CA2645465A1 - Solar autotracker - Google Patents
Solar autotracker Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2645465A1 CA2645465A1 CA002645465A CA2645465A CA2645465A1 CA 2645465 A1 CA2645465 A1 CA 2645465A1 CA 002645465 A CA002645465 A CA 002645465A CA 2645465 A CA2645465 A CA 2645465A CA 2645465 A1 CA2645465 A1 CA 2645465A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- solar
- frame
- solar panel
- pivot
- panels
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Landscapes
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A solar autotracker includes at least one solar panel pivotally mounted on a frame. At least one azimuth pivot mount allows pivoting rotation of the solar panels so as to track solar position of the sun during daylight hours. A pivot drive arm is mounted behind the solar panels. An actuator cooperates between the drive arm and the frame for selective pivoting of the solar panels about the pivot mounts. The actuator includes a timing sequencer which evenly sequences actuation of the actuator throughout the daylight hours.
Description
SOLAR AUTOTRACKER
Field of the Invention This invention relates to structures to support solar collector panels that may be directed tlirough automatic and manual means to optimally track the sun and maximize the efficiency of the solar collector panel relative to its orientation to the sun.
Background of the Invention It is known that when using solar collection devices that their orientation towards the sun can have a significant impact on their efficiency. By providing a framework that can be adjusted for various times of the day and season the efficiency of a solar collector panel or array of panels can be optimized.
Applicant is aware of patents regarding such solar tracking frames as:
US Patent No. 6,563,040 titled "Structure for supporting a photovoltaic module in a solar energy collection system" issued to Hayden, et al. on May 13, 2003, teaches a tripod like structure for supporting an energy conversion module above a surface, using three legged frame with two legs spread by fixed member and the third leg held by a tensioned cable connected to the first two. The third leg consists of a torque tube which is rotationally driven by a torque arm and a linear actuator. Hayden also teaches how to anchor the support structure using a cable anchored in the supporting surface connected to the apex of the structure under tension. Additionally Hayden teaches the use of an array of such structures and solar conversion modules, but does not each how to gang drive such an array from a single actuator.
US Patent No. 6,302,099 titled "Modular solar tracking frame" issued to McDermott on October 16, 2001, teaches of a modular solar tracking frame mounted on at least two vertical mounting posts mounted into the ground, with a movable spine, laterally and rotatably and horizontally attached to the vertical mounting posts with at least one roll axis bar, a roll push rod, and a tilt push rod to move the solar collector module from the horizon to the sun's zenith and in a east-west direction, by activating the roll tilt rod and said tilt push rod, respectively. Multiple solar collection modules can track the sun using this system by extending the roll axis and push bars to engage additional modular units and mounting posts.
The present invention differs in that it can mount to most any surface, does not link azimuth adjustment, but does link east - west tracking by a rack and pinion driven linkage.
US Patent No. 4,108,154 titled "Solar energy collection system" issued to Nelson on August 22, 1978, teaches a solar energy collection mechanism in which a solar collector or a reflector trough is mounted upon a support to rotate about an axis under the control of a drive mechanism, thereby varying the elevation of the center of gravity of said collector or trough, to maintain reflected rays of the sun in focus on a solar collector, with a transverse guide and a counterweight mounted on the collector which is laterally movable along the transverse guide relative to the collector to maintain the collector in stabilized equilibrium with dampers connected between the solar collector and its supports to inhibit spurious rotation of the collector. This differs from the present invention in that it does not teach an array of solar collectors being driven to track the sun from a single actuator.
Summary of the Invention The present invention serves to automatically and manua.lly orient one or more solar collector panels in an array towards the sun, optimizing the solar collector panel efficiency relative to its orientation to the sun for time of day and season.
The tracking frame and the method of panel support is balanced which results in minimal force requirement to steer an array of two to several linked solar collector panel assemblies.
Field of the Invention This invention relates to structures to support solar collector panels that may be directed tlirough automatic and manual means to optimally track the sun and maximize the efficiency of the solar collector panel relative to its orientation to the sun.
Background of the Invention It is known that when using solar collection devices that their orientation towards the sun can have a significant impact on their efficiency. By providing a framework that can be adjusted for various times of the day and season the efficiency of a solar collector panel or array of panels can be optimized.
Applicant is aware of patents regarding such solar tracking frames as:
US Patent No. 6,563,040 titled "Structure for supporting a photovoltaic module in a solar energy collection system" issued to Hayden, et al. on May 13, 2003, teaches a tripod like structure for supporting an energy conversion module above a surface, using three legged frame with two legs spread by fixed member and the third leg held by a tensioned cable connected to the first two. The third leg consists of a torque tube which is rotationally driven by a torque arm and a linear actuator. Hayden also teaches how to anchor the support structure using a cable anchored in the supporting surface connected to the apex of the structure under tension. Additionally Hayden teaches the use of an array of such structures and solar conversion modules, but does not each how to gang drive such an array from a single actuator.
