Balanced Solar Tracker Clamp for Low-Load Torque Tube Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in maximizing energy conversion from solar panels due to inefficiencies in aligning solar cells with the sun's angle, limiting their potential energy output.
Innovation Solution
A fully adjustable solar tracker apparatus with a center of mass aligned with the center of rotation of cylindrical torque tubes, featuring a clam shell clamp assembly and a drive motor configuration that reduces load on the motor, allowing for efficient tracking of solar panels across multiple axes without mechanical obstructions, enabling optimal alignment with solar radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can be positioned to track the sun, but the alignment efficiency is inadequate and energy conversion is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow solar panels to continuously track the sun's movement across the sky. The tracker apparatus can rotate and adjust the angle of solar panels in real-time, ensuring optimal alignment with incoming solar radiation throughout the day, thereby maximizing energy conversion efficiency while maintaining accurate tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces multi-axis movement capabilities, allowing solar panels to track the sun not only in elevation but also in azimuth. This dimensional expansion enables more precise alignment with the sun's position in the sky, improving both tracking accuracy and energy capture efficiency beyond what single-axis trackers can achieve.
2Productivity
If fully adjustable tracker apparatus is implemented, then optimal alignment with solar radiation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracker apparatus is divided into modular components including adjustable support structures, independent rotation mechanisms, and separable mounting systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall design while maintaining full adjustability capabilities, and enabling easier maintenance and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support structures and mounting mechanisms are designed to be universal, capable of accommodating different solar panel configurations and orientations. The same basic mechanism can adjust for various angles and positions, reducing the need for multiple specialized components and thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If center of mass is aligned with center of rotation, then drive motor load is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates counterweight mechanisms that balance the torque tube and solar panel assembly. By positioning counterweights to offset the center of mass, the drive motor only needs to overcome friction and initiate movement, rather than continuously working against gravitational torque. This significantly reduces motor load and energy consumption during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for adjustable parameters in the mounting and support structures that enable fine-tuning of the center of mass position. By providing adjustable mounting points and configurable support positions, the system can compensate for manufacturing tolerances and achieve proper balance without requiring extremely tight manufacturing precision, thus reducing both motor load and manufacturing constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.