Solar Tracker Torsion Tube Linkage for Multi-Row Synchronous Tilt
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracker systems require separate drivers for each row of solar panels, making it difficult to use a single driver to move multiple rows synchronously and are limited by high drive force requirements due to short torque arms and limited stroke capacity, which increases construction costs and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracker assembly with a torsion tube and tilting mechanism that allows multiple rows of solar panels to be driven by a single horizontal actuator, using a linkage system with long torque arms and articulated link members to reduce the linear force required for tracking, and employing plastic bearing inserts to accommodate both rotary and linear motion, thereby increasing the stroke length and reducing the need for multiple drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate drive mechanism is used for each row of solar panels, then each row can be tracked independently, but the device complexity and construction cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drive mechanisms into a single shared drive system. The torsion tube acts as a common rotational axis that couples multiple rows of solar panels, allowing one drive mechanism to simultaneously track all rows. This merging reduces the number of drivers from multiple to one, simplifying the overall system while maintaining tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single drive mechanism mounted on the pier serves multiple functions by driving all rows of solar panels simultaneously. The torsion tube transmits rotational motion from the single driver to multiple torque arms, each connected to different rows, making the drive system universal rather than dedicated to a single row.
2Device complexity
If a single driver is used to move multiple rows, then device complexity is reduced, but the stroke capacity and linear force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear motion to rotational motion by using a torsion tube as the intermediate transmission element. Instead of extending the linear stroke of the driver to reach multiple rows, the system rotates the torsion tube, which then rotates multiple torque arms simultaneously. This dimensional change from linear to rotational space solves the stroke length limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion tube acts as an intermediary between the single linear driver and the multiple rotational torque arms. The driver provides linear motion to rotate the torsion tube, which then converts this into rotational motion for each torque arm. This intermediary mechanism allows the single driver to effectively control multiple rows without requiring excessive stroke length.
3Strength
If a pier-mounted drive mechanism is used, then the drive is supported by piers, but it is difficult or impossible to use a single driver to move more than one row of solar panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into modular components: the pier-mounted driver, the torsion tube, multiple torque arms, and individual row connections. This segmentation allows the single driver to be coupled with multiple torque arms through the torsion tube, enabling one driver to move multiple rows while maintaining structural support from the pier.
4Volume of moving object
If short torque arms are used in the drive mechanism, then the drive structure is more compact, but the drive force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic motion through the torsion tube rotation mechanism. As the torsion tube rotates, the torque arms move in an arc, providing dynamic mechanical advantage that reduces the instantaneous force requirements compared to static short-arm configurations. The rotational motion allows for more efficient force transmission while maintaining a compact structure.
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 configuration allows for efficient and synchronized tracking of multiple rows of solar panels with reduced drive force requirements, increased stroke length, and lower construction costs, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of solar energy collection.
Implementation Method 1
employing plastic bearing inserts to accommodate both rotary and linear motion
Implementation Method 2
employing plastic bearing inserts to accommodate both rotary and linear motion
Implementation Method 3
using a linkage system with long torque arms and articulated link members to reduce the linear force required for tracking
Implementation Method 4
The invention applies to solar collectors in which the panels are arrays of photovoltaic cells for generating electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking solar collector assembly includes Southside supports, North side supports and support structures. Each support structure has pivotal support points defining a tilt axis and supports at least one solar collector. First support points of first and second support structures are pivotally connected to first and second Southside supports. A second support point of the first support structure is pivotally connected to first and second North side supports. A second support point of the second support structure is pivotally connected to second and third North side supports. A tilting assembly causes the solar collector support structures and the solar collectors tilt in unison. A tracking solar collector may comprise a torsion tube rotatable about a torsion tube axis; with the solar panels secured to the torsion tube at an angle with the solar panels located entirely above the torsion tube at noontime.