Dynamic damping system for solar trackers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar-tracking systems are vulnerable to wind-induced oscillations due to their geometry, which can lead to fatigue and failure of the torque tube, and existing solutions to mitigate this issue, such as closer support pillar spacing, are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A feedback control system that uses sensors like inclinometers and strain gauges to detect oscillations in the torque tube and applies corrective pulses to the orientation motor to dampen these oscillations, keeping the photovoltaic modules oriented towards the sun while minimizing efficiency losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If support pillars are spaced closer together to reduce wind effects on the torque tube, then the structural stability improves, but the installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors (inclinometers, strain gauges, or accelerometers) continuously monitor the torque tube's angular position and oscillatory motion. The controller receives this feedback data and commands the orientation motor to apply corrective pulses that dampen oscillations, creating a closed-loop system that actively maintains stability without requiring additional support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical support structure solution (adding more support pillars) with a control system solution. Instead of increasing structural rigidity through additional mechanical elements, the system uses sensors, a controller, and motor pulses to actively counteract wind-induced oscillations, substituting mechanical reinforcement with intelligent control
2Stability of the object's composition
If the orientation motor applies continuous correction to dampen oscillations, then the structural stability improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation motor operates in a periodic pulsed manner rather than continuously. The controller commands the motor to apply brief corrective pulses at specific moments when oscillations are detected, allowing the system to maintain stability while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the motor inactive during stable periods
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system automatically detects and corrects oscillations without continuous human intervention or constant motor operation. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state through sensors and applying corrections only when needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining stability
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
Effectively reduces wind-induced oscillations, preventing fatigue and potential failure of the torque tube, without the need for additional support pillars, thus enhancing the structural integrity and efficiency of the solar-tracking system.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor takes the form of one or more strain gauges distributes along a length of the torque tube, the one or more strain gauges providing an amount of twist experienced by an exterior portion of the torque tube
Implementation Method 2
an orientation motor mechanically coupled to the torque tube and configured to rotate the torque tube
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-tracking photovoltaic array is described. The photovoltaic array includes mounting hardware configured to rotate photovoltaic modules associated with the photovoltaic array about one or more axes. In some embodiments, the photovoltaic modules can be coupled to a torque tube oriented in a substantially North-South direction. An orientation motor can then periodically rotate the torque tube in a manner that causes the photovoltaic modules to be oriented towards the sun. The orientation motor can also be utilized to apply short pulses to the torque tube that dampen oscillations caused by wind buffeting the photovoltaic modules.