Solar Collector Tracking Structure With Low-Material Truss Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solar energy concentrator systems are costly due to excessive material usage and complex installation processes, making them unsuitable for large-scale solar farming and unable to compete economically with fossil fuels.

Innovation Solution

A solar energy collection system featuring an elevation-azimuth tracking structure with a Ground Interface, Base, and Collector, utilizing minimal low-cost materials and mass production techniques to reduce costs and simplify installation, while also incorporating inflatable solar concentrators and innovative actuator mechanisms to minimize material usage and enhance tracking accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional support trusses are used for solar collectors, then structural stability is achieved, but material usage becomes excessive and installation becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into modular segments including base frames, upright members, and collector frames that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation reduces material waste and simplifies installation while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Structural reinforcement is applied only where necessary - specifically at load-bearing connection points between collectors and support members - rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure. This localized strengthening reduces overall material usage while preserving essential stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If traditional support trusses are used for solar collectors, then structural stability is achieved, but installation becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Base frames are pre-assembled with integrated azimuth drive systems and ground interfaces before field installation. This preliminary assembly reduces on-site construction complexity and installation time while ensuring proper structural alignment and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Illumination intensity

If solar energy concentrators are designed to concentrate solar flux, then energy concentration is improved, but material costs and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar flux concentrationVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Solar concentrators utilize thin-film optical elements and flexible reflective surfaces to concentrate solar flux. These thin-film solutions provide effective light concentration while dramatically reducing material costs compared to traditional thick glass or metal optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for collectors, integrates azimuth and elevation drive systems, and incorporates ground interfaces for stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural, mechanical, and mounting components, reducing overall material costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If solar collectors are mounted on elevation-azimuth tracking structures, then tracking precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking precisionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The azimuth drive system and elevation support structure are merged into an integrated mechanism where the base frame with azimuth rotation supports the upright members that provide elevation adjustment. This consolidation reduces the number of separate mechanical subsystems while maintaining precise dual-axis tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking system incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms where collectors automatically follow solar movement through coordinated azimuth and elevation rotations driven by integrated motors and sensors. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex external control systems and manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9285139B2Structure and articulation system for solar collectors

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 COOLEARTH SOLAR

AI summary

Solar energy may be harvested utilizing arrays of solar collectors, supported and articulated to follow movement of the sun. Particular systems include arrays of solar collectors mounted on an elevation-azimuth tracking structure. From the ground up, embodiments of this system may include a Ground Interface, a Base, an Upper Truss, and a Collector. The system is designed to transmit loads with minimal deflection from the surface of the collector to the ground, while tracking the position of the sun across the sky. The use of structural, actuator, and collector elements with a minimum amount of low-cost materials, and which are able to be mass produced, allows large scale deployment of the system at reduced cost.