US20160102891A1 - Device for Supporting a Length of a Control Bar of a Solar Tracking System - Google Patents
Device for Supporting a Length of a Control Bar of a Solar Tracking System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160102891A1 US20160102891A1 US14/888,470 US201414888470A US2016102891A1 US 20160102891 A1 US20160102891 A1 US 20160102891A1 US 201414888470 A US201414888470 A US 201414888470A US 2016102891 A1 US2016102891 A1 US 2016102891A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- control bar
- carrier cable
- length
- supporting
- receiving
- 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
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Classifications
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- 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
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/65—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
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- F24J2/54—
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/50—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules comprising elongate non-rigid elements, e.g. straps, wires or ropes
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- 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
- F24S30/452—Vertical primary axis
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- F24J2002/5434—
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- F24J2002/5493—
-
- 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
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- 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
- F24S2030/131—Transmissions in the form of articulated bars
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- 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
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- 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
- F24S2030/18—Load balancing means, e.g. use of counter-weights
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- 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
Definitions
- the invention relates to a device for supporting a length of a control bar connecting two elements separated from one another, in particular two solar modules of a solar tracking system.
- a solar module of the solar tracking system is connected to at least one of the adjacent solar modules by the intermediary of control bars which make it possible to transmit from one solar module to the other one or several movements allowing for the correct positioning over the course of time of the solar treatment element of the solar module.
- the solar module does not cast a shadow onto one of the adjacent solar modules, large distances separate said solar module from its neighbours. Consequently, the length of the control bar that makes it possible to connect said solar module to at least one of its neighbours is substantial. Consequently, under the effect of their own weight, these control bars become deformed by taking a bend, which can lead to a contact with the ground. This deformation and this contact with the ground are detrimental to the correct resistance, on the one hand and, on the other hand, to the precision of the movement transmitted as such from one solar module to the other.
- a device for supporting a length of a control bar connecting two elements separated from one another, with the control bar comprising a degree of freedom characterised in that it comprises a carrier cable extending vertically parallel and opposite the control bar, a series of hangers connecting the carrier cable to the control bar arranged as such to maintain the degree of freedom of the control bar.
- the use of a carrier cable associated with a series of hangers makes it possible to ensure that the control bar remains straight between the two solar modules separated from one another that it connects.
- the hangers are arranged as such to maintain the degree of freedom of the control bar that they support. Consequently, maintaining the control bar straight while still allowing it its degree of freedom, makes it possible to transmit from one solar module to the other the control movement or movements and this is a sustainable and precise manner.
- the device for supporting according to the invention has at least one of the following additional technical characteristics:
- FIGS. 1A to 1C are partial three-dimensional views of a first embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar;
- FIG. 2 is a partial three-dimensional view making it possible to show the connection of a second embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention with a solar module;
- FIG. 3 is a partial three-dimensional view that shows the second embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are partial three-dimensional views that show an alternative realisation of the second embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention.
- FIG. 3C is a partial three-dimensional view that shows a second alternative realisation of the second embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention.
- FIGS. 1A to 1C a first embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar shall now be described making it possible to maintain a large length of control bar arranged between two adjacent solar modules separated from one another, in such a way that this control bar remains straight in order to ensure a transmission of a movement from one solar module to the other in a sustainable and precise manner.
- a solar tracking system comprising so-called two-axis solar modules for which the transmission of the movement between two adjacent solar modules is carried out with two parallel control bars 4 , with each one of the control bars 4 transmitting a movement along a single axis.
- the device for supporting a length of a control bar comprises a mast 1 which is anchored in the ground supporting the solar modules of the solar tracking system.
- This anchoring in the ground can be carried out in different ways, well known to those skilled in the art.
- the mast 1 is anchored in the ground by driving in or by fastening to a concrete slab. All of these methods allow for a maintaining in position in a stable and sustainable manner of the mast 1 anchored as such in the ground.
- the device for supporting a length of a control bar comprises a transversal element that doubles as a spacer 2 and fastened at the free end of the mast 1 using a clamping system 21 .
- the clamping system 21 comprises a U-shaped metal rod of which the free ends of the branches of the U comprise a threading and pass through holes made for this purpose in this spacer 2 .
- the clamping in place of the spacer 2 on the mast 1 is accomplished by screwing nuts engaged with the threadings located at the free ends of the branches of the U of the metal wire forming the clamping system 21 .
- Such a clamping system 21 allows for an adjustment in height on the mast 1 of the spacer 2 .
- the latter comprises means which make it possible to each receive and support a control bar 4 .