US Patent No. 6,302,099 titled "Modular solar tracking frame" issued to McDermott on October 16, 2001, teaches of a modular solar tracking frame mounted on at least two vertical mounting posts mounted into the ground, with a movable spine, laterally and rotatably and horizontally attached to the vertical mounting posts with at least one roll axis bar, a roll push rod, and a tilt push rod to move the solar collector module from the horizon to the sun's zenith and in a east-west direction, by activating the roll tilt rod and said tilt push rod, respectively. Multiple solar collection modules can track the sun using this system by extending the roll axis and push bars to engage additional modular units and mounting posts.
The present invention differs in that it can mount to most any surface, does not link azimuth adjustment, but does link east - west tracking by a rack and pinion driven linkage.
US Patent No. 4,108,154 titled "Solar energy collection system" issued to Nelson on August 22, 1978, teaches a solar energy collection mechanism in which a solar collector or a reflector trough is mounted upon a support to rotate about an axis under the control of a drive mechanism, thereby varying the elevation of the center of gravity of said collector or trough, to maintain reflected rays of the sun in focus on a solar collector, with a transverse guide and a counterweight mounted on the collector which is laterally movable along the transverse guide relative to the collector to maintain the collector in stabilized equilibrium with dampers connected between the solar collector and its supports to inhibit spurious rotation of the collector. This differs from the present invention in that it does not teach an array of solar collectors being driven to track the sun from a single actuator.
Summary of the Invention The present invention serves to automatically and manua.lly orient one or more solar collector panels in an array towards the sun, optimizing the solar collector panel efficiency relative to its orientation to the sun for time of day and season.
The tracking frame and the method of panel support is balanced which results in minimal force requirement to steer an array of two to several linked solar collector panel assemblies.
2 Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is, in front perspective view, an array of two solar collector panels mounted in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is, in rear perspective view, an array of two solar collector panels mounted in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is, in rear perspective close up view, an array of solar collector panels mounted in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing one array mounted in the solar tracker frame.
Figure 4 is, in rear perspective close up view of the lower section of an array of two solar collector panels mounted in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the supports, motor drive and linkage.
Figure 5 is, in rear perspective close up view of the upper section of an array of two solar collector panels mounted in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the collectors, frames, and supports.
Figure 6 is, in rear perspective close-up view, of the motor drive and linkage of the solar tracker frame preferred embodiment.
Figure 7 is, in rear perspective view, the solar auto tracker preferred einbodiment configured in an array of 3 solar collector panels.
Index Description 1 Solar collector panel 2 Panel support frame
Figure 2 is, in rear perspective view, an array of two solar collector panels mounted in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is, in rear perspective close up view, an array of solar collector panels mounted in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing one array mounted in the solar tracker frame.
Figure 4 is, in rear perspective close up view of the lower section of an array of two solar collector panels mounted in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the supports, motor drive and linkage.
Figure 5 is, in rear perspective close up view of the upper section of an array of two solar collector panels mounted in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the collectors, frames, and supports.
Figure 6 is, in rear perspective close-up view, of the motor drive and linkage of the solar tracker frame preferred embodiment.
Figure 7 is, in rear perspective view, the solar auto tracker preferred einbodiment configured in an array of 3 solar collector panels.
Index Description 1 Solar collector panel 2 Panel support frame
3 Back of Solar collector panel
4 Latitudinal pivot (bottom)
5 Latitudinal pivot (top)
6 Azimuth pivot (bottom)
7 Drive support shaft
8 Drive support pivot
9 Drive support pivot retainer Drive support frame 11 Drive motor mount 12 Pinion 13 Rack ^
14 Rack Limit (east) Rack Limit (west) 16 Collector steering frame (lower) 17 Collector steering frame (upper) 18 Collector steering frame (mid) 19 Collector steering arm Collector steering pivot 21 Azimuth telescoping . support beam 22 Azimuth telescoping support (lower) 23 Azimuth telescoping support (upper) 24 Base frame Base foot 26 Solar collector array 27 Supporting surface 28 Array steering arm ! 29 Collector Panel Assembly 31 Drive Motor Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention 5 The present invention is a solar tracking frame that maintains one or more solar collector panels 1 in an array 26 oriented towards the sun as it traverses the sky to maximize the efficiency of the solar collector panels.
