Sun-Tracking Module Support With Adjustable Windshield for Wind Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Support devices for energy generation modules face challenges in withstanding large wind pressure and suction forces, particularly when the modules have inclined, large, and closed surfaces, leading to the need for strong static dimensions that may not be suitable for all installation surfaces and can result in torsional stresses when carrying multiple modules.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a sun-tracking mechanism on one or two axes, featuring a variable-length and height windshield that can pivot and rotate, and a telescopic holding structure, along with a passive-adaptive framework that adjusts to loads, allowing for reduced wind resistance and static stabilization without static anchoring, using wooden elements for sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strong static dimensions with steel or aluminum supports are used to withstand wind pressure and suction forces, then the support device can absorb and transfer wind loads, but the device becomes heavier and requires static anchoring that may not be suitable for all installation surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support structure movable rather than static. The module support device can tilt and rotate to track the sun, and the holding structure can adjust its position. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to wind loads without requiring heavy static anchoring, as the movable design inherently reduces resistance to wind forces while maintaining stability through active positioning rather than fixed anchoring.
2Productivity
If the energy generation module has a large inclined closed surface to maximize energy capture, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but wind pressure and suction forces increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the large inclined closed surface into multiple smaller modules. The energy generation module is composed of several smaller photovoltaic modules or solar collectors arranged in a sequence, each supported by its own module support device. This segmentation reduces the wind load on each individual module while maintaining the overall energy capture efficiency through the collective arrangement of multiple modules.
3Productivity
If the support device is designed to track the sun on one or two axes to maximize energy capture, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but the device becomes more complex and exposes larger surfaces to wind forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple functions into the module support device. The support structure simultaneously performs sun tracking (tilting and rotating), module holding, and wind load management. The holding structure that supports the module support device also serves as the windshield structure, merging the support function with the wind protection function. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining sun-tracking capability for optimized energy generation.
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 solution effectively reduces wind suction and pressure forces, enhances static stability, and allows for flexible installation on various surfaces, ensuring the energy generation module is securely held while minimizing material stress and torsional loads, with the added benefit of weather protection and easy transport.
Implementation Method 1
a windshield (2), which serves in particular to reduce wind suction or wind pressure
Implementation Method 2
a module support device (1) that can track the position of the sun on one or two axes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The support device (T) has the support units that are provided with a support portion (1) on the sun trackable module for holding the power generation module (E). A wind shield (2) is provided with the variable length and/or height. The wind shield is equipped with several blades which are overlapped with each other and/or are designed relative to each other. A variable length and/or height-adjustable supporting element (3) is arranged for holding the wind shield. An independent claim is included for a supporting arrangement.