Planetary Gear Backlash Control in Solar Tracker Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photovoltaic power generation systems cause environmental degradation and have low efficiency due to large frame structures and fixed solar panels, which are difficult to install and prone to damage from external forces like wind, leading to potential accidents and inefficiencies in energy production.
Innovation Solution
A rotation device for photovoltaic power generation featuring a planetary gear set with inclined teeth and a tapered structure to prevent backlash and securely transmit rotation force, supported by tubular bodies and a driving motor, allowing for stable and efficient solar panel rotation without swaying or deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are fixedly installed in conventional photovoltaic systems, then the structure is simple and stable, but the photovoltaic power generation efficiency is low due to inability to track sunlight movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows solar panels to rotate along a predetermined path to track sunlight movement. The rotation device includes a driving motor, gear assembly, and rotation axis that enable the solar panel array to change its orientation dynamically throughout the day, maximizing sunlight capture while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure
2Device complexity
If solar panels are simply connected to the rotation axis of a driving motor, then the rotation mechanism is simple, but overloads are applied to the rotation axis and the connected part deforms or damages under external forces like wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gear assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the driving motor and the solar panel connection. This gear assembly includes a first gear connected to the driving motor's rotation axis and a second gear connected to the solar panel support structure, allowing for controlled force transmission and reducing direct stress on the rotation axis and connected parts
3Power
If a gear assembly is installed between the driving motor and solar panel, then rotation force can be transmitted, but backlash occurs when winds are applied causing the solar panel to sway and potentially leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-tensioning the connection between the gear assembly and solar panel support structure. The first gear and second gear are designed with specific engagement characteristics that maintain consistent contact, and the connection structure includes pre-applied forces that counteract the effects of backlash before wind loads are applied, preventing solar panel swaying
4Stability of the object's composition
If large frame structures are used to support solar panels, then the panels are stable and supported, but large areas are occupied causing environmental degradation during construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into multiple vertical poles rather than using a single large frame structure. Each pole independently supports a solar panel array, allowing for distributed installation that reduces the total land footprint while maintaining stability. This segmented approach also minimizes the need for large-scale civil engineering and deforestation
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
The device ensures necessary backlash prevention, stable rotation, and increased photovoltaic power generation efficiency by minimizing environmental impact and reducing installation costs, while maintaining a simple design and reducing the risk of damage from external forces.
Implementation Method 1
a gear unit to transmit a rotation force to the first tubular body; and a driving motor fixed to an inside of the second tubular body to provide the rotation force to the gear unit
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the sun gear, the PL gears or the ring gear has inclined teeth in a circumferential surface and has a tapered structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a solar photovoltaic rotation device installed the top of a pole so as to rotate a solar panel array, the device comprising: a first tubular body; a second tubular body; a gear unit; and a driving motor, wherein the gear unit is formed as a planet gear set comprising: a sun gear connected to a rotational shaft of the driving motor; multiple PL gears disposed around the sun gear to be engaged with the sun gear; and a ring gear disposed outside of the multiple PL gears to be engaged with the PL gears, the ring gear being fixed to the first tubular body, and at least one among the sun gear, the PL gears, and the ring gear has inclined teeth formed on the circumferential surface thereof, and thus has a tapered structure.