- receiving and support housings which, each one, comprise a lower portion that forms a bearing 3 fastened to the end of the spacer 2 using fastening and clamping means 31 , here in the form of bolt+nut units.
- the receiving and support housing of the control bar 4 also comprises an upper portion 5 that forms the means for retaining the control bar 4 in the receiving and support housing. This upper portion 5 extends opposite the lower portion that forms a bearing 3 . Again, the upper portion 5 is mounted in a removable manner on the spacer 2 using fastening and clamping means 51 , here in the form of bolt+nut units.
- the first portion that forms a bearing 3 and the second upper portion forming a means of retaining 5 has complementary shapes of an outside surface of the control bar 4 intended to be received in the receiving and support housing.
- the two upper 5 and lower 3 portions hug the control bar 4 that they surround.
- an operating clearance J is provided between the receiving and support housing of the control bar that forms the upper 5 and lower 3 portions with the control bar 4 once the latter is received in the receiving and support housing.
- the presence of this operating clearance J allows the control bar 4 received as such to maintain a degree of freedom within the receiving and support housing of the control bar 4 .
- the degree of freedom is the movement of rotation of the control bar 4 about a longitudinal axis of said control bar 4 making it possible to transmit a movement of rotation between the two adjacent solar modules connected as such by the control bar 4 .
- the lower portion 3 that forms the receiving and support housing of the control bar is manufactured and carried out in a material that has for main characteristic a reduced coefficient of friction and an excellent resistance to the outside environment, in particular an excellent resistance to rain, ultraviolet rays and dust.
- the upper portion 5 of the receiving and support housing prevents, once set in place, the control bars 4 from exiting the receiving and support housing during an operation.
- a spacer 2 comprising at each one of its ends a receiving and support housing of a control bar as described above makes it possible not only to ensure that the control bar remains straight between the two solar modules that it connects but also to maintain and ensure a parallelism between the two control bars 4 in the framework of a two-axis solar tracking system.
- one or several devices for supporting a length of a control bar are installed between the two solar modules in a uniformly distributed manner.
- the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention comprises a carrier cable 10 as well as at least one hanger 30 that makes it possible to vertically connect the carrier cable 10 to the control bar 4 which is intended to be supported by the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 shows in what way is connected the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention to a solar module 140 that is part of a pair of adjacent solar modules separated from one another which will be connected by the control bar or the control bars 4 (in the framework of a two-axis solar tracking system, as shown here).
- the solar module 140 shall not be described in detail here, except that it comprises at a base a foot 110 which is connected to a base 100 made of concrete directly arranged in the ground, and this, using a fastening and anchoring system 120 .
- the first control bar 4 is connected to the solar module 140 using a first interface 150 .
- the solar module 140 comprises first means of anchoring 130 a first carrier cable which is positioned and extended opposite the first control bar 4 .
- This first control bar 4 will make it possible to transmit to the, or from the, solar module 140 a first movement according to a first axis.
- a second control bar 4 is connected to the solar module 140 by the intermediary of a second connection case 160 .
- the solar module 140 comprises second means of anchoring 170 a second carrier cable 10 which is positioned and which extends opposite the second control bar 4 .
- This second control bar 4 will make it possible to transmit from, or to, the solar module 140 a second movement according to the second axis.
- the first and second carrier cables 10 are fastened to this second solar module in a similar manner with means of fastening that fulfil a function similar to the means of fastening 130 , 170 .
- Means of adjusting a tension of the first and second carrier cables 10 are provided in order to adjust the tension of said carrier cables 10 .
- the means for adjusting a tension are known per se by those skilled in the art and shall not be described any further.
- the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention comprises a series of hangers 30 , of which here a single one is shown for each one of the control bars 4 , making it possible to connect the carrier cable 10 to the control bar 4 opposite which the carrier cable 10 extends.
- the series of hangers 30 can be in the number of one, two, three or more distributed uniformly over the length that separates the solar module 140 from the second solar module to which it is connected using control bars 4 and carrier cables 10 of the device for supporting lengths of a control bar according to the invention. This number is according to the length of the control bar 4 intended to be supported by the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention.
- the hanger 30 comprises a receiving and support housing 34 of the control bar 4 .
- the control bar 4 is received in its housing with an operating clearance J that allows the receiving and support housing of the control bar 34 to receive and to support said control bar 4 while still allowing the control bar 4 to maintain at least one degree of freedom, which is here a movement of rotation about a longitudinal axis of the control bar 4 .
- This operating clearance J allows the control bar 4 to rotate about its longitudinal axis without becoming locked within the receiving and support housing 34 of the hanger 30 .
