Solar Tracker Blocking System to Prevent Weather-Induced Vibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar trackers face instability and reduced efficiency due to weather-induced vibrations, particularly from strong winds, which can cause the solar panels to lose optimal orientation and reduce energy harnessing, and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A single-axis solar tracker with a control subsystem, operating subsystem, and a blocking system that uses a junction box and hydraulic pistons to detect sun position and maintain optimal panel orientation, preventing vibrations by blocking the rotating shaft after each movement sequence, ensuring maximum energy capture and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solar tracker uses a blocking system to prevent weather-induced vibrations, then stability and reliability are improved, but the panel cannot maintain perpendicular orientation to sun rays, reducing energy harnessing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking system is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it blocks the panel only during specific weather conditions (high winds, rain, snow) while allowing free movement during normal operation. This is achieved through sensors that detect weather conditions and automatically activate or deactivate the blocking mechanism, enabling the system to adapt between stability and energy optimization modes
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking system applies restriction only to specific degrees of freedom of the panel - primarily blocking rotation during adverse weather while allowing other adjustments. The blocking mechanism targets specific movement axes rather than completely immobilizing the panel, preserving partial functionality even when activated
2Ease of operation
If the solar tracker operates autonomously for over 30 years with minimum maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but the system must withstand repeated weather conditions including heavy winds, snow, and rain, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking system is fully autonomous and self-regulating - it automatically detects adverse weather conditions through integrated sensors and activates the blocking mechanism without human intervention. The system monitors its own operational status and weather conditions, making decisions independently to protect itself, which maintains ease of operation while adding protective complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking system provides preventive protection by activating before weather damage can occur - it blocks the panel in advance during high winds, rain, or snow conditions to prevent vibrations and structural stress. This beforehand protection reduces the need for repairs and maintenance over the system's 30-year operational life
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 solution enhances solar tracker stability and efficiency by maintaining optimal sun orientation, reducing maintenance, and increasing annual energy production, while being adaptable to existing installations.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic piston (8) movable with respect to the support (1a), the second hydraulic piston (8) connected to the rotating shaft (1b), wherein the first hydraulic piston (8) is connected to the second hydraulic piston (8)
Implementation Method 2
photovoltaic solar energy is an efficient and cost-effective alternative for generating electrical energy of a renewable origin, obtained directly from solar radiation by means of semiconductor devices, commonly referred to as photovoltaic cells
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solar tracker (1) for capturing solar radiation comprising a support (1a), a rotating shaft (1b), and at least one solar panel (1c). The solar tracker (1) also comprises a tracking system (2) capable of operating the rotating shaft (1b) for optimal placement of the solar panel (1c) and a blocking system (3) connected to the rotating shaft (1b). The tracking system (2) comprises a control subsystem (2a) and an operating subsystem (2b) connected to a junction box (7) with a microchip programmed to generate a signal sent by the control system (2a) and to send an unblocking command to the blocking system (3) before allowing the operating system (2b) to move the rotating shaft (1b). Once the solar panel (1c) has reached the optimal position, the blocking system (3) is blocked again.