US20100192942A1 - Solar tracking system - Google Patents
Solar tracking system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100192942A1 US20100192942A1 US12/678,523 US67852308A US2010192942A1 US 20100192942 A1 US20100192942 A1 US 20100192942A1 US 67852308 A US67852308 A US 67852308A US 2010192942 A1 US2010192942 A1 US 2010192942A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tracking system
- solar tracking
- main
- tie
- rod
- 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
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
- F24S30/45—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes
- F24S30/458—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes with inclined primary axis
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2030/10—Special components
- F24S2030/13—Transmissions
- F24S2030/133—Transmissions in the form of flexible elements, e.g. belts, chains, ropes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2030/10—Special components
- F24S2030/13—Transmissions
- F24S2030/136—Transmissions for moving several solar collectors by common transmission elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2030/10—Special components
- F24S2030/13—Transmissions
- F24S2030/137—Transmissions for deriving one movement from another one, e.g. for deriving elevation movement from azimuth movement
-
- 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
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
-
- 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
Abstract
A solar tracking system enables an array of solar panels to track a path of the sun. The system includes a main support arm (205) having a hub end and a distal end. A rotatable main hub (220) is attached to the hub end of the main support arm (205). A support frame (215) is rotatably attached to the distal end of the main support arm (205). A tie-rod (210, 610) includes a swivel end and a frame end, and the swivel end is rotatably positioned adjacent to the main hub (220). The frame end of the tie-rod (210, 610) is connected to the support frame (215) above the distal end of the main support arm (205), such that rotation of the main hub (220) causes a vertical orientation of the support frame (215) to change.
Description
- The present invention relates to mechanisms for tracking movement of the sun. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a system for maintaining one or more solar panels facing the sun during the day to improve solar energy collection efficiency.
- Global warming and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions have resulted in an increased public awareness of solar energy use. Further, advanced technology has enabled the use of solar energy in residential and small scale commercial buildings to become more economically feasible. In particular, the costs of photovoltaic panels have decreased while operating efficiencies of such panels have significantly increased.
- Other technologies associated with solar panels have also advanced. For example, various companies have attempted to improve mounting and tracking capabilities of solar panels. It is well known that when a solar panel is enabled to track the movement of the sun from east to west—so that a normal vector extending from a plane of the solar panel always remains pointed at the sun—the amount of energy collected by the solar panel can be greatly improved. Energy collection efficiency associated with a tracking solar panel can be almost 60% higher than an efficiency of a similar panel that is simply mounted in a static position. A solar panel that tracks the sun generally must be pivoted about at least two axes: a first axis that pivots horizontally from east to west; and a second axis that pivots vertically upward from the horizon during the morning and downward toward the horizon during the afternoon.
- The prior art therefore includes numerous devices and systems designed to enable a solar panel to track the movement of the sun. For example, such prior art includes the following:
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,621 to Siryj, B, filed Mar. 18, 1980, titled “Solar Tracking Apparatus”, discloses a solar array support member pivotally secured to the upper end of a support post for rotation about a horizontal axis. The support post is driven about a vertical axis. A motor and pulley system drive a rotating disc secured to the post to set the elevation position of the support member. A second motor and pulley system drive the post about its vertical axis with respect to a base.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,962 to Hultberg, D, filed Jan. 30, 1981, titled “Solar Tracking Apparatus and System”, discloses an apparatus comprising a pair of concentric shafts oriented parallel to the earth's rotational axis with one shaft being rotated by a motor at one revolution per day, so that a yoke rigidly attached to the shaft will follow the diurnal motion of the sun. A second concentric shaft is rotated at a rate relative to the first shaft and, by means of a spherical four-bar linkage, automatically produces a rotational oscillation of a support or gimbal mounted on the yoke equal to the yearly declination of the sun.
