Dual-Axis Solar Tracking with GPS-Guided Linear Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems are often location-specific and may not function accurately across different hemispheres, requiring costly motors and being inefficient due to limited axes of movement, which affects their ability to precisely track objects like the sun across the sky.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis tracking device with linear actuation assemblies and a control module using GPS data to determine the sun's location, allowing the device to rotate solar panels or payloads relative to the sun's position, enabling accurate tracking and positioning across various locations, including both hemispheres with reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional solar tracking systems use multiple axes of movement for precise positioning, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is divided into two independent linear actuation assemblies, each responsible for one axis of rotation. This segmentation allows each assembly to be simpler while collectively achieving dual-axis tracking accuracy, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each linear actuation assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: positioning the payload along its axis, maintaining structural stability, and working cooperatively with the other assembly to achieve comprehensive solar tracking. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If conventional tracking systems use high cost motors such as digital servo motors, then positioning precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive digital servo motors with more economical linear actuators and standard motors. While individual components are less costly, the system achieves comparable positioning precision through the coordinated action of two linear actuation assemblies, significantly reducing overall device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes complex servo motor mechanisms with simpler linear actuation systems. The linear actuators convert electrical signals directly to linear motion, which is then translated to rotational movement of the payload, achieving precise positioning without requiring expensive servo mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If tracking systems are designed for a particular location on earth, then tracking accuracy at that location is improved, but adaptability to other locations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module uses GPS coordinates to dynamically adjust tracking parameters based on the system's geographical location. By changing operational parameters (such as axis rotation ranges and timing) according to location data, the system maintains high tracking accuracy across different hemispheres and latitudes without requiring redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system transitions from static, location-specific configurations to dynamic, adaptable operation. The control module continuously receives GPS data and adjusts tracking behavior in real-time, enabling the same hardware to optimize performance for any geographical location on Earth.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a tracking device configured to track an object in space, such as the sun, as the object moves across the sky. The tracking device may further be configured to direct a payload toward the object or toward an angle relative to the object. The tracking device may continuously or intermittently determine the location of the moving object, and adjust the position of the payload accordingly. The tracking device may calculate the position of the moving object based on GPS information, such as triangulated coordinates of the tracking device, date, and time. Generally, the tracking device may be capable of tracking an object such as the sun from anywhere on the earth's surface. The tracking device may employ one or more actuation assemblies to position the payload toward or relative to the moving object. The one or more actuation assemblies may operate through linear motion.