Each solar collector 1 in the array 26 of solar collector panels 1 is supported by a panel support frame 2 and panel support back frame 3, containing and securing each solar
14 Rack Limit (east) Rack Limit (west) 16 Collector steering frame (lower) 17 Collector steering frame (upper) 18 Collector steering frame (mid) 19 Collector steering arm Collector steering pivot 21 Azimuth telescoping . support beam 22 Azimuth telescoping support (lower) 23 Azimuth telescoping support (upper) 24 Base frame Base foot 26 Solar collector array 27 Supporting surface 28 Array steering arm ! 29 Collector Panel Assembly 31 Drive Motor Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention 5 The present invention is a solar tracking frame that maintains one or more solar collector panels 1 in an array 26 oriented towards the sun as it traverses the sky to maximize the efficiency of the solar collector panels.
Each solar collector 1 in the array 26 of solar collector panels 1 is supported by a panel support frame 2 and panel support back frame 3, containing and securing each solar
10 collector panel 1. Each panel support frame 2 is in turn supported by latitudinal pivots 5 and 4 at the middle of the top and bottom support frame 2 seganents. The bottom latitudinal pivot 4 is mounted on a horizontally oriented hinge or azimuth pivot 6. The azimuth pivot (bottom) 6 is attached to a base frame 24, which rests on a supporting surface 27 on base foot 25. In tlxe preferred embodiment of the present invention there is generally a pair of base frames 24 for each solar collector panel 1 in the solar collector array 26, with each base frame 24 being secured to the supporting surface 27.
The top latitudinal pivot 5 is secured to two telescoping azimuth supports consisting of an upper 23 and lower 22 section, wherein the upper section 23 can be telescopically adjusted with respect to the lower section 23. The lower telescoping supports 22 are pivotably secured to a support beam or rod 21 which is fixed to two or more base fraznes 24 associated with each solar collector panel 1 in the solar collector array 26, which are situated the furthest fi=om the solar collector panels 1. By telescopically adjusting the azimuth supports 23, the azimuth of each solar collector panel 1 can be adjusted to optimize the solar collection efficiency of the panel 1 base on the azimuth of the sun in the sky due to seasonal changes.
Each solar panel support frame 2 has a collector steering frame attached to the lower 16, lower mid 18, and upper 17 parts of the support frame 2 on each side. The collector steering frame 2 lower 16, upper 17, and mid sections 18 pyramidally converge and connect to a collector steering arm 19. The distal end of the steering arm 19 is pivotally connected by steering pivot 20 to the array steering arm 28. Array steering arms 28 can be linked for each collector panel assembly 30 that is added to the array 26.
At least one array steering arm 28 in the solar collector array 26 can have a rack 13 centered at the mid point of the arm 28, which can be driven by a pinion 12 attached to a drive motor 31 either continuously or is short durations to synchronize the pointing direction of the solar collector panels with the direction of the sun as it traverses the sky latitudinally.
The drive motor mount 11 is attached to drive support frame 10 positioned between two solar collector panels 1. The drive support frame telescopes and rotates about drive support beam 7 on drive support pivot 8, which is located on the drive support beam 7 by drive pivot retainers 9 on each side. The drive support frame 10 telescopes and pivots in order to accommodate azimuth orientation changes of the solar collector array 26.
The solar collector assemblies 30 are substantially balanced about their longitudinal central axis on which they are mounted by the latitudinal pivots 4 and 5, thereby minimizing the force required to sweep each panel in a latitudinal manner.
Adjacent solar collector assemblies 30 can be mounted in a similar manner and linked by the addition of collector steering arm 19 between the existing solar collector array 26 and the new collector assembly 20 being added to the array. In this manner a significant number of solar collector assemblies 30 can be configured in array 26 and be driven by a single synchronous motor with minimal additional load on the motor.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.
The top latitudinal pivot 5 is secured to two telescoping azimuth supports consisting of an upper 23 and lower 22 section, wherein the upper section 23 can be telescopically adjusted with respect to the lower section 23. The lower telescoping supports 22 are pivotably secured to a support beam or rod 21 which is fixed to two or more base fraznes 24 associated with each solar collector panel 1 in the solar collector array 26, which are situated the furthest fi=om the solar collector panels 1. By telescopically adjusting the azimuth supports 23, the azimuth of each solar collector panel 1 can be adjusted to optimize the solar collection efficiency of the panel 1 base on the azimuth of the sun in the sky due to seasonal changes.
Each solar panel support frame 2 has a collector steering frame attached to the lower 16, lower mid 18, and upper 17 parts of the support frame 2 on each side. The collector steering frame 2 lower 16, upper 17, and mid sections 18 pyramidally converge and connect to a collector steering arm 19. The distal end of the steering arm 19 is pivotally connected by steering pivot 20 to the array steering arm 28. Array steering arms 28 can be linked for each collector panel assembly 30 that is added to the array 26.
