Water-Filled Modular Support Base for Rapid PV Panel Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar ground mount systems require extensive pre-installation and onsite processes, including concrete usage, which are time-consuming and costly, and often necessitate skilled labor and heavy machinery, limiting installation speed and increasing project risks.
Innovation Solution
A modular, reconfigurable ground-mounted support base system for PV panels that uses a water-filled base with a central spine and ribs for added strength, allowing for quick installation without concrete curing and capable of withstanding high wind speeds by distributing weight and reducing tipping moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional concrete footings or piers are used for ground mounting PV panels, then structural strength and stability are achieved, but installation time increases significantly due to pre-installation steps, concrete curing requirements, and complex onsite procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temporary concrete forms and curing processes that are removed after use, replacing permanent concrete footings with a reusable metal support structure. The concrete forms serve only during installation to provide temporary stability while the support base is being positioned and secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The support base is divided into modular components including the main support structure, adjustable feet, and panel mounting elements. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly and adjustment without requiring extensive concrete work, enabling quick installation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If conventional concrete ground mounting systems are used, then reliable structural support is provided, but project costs increase due to material costs, skilled labor requirements, and heavy machinery needs
Solution Approach 1:
The support base incorporates self-adjusting feet with threaded mechanisms that allow installation workers to easily level and position the structure without requiring skilled concrete workers or specialized equipment. The modular design enables workers to assemble and adjust components themselves, reducing dependency on highly skilled labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The support base features adjustable and reconfigurable components that can be easily modified during installation and later repositioned if needed. The adjustable feet and modular mounting elements provide dynamic adaptability to different ground conditions and panel configurations, enhancing ease of installation and future maintenance.
3Strength
If concrete curing time is required for ground mounting installation, then adequate structural strength is achieved, but project completion time extends by 48 hours or more
Solution Approach 1:
The support base is pre-assembled with all necessary structural components, adjustment mechanisms, and mounting elements before arrival at the installation site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site concrete mixing, pouring, and curing, allowing the pre-fabricated support structure to be immediately installed and made operational.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical curing process of concrete with a mechanical assembly system using metal components, bolts, and adjustable fasteners. This substitution eliminates the 48+ hour curing wait time while providing equivalent or superior structural strength through engineered metal connections and load-distributing design.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional ground mounting methods are used, then proper weight distribution and wind resistance are achieved, but the complexity of the installation process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support base is designed as a universal platform that combines multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables adjustable panel positioning, ensures proper weight distribution through its footprint design, and offers various mounting configurations for different panel types. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components and procedures into a single integrated system.
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
Significantly reduces project risks and costs, achieving 20-50% direct cost savings and 100-300% faster project completion, enabling 'do it yourself' installations in under an hour per KW, with the ability to withstand wind speeds over 110 miles per hour.
Implementation Method 1
a water-filled base with a central spine and ribs for added strength, allowing for quick installation without concrete curing and capable of withstanding high wind speeds by distributing weight and reducing tipping moments
Data Source
AI summary
A ground-mounted system for supporting photovoltaic panels singularly or in an array of interconnected panels includes a support base, a plurality of legs connected to the support base on one side and to clips on an opposed side, where the clips connect to a photovoltaic panel.