- International application PCT/DE94/00612 to Berger, A., filed Jun. 1, 1994, titled “Sun-Following Device”, discloses the use of an energy-storing counterweight in a base of a first solar panel that is hydraulically linked to an energy-storing counterweight in a base of a second solar panel. The counterweights are attached to linkage associated with their respective solar panels to enable movement of the solar panels.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,442 to Haber, M. filed Jan. 29, 2001, titled “Solar Panel Tilt Mechanism”, discloses a tilt mechanism associated with an array of solar panels whereby effort required to tilt the solar panels is reduced by appropriate placement of first and second tilt axes with respect to the centre of mass and/or centre of pressure of the panels due to wind.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,145 to Buron, V. et al., filed Aug. 24, 2001, titled “Solar Seeker”, discloses a solar panel carriage assembly, a mounting assembly, and a travel assembly to enable a solar panel to automatically track the sun.
- However, the prior art devices and systems described above generally require either complex components such as multiple motors or hydraulic systems, non-durable components such as numerous small gearing mechanisms, or single-panel specific components that cannot be easily linked to move multiple panels in a solar panel array. Further, motion of some prior art sun tracking systems is restricted so that only a partial path of the sun when above the horizon can be tracked. There is therefore a need for an improved solar tracking system that overcomes one or more of these disadvantages.
- Therefore, an object of some embodiments of the present invention is to overcome or alleviate one or more limitations of the prior art, including providing an improved solar tracking system.
- Another object of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved solar tracking system that includes durable and robust components that enables a long, low-maintenance service life.
- Another object of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved solar tracking system that can move multiple solar panels arranged in an array.
- Another object of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved solar tracking system that can move multiple solar panels through multiple degrees of freedom using only a single drive mechanism.
- A further object of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved solar tracking system that enables attached solar panels to deflect in high winds, thereby reducing wind-induced forces on associated mounting hardware.
- Still another object of some embodiments of the present invention is to provide an improved solar tracking system that enables a solar panel to be positioned fully vertically to point directly at the horizon, thus enabling increased energy collection efficiency during the early morning and late afternoon. Still further objects will be evident from the following detailed description.
- According to one aspect, the present invention is a solar tracking system, comprising:
- a main support arm having a hub end and a distal end;
- a rotatable main hub attached to the hub end of the main support arm;
- a support frame rotatably attached to the distal end of the main support arm; and
- a tie-rod having a swivel end and a frame end, the swivel end rotatably positioned adjacent to the main hub and the frame end connected to the support frame above the distal end of the main support arm, whereby rotation of the main hub causes a vertical orientation of the support frame to change.
- Optionally, the tie-rod comprises a spring mechanism.
- Optionally, the swivel end of the tie-rod is connected to a tie-rod bracket extending from a centre post of the main hub, wherein the main hub is rotatable relative to the centre post.
- Optionally, the support frame comprises a solar panel support frame.
- Optionally, the main hub comprises a pulley or sprocket for causing rotation of the main hub.
- Optionally, the solar tracking system further comprises an array including a plurality of main hubs supporting a plurality of support frames, wherein each main hub in the plurality of main hubs is attached to a central support rail.
- Optionally, the swivel end of the tie-rod is connected to a rear pillar mount.
- Optionally, the solar tracking system further comprises a clamping sleeve for attaching the rear pillar mount to a support rail, and another clamping sleeve for attaching the main hub to the support rail.
- Optionally, a distance between the main hub and the rear pillar mount is adjustable.
- Optionally, the solar tracking system further comprises a ball joint at the swivel end of the tie-rod and a ball joint at the frame end of the tie-rod.
- Optionally, a length of the tie-rod is adjustable.
- Optionally, a distance between the main hub and the rear pillar mount is adjustable.
- Optionally, the solar tracking system further comprises an electric motor to power a drive cable or sprocket engaging the main hub.
- Optionally, the electric motor is controlled by a timer or a position sensor.
- Optionally, the main support arm, the rotatable main hub, the support frame, and the tie-rod define a pivotable base mechanism.
