Solar tracking mounting system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar tracking systems face instability and high costs due to torsional effects, requiring additional components like dampers and complex sensor systems, which can lead to structural failures and reduced energy output.
Innovation Solution
A solar tracking mounting system that varies tilt angles throughout the day using a combination of anchor assemblies, chord assemblies, and a driveshaft assembly with a pinion gearbox and vertical actuator, providing adjustable mounting points and structural support for solar panels, while eliminating the need for complex sensors and additional dampers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional centralized tube systems are used for solar tracking, then the system can rotate solar panels about a drive axis, but torsional effects destabilize the mounting system requiring additional dampers and heavier structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking mechanism into separate functional components: a fixed structural support system (anchor assemblies with piles) and a separate tracking mechanism (kickers with actuators). This segmentation eliminates the centralized tube system that caused torsional instability, allowing each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other. The kickers rotate independently about vertical axes while the main structure remains stable and fixed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dampers and heavier structural components are added to maintain rigidity and stability, then system stability improves, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic centralized tube system from the design. By eliminating this component entirely, the need for compensating measures like dampers and heavier structural elements is removed. The solution takes out the source of torsional instability rather than adding components to mitigate its effects, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex sensor systems and software are used to control load-optimized tilt angle, then system control capability improves, but reliability decreases due to potential sensor failure and structural system failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs simple, reliable actuators (hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric) that directly control the kicker rotation without requiring complex sensor systems or software control. The actuators self-regulate the tilt angle based on basic feedback mechanisms, eliminating the need for sophisticated load-optimized control systems. This self-service approach maintains reliability while providing sufficient adaptability for solar tracking.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor system fails to operate as intended, then system control may be compromised, but structural system failure occurs resulting in reduced energy output
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates inherent mechanical stability through its segmented design and fixed anchor assemblies, providing a safety buffer that prevents catastrophic structural failure even if the control system fails. The simple actuator design and robust structural connections ensure that the system can withstand operational variations and sensor failures without compromising structural integrity, thereby cushioning against potential failures beforehand.
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 increased energy output by up to 20% and provides a more rigid and stable tracking mechanism, reducing costs and operational risks by utilizing self-drilling screws and a fixed jack screw lift assembly for efficient installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a vertical actuator connected to the kicker and the chord assembly, wherein the vertical actuator is a rack and pinion linear actuator configured to amplify a torque received from a motor
Implementation Method 2
utilizing self-drilling screws and a fixed jack screw lift assembly for efficient installation and operation
Data Source
AI summary
A solar tracking mounting system is provided. The tracking system has an anchor comprising a pile and a riser bracket fastened to the top thereof, wherein the riser bracket is configured to provide adjustable mounting points, a chord assembly coupled to with the riser brackets, wherein the chord assembly is configured to pivotability tilt, a kicker connected to the anchor assembly, wherein the kicker is configured to connect the chord assembly to the pile, a vertical actuator connected to the kicker and the chord assembly, wherein the vertical actuator is a rack and pinion linear actuator configured to amplify a torque received from a motor and pivotably tilt to the chord assembly to a desired angle while tracking a direction of a light source, and a driveshaft connected to the motor and the vertical actuator. A jack screw may also be provided therein for actuation.