Variable terrain solar tracker
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-axis solar trackers face challenges when installed on sloped or uneven terrain, requiring significant grading and a strong support post to manage slope loads, which complicates installation and operation, and reduces efficiency in power generation.
Innovation Solution
The use of bearing assemblies with thrust bearings and articulating joints allows for the distribution of slope loads across multiple support posts, enabling rotation of solar panels on sloped and uneven terrain while reducing the mechanical complexity and cost associated with single-axis trackers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-axis trackers are installed on sloped terrain, then power generation efficiency can be improved by tracking the sun, but mechanical complexity and installation difficulty increase due to slope loads accumulating on support posts
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple support posts distributed along the rotation axis, with each post independently supporting a portion of the slope load through axial load bearing surfaces. This segmentation prevents load accumulation on single posts and simplifies the overall mechanical structure while enabling sun tracking on sloped terrain
Solution Approach 2:
Axial load bearing surfaces (thrust bearings) are pre-installed on support posts before the tracker components are assembled. These pre-installed bearings are configured to receive and distribute slope loads along the rotation axis, preparing the structure to handle terrain variations without requiring complex load management during operation
2Productivity
If conventional single-axis trackers are installed on sloped terrain, then power generation efficiency can be improved, but installation difficulty increases due to grading requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The tracker structure incorporates adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the rotation axis to be positioned at various angles relative to the ground, adapting to different terrain slopes without requiring extensive grading. This dynamic adaptability enables installation on variable terrain while maintaining sun tracking capability for efficient power generation
Solution Approach 2:
Each support post is equipped with axial load bearing surfaces specifically positioned to handle slope loads at its local location along the rotation axis. This localized load bearing capability allows the structure to accommodate terrain variations at each installation point without requiring uniform grading across the entire site
3Device complexity
If a single support post is used to support slope loads in conventional trackers, then device complexity is reduced, but the load bearing requirements and stress on the post increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented across multiple support posts positioned along the rotation axis, with each post equipped with axial load bearing surfaces. This distributes the slope load that would otherwise concentrate on a single post, reducing the strength requirements for each individual post while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Axial load bearing surfaces (thrust bearings) act as intermediary elements between the rotation axis and support posts, transferring slope loads from the rotating components to the stationary support posts. This intermediary mechanism protects the support posts from direct stress concentration and facilitates load distribution across multiple posts
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
This solution enables efficient installation and operation of solar trackers on variable terrain by distributing slope loads and reducing the mechanical stress on individual support posts, thereby enhancing power generation efficiency and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
an axial load bearing surface (for example, a thrust bearing) arranged to support an axial load from the first solar panel support directed along the first rotation axis and transfer the axial load through the first bearing assembly to the first support post
Data Source
AI summary
Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.