AU2010101396A4 - Ecliptic Tracker - Google Patents

Description

Specification - Ecliptic Tracker - Craig Gleeson IP Customer Number 9610328537 Specification Title: Ecliptic Tracker Description: Centre Pole mounted duel axis PV solar panel tracking system. System Claims: * 260* (130* West 1300 East) azimuth tracking * 900 Elevation Tracking * Provides as close to maximum system output as possible for the location, and atmospheric conditions, by positioning the panels at the optimal angle of incident to the sun, every 15 minutes of a degree, 365 days a year. * The linear actuator PCI controller utillses astronomical equations to calculate optimal angle of incident providing a high level of accuracy. * System will significantly increase potential solar power production by up to 160% when compared with fixed PV panels at 30* elevation, orientated to north. As published in Journal of Applied Science 9(22) 2009. (Actual figures will vary depending upon atmospheric conditions, longitude and latitude, elevation above or below sea level, man made structures and actual horizon.) Schedule of Drawings: 1. Entire System Plan & Elevation 2. Tracking Head Plan & Elevation 3. Panel Base Platform Hinge Plan & Elevation 4. Azimuth Tracking Range Plan Abstract: Duel axis tracking systems ensure that PV solar panels are set to the most optimal angle of incidents to the sun at the centre point of the panels. This varies depending upon your longitude, latitude and elevation. The Ecliptic Tracker tracks the apparent path of the sun across sky, in both the horizontal axis (azimuth) and the vertical axis (Elevation), through the use of linear actuators. By obtaining a full 2600 azimuth tracking will provide full daylight hour tracking 365 days a year, as far south as South Cape Bay in Tasmania Latitude -43* 37', servicing the entire Australian population. The 2600 azimuth tracking is achieved by using two linear actuators in series, connected to rotating tracking arms. The upper tacking arm is fixed to the tracking head (Figure 1 Tracking Head Arm). The lower tracking arm (Figure 1 Free Tracking Arm) rotates around the centre pole independently. The Tracking Head Arm and the Free Tracking Arm are connected by a linear actuator. The actuator bracket housing the body of the actuator is anchored to the Free Tracking arm, and the actuator piston rod is connected to the Tracking Head Arm. The second actuator is anchored to the west support pole. The actuator bracket housing the body of the actuator is anchored to the support pole and the piston rod connected to the Free Tracking Arm. When the linear actuator anchored to the west pole has moved the Free Tracking Arm and the Tracking Head Arm, around the centre pole axis through 130, the second actuator connecting the Free Tracking Arm and the Tracking Head Arm then moves the Tracking Head Arm trough another 130* in relation to the Free Tracking Arm. To ensure the tracking arms and system have adequate clearance and to achieve full 900 elevation tracking, an offset hinge is used to connect the Tracking Head Hinge (Figure 1) point to the Panels. The elevation tracking actuator is connected to the Elevation Tracking Anchor (Figure 1), and a connecting arm located on panel centre support structure ensuring the elevation system rotates fully independently of the azimuth tracking providing fully independent duel axis movement. Friday, 10 December 2010 Page 1 of 3 Specification - Ecliptic Tracker - Craig Gleeson iP Customer Number 9610328537 The Tracking Head is bolted to the fixed centre pole, along the centre pole axis, using a tube bolt (hollow bolt) to allow cables to pass through the Tracking head at the axis point. The bolt is welded to the centre tube. Two large washers are used, one between the Tracking Head and the centre pole, the other between the locking nut and the Tracking Head. The tracking head is able to rotate around the centre pole while eliminating cable tangle and/or damage. Irs.ov.hailI, Figure 1 The cables pass through conduit, inside the centre pole, exiting the centre pole through a hole underneath the rotating arms. The conduit continues to the electrical system mounting panel fixed between the two support poles. The support poles provide a strong support base and protection for the electrical equipment panel. All electrical equipment will be mounted to the equipment panel, such as inverters, actuator controllers, system switches, as well as any optional items. For safety a second switch is located outside the Panels operating area, either on its own pole or at the meter box. This switch will provide three basic controls. A) Turn the system off B) Returning the system to the maintenance position C) Tum the system on The maintenance position is where the panels are facing north, and the panels are in the vertical position. This allows access to the panels for cleaning, removal etc, as well providing full access to the electrical equipment panel, providing safe full system access. All structural components, plate, angle, round and square tubing are made from high quality Australian steel, fabricated and then treaded for corrosion by either powder coating or hot dipped galvanising. The system is designed to support from 8 panels through to 18 panels, subject to successful testing. Upon successful testing to 18 panels, further testing of up to a maximum of 30 panels will be conducted. Friday, 10 December 2010 Page 2 of 3 Specification - Ecliptic Tracker - Craig Gleeson P Customer Number 9610328537 System Options: Battery Power Supply Battery pack specified to the client requirements can be provided, to provide power to the actuators, and controls. These batteries can be charged using the panels, or alternative power supply. This can be used as a primary power supply or an optional backup power supply. Provide full system flexibility and stand alone installation in remote areas. System Advantages: * Full ecliptic tracking 365 days per year maximising system output. * Reduced power consumption when compared to gear & drive motor systems. * Comparable power consumption to single access systems, given increased system output, * Reduce effects of cloud cover, and other atmospheric "shading". Options: * PV Solar panels charge a battery pack for the actuator for power outages or standalone isolated installation. Friday, 10 December 2010 Page 3 of 3