- To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a top perspective view of a solar panel array, including a plurality of pivotable base mechanisms, mounted on a roof of a building such as a house in the southern hemisphere, according to some embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a close-up, top view of a pivotable base mechanism ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a close-up, side view of a pivotable base mechanism ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a close-up, top view of a pivotable base mechanism aligned in the same orientation shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a close-up, rear view of a pivotable base mechanism ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a close-up, side view of a pivotable base mechanism, according to some alternative embodiments of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a close-up, partial cut-away view of a linear spring gas strut tie-rod, according to some embodiments of the present invention. - Embodiments of the present invention comprise a solar tracking system. Elements of the invention are illustrated in concise outline form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to clutter the disclosure with excessive detail that will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present description.
- In this patent specification, adjectives such as first and second, up and down, above and below, top and bottom, etc., are used solely to define one element or method step from another element or method step without necessarily requiring a specific relative position or sequence that is described by the adjectives. Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are not used to define an exclusive set of elements or method steps. Rather, such words merely define a minimum set of elements or method steps included in a particular embodiment of the present invention.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , a diagram illustrates a top perspective view of asolar panel array 100 mounted on aroof 105 of a building such as a house in the southern hemisphere, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Thesolar panel array 100 includes five solar panels 110-n (i.e., 110-1 through 110-5) that are shown pivoted to a near-vertical position facing to the East. As shown, the solar panels 110-n are ready to receive sunlight from the north-eastern horizon during the early morning. Each solar panel 110-n is attached to a pivotable base mechanism 115-n that enables the solar panels 110-n to pivot simultaneously about both a horizontal and a vertical axis to track the position of the sun from when, for example, it rises in the Northeast to when it sets in the Northwest during winter in the southern hemisphere. - A
drive cable 120 is shown engaging each of the pivotable base mechanisms 115-n. Acable actuator 125 is also connected to thedrive cable 120 and powers movement of thedrive cable 120. Thecable actuator 125 includes anelectric motor 130 and a controller and can be mounted, for example, on theroof 105 or on one of a plurality ofsupport brackets 145. - A central support rail in the form of a
central support pipe 140, such as a standard steel plumbing pipe, is mounted to theroof 105 using thesupport brackets 145, and extends beneath each pivotable base mechanism 115-n. Each pivotable base mechanism 115-n is then clamped to thecentral support pipe 140. A light sensingelectronic eye 150, which are well known by those having ordinary skill in the art, can be mounted on one of the solar panels 110-n, such as on the solar panel 110-1, to enable automatic determination of a present position of the sun. Also, a timer can be mounted on one of the solar panels 110-n to time movement of the pivotable base mechanisms 115-n. Theelectronic eye 150 and the timer can be operatively connected to the controller 135 using wired or wireless connection means. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , a diagram illustrates a close-up, top view of one of the pivotable base mechanisms 115-n, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The pivotable base mechanisms 115-n each include amain support arm 205, a tie-rod 210, and a solarpanel support frame 215. For clarity, inFIG. 2 and all subsequent figures the solar panel 110-n is removed from the solarpanel support frame 215 and is not shown. Themain support arm 205 is attached at a hub end to amain hub 220, which is bolted to thecentral support pipe 140. A distal end of themain support arm 205 is attached to the solarpanel support frame 215. Themain support arm 205 thus, in use, supports the weight of the solarpanel support frame 215 and an attached solar panel 110-n, and can rotate relative to thecentral support pipe 140. Thedrive cable 120 is wrapped around and engages apulley 225 attached to themain hub 220, and thus linear movement of thedrive cable 120 causes rotational movements of themain hub 220 and themain support arm 205. Further,bearings 230 at the distal end of themain support arm 205 enable pivoting of the solarpanel support frame 215 between vertical and horizontal orientations. - A first ball joint 235 at a swivel end of the tie-
