Solar Tracker Gearbox-Actuator Articulation to Reduce Torque Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar tracker systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting their orientation to maximize energy generation due to high power requirements, significant wind loading, and torsional excitation, which necessitate large, complex structures with increased component sizes and loads.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking system featuring a support structure rotatably supported by a base, with an articulation system that includes a gearbox and an actuator capable of extension and retraction, driven by motors and driveshafts, allowing for precise adjustment of the solar array's orientation relative to the sun while accommodating thermal expansion and reducing torsional loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the size and number of components are increased to reduce torsional excitation, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments connected by articulation systems with gearboxes at different locations along the tracker. This segmentation allows each segment to be independently controlled, reducing the torsional excitation transmitted through the entire structure while maintaining overall stability without requiring a single massive component
Solution Approach 2:
Gearboxes are positioned at specific locations along the solar tracker where torsional excitation needs to be controlled. This localized approach provides structural stability where needed without increasing the complexity and weight of the entire system uniformly
2Strength
If the load capacity is increased to accommodate wind loading, then structural strength is improved, but the power required to drive the tracker increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation systems with gearboxes enable the solar tracker to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to wind loading conditions. The ability to articulate and reposition segments reduces the effective wind load on the structure, maintaining structural strength while reducing the power required to overcome wind resistance during operation
3Use of energy by moving object
If the actuator position is optimized to reduce torque variation, then energy consumption is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position of the actuator relative to the gearbox is specifically optimized to create a mechanical advantage that equalizes the torque required throughout the tracker's range of motion. This parameter optimization reduces energy consumption by eliminating torque peaks, while the design accommodates standard manufacturing tolerances through the distributed gearbox configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A solar tracking system is provided and includes a solar array, a support structure configured to support the solar array, a base configured to rotatably support the support structure, and an articulation system configured to articulate the support structure relative to the base. The articulation system includes a gearbox that is coupled to the support structure and an actuator that is configured to extend and retract. The actuator includes a first end portion and a second, opposite end portion, wherein the first end portion is rotatably coupled to the base and the second end portion is coupled to the gearbox. Extension of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the base in a first direction and retraction of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the based in a second, opposite direction.