WO2014068595A2

WO2014068595A2 - Solar tracking mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2014068595A2
Application number: PCT/IN2013/000668
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kiran Shah
Original assignee: Scorpius Trackers Private Limited
Priority date: 2012-11-02
Filing date: 2013-10-30
Publication date: 2014-05-08
Also published as: WO2014068595A3

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a solar tracking mechanism (100) to facilitate tracking of the sun by movement of at least one frame (114), supporting at least one array of solar panels (150), about at least one frictionless hinge (10). The solar tracking mechanism (100) includes an actuator (104) which actuates the movement of at least one elongated rod (110) to cause movement of the frame (114) via at least one link arrangement (112). The solar tracking mechanism (100) is supported on a plurality of support columns (106).

Description

SOLAR TRACKING MECHANISM

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to systems ; and methods used for generating solar power.

Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a solar tracking mechanism for a solar power generating system.

BACKGROUND

A majority of the world's current electricity supply is generated from traditional fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. However, these traditional energy sources face a number of challenges including rising prices, security concerns over dependence on imports from a limited number of countries having significant fossil fuel supplies and growing environmental concerns over the climate change risks due to pollution associated with power generation using fossil fuels. As a result governments, businesses and consumers are increasingly supporting the development of alternative energy sources and new technologies for generation of electricity over traditional energy sources. Renewable energy sources such as solar energy have emerged as potential alternatives which address the problems associated with traditional energy sources.

Solar power is the power obtained by conversion of sunlight / solar radiation into electricity or any other form of energy. Sunlight is directly converted into electricity by means of photovoltaic effect. -Alternatively, sunlight is indirectly converted into electricity by means of solar dish or trough systems that convert collected / concentrated heat to mechanical energy that could drive an electrical generator. In order to convert maximum energy from the sun into electrical energy, the apparent position of the sun with respect to the earth is required to be continuously tracked throughout the daytime. The net output of conventional solar photovoltaic power plant is lower as compared to the maximum output which can be achieved. This is because the pivots or bearings of Conventional solar photovoltaic power plant require are subject to excessive friction. This increases the expense and scheduled maintenance or replacement of the damaged pivots. The friction inherent in the pivots or bearings of prior art solar photovoltaic power plants causes stiction and hysteresis leading to poor tracking accuracy and expensive control systems due to unbalanced loads. Further, actuators or the prime movers used in conventional solar photovoltaic power plant also consume a large amount of energy for tracking and impose a large parasitic loss on the power generated by the power plant thereby reducing net power generation.

Hence, there was felt a need for a solar tracking mechanism, which enables in overcoming the drawbacks of the conventional systems.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the-system of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar tracking mechanism that accurately tracks the sun with the change in apparent position of the sun.

Also, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar tracking mechanism that is simple in construction. Additionally, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar tracking mechanism that minimizes friction and ameliorates the ill-effects caused by mechanical back-lash and hysteresis.

Moreover, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar tracking mechanism that minimizes scheduled maintenance and is not affected by harsh environmental conditions.

Furthermore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar tracking mechanism that is easy to manufacture.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar tracking mechanism that is easy to assemble, install and align.

Further another object of the present disclosure us to provide a solar tracking mechanism that enables in situ maintenance.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar tracking mechanism that significantly reduces the parasitic loss or the energy consumed during the movement of the solar tracking system as it follows the apparent position Of the sun.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a solar tracking mechanism that robust against environmental wind loads during service and minimize the actuating force required to move the tracker when it tracks the apparent position of the sun.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. SUMMARY

In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a solar tracking mechanism to facilitate tracking of the sun by movement of at least one frame, supporting at least one array of solar panels, about at least one hinge,

the hinge having a pair of mounting plate connected in a spaced apart manner by means of a pair of connecting plates, configured to cross each other to connect diagonally opposite beveled sides of the pair of mounting plate, the apparatus comprising:

> at least one actuator;

> at least one elongated rod, adapted to be actuated by the actuator, to be displaced through a pre-determined displacement, the at least one elongated rod adapted to be substantially horizontal;

> at least one link arrangement, associated with each of the elongated rods, adapted to displace the frame about at least one axis, through a pre-determined angular displacement; and

> a plurality of support columns adapted to support the at least one elongated rod and the at least one link arrangement, via the hinge.

Typically, the operation of the actuator is selected from the group consisting of manual, semi-automatic and automatic.

Typically, the actuator adapted to receive signals from a micro-controller. The received signals may be adapted to minimize the angular difference between the normal vector to the array of solar panels and the position of the sun.

