Solar Tracker Lattice Structure for Ground Irregularity Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar tracker systems face challenges in aligning and adjusting components due to ground irregularities, leading to high installation and maintenance costs, and require complex motorization systems to achieve efficient energy collection.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker with a lattice structure support system that uses a rigid beam formed by stringers and crosspieces, supported by hoops and rollers, allowing for rotation and adaptation to ground irregularities while minimizing weight and cost, enabling a single large-sized tracker to operate on two supports with a single motorization system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If tables are reduced in dimensions to fit ground irregularities, then installation complexity decreases, but energy collection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular sections (first support section, second support section, third support section) that can independently adapt to ground irregularities. Each section contains adjustable components that can be configured to match local terrain conditions, allowing the overall structure to maintain both simplicity and high energy collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including adjustable support legs and height-adjustable crosspieces that allow the structure to adapt to varying ground conditions. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain optimal alignment for energy collection while accommodating ground irregularities without requiring complex pre-installation planning.
2Productivity
If motorized tables are used to achieve proper alignment, then energy collection efficiency improves, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to self-align and self-adjust to ground irregularities through its modular configuration and adjustable components. The structure automatically adapts to terrain variations without requiring external motorized systems, thereby maintaining high energy collection efficiency while eliminating complex motorization infrastructure and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure employs adjustable geometric parameters including variable support leg lengths and reconfigurable crosspiece positions that allow manual adaptation to different ground conditions. This parameter adjustability enables the system to achieve proper alignment for optimal energy collection without requiring motorized actuation systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If land is developed and terraced prior to installation, then alignment precision improves, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independently adjustable sections that can be configured to match ground irregularities without requiring pre-terracing. Each segment can be adjusted to achieve proper alignment on uneven terrain, eliminating the need for time-consuming land development while maintaining high alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular support sections are pre-configured with adjustable components during manufacturing, allowing for quick on-site adaptation to ground conditions. This preliminary preparation of adjustment mechanisms enables rapid installation without requiring extensive land development or terracing operations before deployment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If high density of non-aligned tables is used, then ground irregularities are compensated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular sections with independent adjustment capabilities, allowing each segment to adapt to local ground conditions. This segmentation provides high adaptability to terrain variations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to high-density non-aligned table configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular support sections are designed as universal components that can be configured for various ground conditions through adjustment mechanisms. Each module serves multiple functions including support, alignment, and adaptation to terrain, thereby achieving high versatility without increasing overall system complexity.
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 solution increases the solar energy collection surface while reducing costs and complexity, facilitating easier installation and maintenance, and allows for pre-assembly of the tracker, enhancing its adaptability to dynamic and thermal stresses.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention also comprises rolling members mounted in rotation on the first ground support and the second ground support, the rolling members being configured so as to guide the first hoop and the second hoop in rotation and to support the mobile device alone
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 2d~2e
AI summary
The present invention relates to a solar tracker (1000) comprising at least; • a mobile device (1100) including at least: o a table (1110) having at least one solar energy collection device (1112); o a support structure (1120); o a first supporting arch (1130) and a second supporting arch (1150) configured to support the support structure (1120); · a first (1140) and a second (1160) ground-engaging member configured to support, respectively, the first support arch (1130) and the second support arch (1150); • a kinematic drive device (1141); the solar tracker (1000) being characterized in that: · the support structure (1120) is a beam made of a lattice structure comprising: o at least a first, a second and a third rail; o a plurality of crossbeams; o a plurality of tie rods (1225).