Solar Tracker Elevated Drive Motor Design for Terrain Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar trackers face challenges in adapting to varied terrains due to height and lateral deviations, leading to assembly difficulties and increased costs, and their drive systems are complex, space-intensive, and prone to humidity and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker design featuring photovoltaic modules arranged in rows with a single-point drivable tilting mechanism, using telescopic transmission bars and universal joints, with the drive motor positioned above ground to ensure safe, efficient, and adaptable installation on diverse orographies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If drive means are arranged flush with the ground, then space is saved, but reliability deteriorates due to humidity and flood water problems
Solution Approach 1:
The drive means are relocated from the ground level (horizontal dimension) to an elevated position on support structures (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows the drive system to operate above ground level, avoiding contact with water and humidity while still enabling ground-level access for maintenance and reducing visual impact.
2Power
If complex transmission systems are used to drive rotation axes, then driving capability is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive means are extracted from the ground-level transmission system and positioned independently on support structures. This separation allows the drive system to operate independently from the transmission elements, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining driving capability through direct coupling to the rotation axes.
Solution Approach 2:
Support structures serve as intermediary elements that carry the drive means from the ground level to the rotation axes. These intermediaries enable the drive system to maintain power transmission capability while being physically separated from the complex ground-level transmission network, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Power
If transmission elements are arranged from ground level to rotation axis, then driving function is achieved, but safety deteriorates due to movement risks under solar panels
Solution Approach 1:
The drive means are positioned in the vertical dimension above ground level, eliminating the need for transmission elements to span the horizontal space under the solar panels. This dimensional relocation removes the safety hazard of moving parts in the operator walkway area while preserving the driving function through direct connection to rotation axes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If photovoltaic modules are installed on varied terrain, then adaptability to different locations is improved, but assembly difficulty increases due to height deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures incorporate adjustable and telescopic elements that can dynamically adapt to varying terrain heights. This dynamic capability allows the system to accommodate different orographic conditions without requiring complex custom assembly for each site, thereby maintaining ease of installation while achieving terrain adaptability.
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
Enables straightforward installation on terrains with varying topography, reduces operational risks, and enhances the reliability and efficiency of the solar tracker's functionality by minimizing space occupation and avoiding humidity-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a universal joint at the ends thereof to transmit the movement from one of the rows to the adjoining row
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the rotation modules incorporating a transverse spindle and crown transmission
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solar tracker with orientable solar panels arranged in rows, comprising at least two rows of photovoltaic modules (1) carrying the solar panels (2), arranged on pillars (6) for heightened support, the solar panels (2) of each photovoltaic module (1) being mounted on respective rotation axes (3) that are longitudinally associated with each other by means of rotation transmission modules (5), driven by at least one motor (4) that establishes the movement of all the solar panels (2) from a single actuation point, the rows of photovoltaic modules (1) being related to each other by means of at least one transmission bar (7), which is joined by the ends thereof, by means of universal joints (8), to respective rotation transmission modules (5) of the respective rows of photovoltaic modules (1), characterised in that the drive motor (4) is arranged coupled in longitudinal alignment with respect to a transverse transmission (12) that meshes with a rotation transmission module (5) and with respect to which the universal joint (8) of one end of the corresponding transmission bar (7) is joined in longitudinal alignment on the other side.