The pre-determined displacement of the at least one elongated rod may be selected from the group consisting of at least one of a reciprocating displacement and an axial rotational displacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The solar tracking mechanism of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a solar tracking mechanism adapted to track the apparent movement of the sun along one axis in accordance one embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a solar tracking mechanism adapted to track the apparent movement of the Sun in one axis for parabolic trough solar concentrators in an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a solar tracking mechanism to track the apparent movement of the sun along two axes in an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a frictionless hinge used in the solar tracking apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure;

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a frictionless hinge used in the solar tracking apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure; and

Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrate an enlarged perspective view of the frictionless hinge of Figure 4 mounted on structural members of a solar tracking mechanism, in accordance with the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A solar tracking mechanism of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The present disclosure discloses solar tracking mechanisms, illustrated in Figure land Figure 3 corresponding to tracking of sun along a single axis and along two axes respectively.

The present -disclosure provides a solar tracking mechanism for a solar power generating system. A solar tracking mechanism enhances the net energy generated by a solar power generating system by improving the capacity factor i.e. energy generated per unit capacity installed (kWhrs generated / kW installed) of a solar power generating system. Further the solar tracking mechanism of the present disclosure enables in a significant increase, in the performance ratio, that is, ratio of actual yield of the plant compared to the target yield, of the power generating system. This is because the solar modules are spaced apart and are hence subjected to enhanced cooling which results in the actual yield to increase as compared to the target yield. The solar tracking mechanism facilitates movement of a solar power converter, such as a photovoltaic cell or module or an array of modules, a parabolic trough solar concentrator or a heliostat and the like, about single axis or dual axes of tracking for enabling the solar power converter to accurately track the sun as the apparent position of the¹ sun changes during the day. The solar tracking mechanism of the present disclosure enables minimizing the angular difference between the normal vector to the module or array with that of the sun in a single axis tracker.

Referring to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings, a solar tracking mechanism 100 is provided to track apparent movement of the sun by minimizing the angular difference between the normal vector to the module and the sun by rotating the tracker in one axis for a plurality of photovoltaic modules or arrays 150. The solar tracking mechanism 100 includes a lever link arrangement 102, an actuator 104, a plurality of support columns 106 and a plurality of hinges 10.

The lever link arrangement functionally connects the actuator 104 to the photovoltaic modules or arrays 150. The lever link arrangement includes an elongated rod 110 and at least one link arrangement 112. The elongated member 110 is connected to the link arrangement 112 by means of the hinge 10. The link arrangement 112 is rigidly connected to a frame 1 14 supporting the photovoltaic panels or arrays 150. The frame 114 is supported by the plurality of support columns 106 by means of at least one hinge 10.

The structural and functional configuration of the hinge 10, illustrated in Figure 5, is preferably as disclosed in Indian patent application number 1826 MUM/2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. Further, an alternate embodiment of the hinge 10 is illustrated in Figure 4. Although the hinge 10 is being described with respect to the solar tracking mechanism 100, illustrated in Figure 1, it is applicable to the solar tracking mechanism illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3.

The hinge 10 enables elimination of friction during displacement of the lever link arrangement 102 about the hinge 10. The hinge 10 includes a pair of mounting plate (2 and 4) connected in a spaced apart manner by means of a pair of connecting plate (6 and 8). The pair of connecting plate (6 and 8) is configured to cross each other to connect diagonally opposite beveled sides of the pair of mounting plate (2 and 4).

Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings, the hinge 10 includes a first mounting plate 2 and a second mounting plate 4. The first mounting plate 2 includes a pair of opposing beveled faces 2a and 2b that are beveled to a predetermined bevel angle. Similarly, the second mounting plate 4 includes a pair b opposing beveled faces 4a and 4b that are beveled to a predetermined bevel angle. The hinge 10 having various bevel angles may be used depending on the requirement. The beveled face 4a of the second mounting plate 4 and the beveled face 2b of the first mounting plate 2 forms diagonally opposite side face of each other. Similarly, the beveled face 4b of the .second mounting plate 4 and the beveled face 2a of the first mounting plate 2 are said to be diagonally opposite side faces of each other.