- the hanger 30 comprises, extending from an upper end of the hanger 30 , a U-shaped housing 33 intended to receive the carrier cable 10 .
- This U-shaped housing extends over a predetermined length from an upper end of the hanger 30 , without however opening into the receiving and support housing 34 .
- the presence of this housing in the shape of a U 33 will make it possible to adjust a distance between the carrier cable 10 and the control bar 34 in order to ensure the fact that the control bar 34 be straight between the solar module 140 and the adjacent second solar module that it connects.
- the clamping in position of the hanger 30 on the carrier cable 10 is carried out using a clamping device 32 arranged transversally at the upper end of the hanger 30 through two branches that form the U-shaped housing.
- the use of this clamping system 32 shall make it possible to bring closer together the ends of the branches of the U forming the U-shaped housing 33 .
- the branches of the U of the U-shaped housing 33 will pinch the carrier cable 10 and as such maintain the distance chosen between the carrier cable 10 and the control bar 4 .
- the faces opposite the branches of the “U” forming the housing 33 have a series of recesses or cavities that make it possible to define a series of discrete positions of the carrier cable 10 within the housing in the shape of a “U” 33 , the carrier cable 10 then being received in a pair of opposite cavities or recesses.
- the hanger 30 In order to facilitate the assembly in place of the hanger 30 , the latter is carried out in two identical portions 31 and positioned symmetrically in relation to one another. A second clamping system 32 is provided at the lower end of the hanger 30 in order to ensure the assembly of the two portions 31 that form the hanger 30 .
- Other alternative realisations are possible of the hanger 30 in order to carry out its assembly in place.
- the hanger 30 is made from a material that has as main characteristic a reduced coefficient of friction in order to allow for good movement according to the degree of freedom of the control bar within the receiving and support housing 34 and which has an excellent resistance to the outside environment, in particular rain, ultraviolet rays and dust.
- the receiving and support housing 34 comprises a lower portion in contact with an outside surface of the control bar 34 . This lower portion forms a bearing.
- the receiving and support housing 34 comprises an upper portion opposite the lower portion that forms means for retaining the control bar in the receiving and support housing 34 of the hanger 30 .
- the device for supporting a control bar according to the invention comprises, in this alternative embodiment, two carrier cables 10 , of which a first carrier cable 10 extends opposite and over a first control bar 4 while the second carrier cable 10 extends in parallel to the first carrier cable 10 but in a manner offset in relation to the second control bar 4 in such a way that a distance between the two carrier cables 10 is lower than the distance between the two control bars 4 .
- the connection between the carrier cables 10 and the control bars 4 is carried out by a spacer 40 that has a first elbowed end 44 comprising a receiving and support housing 43 made in a manner similar to the receiving and support housing described hereinabove in the framework of the first embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar.
- the receiving and support housing 43 comprises a lower portion 3 that forms a bearing and made from a material that has as main characteristic a reduced coefficient of friction and an excellent resistance to the outside environment as described hereinabove and an upper portion 5 forming a means of retaining the control bar 4 .
- the lower portion 3 and the upper portion 5 are fastened as described previously for the first embodiment.
- the spacer 40 of the alternative embodiment of the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention comprises a hanger 30 similar to the hanger 30 described hereinabove in relation to FIG. 3 .
- This hanger 30 makes it possible to link according to a predetermined distance the first carrier cable 10 to the first control bar 4 along which the first carrier cable 10 is opposite as has been described hereinabove in liaison with the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the second carrier cable 10 is fastened in a housing 42 arranged before the elbowed end 44 of the spacer 40 .
- the housing 2 is carried out in the shape of a U from an upper or lower outside edge of the spacer 40 .
- the housing 42 in the shape of a U extends from the lower edge of the spacer 40 .
- the spacer 40 is pivoted about the second carrier cable 10 received in the housing 42 .
- a second role carried out by the spacer 40 is to make it possible to ensure the parallelism and the distance between the two control bars 4 connecting two adjacent solar modules of a so-called two-axis solar tracking system.
- the housing 42 comprises means for adjusting a height of the spacer 40 in relation to the carrier cable 10 received in this housing 42 .
- the relative positioning of the carrier cables 10 in relation to the control bars 4 is regardless.
- the two carrier cables 10 are replaced with a single carrier cable 10 .
- the number of carrier cables as well as the number of control bars can vary according to the needs and technical constraints.
- this second alternative embodiment is intended to support two control bars 4 extending in parallel to each other and makes it possible to connect two adjacent solar modules separated from one another in a so-called two-axis solar tracking system.
