Variable terrain solar tracker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-axis solar trackers face challenges on uneven terrain, requiring significant grading and strong steel components to manage wind loads and slope loads, and are inefficient on non-sun-facing slopes, leading to reduced power generation and increased installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a bearing assembly with flexible coupling and articulating joints that allow for angular changes, reducing the need for continuous torque tubes and integrating mechanical stops to resist wind loads, and a stepped module mounting system to optimize solar panel orientation for better exposure to sunlight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional single-axis trackers are installed on uneven terrain, then power generation can be improved by tracking the sun, but installation complexity and grading requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The torque tube is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted to accommodate terrain variations. Each segment can be positioned at different angles and elevations, allowing the structure to adapt to uneven ground without requiring extensive grading while maintaining sun-tracking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The tracker incorporates adjustable and movable components that can be configured during installation to match the specific terrain profile. The modular design allows dynamic adaptation to various ground conditions, eliminating the need for rigid, fixed-geometry structures that would require precise grading
2Strength
If strong steel components and drive systems are deployed to resist wind loads on long tracker rows, then structural stability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tracker row is divided into multiple independent segments with individual support structures. This segmentation allows wind loads to be distributed across multiple smaller support points rather than requiring a single continuous strongback, reducing the total amount of heavy steel needed while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate support structures are introduced between the ends of long tracker rows. These intermediary supports act as additional anchor points that break up the continuous wind load path, allowing the use of lighter gauge steel for the torque tubes and mounting structures between supports
3Strength
If conventional connection methods are used to join torque tubes between bearing assemblies, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Connection components such as couplers and mounting brackets are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the torque tube segments before field installation. This preliminary preparation allows for quicker field assembly with minimal alignment and adjustment work, reducing installation time while maintaining connection integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connection functions are combined into integrated components that perform both structural joining and alignment functions simultaneously. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate steps required during installation while ensuring proper structural integrity through the combined design
4Area of stationary object
If single-axis trackers are installed on non-sun-facing slopes, then land utilization is improved, but power generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracker system incorporates adjustable mounting structures that can be configured at various angles and orientations to optimize sun exposure on sloped terrain. The ability to dynamically adjust the tilt and azimuth angles allows the panels to face the sun effectively even when installed on slopes that are not optimally oriented, maintaining high power generation efficiency while utilizing available land
Data Source
AI summary
Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.