In alternate embodiment of the hinge_^ 10, illustrated in Figure 4, the mounting plates (2 and 4) cooperate with side plates (12a and 12b). The side plates (12a and 12b) and one or both of the mounting plates (2 and 4) are provided with mounting holes to facilitate positioning the mounting plates (2 and 4) between at least one of the elongated rod 110, the link arrangement 112, the frame 114 supporting the photovoltaic modules or arrays 150 and the support columns 106. Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrate mounting of the hinge 10, illustrated in Figure 4, between various components of the solar tracking mechanism, in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 7 shows a method of attaching the-frame 114 to the second mounting plate 4 of hinge 10 by means of 'U' bolts 18 by clamping the frame 114 to the spacer 14 mounted under mounting plate 4. This method allows a significant increase in the tolerance in the center distance spacing of mounting columns 106, 206 and 310 of Figures 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 respectively and enables ease of installation in the field. The mounting plates (2 and 4) are typically made from powder coated mild steel or corrosion resistant material.

The first mounting plate 2 and the second mounting plate 4 are connected to each other in a spaced apart configuration by means of a first connecting element 6 and a second connecting element 8. The first connecting element 6 connects the beveled face 2a of the mounting plate 2 to the beveled face 4b of the mounting plate 4. Similarly, the second connecting element 8 connects the beveled face 4a of the mounting plate 4 to the beveled face 2b of the mounting plate 2. Accordingly, both the connecting elements 6 and 8 are crisscrossing each other but are never in contact with- each other. The first connecting element 6 is a thin plate that is flexible and is adapted to bend when a bending moment is applied thereon. The thin plate may be provided with a wide opening for providing a frame like structure to the plate for facilitating mounting thereof and bending thereof under action of bending moment applied at the ends. The beveled faces 2a, 2b, 4a and 4b are suitably connected by the connecting elements 6 and 8 by rigid mechanical attachment. Each of the connecting elements 6 and 8 are provided with at least one functional side for connecting the beveled face 2a, 2b, 4a and 4b. The first connecting element 6 and the second connecting element 8 are connected to the first mounting plate 2 and the second mounting plate 4 by means of bolts, rivets or adhesives but not limited to any of the above either singly or in combination. The first connecting element 6 and the second connecting element 8 are flexible and are adapted to bend when a bending moment is applied on the ends there-o resulting from the force acting on either of the mounting plates mounted on the solar tracker apparatus. The first connecting element 6 and the second connecting element 8 are made from any material that exhibits flexibility, resilience and ease of bending e.g. spring steel or carbon fiber composite etc. The first connecting element 6 and the second connecting element 8 is also treated with surface treatments to render them highly resistant to attack from corrosion due to moisture or other aggravating environmental factors.

The hinge depicted in Figure 4 and Figure 5 provides for a frictionless movement. The frictionless movement is achieved by the hinge (10) is dependent on the use of the elastic bending property of the connecting elements 6 and 8. The connecting elements 6 and 8 are not in contact with each other thereby eliminating any friction from being developed during operation of the hinge (10). However, the hinge (10) develops a restoring torque when displaced to a position other than its equilibrium position. The hinge (10) is capable of handling various kinds of forces, such as, compressive forces, .tensile forces, shear forces, torsion forces or a combination thereof acting on theMnge 10.

In accordance with the embodiment of the solar tracking mechanism of the present disclosure, illustrated in Figure 1, for tracking the apparent movement of the sun, the actuator 104 enables reciprocating movement of the elongated rod 110. The reciprocating movement of the elongated rod 110 is carried out manually, semi- automatically or fully automatically. The reciprocating movement of the elongated rod 110 facilitates clockwise or anti-clockwise pivoting movement of the plurality of link arrangement 112. The plurality of link arrangement 112 is rigidly connected to the frame 114. The clockwise or anti-clockwise movement or rotation of the plurality of links 112 facilitates clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation of the frame 114 and hence clockwise or anti-clockwise rotation of the photovoltaic modules or arrays 150 supported on the frame 114. with respect to the support columns 106. Thus, the solar tracking mechanism 100, illustrated in Figure 1, enables tracking the apparent movement of the sun along a single axis.

The point of attachment of the frame 114 with the hinge 10, which is fitted on the supporting column 106, is adjustable with respect to the rotating axis of hinge 10 to substantially reduce the restoring torque of the hinge 10 in an operative condition of the hinge 10. Further, the distance of the center of mass of the frame 114 with respect to the rotating axis of the hinge 10 is adjustable by changing the height of the spacer 14, of the hinge 10, illustrated in Figure 4. The adjustment of the height of the spacer 14 of the hinge 10 enables nullifying or significantly reducing unbalanced moments during rotation of the frame 114. This substantially reduces the force required to be exerted by the actuator 104 during operation and hence reduces the power consumption by the solar tracking mechanism 100.