- this alternative embodiment of the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention is differentiated from the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 only by presence of a spacer 50 connecting two hangers 30 each located on a control bar 4 and opposite one another.
- a role fulfilled by the spacer 50 is to make it possible to ensure the parallelism and the distance between the two control bars 4 connecting two adjacent solar modules of a so-called two-axis solar tracking system.
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Abstract
A device for supporting a length of a control bar connecting two elements separated from one another, with the control bar having a degree of freedom. The device includes a carrier cable extending vertically parallel and opposite the control bar, with a series of hangers connecting the carrier cable to the control bar and arranged to maintain the degree of freedom of the control bar.
Description
- The invention relates to a device for supporting a length of a control bar connecting two elements separated from one another, in particular two solar modules of a solar tracking system.
- In a solar tracking system comprising a series of solar modules arranged on the ground at a distance from one another, a solar module of the solar tracking system is connected to at least one of the adjacent solar modules by the intermediary of control bars which make it possible to transmit from one solar module to the other one or several movements allowing for the correct positioning over the course of time of the solar treatment element of the solar module. So that, during an operation, the solar module does not cast a shadow onto one of the adjacent solar modules, large distances separate said solar module from its neighbours. Consequently, the length of the control bar that makes it possible to connect said solar module to at least one of its neighbours is substantial. Consequently, under the effect of their own weight, these control bars become deformed by taking a bend, which can lead to a contact with the ground. This deformation and this contact with the ground are detrimental to the correct resistance, on the one hand and, on the other hand, to the precision of the movement transmitted as such from one solar module to the other.
- For this purpose it is provided, according to the invention, a device for supporting a length of a control bar connecting two elements separated from one another, with the control bar comprising a degree of freedom, characterised in that it comprises a carrier cable extending vertically parallel and opposite the control bar, a series of hangers connecting the carrier cable to the control bar arranged as such to maintain the degree of freedom of the control bar.
- As such, the use of a carrier cable associated with a series of hangers makes it possible to ensure that the control bar remains straight between the two solar modules separated from one another that it connects. In addition the hangers are arranged as such to maintain the degree of freedom of the control bar that they support. Consequently, maintaining the control bar straight while still allowing it its degree of freedom, makes it possible to transmit from one solar module to the other the control movement or movements and this is a sustainable and precise manner.
- Advantageously, but optionally, the device for supporting according to the invention has at least one of the following additional technical characteristics:
-
- each hanger of the series of hangers comprises a receiving and support housing of the control bar arranged such as to maintain the degree of freedom of the control bar;
- the control bar is received in the receiving and support housing, with an operating clearance that maintains the degree of freedom of the control bar;
- the receiving and support housing comprises a first lower portion that forms a bearing;
- the first lower portion that forms a bearing comprises a material that has a reduced coefficient of friction and an excellent resistance to the outside environment;
- the receiving and support housing comprises a second upper portion that forms means for retaining the control bar in the receiving and support housing;
- each hanger comprises a housing in the shape of a “U”, extending vertically from an upper face of the hanger, arranged such as to receive the carrier cable by making it possible to adjust a distance between the carrier cable and the control bar;
- each hanger comprises means for locking the carrier cable in position in the housing in the shape of a “U”;
- the device for supporting that supports a length of a second control bar extending in parallel and at a distance from the first control bar, it further comprises means that form a spacer between the two control bars;
- the device comprises a second carrier cable extending in parallel and at a distance from the first carrier cable; and
- the means forming a spacer also form the hangers connecting the control bars to the carrier cable(s).
