US 8,459,249 B2
Single axis solar tracking systemGeneral
US 8,459,249 B2
Single axis solar tracking system
Tech Center:
3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Medical Devices/Processes
Examiner:
Kenneth Rinehart
Art Unit:
3743 Thermal and Combustion Technology, Motive and Fluid Power Systems
Agent:
Dennis F. Armijo, P.C.
Inventors:
Ronald P. Corio
Assignee:
Priority:
06/15/07
Filed:
06/12/08
Granted:
06/11/13
Expiration:
02/07/29
Abstract
A solar tracking system with a torque tube supporting solar panels. Columns support the system and have bearings for rotation of the torque tube. A drive is coupled to the torque tube and is driven by a gearbox, such as a worm gear assembly, for rotating the array of solar panels to follow the sun's diurnal motion. The array can rotate in an opposite direction, or backtrack, to prevent shadowing from one module row to another. Multiple gearboxes can be mechanically linked by drive shafts and driven by a single motor. The drive shafts may incorporate universal joints for uneven terrain or staggered configurations. Harmonic dampers can be affixed to the solar panels to decouple wind forces which allows the use of larger solar panels.
Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)
H02H02S20/10H02SY02E10/50Y02EF24S2030/136F24S