In order to track the sun by the solar tracking mechanism 100 in an automatic mode, a microcontroller or similar computing device calculates the position of the sun based on suitable ephemeris equations of the sun and an input from a GPS receiver interfaced with the microcontroller. The GPS receiver provides inputs to the microcontroller pertaining to latitude, longitude, altitude and time information of the location where the solar tracking mechanism is installed. The microcontroller further receives feedback of the existing tilt angle of the photovoltaic panels or arrays 150 mounted on the frame 114 from a tilt sensor attached to the frame 114 or by counting the pulses from a feedback device incorporated along with the actuator 104. The microcontroller then computes a displacement through which the frame 114 is required to be displaced by the solar tracking mechanism 100 in order to minimize the angular difference between the normal vector to the photovoltaic panels or arrays 150 and the normal vector to the sun. The pre-determined displacement is carried out by a displacement mechanism having suitable drive arrangement, such as, a crank and rocker mechanism, an electrical actuator or a hydraulic actuator. Another feature of the microcontroller controlling the solar tracking mechanism 100 is to avoid shading of one row of solar panels by another. This is accomplished by computing and controlling the displacement of the actuator 104 during the early and later parts of the day when the sun is low in the sky such that the angle between the normal vector to the array of the solar panels 150 mounted on frame 114 and the position of the sun is such that no row of solar panels 150 mounted on frame 114 casts a shadow on any other row of solar panels 150 mounted on any other frame 114. The suitable drive arrangement is operated by the signals received from the microcontroller in either an open loop or a closed loop manner. The operation of the drive arrangement is achieved with the use of proportional integral derivative control loops either singly or in combination. Alternatively, the operation of the drive arrangement is achieved without the use of proportional integral derivative control loops.

The use of the crank and rocker mechanism for obtaining the pre-determiried displacement renders the solar tracking mechanism 100 immune to mechanical damage as the continuous rotation of the crank results in oscillating movement of the rocker between two extreme position. The extreme positions are within the rotation angle of the hinge (10). The hinge is restricted to rotate within safe operation limits.

Tracking of the sun along a single axis for a parabolic trough solar concentrator is illustrated in Figure 2. This enables tracking the apparent movement of the sun along a single axis for a parabolic trough solar concentrator having a plurality of reflectors 250, or photovoltaic panels or arrays. These plurality of reflectors may be a curved parabolic reflector or a fresnel reflector. The solar tracking mechanism 200 includes a lever and link arrangement 202, an actuating device 204, a plurality of support columns 206 and a plurality of frictionless hinges 10. The lever link arrangementi-202 is adapted to functionally connect the actuator 204 to the parabolic trough solar concentrator 250. The lever link arrangement 202 includes an elongated rod 210 and a plurality of link arrangement 212. The elongated rod 210 is connected to the link arrangement 212 by means of the hinge 10. The link arrangement 212 is rigidly coupled to the frame 214 supporting the photovoltaic panels or arrays 250 of the parabolic trough in alignment with the thermal or photovoltaic receiver 216. The frame 214 is coupled with the support columns 206 by means of the hinge 10. The operation of the solar tracking mechanism 200, illustrated in Figure 2, is similar to the operation of the solar tracking mechanism 100, illustrated in Figure 1.

In accordance with another embodiment of the accompanying drawings, a solar tracking mechanism 300, illustrated in Figure 3, enables tracking the apparent movement of the sun along two axes by plurality of solar panels or arrays 350. The solar tracking mechanism 300 enables tracking of the sun along a tilt axis and a roll axis. The solar tracking mechanism 300 includes a first lever and link arrangement 302, a. plurality of second lever and link arrangement 3.04, a first actuator 306, a plurality of second actuators 308, a plurality f^'support columns 310 and a plurality of hinges 10.

The lever link arrangement 302 includes an elongated rod 312 and a plurality of link arrangements 314. The elongated rod 312 is connected to the link arrangements 314 by means of the hinge 10. The first lever link arrangement 302 is adapted to functionally connect the first actuator 306 to the plurality of solar photovoltaic panels or arrays 350 in order to rotate them about a first axis, typically the tilt axis. The link arrangements 314 is rigidly connected to a first frame 316 supporting the second lever and link arrangements 304. The second lever and link arrangements 304 is hinged onto a second frame 318 that is configured to tilt the photovoltaic modules 350 about the second axis, that is, the roll axis. The first frame 316 is coupled with the support columns 310 by means of a plurality of., hinges 10.

