Solar Tracker Kinematic Coupling for Uneven Terrain Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar trackers face challenges in aligning and adjusting solar energy collector devices due to terrain irregularities, leading to high installation costs and complexity, as existing solutions require perfect flatness and structured terrain to optimize energy collection.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker system with a drive module and additional modules, featuring a lattice structure and elliptical support arches supported by rollers and kinematic coupling devices, allowing for adaptive movement to static and dynamic ground irregularities and thermal expansion, enabling precise sun tracking without additional ground structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the terrain is structured and terraced to achieve perfect alignment, then the alignment precision of solar tables is improved, but the installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic alignment system where solar tables can adjust their position and orientation independently through motorized actuators. This allows the system to adapt to terrain irregularities dynamically during operation rather than requiring static pre-structuring of the terrain, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of multiple parameters for each solar table including position coordinates, tilt angle, and azimuth orientation. These parameters can be modified individually to compensate for terrain irregularities without affecting other tables, eliminating the need for costly terrain terracing while achieving precise alignment.
2Device complexity
If the same solar tracking drive system is provided for multiple tables to reduce costs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to terrain irregularities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into independent modular units, each capable of controlling individual solar tables. While the overall system architecture remains standardized and reusable across multiple tables (maintaining low complexity), each module can independently adjust its controlled table's position and orientation to adapt to local terrain conditions (enhancing adaptability).
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized drive modules are designed with universal functionality to control any solar table regardless of its position or terrain conditions. Each module can perform multiple functions including position adjustment, orientation control, and synchronization with other tables, allowing the same hardware design to be reused across diverse terrain scenarios without sacrificing adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If terrain management and terracing are performed to satisfy alignment criteria, then the alignment precision is improved, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary rough positioning of solar tables during installation without requiring precise alignment. The motorized actuators then automatically fine-tune the position and orientation of each table to achieve precise alignment during initial operation, eliminating the need for time-consuming terrain terracing and manual precise positioning during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar tables are equipped with automated alignment systems that independently adjust their own position and orientation without requiring external terrain preparation or manual intervention. The system self-corrects for terrain irregularities through feedback from sensors and automatic actuation, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining high alignment precision.
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 adapts to uneven terrain and thermal changes, reducing installation costs and maintaining accurate sun tracking, thus optimizing solar energy collection while simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
said first ground support comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of rollers rotatably, preferably freely rotatably, mounted and configured to support the first support arch
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a solar tracker (1000) comprising at least:A drive module (1100) comprising at least one mobile device comprising at least:At least one additional module (1200) configured to be driven by the drive module (1100), each additional module (1200) comprising at least one additional mobile device comprising at least:characterized in that:Said solar tracker (1000) comprises at least one kinematic device (1300) for coupling said drive module (1100) and said additional module (1200);Said kinematic coupling device (1300) comprising at least one first part (1330) and at least one second part (1340), said first part (1330) being entirely supported by the mobile device of the drive module (1100) and said second part (1340) being entirely supported by the additional mobile device of the additional module (1200).