Solar tracker calculation of torques and forces

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing a dual-axis solar tracker utilizing two stepper motors for rotation and tilting. Key calculations involve determining forces and torques using fundamental equations such as F = ma and T = Jα. The design must account for maximum acceleration and various resistances, including friction and gravity, to accurately size motors and gear trains for peak torque requirements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of statics and dynamics analysis
  • Familiarity with torque calculations (T = Jα)
  • Knowledge of forces and motion (F = ma)
  • Experience with stepper motor specifications and sizing
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for calculating peak torque in mechanical systems
  • Learn about the effects of friction and gravity on motion in mechanical designs
  • Explore motor sizing techniques for stepper motors in robotics
  • Investigate gear train design principles for optimizing torque transmission
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mechanical engineers, robotics enthusiasts, and students working on projects involving solar trackers or similar automated systems.

vassos_ael
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
hi

i am designing a solar tracker for my final year project. its a dual axis solar tracker with two stepper motors one rotating a shaft and the other tilting a bar. i need help on calculating forces torques and finding the FOS. can anyone help me?
 

Attachments

  • Assem1.JPG
    Assem1.JPG
    12.6 KB · Views: 603
Engineering news on Phys.org
You said "final year", didn't you? This is basic statics & dynamics analysis.
F = ma
T = Jα

Should be sized for maximum acceleration (increase from speed1 to speed2, then reverse to stop). Include every possible resistance to motion you can dream up (friction, gravity effects, efficiencies, any & all inertia effects) in order to size for "peak torque" on the rotational axes. Once you have that, then you size your motors, gear trains, etc., to match.
 

Similar threads

Dual-Axis Solar Tracker Torque requirements
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Torque calculation of solar tracker
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
12K
How to calculate required torque for a robot arm
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
How to select a stepper motor and gear ratio?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Misc. An improvement on my previous low-tech way to rotate solar panels
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Stepper torque calculation to drive a solid cylinder
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How to select stepper motor for a Z-axis application with Ballscrew
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Torque calculations: Rotating vertical shaft
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Help needed to solve a static analysis for the design of the Shaft for a Grinding Machine
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Gear teeth force from the rotation angle
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K