Solar Tracker Torque Limiter for Wind-Induced Torsion Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar tracking systems face challenges in resisting high hinge moment forces induced by wind, which can lead to torsional divergence and increased structural loading, requiring strong and costly torsional members to minimize flexibility and dynamic forces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a torsion limiter, such as a torque limiting clutch, at the output of a primary gearbox before the engagement of a secondary gear rack in each tracker row, allowing the system to resist torsion forces at multiple points and reducing peak torsion forces, thereby minimizing structural requirements and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If the tracker structure is designed to be flexible to reduce material weight and cost, then weight and cost are reduced, but torsional divergence and dynamic forces increase under wind loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by allowing the tracker structure to rotate passively under wind loading rather than rigidly resisting it. The torque limiter enables controlled rotational movement that dissipates torsional forces dynamically, preventing torsional divergence while maintaining structural flexibility and reducing material requirements.
2Strength
If strong torsional members are used to resist high hinge moment forces at a single point, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the torsional resistance function by distributing multiple torque limiters at different locations along the tracker structure instead of using a single strong torsional member. Each torque limiter handles local torsional forces independently, reducing the required strength of individual structural members and simplifying the overall structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiter acts as an intermediary device between the wind loading and the tracker structure. It mediates the transmission of torsional forces by allowing controlled slippage or disengagement when torque exceeds a predetermined threshold, protecting the structure from excessive forces without requiring overly strong structural members.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tracker structure is rigid to eliminate torsional divergence, then structural stability is improved, but material weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rigid structure into a dynamic system with controlled flexibility. The torque limiter enables the structure to adapt its rigidity based on loading conditions - maintaining stability under normal operation while allowing controlled movement under extreme wind loads, eliminating the need for excessively heavy rigid structures.
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 torsion limiter effectively reduces wind-induced torsion forces, eliminating dynamic forces and allowing the system to move to positions where torsion is minimized, resulting in lighter structural components and lower material costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a torque limiting clutch, when a level of torque on the gear assembly exceeds a pre-set level the clutch slips, releasing the torque
Data Source
AI summary
A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.