rod 210 is connected to a distal end of a tie-rod bracket 239 that is fixed relative to thecentral support pipe 140. A second ball joint 240 at a frame end of the tie-rod 210 is bolted to the solarpanel support frame 215 above thebearings 230.Frame flanges 245 are used to bolt a solar panel 110-n to the solarpanel support frame 215. - As described in more detail below, the tie-
rod 210 may comprise a linear spring to enable the solar panels 110-n to lean over under high winds, and thus reduce high wind forces on thesolar panel array 100, which forces otherwise could potentially damage the solar panels 110-n, the pivotable base mechanisms 115-n, or roofing structures to which thesupport brackets 145 are attached. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , a diagram illustrates a close-up, side view of one of the pivotable base mechanisms 115-n, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The pivotable base mechanism 115-n is shown rotated relative to thecentral support pipe 140 so that themain support arm 205 and the tie-rod 210 are both parallel to each other and parallel to thecentral support pipe 140 in a vertical plane. Such rotation away from the position shown inFIG. 2 causes a distance between the first ball joint 235 and thebearings 230 at the distal end of themain support arm 205 to increase. That in turn causes the second ball joint 240 to pull on abracket 300 of the solarpanel support frame 215 and pivot the solarpanel support frame 215 backward about thebearings 230 and to a position, as shown, about 45 degrees between the vertical and horizontal. - Shown in a partial cut-away view of the
main hub 220, amain hub bolt 305 secures the tie-rod bracket 239 above themain hub 220, which enables the tie-rod 210 to swing over themain hub 220. Themain hub bolt 305 bolts directly to ahub post 325. A clampingsleeve 320 welded to thehub post 325 is used to clamp thehub post 325 to thecentral support pipe 140 usingbolts 330.Bearings 335 inside themain hub 220 enable themain support arm 205 to rotate relative to thehub post 325; whereas the tie-rod bracket 239 is rigidly connected to a clampingcollet 336 that fits over thehub post 325. The tie-rod bracket 239 thus remains generally parallel to thecentral support pipe 140 in a vertical plane. - A distance between the
main hub 220 and the swivel end of the tie-rod 210 thus remains substantially constant when themain hub 220 rotates relative to thecentral support pipe 140. - The clamping
collet 336 also secures thebearings 335 to thehub post 325. The clampingcollet 336 is driven between a bearingradius corner 338 and thehub post 325 and prevents the tie-rod bracket 239 from rotating relative to thecentral support pipe 140. Releasing themain hub bolt 305 enables the tie-rod bracket 239 to be rotated around thehub post 325 to locate, for example, a North position in Southern hemisphere locations. - The orientation of the pivotable base mechanism 115-n shown in
FIG. 3 is thus used, for example, around noon when the sun is highest in the sky and is shining from the North (in the Southern hemisphere). Depending on the season and the latitudinal position of the pivotable base mechanism 115-n, increasing an effective length of the bracket 300 (e.g., by loosening a bolt through the second ball joint 240 and sliding the bolt in aslot 337 in thebracket 300 toward a distal end of the bracket 300) will cause the solarpanel support frame 215 to assume a more vertical orientation. For example, at equatorial latitudes where the sun is nearly directly over-head at noon, the second ball joint 240 should be positioned in theslot 337 so that the solarpanel support frame 215 approaches horizontal when the tie-rod 210 is parallel to themain support arm 205; whereas in high latitude regions where the sun remains at a low azimuth at noon, the second ball joint 240 should be positioned in theslot 337 to provide a greater effective length of thebracket 300, which causes the solarpanel support frame 215 to assume a more vertical orientation that is normal to the sun. - Further, finer seasonal adjustments of the horizontal orientation of the solar
panel support frame 215 can be made by rotating anut 350 on the tie-rod 210, which extends or reduces an effective length of thetie rod 210. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , a diagram illustrates a close-up, top view of one of the pivotable base mechanisms 115-n aligned in the same orientation shown inFIG. 3 , according to some embodiments of the present invention. This illustrates the substantially horizontal orientation of the solarpanel support frame 215 compared to the substantially vertical orientation of the solarpanel support frame 215 shown inFIG. 2 . - Referring to
FIG. 5 , a diagram illustrates a close-up, rear view of one of the pivotable base mechanisms 115-n, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The solarpanel support frame 215 is illustrated in a substantially vertical orientation facing to the East (similar to the orientation shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ). Anoutline image 500 using broken lines then illustrates a comparable substantially vertical orientation of the solarpanel support frame 215 facing to the West. - The
