Solar Tracker Mass Damper With Elastic Isolation for Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are inadequate in maximizing energy conversion from solar panels due to inefficiencies in tracking the sun's angle, leading to suboptimal energy capture and mechanical vibrations that can cause system failure.
Innovation Solution
A mass damper assembly for solar modules that includes a mechanical isolator made of elastic material, such as rubber or polymer, to separate the panel rail from the torque tube, causing destructive interference with the natural resonant frequency and reducing mechanical vibrations, and a U-bolt clamp system to secure the panel rail to the torque tube, thereby enhancing the tracking system's stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solar tracking mechanisms are used, then solar panels can track the sun's angle, but mechanical vibrations occur that can cause system failure
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical isolator is introduced as an intermediary component between the torque tube and panel rail. This isolator acts as a mediator that absorbs and dampens mechanical vibrations generated during solar tracking operations, preventing them from propagating through the system and causing failures while still allowing the tracking mechanism to function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical isolator converts the harmful mechanical vibrations into beneficial damping effects. By designing the isolator with specific elastic properties, the system transforms the vibrational energy into harmless heat through internal friction, thereby protecting the tracking system from vibration-induced failures.
2Productivity
If solar panels are fixed at a non-optimal angle, then system simplicity is maintained, but energy conversion efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tracking mechanism that allows solar panels to adjust their orientation angle automatically according to the sun's position. The mechanical isolator enables this dynamic adjustment by providing vibration damping during movement, allowing the system to achieve optimal energy conversion efficiency without excessive complexity.
3Strength
If rigid connection between panel rail and torque tube is used, then structural strength is improved, but mechanical vibrations are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection between panel rail and torque tube by introducing a mechanical isolator with specific elastic modulus and damping characteristics. This parameter change allows the connection to maintain sufficient structural strength while simultaneously reducing mechanical vibration transmission through the system.
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 solution effectively reduces mechanical vibrations and oscillations, preventing system failure and improving energy capture by aligning solar panels optimally with the sun's rays, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and durability of the solar tracking system.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical isolator comprising an elastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torque tube and cause destructive interference with a natural resonant frequency of the system without the mechanical isolator to reduce a mechanical vibration of the system
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical isolator comprising an elastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torque tube
Implementation Method 3
a clamp device coupled to sandwich the torque tube between a lower portion of the clamp device and each panel rail
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, the system has a mechanical isolator comprising an elastic material configured to separate the panel rail from the torque tube cause destructive interference with a natural resonant frequency of the system without the mechanical isolator to reduce a mechanical vibration of the system.