Dual-Axis Solar Tracker Layout for Panel Cooling and Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar trackers face issues with panel clustering leading to increased temperatures, reduced yield, structural instability, and limited expansion capabilities due to rigid support structures and anchoring systems, which hinder efficient energy capture and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker design featuring photovoltaic panels arranged in rows on multiple levels with spaced alignment and an individual fixing system, incorporating extendible support structures and automatic tilt adjustment, along with enhanced ventilation and anchoring for improved stability and expandability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If photovoltaic panels are clustered in the smallest possible space at a single level, then space utilization is improved, but panel cooling is hindered and temperature increases reducing yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-level panel clustering to multi-level arrangement with panels positioned at different heights and slopes. This spatial dimensionality change allows adequate ventilation space between panels while maintaining high space utilization, directly resolving the contradiction between compact arrangement and cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into multiple levels with independent support elements for each panel. This segmentation allows each panel to be independently positioned and cooled, preventing heat accumulation while maintaining compact overall structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If panels are fixed with anchors on shafts to prevent expansion, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion stresses cause panel damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid fixed anchors with dynamic expansion joints and flexible connection elements. These components allow panels to freely expand and contract with temperature changes while maintaining structural stability, resolving the contradiction between stability and thermal stress resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates elements with changing mechanical properties - rigid at operating temperatures but flexible during thermal expansion. This parameter change allows the structure to adapt to temperature variations without compromising either stability or panel integrity
3Strength
If rigid support structures with frames enclosing panels are used, then structural strength is improved, but panel expansion is restricted generating stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous rigid frame is segmented into discrete support elements connected by flexible joints. This segmentation maintains overall structural strength while allowing local thermal expansion, eliminating the stress concentration that occurs in fully enclosed rigid frames
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure combines rigid materials for structural strength with flexible elements for thermal accommodation. This composite approach creates a structure that is both strong and thermally adaptive, resolving the contradiction between strength and stress resistance
4Productivity
If dual-axis tracking is implemented, then energy capture is improved, but structural complexity and wind sensitivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis tracking system is segmented into independent rotational modules. Each module handles one axis of rotation, simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining full dual-axis functionality. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the tracker structure have optimized properties for their specific functions - the azimuth axis is designed for horizontal rotation with wind resistance, while the tilt axis is optimized for angular adjustment. This localized optimization reduces overall complexity while maintaining energy capture efficiency
5Productivity
If large dimensions are used to house more panels, then energy production is improved, but wind stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges panels in a multi-level three-dimensional configuration rather than expanding horizontally. This vertical dimensionality change increases energy production capacity without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining wind stability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates counterbalancing elements and optimized center of gravity positioning to counteract wind-induced overturning moments. This allows larger panel configurations to maintain stability against wind loads
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a solar tracker characterized by having photovoltaic panels arranged in spaced rows at different levels and two slopes, favoring their ventilation and the expansion of the frame; the panels being fixed by means of yokes and clips to a support (3) anchored to the H-shaped frame (4) resting on swivelling supports of a tower having little height supporting the entire structure, its tilt being variable by means of a tension device, the side longitudinal beams (4a) being extendible to house more rows of panels (1) since the remaining structural components, tower, bearings, column and base have been oversized for that purpose.