranging at least one solar module on such a mounting frame.