Solar Tracker Tilting Assembly for Hurricane Wind Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar tracker systems are not adequately designed to withstand high hurricane winds, which can cause damage to solar panels from flying debris and excessive wind forces, especially in areas with winds exceeding 160 mph, and existing solutions are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A hurricane-proof solar tracker system that couples a solar panel array to a ballast and features a tilting assembly to track the sun, retracting to a substantially flat position during high winds, utilizing a trunnion mount and telescoping cylinders to minimize exposure to wind and debris, with a control system for automatic retraction upon wind detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solar panels are mounted on a tilted array to enhance solar exposure and improve energy capture, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes vulnerable to damage from high winds and flying debris
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel array is made dynamically adjustable between a tilted operational position for optimal energy capture and a flat storage position for wind protection. The tilting assembly allows the array to be repositioned based on weather conditions, transforming a static vulnerable structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to protect itself from high winds while maintaining energy capture efficiency during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the solar panel array from a fixed tilted angle optimized for solar exposure to a variable angle that can be adjusted to flat position during high wind events. This parameter change allows the structure to maintain energy capture efficiency when needed while protecting against damage when weather conditions deteriorate
2Reliability
If hurricane-rated mounting structures are used to withstand winds up to 160 mph, then resistance to high winds is improved, but the cost of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive static hurricane-rated structures, the invention employs a dynamic system with a tilting assembly that allows standard mounting structures to achieve hurricane resistance by repositioning panels to a flat position during high winds. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for costly reinforced mounting hardware while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary protective action by detecting high wind conditions and repositioning the solar panels to a flat position before damage can occur. This proactive repositioning prevents the need for expensive damage repair or replacement, effectively providing hurricane protection at lower cost through preventive rather than structural measures
3Productivity
If a second axis of tilt is added to solar panel assemblies to increase energy output, then energy capture is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a dynamic tilting mechanism that provides the benefits of a second axis of tilt for energy optimization while maintaining relative simplicity through a single-degree-of-freedom rotation system. The tilting assembly allows the entire array to tilt toward or away from the sun throughout the day, capturing additional energy without requiring complex multi-axis tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting assembly serves multiple functions: it enables the array to track the sun's movement for enhanced energy capture, provides hurricane protection by positioning panels flat during high winds, and can be integrated with standard mounting structures. This multi-functionality delivers the energy output benefits of a second axis while avoiding the complexity of dedicated dual-axis tracking systems
Data Source
AI summary
A hurricane-proof solar tracker and related method of operation includes a solar panel array assembly having one end coupled to a ballast and a tilting assembly supporting a solar panel assembly. The tilting assembly tilts the solar panel array assembly to track with the sun in a first position, and retracts the solar panel array to a substantially flat second position.