Abstract:
A clamp for securing photovoltaic panels to a support tube of a photovoltaic panel array has a lower brace for positioning on the support tube perpendicular to the support tube. The lower brace has a central web with a pair of side walls depending from opposite edges of the web. Support shoulders are formed in the side walls. Straps have tabs on an upper end that land on the support shoulders. An upper brace has flanges for engaging upper edge surfaces of adjacent ones of the panels. At least one deflectable standoff positions the upper brace a distance from the lower brace that is selected to be greater than a thickness of the adjacent ones of the panels. Tightening bolts between the braces deflects the standoff and draws the upper brace toward the lower brace to clamp the adjacent ones of the panels between the lower and upper braces.
Abstract:
Solar heat collecting apparatus, wherein plural reflecting mirrors are disposed in north-south direction; the plural reflecting mirrors are provided with heliostat mechanism; the heliostat mechanism includes an east-west angle adjustment unit, having a rotating ring, to adjust the angle of reflecting surface of the plural reflecting mirrors in the east-west direction, and a north-south angle adjustment unit, having actuators, to adjust angle of reflecting surface of the plural reflecting mirrors in the north-south direction; the angle of reflecting surface of the plural reflecting mirrors on each reflection line is simultaneously adjusted via the frame by rotation of the rotating ring; the angle of reflecting surface of each reflecting mirror is individually adjusted by a back-and-forth motion of an arm of the corresponding actuator; and, each reception line is provided with a receiver, and the receiver collects heat from the reflected light of the sunlight reflected by the plural reflecting mirrors.
Abstract:
A solar photovoltaic facility including: a construction having practically cylindrical shape and an utility space internally; a solar panel provided on cylindrical sidewall of the construction; a guide partially encompassing the construction and is practically concentric with the construction in plan view; a reflector movably guided by the guide and reflecting the sunlight towards the solar panel; a driving actuator which moves the reflector to a position in a direction opposite to the azimuth of the sun viewed from the construction; and an entrance installed on the sidewall of the construction within a range where the construction does not face the guide and accessible to the utility space.
Abstract:
The Modular Multifunctional Solar Structure is an innovative design in the field of Renewable Energy. This system, the schematic diagram of which is shown in FIG. 2, will collect the energy from the sunlight by using lightweight rotary thermal or bivalent photovoltaic solar receivers (A), sandwiched between Support Columns (B) which house the technical services. Because of its modular concept, this structure allows: an easy and progressive assembly in places exposed to the sun, with negative angles of down to 90°; and a microprocessor controlled solar tracking device, with alternative fixed or manually adjustable settings. These features solve the traditional problems associated with solar energy collectors, which include: a fixed position which is confined to specific angles, or a vertical layout, both of which are inefficient in terms of energy recovery; large dimensions and heavyweight collectors, which may need ungainly support structures; and wasted space.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a tracking-type photovoltaic generator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tracking-type photovoltaic generator in which multiple solar modules are aligned into one or more rows so as to form a group, and the solar modules of the group aligned in the same row may rotate according to the location of the sun by means of the operation of a linear actuator.
Abstract:
A support system for a solar panel includes a triangular truss with connection points for mounting a photovoltaic module, and a cradle structure that supports the triangular truss and is connected to at least two side supports of the triangular truss. The cradle structure may be driven for rotation about an axis for tracking the sun and several cradle structures can be linked together for tracking movement using a buried linkage system. The truss may also be foldable for ease of transportation and storage.
Abstract:
A system for transferring torque between modules in a concentrating solar collector array. A trough collector system includes at least two modules, each module including a reflector having a reflective surface shaped to concentrate incoming radiation onto a linear tube, and a structural lattice attached to the reflector. The modules are constrained to rotate about a common axis. A torque transfer connection directly connects the three-dimensional structural lattices of the two modules at a location removed from the axis of rotation. Torque is thus transmitted between the modules by a force couple acting on the module. Also described are a method of transferring torque between adjacent trough collector modules, and a three-dimensional structural lattice configured for use in the system and method. Mechanisms for accommodating thermal expansion and contraction of the array are described. A drive system is described that imparts torque to a module near an edge of the module.
Abstract:
A drive can include a positional sensor within an outer housing of the drive so as to provide an output indicative of a position of the drive. The positional sensor can be an inclinometer. The inclinometer can be used for feedback control of an inclination of the drive. The drive can further include control electronics within the same housing, so as to provide feedback control of a motor of the drive. The control electronics can include an input for receiving a requested inclination and can be configured to drive the motor until the inclinometer outputs a signal indicative of the requested angle.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an alignment and/or tracking device (1) for solar collectors (x), comprising a plurality of pivot axles (S) on each of which a plurality of solar collectors (5, 5′) are mounted, and a jointly acting adjustment device (6, 7, 8) which couples the pivot axles (S) to one another in such a way that the pivot axles (S) are jointly pivotable. The alignment and/or tracking device according to the invention is characterised in that the adjustment device (6, 7, 8) is coupled to each of the pivot axles (S) by at least one articulation joint (GL), in particular a universal joint.
Abstract:
The present invention involves a ganged single axis solar tracker and its drive system having at least two rows of solar trackers and a drive mechanism. Each tracker row shares one common rotation axis and the at least two tracker rows are placed in parallel. At least one torque arm is rigidly and perpendicularly connected to the each tracker rotation axis. The drive mechanism has at least one rotary actuator, such as a slew drive, whose rotation axis is parallel to the tracker rotation axes. At least one drive torque arm is rigidly and perpendicularly connected to the drive rotation axis. The drive torque arm and the tracker torque arms are hinge connected with a series of rigid beams. The linkage beams are perpendicular to the tracker and drive rotation axes. The rotary drive rotates and creates a rotation movement. The drive torque arm follows the rotation movement of the drive, which consequently converts a linear push-pull movement in the linkage beams. The linkage beams push and pull the tracker torque arms, rocking the at least two rows of solar trackers to rotate about their axes and to follow the sun's movement.