- Other characteristics and advantages of the invention shall appear during the description hereinafter of two embodiments. In the annexed drawings:
-
FIGS. 1A to 1C are partial three-dimensional views of a first embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar; -
FIG. 2 is a partial three-dimensional view making it possible to show the connection of a second embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention with a solar module; -
FIG. 3 is a partial three-dimensional view that shows the second embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are partial three-dimensional views that show an alternative realisation of the second embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention; and -
FIG. 3C is a partial three-dimensional view that shows a second alternative realisation of the second embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention. - In reference to
FIGS. 1A to 1C , a first embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar shall now be described making it possible to maintain a large length of control bar arranged between two adjacent solar modules separated from one another, in such a way that this control bar remains straight in order to ensure a transmission of a movement from one solar module to the other in a sustainable and precise manner. Note that, in the embodiment shown in theseFIGS. 1A to 1C , there is a solar tracking system comprising so-called two-axis solar modules for which the transmission of the movement between two adjacent solar modules is carried out with twoparallel control bars 4, with each one of thecontrol bars 4 transmitting a movement along a single axis. The device for supporting a length of a control bar comprises a mast 1 which is anchored in the ground supporting the solar modules of the solar tracking system. This anchoring in the ground can be carried out in different ways, well known to those skilled in the art. In particular, the mast 1 is anchored in the ground by driving in or by fastening to a concrete slab. All of these methods allow for a maintaining in position in a stable and sustainable manner of the mast 1 anchored as such in the ground. On a free end of the mast 1, the device for supporting a length of a control bar comprises a transversal element that doubles as aspacer 2 and fastened at the free end of the mast 1 using aclamping system 21. Here, theclamping system 21 comprises a U-shaped metal rod of which the free ends of the branches of the U comprise a threading and pass through holes made for this purpose in thisspacer 2. The clamping in place of thespacer 2 on the mast 1 is accomplished by screwing nuts engaged with the threadings located at the free ends of the branches of the U of the metal wire forming theclamping system 21. Such aclamping system 21 allows for an adjustment in height on the mast 1 of thespacer 2. On ends of thespacer 2, the latter comprises means which make it possible to each receive and support acontrol bar 4. These means form receiving and support housings which, each one, comprise a lower portion that forms abearing 3 fastened to the end of thespacer 2 using fastening and clamping means 31, here in the form of bolt+nut units. The receiving and support housing of thecontrol bar 4 also comprises anupper portion 5 that forms the means for retaining thecontrol bar 4 in the receiving and support housing. Thisupper portion 5 extends opposite the lower portion that forms abearing 3. Again, theupper portion 5 is mounted in a removable manner on thespacer 2 using fastening and clamping means 51, here in the form of bolt+nut units. The first portion that forms abearing 3 and the second upper portion forming a means of retaining 5 has complementary shapes of an outside surface of thecontrol bar 4 intended to be received in the receiving and support housing. In this way, the two upper 5 and lower 3 portions hug thecontrol bar 4 that they surround. In addition, an operating clearance J is provided between the receiving and support housing of the control bar that forms the upper 5 and lower 3 portions with thecontrol bar 4 once the latter is received in the receiving and support housing. The presence of this operating clearance J allows thecontrol bar 4 received as such to maintain a degree of freedom within the receiving and support housing of thecontrol bar 4. Here, the degree of freedom is the movement of rotation of thecontrol bar 4 about a longitudinal axis of saidcontrol bar 4 making it possible to transmit a movement of rotation between the two adjacent solar modules connected as such by thecontrol bar 4. Note that thelower portion 3 that forms the receiving and support housing of the control bar is manufactured and carried out in a material that has for main characteristic a reduced coefficient of friction and an excellent resistance to the outside environment, in particular an excellent resistance to rain, ultraviolet rays and dust. Theupper portion 5 of the receiving and support housing prevents, once set in place, thecontrol bars 4 from exiting the receiving and support housing during an operation. - The use of a
spacer 2 comprising at each one of its ends a receiving and support housing of a control bar as described above makes it possible not only to ensure that the control bar remains straight between the two solar modules that it connects but also to maintain and ensure a parallelism between the twocontrol bars 4 in the framework of a two-axis solar tracking system. - According to the length of the control bar to be supported, one or several devices for supporting a length of a control bar are installed between the two solar modules in a uniformly distributed manner.