solar panel array 100 is therefore enabled to cause each solar panel 110-n and an associated solarpanel support frame 215 to obtain a substantially vertical orientation in the morning facing the sun on the horizon in the East. Then, powered by a linear motion of thedrive cable 120 using thecable actuator 125, each solarpanel support frame 215 rotates slowly to the North as themain hub 220 rotates, following the arc of the sun during the morning. Simultaneously, each solarpanel support frame 215 pivots back slowly away from the vertical as the sun rises higher above the horizon. Thus normal vectors extending away from each solar panel 110-n remain pointing directly at the sun. Around noon, each solarpanel support frame 215 is positioned in its most horizontal orientation (as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 ), as the sun is then highest in the sky. During the afternoon, themain hub 220 continues to rotate and each solarpanel support frame 215 again rises toward a vertical orientation, now facing the West as the sun sets. As will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, the controller 135 can be programmed to move thecable actuator 125 according to a simple timer or according to a position sensor such as theelectronic eye 150. - A length of the tie-
bar 210 and/or an effective length of thebracket 300, as discussed above, can be periodically and incrementally adjusted to account for seasonal changes in the path of the sun. For example, at the beginning of a season a configuration of a pivotable base mechanism 115-n can be set based on a known arc of the sun during the middle of that season. Alternatively, a pivotable base mechanism 115-n can be fixed at a single configuration based on an average annual arc of the sun. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , a diagram illustrates a close-up, side view of a pivotable base mechanism 615-n, according to some alternative embodiments of the present invention. Similar to the pivotable base mechanisms 115-n, the pivotable base mechanism 615-n is shown rotated relative to thecentral support pipe 140 so that themain support arm 205 and a tie-rod 610 are both parallel to each other and parallel to thecentral support pipe 140 in a vertical plane. Arear pillar mount 605 supports a first ball joint 607 above amain hub 620, which enables the tie-rod 610 to swing over themain hub 620. Asecond clamping sleeve 612 at a base of therear pillar mount 605 is used to clamp the rear pillar mount 605 to thecentral support pipe 140 usingbolts 617. Similarly, a clampingsleeve 320 at a base of ahub post 625 of themain hub 620 is used to clamp thehub post 625 to thecentral support pipe 140 usingbolts 330. Thus, according to this alternative embodiment, the tie-rod 610 is connected to thecentral support pipe 140 independently of themain hub 620. The embodiment shown inFIG. 6 thus can be distinguished from the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , where the tie-rod 210 is shown connected through themain hub 220 to thesingle clamping sleeve 320. - Shown in a partial cut-away view of the
main hub 620,bearings 635 inside themain hub 620 enable amain support arm 205 to rotate relative to ahub post 625. Neglecting any minor springing or bending motion of therear pillar mount 605, a distance between themain hub 620 and the swivel end of the tie-rod 610 remains substantially constant when themain hub 620 rotates relative to thecentral support pipe 140. - The orientation of the pivotable base mechanism 615-n shown in
FIG. 6 is used, for example, around noon when the sun is highest in the sky and is shining from the North (when the pivotable base mechanism 615-n is employed in the southern hemisphere). Depending on the season and the latitudinal position of the pivotable base mechanism 615-n, increasing the distance between therear pillar mount 605 and the main hub 620 (e.g., by sliding thesecond clamping sleeve 612 along thecentral support pipe 140 away from the clamping sleeve 320) will cause the solarpanel support frame 215 to assume a more horizontal orientation. For example, at equatorial latitudes where the sun is nearly directly over-head at noon, therear pillar mount 605 should be positioned so that the solarpanel support frame 215 is nearly horizontal when the tie-rod 610 is parallel to themain support arm 205. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , a diagram illustrates a close-up, partial cut-away view of the tie-rod rod rod rod - As shown, the tie-
rod spring gas strut 705 bolted into a mountingpipe 710. The mountingpipe 710 is then bolted to the tie-rod bracket 239 or to therear pillar mount 605 through the first ball joint 235 or 607, respectively, depending on various embodiments of the present invention. Thegas strut 705 includes afirst compression chamber 715 in which a gas is compressed when a tensile force is applied to thestrut 705, and asecond compression chamber 720 in which a gas is compressed when a compressive force is applied to thestrut 705. Awear ring 725 slides against thestrut 705 when thestrut 705 moves in and out of the mountingpipe 710. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various embodiments of the present invention can include other types of tie-rods, such as simple rigid tie-rods and tie-rods incorporating various types of spring mechanisms such as damped mechanical coil springs and undamped springs.