At least one array steering arm 28 in the solar collector array 26 can have a rack 13 centered at the mid point of the arm 28, which can be driven by a pinion 12 attached to a drive motor 31 either continuously or is short durations to synchronize the pointing direction of the solar collector panels with the direction of the sun as it traverses the sky latitudinally.
The drive motor mount 11 is attached to drive support frame 10 positioned between two solar collector panels 1. The drive support frame telescopes and rotates about drive support beam 7 on drive support pivot 8, which is located on the drive support beam 7 by drive pivot retainers 9 on each side. The drive support frame 10 telescopes and pivots in order to accommodate azimuth orientation changes of the solar collector array 26.
The solar collector assemblies 30 are substantially balanced about their longitudinal central axis on which they are mounted by the latitudinal pivots 4 and 5, thereby minimizing the force required to sweep each panel in a latitudinal manner.
Adjacent solar collector assemblies 30 can be mounted in a similar manner and linked by the addition of collector steering arm 19 between the existing solar collector array 26 and the new collector assembly 20 being added to the array. In this manner a significant number of solar collector assemblies 30 can be configured in array 26 and be driven by a single synchronous motor with minimal additional load on the motor.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.
Claims (10)
1. A solar autotracker comprising at least one solar panel pivotally mounted on a frame by at least one pivot mount mounted on said frame and cooperating between said at least one solar panel and said frame, said at least one azimuth pivot mount oriented for pivoting rotation of said at least one solar panel so as to track solar position of the sun during daylight hours, a pivot drive arm mounted behind said at least one solar panel, an actuator cooperating between said drive arm and said frame for selective pivoting of said at least one solar panel about corresponding said at least on pivot mount said actuator including a timing sequencer adapted to evenly sequence actuation of said actuator throughout said daylight hours.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuator includes a single synchronous motor and a cooperating rack and pinion.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said rack is mounted to said arm and said motor is mounted to said frame, and wherein said pinion, is mounted to said motor so as to engage said rack.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said arm is telescopic so as to allow adjustment of an azimuth orientation of said at least one solar panel about said least one pivot mount.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said at least one pivot mounts are a vertically spaced apart pair of azimuth pivots at the top and bottom of each of said at least one solar panel.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising pyramidal supports behind said corresponding at least on solar panel mounted to at least one end of said drive arm at an apex of said pyramidal supports.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said drive arm is pivotally mounted to said apex.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said at least one solar panel includes at least a prior of solar panels mounted on said frame.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the pair of panels of said at least a pair of solar panels are mounted laterally spaced apart from one another on said frame and said pivots+ mounts are mounted on. both a top and bottom of each solar panel of said pair of solar panels.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said arm is substantially horizontal and extends between said pair of solar panels.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US469407P | 2007-11-30 | 2007-11-30 | |
| US61/004,694 | 2007-11-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2645465A1 true CA2645465A1 (en) | 2009-05-30 |
Family
ID=40673806
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002645465A Abandoned CA2645465A1 (en) | 2007-11-30 | 2008-11-28 | Solar autotracker |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2645465A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2012003585A1 (en) * | 2010-07-05 | 2012-01-12 | George Gregory Lessard | Solar panel deployment system |
| US8407950B2 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2013-04-02 | First Solar, Inc. | Photovoltaic module support system |
| CN104393828A (en) * | 2014-12-17 | 2015-03-04 | 苏州费米光电有限公司 | Angle-adjustable solar cell panel |
| CN113324339A (en) * | 2021-04-29 | 2021-08-31 | 王宁 | Cloud processing intelligent control solar heat collector |
-
2008
- 2008-11-28 CA CA002645465A patent/CA2645465A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2012003585A1 (en) * | 2010-07-05 | 2012-01-12 | George Gregory Lessard | Solar panel deployment system |
| US8407950B2 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2013-04-02 | First Solar, Inc. | Photovoltaic module support system |
| US9252307B2 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2016-02-02 | First Solar, Inc. | Photovoltaic module support system |
| US9413287B2 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2016-08-09 | First Solar, Inc. | Photovoltaic module support system |
| CN104393828A (en) * | 2014-12-17 | 2015-03-04 | 苏州费米光电有限公司 | Angle-adjustable solar cell panel |
| CN113324339A (en) * | 2021-04-29 | 2021-08-31 | 王宁 | Cloud processing intelligent control solar heat collector |
| CN113324339B (en) * | 2021-04-29 | 2022-12-13 | 中恒哈特(北京)机电工程技术有限公司 | Cloud processing intelligent control solar heat collector |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20121128 |