Solar Tracker Clamp Assembly for Precise Torque Tube Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in optimizing energy conversion from solar panels due to suboptimal sun angles, limiting their potential for energy capture.
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 mechanism, allowing for adjustable and stable positioning of solar panels to maximize energy absorption.
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 energy conversion efficiency is limited due to suboptimal sun angles
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly enables dynamic adjustment of solar panel positioning through its adjustable clamping mechanism, allowing the panels to be precisely oriented toward the sun at optimal angles while maintaining stable positioning during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle region with circular arc shape and adjustable clamping force allows modification of the contact geometry and positioning parameters, enabling precise angular adjustment of solar panels to optimize energy capture while maintaining reliable tracking
2Productivity
If solar panels are securely attached to maximize energy absorption, then energy capture is improved, but mechanical stress and load on the drive motor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle region is formed with a circular arc shape that matches the curvature of the cylindrical torque tube, creating a conformal contact surface that distributes mechanical stress evenly while securely holding the solar panel mounting structure
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly features a planar surface region for stable mounting of solar panels and a curved saddle region for conformal contact with the torque tube, optimizing both energy capture stability and stress distribution locally
3Productivity
If adjustable positioning is implemented to optimize sun angle, then energy conversion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly combines the positioning adjustment function and the secure attachment function into a single integrated component that attaches to the cylindrical torque tube, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
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.