- Various other embodiments and modifications of the present invention are also enabled by the present disclosure. For example, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various reconfigurations of the embodiments shown in
FIGS. 1 through 7 are possible, while still accomplishing the features and functions of the solar tracking system of the present invention. For example, various relative dimensions of the components of thesolar panel array 100 can be changed, and various alternative types of components can be substituted. For example, various different fastener and connection mechanisms, including welding and unitary construction of components, can be employed to achieve the functionality enabled by the teachings of the present invention. - As will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, the
solar panel array 100 also can be mounted in various locations besides rooftops. For example, thearray 100 can be mounted directly on the ground, on various stationary structures, or on vehicles, and can be scaled up or down to support different size solar panels. - Further, the embodiments illustrated in the drawings comprise an array of multiple solar panels 110-n. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the teachings of the present invention also enable construction and use of a single pivotable base mechanism 115-n to track the path of the sun. In such an embodiment, the
pulley 225 can be replaced by a direct-drive mechanism such as a motorized sprocket. - The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. This patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.
Claims (14)
1. A solar tracking system, comprising:
a main support arm having a hub end and a distal end;
a rotatable main hub attached to the hub end of the main support arm;
a support frame rotatably attached to the distal end of the main support arm; and
a tie-rod having a swivel end and a frame end, the swivel end rotatably positioned adjacent to the main hub and the frame end connected to the support frame above the distal end of the main support arm, whereby rotation of the main hub causes a vertical orientation of the support frame to change.
2. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the tie-rod comprises a spring mechanism.
3. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the swivel end of the tie-rod is connected to tie-rod bracket extending from a centre post of the main hub, wherein the main hub is rotatable relative to the centre post.
4. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the support frame comprises a solar panel support frame.
5. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the main hub comprises a pulley or sprocket for causing rotation of the main hub.
6. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the solar tracking system further comprises an array including a plurality of main hubs supporting a plurality of support frames, wherein each main hub in the plurality of main hubs is attached to a central support rail.
7. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the swivel end of the tie-rod is connected to a rear pillar mount.
8. The solar tracking system according to claim 7 , wherein the solar tracking system further comprises a clamping sleeve for attaching the rear pillar mount to a support rail, and another clamping sleeve for attaching the main hub to the support rail.
9. The solar tracking system according to claim 7 , wherein a distance between the main hub and the rear pillar mount is adjustable.
10. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the solar tracking system further comprises a ball joint at the swivel end of the tie-rod and a ball joint at the frame end of the tie-rod.
11. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein a length of the tie-rod is adjustable.
12. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the solar tracking system further comprises an electric motor to power a drive cable or sprocket engaging the main hub.
13. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the electric motor is controlled by a timer or a position sensor.
