Drive-system protection arrangements for photovoltaic trackers

A method of operating a solar energy system, the solar energy system comprising a photovoltaic (PV) assembly defining a mechanical pivot range, a drive system comprising a pivot-wheel assembly and a drive-system protection arrangement, the method comprising:

• rotating the pivot wheel assembly towards a limit of the defined mechanical pivot range of the PV assembly, wherein (i) the PV assembly comprises a frame subassembly and an array of PV panels joined thereto and pivotable therewith about a longitudinal axis of the PV assembly, (ii) the drive system further comprises a motor assembly including an electric motor and a drive-system controller, (iii) the pivot-wheel assembly of the drive system is arranged to transfer a torque from the electric motor to the frame subassembly, (iv) the pivot-wheel assembly comprises a drive chain joined to a hoop portion at two opposing coupling points defining respective limits of the mechanical pivot range of the PV assembly;
• and (v) a drive-system protection arrangement comprises:
• A. a pair of spaced-apart tab portions comprising respective sensor targets, joined to the hoop portion and circumferentially displaced from the two opposing coupling points, and
• B. a sensor in electronic communication with the drive-system controller and operative to send a signal thereto indicating detection of a proximate presence of one of the sensor targets;
• receiving, by the drive-system controller and from the sensor, the signal indicating the detection of the proximate presence of one of the respective sensor targets of the pair of spaced-apart tab portions;
• and
• responsively to receiving the signal, calibrating an angular orientation of the PV assembly.