Solar Tracker Torsion Spring for Low-Torque Sun Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar energy collection systems are energy inefficient due to the use of large electric motors for tracking the sun, which require significant torque and power, and are also prone to errors in sun positioning calculations, leading to suboptimal energy exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an altitude motor, an azimuth motor, sensors, and a torsional spring mechanism that adjusts the solar collector's position to maximize sun exposure, using sensors to control motor activation and deactivation, and a torsion spring to reduce torque requirements, eliminating the need for precise longitude and latitude calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If large electric motors are used to move the solar collector from vertical to horizontal position, then the solar collector can be moved against gravity, but the energy consumption and torque requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight mechanism is implemented where a mass is positioned to balance the solar collector's weight. When the collector moves from vertical to horizontal position, the counterweight descends, releasing gravitational potential energy that assists in lifting the collector. This reduces the net torque and energy required from the motor, directly resolving the contradiction between force requirements and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-charges a spring mechanism during the descent phase when the solar collector moves from horizontal to vertical position. The spring stores elastic potential energy that is subsequently released to assist in the upward movement, reducing the energy burden on the motor during the energy-intensive lifting phase.
2Force
If the solar collector moves from horizontal to vertical position, then gravity assists the movement, but the motor must provide large braking torque to control the descent
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-charged during the descent phase from horizontal to vertical position. As the collector descends under gravity, the spring accumulates elastic potential energy. This pre-charged spring then provides assisted force during the subsequent upward movement, while the controlled release of energy ensures reliable and controlled motion throughout the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of uncontrolled gravitational descent into a beneficial force. The gravity-driven descent is harnessed to charge the spring mechanism, transforming the potentially problematic rapid downward movement into useful stored energy that assists the upward journey, reducing motor burden and improving overall system reliability.
3Measurement precision
If computer-controlled systems with precise longitude and latitude calculations are used to track the sun, then accurate sun positioning can be achieved, but the system becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The solar tracking system uses passive alignment mechanisms where the solar collector's orientation naturally aligns with the sun's position through geometric relationships and simple mechanical linkages. The system eliminates the need for complex computer calculations, sensors, and control algorithms by using self-aligning mechanical structures that automatically track the sun based on its apparent motion across the sky.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complex computer-controlled calculation subsystem from the solar tracking system. By eliminating the need for longitude and latitude computations, microprocessors, and associated hardware, the system achieves accurate sun tracking through simpler mechanical means, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
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 system achieves efficient and precise sun tracking with reduced energy consumption and improved durability by minimizing torque needs and eliminating the need for bulky, expensive computer-controlled systems, ensuring optimal solar exposure throughout the day.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring coupled to a supporting mechanism for said collector, said torsion spring being attached to said supporting mechanism such that said spring partially supports a weight of said collector when said altitude of said collector is being adjusted by said altitude motor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for use with solar devices. The present invention may be used with solar panels, solar dishes, or any other devices for which an optimal exposure to the sun is desired. The present invention first adjusts an azimuth of the solar device until an optimal solar exposure, from an azimuth point of view, is achieved. Then, an altitude of the solar collector is adjusted until an optimal solar exposure, from an altitude point of view, is achieved. The invention also uses a load compensation mean to alleviate the amount of lifting or braking torque needed from the motor to tilt the solar collector.