14. The solar tracking system according to claim 1 , wherein the main support arm, the rotatable main hub, the support frame, and the tie-rod define a pivotable base mechanism.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2007905197 | 2007-09-24 | ||
AU2007905197A AU2007905197A0 (en) | 2007-09-24 | Solar tracking system | |
AU2007906960 | 2007-12-19 | ||
AU2007906960A AU2007906960A0 (en) | 2007-12-19 | Solar tracking system | |
PCT/AU2008/000772 WO2009039556A1 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2008-05-30 | Solar tracking system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100192942A1 true US20100192942A1 (en) | 2010-08-05 |
Family
ID=40510652
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/678,523 Abandoned US20100192942A1 (en) | 2007-09-24 | 2008-05-30 | Solar tracking system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100192942A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2008303046A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009039556A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100229851A1 (en) * | 2009-03-11 | 2010-09-16 | Reynolds Glenn A | Drive mechanism for a solar concentrator assembly |
US20110061644A1 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2011-03-17 | Pizzarello Guy A | Low profile solar tracking systems & methods |
US20120180780A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | Hsien-Te Tseng | Solar panel sun-tracing equipment |
US20150285536A1 (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2015-10-08 | Ideematec Deutschland Gmbh | Stabilizing System |
US9995506B2 (en) | 2013-10-20 | 2018-06-12 | Sulas Industries, Inc. | Cable drive system for solar tracking |
US20190036359A1 (en) * | 2017-07-26 | 2019-01-31 | Remvo Inc. | Portable power supply device |
CN110573807A (en) * | 2017-03-02 | 2019-12-13 | 阵列科技股份有限公司 | Spring balance assembly and solar tracker including the same |
US11480002B2 (en) * | 2019-11-05 | 2022-10-25 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Power tailgate having manual operation feature |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2012015378A1 (en) * | 2010-07-29 | 2012-02-02 | Micah Andretich | Sustainable, mobile, expandable structure |
US8544221B2 (en) | 2010-09-23 | 2013-10-01 | Hyperion Systems Llc | Adjustable racking system for solar array and method of construction of a solar array |
US8407950B2 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2013-04-02 | First Solar, Inc. | Photovoltaic module support system |
RU2606049C2 (en) * | 2014-09-12 | 2017-01-10 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное научное учреждение Федеральный научный агроинженерный центр ВИМ (ФГБНУ ФНАЦ ВИМ) | Method for automatic sun orientation of solar energy sources and control circuit of tracking system |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4295621A (en) * | 1980-03-18 | 1981-10-20 | Rca Corporation | Solar tracking apparatus |
US4345582A (en) * | 1979-11-19 | 1982-08-24 | Aharon Naaman B | System for the utilization of solar energy |
US4476854A (en) * | 1983-11-14 | 1984-10-16 | Zomeworks Corporation | Gas spring solar tracker |
US4585318A (en) * | 1983-01-14 | 1986-04-29 | Dieter Seifert | Tracking device |
EP1710651A1 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2006-10-11 | Gümpelein, Manuela | Tracking device for a photovoltaic system |
WO2008010250A2 (en) * | 2006-07-21 | 2008-01-24 | Eric Research S.R.L. | Support device for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT8167605D0 (en) * | 1981-05-05 | 1981-05-05 | Bertaina F Lli | TRACKING DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUS ORIENTATION OF SOLAR COLLECTORS |
JPS57188965A (en) * | 1981-05-18 | 1982-11-20 | Takehisa Tomotsune | Sun tracking device for solar heat collector |
RU1802281C (en) * | 1991-02-20 | 1993-03-15 | Ovcharenko Nikolaj N | Heliotherary plant |
AU6732201A (en) * | 2000-05-31 | 2001-12-11 | Peter Swemers | Tracking device |
JP3906191B2 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2007-04-18 | 信一郎 柏崎 | Solar tracking device for solar power generation equipment |
DE202004002952U1 (en) * | 2004-02-26 | 2004-06-03 | Möller, Christian | Sun following base for solar collector panel has base with pillar having adjustable length connector rod to movable panel |