The second lever and link arrangement 304 is adapted to functionally connect the second actuator 308 to the plurality of photovoltaic panels of arrays 350. The second lever and link arrangement includes an elongated rod 320 and a plurality of link arrangements 322. The elongated rod 320 is connected to the link arrangements 322 by means of the hinge 10. The link arrangements 322 is rigidly connected to the second frame 318 which is connected to the first frame 316 by means of the hinge 10.

In order to track the apparent movement of the sun along two axes, the actuator 306 enables reciprocating movement of the elongated rod 312 so as to displace the elongated rod 312. The reciprocating movement of the elongated rod 312 is carried out manually, semi-automatically or fully automatically. The reciprocating movement of the elongated rod 312 facilitates clockwise or anti-clockwise pivoting movement of the plurality of link arrangement 314. The link arrangements 314 are rigidly connected to the first frame 316. The first frame 316 cooperates with the second frame 318. The movement of the link arrangement 316 is configured to tilt the second frame 318 supporting the photovoltaic modules or arrays 350 and second lever and link arrangement 304. Thus, the clockwise or anti-clockwise movement of the plurality of links 314 facilitates movement or rotation of the mechanical structure or frame 316 about the support columns 310.

Tracking of the sun along the second axis is achieved by actuating the second actuator 308. The second actuator 308 actuates reciprocating movement of the elongated rod 320 of the second lever link arrangement 304. The reciprocating movement of the elongated rod 320 facilitates clockwise or anti-clockwise pivoting movement of the plurality of link arrangement 322. The link arrangement 322 is rigidly connected to the second frame 318 supporting the plurality of photovoltaic modules or arrays 350. Thus, forward and backward movement of the elongated rod 320 of the second lever link arrangement 304 facilitates the tilting movement of the photovoltaic modules or arrays 350 along the second axis. Accordingly, the solar tracking mechanism 300 of the present disclosure enables tracking the apparent movement of the sun along the dual axes, that is, tracking along the azimuth angle and the altitude/elevation angle.

The foregoing solar tracking mechanism, illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, is applicable to solar power converters such as a parabolic trough solar concentrator, heliostats, parabolic trough, fresnel reflectors and dish Stirling. The solar tracking mechanism is applicable to solar power convertor mounted on rooftops and in locations which are not easily accessible.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The technical advancements offered by the present disclosure include the realization of:

• accurate tracking of the sun with the change in apparent position of the sun;

• a solar tracking mechanism that is simple in construction;

• a solar tracking mechanism that ameliorates the ill-effects of poor pointing due to friction, mechanical back-lash and hysteresis;

• a solar tracking mechanism that minimizes maintenance and is not affected by harsh environmental conditions; .

• a solar tracking mechanism that is easy to install;

• a solar tracking mechanism that is easy to assemble and align; • a solar tracking mechanism that significantly reduces the parasitic loss or the energy consumed during the movement of the solar power converters for tracking the apparent position of the sun.;

• a solar tracking mechanism that is robust against environmental wind and snow loads during service; and '

• a solar tracking mechanism which minimizes the actuating force required to track the apparent position of the sun.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

The numerical values given of various physical parameters, dimensions and quantities are only approximate values arid it is envisaged that the values higher or lower than the numerical value assigned to the physical parameters, dimensions and quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure unless there is a statement in the specification to the contrary.

Wherever a range of values is specified, a value up to 10% below and above the lowest and highest numerical value respectively, of the specified range, is included in the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "•comprising," "including," and "having," ar^e, inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "engaged to", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be ^"interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, . layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments: herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A solar tracking apparatus to facilitate tracking of the sun by movement of at least one frame, supporting at least one array of solar panels, about at least one hinge,

the hinge having a pair of mounting plate connected in a spaced apart manner by means of a pair of connecting plates, configured to cross each other to connect diagonally opposite beveled sides of the pair of mounting plate,

said apparatus comprising:

> at least one actuator;

at least one elongated rod, adapted to be actuated by said actuator, to be displaced through a pre-determined displacement, said at least one elongated rod adapted to be substantially horizontal;

> at least one link arrangement, associated with each of said elongated rods, adapted to displace the frame about at least one axis, through a pre-determined angular displacement; and

> a plurality of support columns adapted to support, said at least one elongated rod and said at least one link arrangement, via the hinge.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operation of said actuator is selected from the group consisting of manual, semi-automatic and automatic.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuator adapted to receive signals from a micro-controller, said received signals being adapted to minimize the angular difference between the normal vector to the array of solar panels and the position of the sun.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pre-determined displacement of said at least one elongated rod is selected from the group consisting of at least one of a reciprocating displacement and an axial rotational displacement.