Single axis solar tracking assembly and method of installing such single axis solar tracking assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solar tracking assemblies face challenges in compact storage, increased width due to bracket placement, and on-site mounting requirements, which complicate transportation, installation, and maintenance, especially in remote areas with high logistical and security risks.

Innovation Solution

A single axis solar tracking assembly with spine sections connected by universal joints, allowing for folding in a zig zag fashion into a compact storage position, and featuring brackets on one side to minimize width, enabling easy transportation and deployment without the need for on-site mounting, using an auxiliary shaft and electric motor for rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If brackets are positioned on opposite sides of the spine section to connect ribs, then the structural stability is improved, but the width of the tracker increases which requires greater distance between trackers to avoid shading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtracker width

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions brackets asymmetrically on only one side of the spine section rather than symmetrically on both sides. This asymmetric configuration maintains the structural stability needed for rib connection while significantly reducing the overall width of the tracker, allowing closer spacing between adjacent trackers without causing shading issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Stability of the object's composition

If universal joints are designed to connect spine sections in a linear configuration, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ability to fold into a compact storage position is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidfoldability into compact position

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The universal joints are designed with dynamic folding capability that allows the spine sections to transition between a linear operational configuration and a compact zig-zag storage configuration. The joint structure maintains structural integrity during operation while enabling controlled folding movements for compact storage and transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spine sections are designed to nest together in a zig-zag pattern when folded, with each section nesting within or alongside adjacent sections. This nesting arrangement achieves compact storage volume while maintaining the structural integrity of individual sections through their connection via universal joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If the solar tracking assembly is designed as a fixed installation, then the energy yield is stable, but the ability to relocate and adapt to different sites is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy yieldVSAvoidrelocatability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solar tracking assembly incorporates dynamic elements including foldable spine sections with universal joints and movable rib members that can transition between folded and deployed positions. This dynamic design enables the assembly to be easily transported to different sites and reconfigured for optimal solar tracking, maintaining high energy yield while providing full relocatability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design enhances flexibility and cost-effectiveness by allowing for closer tracker placement, reduced installation costs, and easier maintenance, while providing up to 30% more energy yield compared to fixed installations at approximately 10% higher costs.

Implementation Method 1

one or more solar panels having a planar solar energy collecting surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

Each of the universal joints comprises a cross member defining perpendicularly crossed first and second spine hinge axes, a first yoke rigidly attached to one end of one of the spine sections and connected to the cross member to rotate about the first spine hinge axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11047598B2Single axis solar tracking assembly and method of installing such single axis solar tracking assembly

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 CEP IP LTD

AI summary

The single axis solar tracking assembly comprises a plurality of spine sections (2) connected to one another by universal joints (10), supporting legs (3) rotatably supporting the spine sections (2) on the ground, a plurality of brackets attached to each spine section (2), a plurality of rib members (4) connected to the brackets, and solar panels (5) secured to the rib members (4). The rib members (4) are moveable between a folded position and a deployed position. An auxiliary shaft is located between adjacent universal joints (10) connected to adjacent spine sections (2). First and second crossed spine hinge axes of the universal joints are arranged so that the spine sections (2) can be fold at right angles to the auxiliary shaft and the spine sections (2) can be fold in a zig zag fashion into a compact storage position in which the solar panels are arranged in adjacent parallel planes.