Torque limiter devices, systems and methods and solar trackers incorporating torque limiters

A solar tracker assembly comprising:

• one or more support columns;
• one or more torque tubes or torsion beams connected to the support columns, the one or more torque tubes or torsion beams rotatable relative to the support columns;
• a mounting mechanism attached to the one or more torque tubes or torsion beams, the mounting mechanism configured to connect one or more solar modules to the one or more torque tubes or torsion beams;
• a drive system configured to rotate the one or more torque tubes or torsion beams;
• a torque limiter connected to the drive system;
• and
• a plurality of mechanical stops disposed at a maximum rotational position of the solar tracker assembly;
• wherein when a hinge moment force causes a level of torque on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit, the torque limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torque, thereby allowing the hinge moment force to rotate the mounting mechanism about a pivot axis extending through the one or more torque tubes or torsion beams;
• and
• wherein, when the torque limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker, the plurality of mechanical stops prevents rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly beyond the maximum rotational position at multiple locations.