Structural synthesis of sun-tracking mechanisms

General criteria: M = 2, nb = 3 or 4, S = 6.

Specific criteria:

— rotational type restriction perpendicular to the equatorial plane, between the base and the output body (PV panel or collector absorber);

— direct link between base and the input/output body is rotational.

The specific criteria lead us to reduce the synthesis of the system to a mechanism with M=1, because one of the driving constraints is defined by a specific criterion. Consequently, the mechanism will be analysed for only one motion which covers the variation of the sun altitude generated by the Earth’s precession motion.

In this case, the synthesis is reduced to a planar space S = 3, the mobility will be considered as M=1 and the number of bodies decreases to nb = 2 or 3.

This planar space is defined as a plane perpendicular on the equatorial plane and determines the mechanism to orient the panel in concordance with the variable altitude of the sun along the year.

Starting from the fundamental structures with nb = 2, M = 1or nb = 3, M = 1(Fig.5) possible graphs are identified.

Fig.5. Possible graphs for mechanism’s configuration

In respect to the specific criteria, the proper graphs were selected and presented with the associated mechanisms in Fig.6.

SHAPE * MERGEFORMAT

Fig.6. Selected graphs and associated mechanisms

In agreement with the structural schemes obtained after the utilisation of the synthesis method, several technological solutions are presented bellow.

Fig11. Technological solution for the structure from Fig.6.4