Device that automatically tracks the position of the sun
AssigneeGiselher Fengler
InventorsElfi Janus, Wolfram Berger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device that automatically tracks the position of the sun for solar modules is described. The device comprises a substructure, a revolving platform that is rotatably mounted on the substructure, an optical sensor and a pivoting frame that is located on the revolving platform. A rotary drive rotates the revolving platform and a pivoting drive pivots the frame up and down. The device is extremely compact and robust and is particularly suitable for mounting on vehicles.
Claims16
An automatically operating sun position follow-up means for solar modules comprising
- a base (1, 2, 3) for fastening of the means at a stationary or movable part, especially a vehicle;
- a rotary plate (4) rotationally supported on the base (1, 2, 3) and driven by a rotary drive;
- a pivot frame (31) pivotally supported at the pivot plate (4) and driven by means of a pivot drive (30) and having supported thereat at least one solar module (13);
- and
- an optosensor (14) which generates signals in response to the position of the sun and supplies the same to a control unit (10) which controls the rotary drive and/or the pivot drive (30);
- wherein the rotary frame (31) includes at least one member (19) fixedly connected to the rotary plate (14) and at least one pivot member (20) pivotally supported at said member (19) and carrying the solar module (13), the pivot drive (30) is supported in the end portion of the member (19) fixedly connected to the rotary plate (4) at the member (19) transversely with respect to the axis thereof and does not protrude beyond the member (19) upwardly, and the pivot drive (30) includes a motor (24), a reducing transmission (22, 23) and a transmission output shaft (26) provided with a toothing and engaged with a sector gear (25) connected to the pivot member (20) of the pivot frame (31).
The sun position follow-up means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that motor (24), reducing transmissions (22, 23) and transmission output shaft (26) are supported at two members (19) fixedly connected to the rotary plate (4) and having between them the toothing of the transmission output shaft (26).
The sun position follow-up means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes on the whole four members (11, 19) fixedly connected to the rotary plate (4) of which the two outer ones (11) are pivotally connected to a pivot member (13) and the two inner ones (19) are connected to the pivot member (20) including the sector gear (25).
The sun position follow-up means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixedly connected members (11, 19) and pivot members (13, 20) are rods.
The sun position follow-up means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary plate (4) is rotatably supported on the base (1, 2, 3) by means of balls (6) arranged within an annular groove (5).
The sun position follow-up means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (1, 2, 3) consists of a bottom plate (1), a housing (2) arranged thereon and a fixed plate (3) arranged thereon for the support of the rotary plate (4).
The sun position follow-up means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary drive has a motor (16), a reducing transmission (15) and a drive screw (9) which is in engagement with a drive gear (8) for the rotary plate (4).
The sun position follow-up means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary drive and the control unit (10) are arranged in the housing (2) of the base.
The sun position follow-up means according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optosensor (14) includes
- a base (100),
- a separation means (200) arranged on the base (100) and dividing the space above the base (100) into a plurality of upwardly and laterally open compartments (160),
- at least one light receiving means (300) in every compartment (160) which converts light into electrical current, and
- electrical lines (400, 500) connected to said light receiving means 8300) and extending to a control/evaluating/indicating unit (700).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.