Adjustable Solar Collector Supports for Pile Misalignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large solar collector installations face increased costs and labor due to misalignments in the pillars supporting the torque tubes, which require complex and costly adjustments to maintain precise alignment for optimal efficiency, especially in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
The use of spherical bearing assemblies at the upper ends of piles, allowing for angular, lateral, and vertical adjustments to accommodate misalignments, simplifying the installation process and reducing the need for custom mounts and specialized expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If piles are carefully aligned prior to final installation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and labor costs increase due to required custom mounts and specialized welding skills
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearing assembly incorporates adjustable parameters including vertical position adjustment (via threaded rod and nut mechanism), angular orientation adjustment (via spherical interface), and lateral position adjustment (via adjustable mounting brackets). These parameter changes allow the bearing to accommodate pile misalignments without requiring precise initial alignment or custom fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing assembly provides dynamic adjustability through its spherical interface and threaded adjustment mechanisms, allowing the mounting position and orientation to be modified after pile installation. This dynamic capability eliminates the need for static, precision-critical initial alignment and custom mounts.
2Ease of manufacture
If spherical bearing assemblies with adjustment mechanisms are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearing assembly is divided into separate functional components: the spherical bearing itself, the mounting brackets, the threaded adjustment rod with nut, and the lubricant reservoir. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, simplifying production despite the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports radial and axial loads, provides angular and lateral adjustment capabilities, accommodates pile misalignment, and includes integrated lubrication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components and custom fabrication.
3Reliability
If precise alignment is maintained, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional labor for alignment adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearing assembly is pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms and lubrication systems during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the bearing to be installed in a standardized manner and then adjusted on-site to accommodate any pile misalignment, eliminating the need for time-consuming custom fabrication and alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing assembly includes self-adjusting features through its spherical interface and threaded mechanisms, allowing installers to compensate for pile misalignment using basic tools rather than requiring specialized welding skills or complex alignment equipment. The integrated lubricant reservoir provides self-lubrication to maintain reliability during adjustment operations.
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 reduces construction costs and labor by enabling easier alignment and adjustment of solar collector systems, maintaining efficiency while allowing the use of lower-cost materials and minimizing the need for specialized welding skills.
Implementation Method 1
spherical bearing assemblies can be disposed at the upper ends of the plurality of piles
Implementation Method 2
a bushing comprising at least a first bushing portion and a second bushing portion, the first and second bushing portions defining in inner passage forming a close fit with an outer surface of the first structural member
Data Source
AI summary
A solar energy collection system can include support devices configured to accommodate misalignment of components during assembly. For example, the system can include piles fixed to the earth and an adjustable bearing assembly at the upper end of the pile. The adjustable bearing assembly can include at least one of a vertical adjustment device, a lateral adjustment device and an angular adjustment device. The solar energy collection system can also include a plurality of solar energy collection device pre-wired together and mounted to a support member so as to form modular units. The system can also include enhanced supports for wire trays extending between rows of solar energy collection devices.