Systems for damping a solar photovoltaic array tracker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker systems face challenges in managing high intermittent loads during extreme weather events, as conventional damper systems allow for flexing rotational movement but fail to effectively lock panels in a flat orientation to reduce drag and prevent wear.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker system incorporating a damper assembly with a torque tube, column, and a hydraulic damper assembly that includes a piston, outer shell, and a valve, which passively changes flow resistance to absorb external loads and can actively lock the panels in a flat orientation during high load events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional damper systems are used to absorb external forces during normal operation, then the panels can flex and move freely, but the system fails to lock panels during high load events, allowing excessive movement and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly transitions from a passive damping state during normal operation to an active locked state during high load events. The system dynamically adjusts its mechanical properties based on operational conditions, allowing free movement when loads are normal but locking rigidly when excessive loads are detected, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow resistance parameter of the hydraulic damper based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the damper allows fluid flow for smooth panel movement. During high load events, the flow resistance increases significantly to prevent excessive movement, effectively changing the system's mechanical behavior to match operational requirements
2Productivity
If damper systems allow flexing movement during normal operation, then the tracker can track the sun, but drag and wear increase during high wind events
Solution Approach 1:
The tracker system dynamically adjusts its operational mode between tracking (normal conditions) and locking (extreme weather). The damper assembly transitions from allowing movement for sun tracking to preventing movement for reducing wind drag, enabling the system to optimize productivity while minimizing harmful effects under different conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by locking the panels in a flat orientation before extreme weather conditions cause significant damage. The damper assembly detects increasing loads and proactively locks the system to prevent excessive movement, thereby preemptively counteracting the harmful effects of high wind events
3Reliability
If the damper assembly locks the panels during high load events, then wear and drag are reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper assembly is designed to automatically transition between damping and locking states based on the loads it experiences. The system serves itself by using the external forces applied to the tracker to trigger the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for external sensors or control systems and minimizing added complexity while maintaining high reliability
4Strength
If a torsional locking mechanism is added to the damper assembly, then high intermittent loads are managed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torsional locking mechanism is merged with the existing hydraulic damper assembly rather than being added as a separate system. The locking function is integrated into the damper's internal structure, allowing the same component to provide both damping during normal operation and locking during high load events, thereby increasing strength without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 system effectively absorbs external loads during normal operation while providing a torsional locking mechanism during high load events, reducing wear and drag on the tracker system.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is moveable within the chamber from the first position to a second position to passively change a flow resistance of the damper assembly
Implementation Method 2
a piston within the outer shell and moveable relative to the outer shell, and a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall within the outer shell at least partially defining a chamber, where movement of the piston relative to the outer shell directs a flow of fluid through the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Solar tracker systems include a torque tube, a column supporting the torque tube, a solar panel connected to the torque tube, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a first end pivotably connected to the torque tube and a second end pivotably connected to the column. The damper assembly further includes an outer shell, a piston within and moveable relative to the outer shell, a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall within the outer shell at least partially defining a chamber, and a valve within the chamber. The valve includes a first axial end defining a slot and is biased to a first position within the chamber in which the first axial end is spaced from the first chamber wall. The valve is moveable within the chamber from the first position to a second position to passively change a flow resistance of the damper assembly.