- In reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , a second embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention shall now be described. In this second embodiment, the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention comprises acarrier cable 10 as well as at least onehanger 30 that makes it possible to vertically connect thecarrier cable 10 to thecontrol bar 4 which is intended to be supported by the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention. TheFIG. 2 shows in what way is connected the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention to asolar module 140 that is part of a pair of adjacent solar modules separated from one another which will be connected by the control bar or the control bars 4 (in the framework of a two-axis solar tracking system, as shown here). Thesolar module 140 shall not be described in detail here, except that it comprises at a base afoot 110 which is connected to abase 100 made of concrete directly arranged in the ground, and this, using a fastening andanchoring system 120. Thefirst control bar 4 is connected to thesolar module 140 using afirst interface 150. Opposite this connection, thesolar module 140 comprises first means of anchoring 130 a first carrier cable which is positioned and extended opposite thefirst control bar 4. Thisfirst control bar 4 will make it possible to transmit to the, or from the, solar module 140 a first movement according to a first axis. Similarly, asecond control bar 4 is connected to thesolar module 140 by the intermediary of asecond connection case 160. Again, thesolar module 140 comprises second means of anchoring 170 asecond carrier cable 10 which is positioned and which extends opposite thesecond control bar 4. Thissecond control bar 4 will make it possible to transmit from, or to, the solar module 140 a second movement according to the second axis. Note that, at a second solar module connected to thesolar module 140 by the first andsecond control bars 4, the first andsecond carrier cables 10 are fastened to this second solar module in a similar manner with means of fastening that fulfil a function similar to the means of fastening 130, 170. - Means of adjusting a tension of the first and second carrier cables 10 (not shown) are provided in order to adjust the tension of said
carrier cables 10. The means for adjusting a tension are known per se by those skilled in the art and shall not be described any further. - Over the entire length of the
control bar 4, as shown inFIG. 3 , the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention comprises a series ofhangers 30, of which here a single one is shown for each one of the control bars 4, making it possible to connect thecarrier cable 10 to thecontrol bar 4 opposite which thecarrier cable 10 extends. The series ofhangers 30 can be in the number of one, two, three or more distributed uniformly over the length that separates thesolar module 140 from the second solar module to which it is connected usingcontrol bars 4 andcarrier cables 10 of the device for supporting lengths of a control bar according to the invention. This number is according to the length of thecontrol bar 4 intended to be supported by the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention. - The
hanger 30 comprises a receiving and supporthousing 34 of thecontrol bar 4. Thecontrol bar 4 is received in its housing with an operating clearance J that allows the receiving and support housing of thecontrol bar 34 to receive and to support saidcontrol bar 4 while still allowing thecontrol bar 4 to maintain at least one degree of freedom, which is here a movement of rotation about a longitudinal axis of thecontrol bar 4. This operating clearance J allows thecontrol bar 4 to rotate about its longitudinal axis without becoming locked within the receiving and supporthousing 34 of thehanger 30. - Extending over this receiving and support
housing 4, thehanger 30 comprises, extending from an upper end of thehanger 30, aU-shaped housing 33 intended to receive thecarrier cable 10. This U-shaped housing extends over a predetermined length from an upper end of thehanger 30, without however opening into the receiving and supporthousing 34. The presence of this housing in the shape of aU 33 will make it possible to adjust a distance between thecarrier cable 10 and thecontrol bar 34 in order to ensure the fact that thecontrol bar 34 be straight between thesolar module 140 and the adjacent second solar module that it connects. The clamping in position of thehanger 30 on thecarrier cable 10 is carried out using aclamping device 32 arranged transversally at the upper end of thehanger 30 through two branches that form the U-shaped housing. The use of thisclamping system 32 shall make it possible to bring closer together the ends of the branches of the U forming theU-shaped housing 33. During this coming together, the branches of the U of theU-shaped housing 33 will pinch thecarrier cable 10 and as such maintain the distance chosen between thecarrier cable 10 and thecontrol bar 4. As an alternative embodiment, the faces opposite the branches of the “U” forming thehousing 33 have a series of recesses or cavities that make it possible to define a series of discrete positions of thecarrier cable 10 within the housing in the shape of a “U” 33, thecarrier cable 10 then being received in a pair of opposite cavities or recesses. - In order to facilitate the assembly in place of the
hanger 30, the latter is carried out in twoidentical portions 31 and positioned symmetrically in relation to one another. Asecond clamping system 32 is provided at the lower end of thehanger 30 in order to ensure the assembly of the twoportions 31 that form thehanger 30. Other alternative realisations are possible of thehanger 30 in order to carry out its assembly in place. Thehanger 30 is made from a material that has as main characteristic a reduced coefficient of friction in order to allow for good movement according to the degree of freedom of the control bar within the receiving and supporthousing 34 and which has an excellent resistance to the outside environment, in particular rain, ultraviolet rays and dust. As such, the receiving and supporthousing 34 comprises a lower portion in contact with an outside surface of thecontrol bar 34. This lower portion forms a bearing. The receiving and supporthousing 34 comprises an upper portion opposite the lower portion that forms means for retaining the control bar in the receiving and supporthousing 34 of thehanger 30. - In reference to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , an alternative realisation of the second embodiment of the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention shall now be described. This alternative embodiment is intended to support twocontrol bars 4 extending parallel to each other and which makes it possible to connect two adjacent solar modules separated from one another in a so-called two-axis solar tracking system. The device for supporting a control bar according to the invention comprises, in this alternative embodiment, twocarrier cables 10, of which afirst carrier cable 10 extends opposite and over afirst control bar 4 while thesecond carrier cable 10 extends in parallel to thefirst carrier cable 10 but in a manner offset in relation to thesecond control bar 4 in such a way that a distance between the twocarrier cables 10 is lower than the distance between the twocontrol bars 4. The connection between thecarrier cables 10 and the control bars 4 is carried out by aspacer 40 that has a firstelbowed end 44 comprising a receiving and supporthousing 43 made in a manner similar to the receiving and support housing described hereinabove in the framework of the first embodiment of a device for supporting a length of a control bar. The receiving and supporthousing 43 comprises alower portion 3 that forms a bearing and made from a material that has as main characteristic a reduced coefficient of friction and an excellent resistance to the outside environment as described hereinabove and anupper portion 5 forming a means of retaining thecontrol bar 4. Thelower portion 3 and theupper portion 5 are fastened as described previously for the first embodiment. - At the second end, the
spacer 40 of the alternative embodiment of the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention comprises ahanger 30 similar to thehanger 30 described hereinabove in relation toFIG. 3 . Thishanger 30 makes it possible to link according to a predetermined distance thefirst carrier cable 10 to thefirst control bar 4 along which thefirst carrier cable 10 is opposite as has been described hereinabove in liaison with the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 . - The
second carrier cable 10 is fastened in ahousing 42 arranged before theelbowed end 44 of thespacer 40. Thehousing 2 is carried out in the shape of a U from an upper or lower outside edge of thespacer 40. Here, in the example shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B , thehousing 42 in the shape of a U extends from the lower edge of thespacer 40. Once thesecond carrier cable 10 is received in thehousing 42, the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention according to this alternative embodiment, comprises means of retaining 41 thesecond carrier cable 10 in thehousing 42 of thespacer 40 of the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention. During an adjustment that makes it possible to ensure that the twocontrol bars 4 are straight, thespacer 40 is pivoted about thesecond carrier cable 10 received in thehousing 42. A second role carried out by thespacer 40 is to make it possible to ensure the parallelism and the distance between the twocontrol bars 4 connecting two adjacent solar modules of a so-called two-axis solar tracking system. At the most, thehousing 42 comprises means for adjusting a height of thespacer 40 in relation to thecarrier cable 10 received in thishousing 42. - As an alternative embodiment, the relative positioning of the
carrier cables 10 in relation to the control bars 4 is regardless. In another alternative embodiment, the twocarrier cables 10 are replaced with asingle carrier cable 10. Of course, the number of carrier cables as well as the number of control bars can vary according to the needs and technical constraints. - In reference to
FIG. 3C , a second alternative embodiment of the second embodiment of the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention shall now be described. This second alternative embodiment is intended to support twocontrol bars 4 extending in parallel to each other and makes it possible to connect two adjacent solar modules separated from one another in a so-called two-axis solar tracking system. In fact, this alternative embodiment of the device for supporting a length of a control bar according to the invention is differentiated from the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 only by presence of aspacer 50 connecting twohangers 30 each located on acontrol bar 4 and opposite one another. As with thespacer 40 of the alternative embodiment ofFIGS. 3A and 3B , a role fulfilled by thespacer 50 is to make it possible to ensure the parallelism and the distance between the twocontrol bars 4 connecting two adjacent solar modules of a so-called two-axis solar tracking system. - Of course, it is possible to make to the invention many modifications without however leaving the scope of the latter.
Claims (12)
1-11. (canceled)
12. A device for supporting a length of a control bar connecting two elements separated from one another, with the control bar comprising a degree of freedom, the device comprising
a carrier cable extending vertically parallel and opposite the control bar; and
a series of hangers connecting the carrier cable to the control bar and arranged to maintain the degree of freedom of the control bar.
13. The device according to claim 12 , wherein each hanger of the series of hangers comprises a receiving and support housing of the control bar and arranged to maintain the degree of freedom of the control bar.
14. The device according to claim 13 , wherein the control bar is received in the receiving and support housing with an operating clearance that maintains the degree of freedom of the control bar.
15. The device according to claim 14 , wherein the receiving and support housing comprises a first lower portion that forms a bearing.
16. The device according to claim 15 , wherein the first lower portion comprises a material that has a reduced coefficient of friction.
17. The device according to claim 16 , wherein the receiving and support housing comprises a second upper portion that forms a retainer to retain the control bar in the receiving and support housing.
18. The device according to claim 12 , wherein each hanger comprises a housing having a “U” shape, extending vertically from an upper face of the hanger, and arranged to receive the carrier cable and to adjust a distance between the carrier cable and the control bar.
19. The device according to claim 18 , wherein each hanger comprises means for locking the carrier cable in position in the housing in the shape of a “U”.
