Tracking device comprising a receiving structure which can be adjusted about at least one axis, for mounting at least one element that is sensitive to electromagnetic waves and has a preferential radiation direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar tracking systems are either expensive, complex, and prone to failure, particularly two-axis tracking systems, and lack versatility to be used in various applications such as open spaces, building integrations, and roof-mounted installations, with limited tracking range and increased structural damage risks.
Innovation Solution
A uniaxial tracking device with a swivel unit that supports multiple solar panels, utilizing a single drive for common adjustment, allowing for symmetric positioning and reduced structural complexity, with a motor-driven swivel unit for elevation adjustment, enabling use in all mentioned applications without additional bearings, and featuring a compact design for minimal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-axis tracking systems are used to maximize energy yield, then tracking precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one axis from the traditional two-axis tracking system, retaining only the elevation axis while eliminating the azimuth axis. This simplification reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining adequate tracking precision through the single elevation adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking function is segmented into essential and non-essential components. The elevation axis is retained as the essential component for energy yield optimization, while the azimuth axis is identified as non-essential and removed, achieving a balance between precision and simplicity.
2Productivity
If two-axis tracking systems are deployed to achieve optimal sun alignment, then energy yield is improved, but reliability decreases due to more moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting and removing the azimuth axis from the tracking system, the number of moving parts is reduced from four (two motors, two gearboxes) to two (one motor, one gearbox). This extraction maintains adequate energy yield through elevation tracking alone while significantly improving system reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional bearings are added to support multiple applications, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel unit is designed with universal applicability through its symmetric construction and standardized connection interfaces. The same swivel unit can be deployed in open spaces, building integrations, and roof-mounted installations without requiring additional bearings or structural modifications, achieving multi-functionality through design flexibility rather than component multiplication.
4Device complexity
If symmetric positioning is used to reduce structural complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall swivel unit construction is symmetric, the mounting configuration intentionally introduces asymmetric elements through offset mounting positions and varied support structures. This asymmetric approach to mounting reduces manufacturing precision requirements for the swivel unit itself while maintaining reduced structural complexity through the symmetric core design.
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 provides a cost-effective, robust, and versatile solar tracking system that maximizes energy yield with reduced construction effort, allows for flexible installation in various spaces, and minimizes structural damage while maintaining high torque and force capabilities with low drive power, offering self-locking mechanisms for stability in adverse weather.
Implementation Method 1
between the mutually concentric, annular connection elements of a pivot unit at least a series of rolling elements is provided which roll along raceways on the first and second connecting elements
Implementation Method 2
a worm which meshes with the teeth of the outer connection element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a tracking device comprising a receiving structure that can be adjusted about at least one axis, for mounting at least one element that is sensitive to electromagnetic waves and has a preferential radiation direction, and comprising at least one rotational drive per axis for the purpose of actively rotationally adjusting said receiving structure in order for the element(s) mounted thereupon to track a celestial body on one or multiple axes with the aid of a control system and according to a predetermined algorithm, (each of) the rotational drive(s) comprising two annular connection elements that are concentric with one another, are mounted one upon the other, and are or can be coupled to at least one motor for mutual relative adjustment, a first connection element comprising at least one planar connection surface for fixing in place to a foundation, base, column or a connection element of another pivoting unit, and a second connection element comprising at least one planar connection surface for the purpose of coupling to said receiving structure or to a connection element of another pivoting unit in a rotationally-fixed manner. In addition, at least one row of roller elements is provided between the concentric annular connection elements of a pivoting unit, said roller elements rolling along raceways on the first and second connection elements, a toothing being provided that extends at least partially around one connection element and is formed, together with the raceway(s) that are in place, by machining or shaping a shared annular main part, and bore holes distributed in a circle and passing through the planar contact surface being provided on the other connection element for the purpose of fixing to a contact part, and being formed together with the raceway(s) that are in place by machining or shaping a shared annular main part.