DE202006015917U1 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2007-01-04 | Nießing Anlagenbau GmbH | Solar plant for use in building roof, has connecting rods, where change of inclination of holder is caused during pivoting of holder, and supporting stands connected with each other by wire and actuated by common servo-motor |
-
2008
- 2008-05-30 AU AU2008303046A patent/AU2008303046A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-05-30 WO PCT/AU2008/000772 patent/WO2009039556A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-05-30 US US12/678,523 patent/US20100192942A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4345582A (en) * | 1979-11-19 | 1982-08-24 | Aharon Naaman B | System for the utilization of solar energy |
US4295621A (en) * | 1980-03-18 | 1981-10-20 | Rca Corporation | Solar tracking apparatus |
US4585318A (en) * | 1983-01-14 | 1986-04-29 | Dieter Seifert | Tracking device |
US4476854A (en) * | 1983-11-14 | 1984-10-16 | Zomeworks Corporation | Gas spring solar tracker |
EP1710651A1 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2006-10-11 | Gümpelein, Manuela | Tracking device for a photovoltaic system |
WO2008010250A2 (en) * | 2006-07-21 | 2008-01-24 | Eric Research S.R.L. | Support device for photovoltaic panels with azimuth and altitude solar tracking |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100229851A1 (en) * | 2009-03-11 | 2010-09-16 | Reynolds Glenn A | Drive mechanism for a solar concentrator assembly |
US8950391B2 (en) * | 2009-03-11 | 2015-02-10 | Gossamer Space Frames | Drive mechanism for a solar concentrator assembly |
US20110061644A1 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2011-03-17 | Pizzarello Guy A | Low profile solar tracking systems & methods |
US9347692B2 (en) | 2009-11-24 | 2016-05-24 | Guy A. Pizzarello | Low profile solar tracking systems and methods |
US9729102B2 (en) | 2009-11-24 | 2017-08-08 | Guy A. Pizzarello | Low profile solar tracking systems and methods |
US20120180780A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | Hsien-Te Tseng | Solar panel sun-tracing equipment |
US20150285536A1 (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2015-10-08 | Ideematec Deutschland Gmbh | Stabilizing System |
US9927150B2 (en) * | 2012-11-19 | 2018-03-27 | Ideematec Deutschland Gmbh | Stabilizing system |
US9995506B2 (en) | 2013-10-20 | 2018-06-12 | Sulas Industries, Inc. | Cable drive system for solar tracking |
CN110573807A (en) * | 2017-03-02 | 2019-12-13 | 阵列科技股份有限公司 | Spring balance assembly and solar tracker including the same |
US20190036359A1 (en) * | 2017-07-26 | 2019-01-31 | Remvo Inc. | Portable power supply device |
US11480002B2 (en) * | 2019-11-05 | 2022-10-25 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. | Power tailgate having manual operation feature |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2008303046A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
WO2009039556A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20100192942A1 (en) | Solar tracking system | |
US6302099B1 (en) | Modular solar tracking frame | |
AU2011244918B2 (en) | A Solar Tracking System | |
TWI424136B (en) | Two-axes solar tracker system and apparatus for solar panel and likes | |
JP5230025B2 (en) | Tilt assembly for solar collector assembly | |
CA2794602C (en) | High efficiency counterbalanced dual axis solar tracking array frame system | |
CN101755342B (en) | Rolling motion tracking solar assembly | |
EP2276981B1 (en) | Sun tracker device | |
US8807129B2 (en) | Tracker drive system and solar energy collection system | |
US20130118099A1 (en) | High efficiency conterbalanced dual axis solar tracking array frame system | |
US20100193013A1 (en) | Solar power plant | |
US20170025989A1 (en) | A pole mountable solar tracking device | |
US20130139805A1 (en) | Solar Concentrator with Support System and Solar Tracking | |
KR20070117396A (en) | Solar power plant having solar tracking apparatus | |
US20130291926A1 (en) | Solar Tracking Apparatus | |
AU2011296635A2 (en) | Solar panel assembly | |
US20220149774A1 (en) | Rocking solar panel sun tracking mounting system | |
CN101916116A (en) | Polar axis tracking device of solar collector | |
WO2011043757A1 (en) | Two axis ground based solar tracking system for large-scale solar collectors | |
KR20100023935A (en) | A solar photovoltaic generator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GLOBAL PRODUCT DESIGN PTY LTD, AUSTRALIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:JONES, COLIN;REEL/FRAME:024134/0181 Effective date: 20100320 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |