Solar Tracker Clamp Assembly With Spherical Bearing Angle Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in optimizing energy conversion from solar panels due to suboptimal sun angles, limiting their ability to fully utilize solar energy.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly for solar modules configured on a solar tracker system, featuring a planar surface and a saddle region with a circular arc shape, securely attached to a cylindrical torque tube using a U-bolt and spherical bearing system, allowing for adjustable and stable positioning of solar panels to maximize energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can be positioned to follow the sun, but the alignment is suboptimal and cannot fully optimize energy conversion due to fixed angle limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly enables dynamic angle adjustment of the torque tube through a movable clamp mechanism that can be positioned at different locations along the tube. This allows the solar panel array to be oriented at multiple different angles relative to the ground, transforming the static tracking system into a dynamically adjustable one that can optimize for different sun positions and seasonal variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is divided into separate components including the clamp body, U-bolt, spherical bearing, and torque tube sections. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the clamp position along the torque tube and independent orientation of the solar panel array, enabling fine-tuned angular optimization that a monolithic conventional tracker cannot achieve.
2Productivity
If conventional fixed-angle solar mounting systems are used, then installation is simple, but energy capture is limited due to inability to optimize panel orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical bearing component introduces a curved, spherical interface between the clamp assembly and the torque tube. This spherical geometry naturally accommodates angular adjustments and rotational movements, allowing the system to achieve multiple orientation angles while maintaining smooth mechanical contact and reducing friction during angle changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the key parameter of mounting angle by physically repositioning the clamp assembly to different locations along the torque tube and adjusting the panel array orientation. This parameter change capability enables optimization of energy capture for different times of day and seasons without requiring a completely different mounting system.
3Manufacturing precision
If solar panels are mounted at fixed angles, then manufacturing and installation are straightforward, but alignment precision with optimal sun angles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is pre-configured with the spherical bearing and U-bolt mechanism before installation. This preliminary preparation allows installers to simply position the clamp at the desired location along the torque tube and secure it, without requiring complex on-site alignment procedures. The pre-engineered spherical interface automatically facilitates precise angular positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical bearing acts as an intermediary element between the clamp assembly and the torque tube, mediating the angular adjustment function. This intermediary component simplifies the operation by providing a self-aligning spherical interface that naturally guides the panel array to the correct orientation, reducing the skill level and complexity required for precise installation.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly configured to pivot a torque tube. In an example, the assembly has a support structure configured as a frame having configured by a first and second anchoring region. In an example, the support structure is configured from a thickness of metal material. In an example, the support structure is configured in an upright manner, and has a major plane region. In an example, the assembly has a pivot device configured on the support structure, a torque tube suspending on the pivot device and aligned within an opening of the support, and configured to be normal to the plane region. In an example, the torque tube is configured on the pivot device to move about an arc in a first direction or in a second direction such that the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.