20. The device according to claim 12 , wherein the device for supporting that supports a length of a second control bar extending in parallel and at a distance from the first control bar further comprises a spacer between the two control bars.
21. The device according to claim 20 , further comprising a second carrier cable extending in parallel and at a distance from the first carrier cable.
22. The device according to claim 21 , wherein the spacer also forms the hangers connecting the control bars to the carrier cables.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR1354083 | 2013-05-03 | ||
FR1354083A FR3005335B1 (en) | 2013-05-03 | 2013-05-03 | DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A LENGTH OF A CONTROL BAR OF A SOLAR MONITORING SYSTEM |
PCT/FR2014/051029 WO2014177808A1 (en) | 2013-05-03 | 2014-04-29 | Device for supporting a length of a control bar of a solar tracking system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160102891A1 true US20160102891A1 (en) | 2016-04-14 |
Family
ID=48782466
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/888,470 Abandoned US20160102891A1 (en) | 2013-05-03 | 2014-04-29 | Device for Supporting a Length of a Control Bar of a Solar Tracking System |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160102891A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2979041A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR3005335B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014177808A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11050383B2 (en) | 2019-05-21 | 2021-06-29 | Nextracker Inc | Radial cam helix with 0 degree stow for solar tracker |
US11159120B2 (en) | 2018-03-23 | 2021-10-26 | Nextracker Inc. | Multiple actuator system for solar tracker |
US11387771B2 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2022-07-12 | Nextracker Llc | Helical actuator system for solar tracker |
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US969365A (en) * | 1910-05-28 | 1910-09-06 | Archibald B Gruber | Attachment for musical-stands. |
US4004766A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-01-25 | Long William W | Isolation clamp for transmission tube |
US7252083B2 (en) * | 2005-07-18 | 2007-08-07 | Arizona Public Service Company | Structure for supporting energy conversion modules and solar energy collection system |
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US4466423A (en) * | 1982-09-30 | 1984-08-21 | The United States Of America As Represented By The United States Department Of Energy | Rim-drive cable-aligned heliostat collector system |
US20100101630A1 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2010-04-29 | Emcore Solar Power, Inc. | Terrestrial Solar Tracking Photovoltaic Array with Slew Speed Reducer |
AT507820B1 (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2011-12-15 | Innova Patent Gmbh | APPARATUS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICAL ENERGY BY PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENTS |
US20100294265A1 (en) * | 2009-05-20 | 2010-11-25 | Zomeworks | Dual axis support for high wind solar panels |
GB2474662A (en) * | 2009-10-21 | 2011-04-27 | Ofer Avigad | Solar energy power source comprising moveable solar panels |
-
2013
- 2013-05-03 FR FR1354083A patent/FR3005335B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2014
- 2014-04-29 US US14/888,470 patent/US20160102891A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-04-29 EP EP14727600.0A patent/EP2979041A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-04-29 WO PCT/FR2014/051029 patent/WO2014177808A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US969365A (en) * | 1910-05-28 | 1910-09-06 | Archibald B Gruber | Attachment for musical-stands. |
US4004766A (en) * | 1975-10-28 | 1977-01-25 | Long William W | Isolation clamp for transmission tube |
US7252083B2 (en) * | 2005-07-18 | 2007-08-07 | Arizona Public Service Company | Structure for supporting energy conversion modules and solar energy collection system |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11159120B2 (en) | 2018-03-23 | 2021-10-26 | Nextracker Inc. | Multiple actuator system for solar tracker |
US11283395B2 (en) | 2018-03-23 | 2022-03-22 | Nextracker Inc. | Multiple actuator system for solar tracker |
US11711051B2 (en) | 2018-03-23 | 2023-07-25 | Nextracker Llc | Multiple actuator system for solar tracker |
US11387771B2 (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2022-07-12 | Nextracker Llc | Helical actuator system for solar tracker |
US11050383B2 (en) | 2019-05-21 | 2021-06-29 | Nextracker Inc | Radial cam helix with 0 degree stow for solar tracker |
US11705859B2 (en) | 2019-05-21 | 2023-07-18 | Nextracker Llc | Radial cam helix with 0 degree stow for solar tracker |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR3005335B1 (en) | 2015-11-20 |
WO2014177808A1 (en) | 2014-11-06 |
EP2979041A1 (en) | 2016-02-03 |
FR3005335A1 (en) | 2014-11-07 |
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Owner name: EXOSUN, FRANCE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:PAPONNEAU, FRANCOIS;REEL/FRAME:037864/0081 Effective date: 20151127 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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