# US 2009/0050191 A1 · System and Method for Solar Tracking

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- Number: US 2009/0050191 A1
- Document ID: US20090050191A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 11/843,624
- Filed: 2007-08-22
- Published: 2009-02-26
- Earliest claimed: 2007-08-22
- Assignees: Sol Focus, Inc.
- Inventors: Peter Young; Stephen J. Horne
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20090050191A1

## CPC

- G01J 1/20: intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detectors, e.g. by varying incidence angle
- F24S 30/48: with three or more rotation axes or with multiple degrees of freedom
- F24S 50/20: for tracking
- G09B 25/02: of industrial processes; of machinery
- F24S 2030/115: {Linear actuators, e.g. pneumatic cylinders}
- F24S 2030/17: {Spherical joints}
- G01J 2001/4266: {for measuring solar light}
- Y02E 10/47: Mountings or tracking
- G01J: MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY (light sources F21, H01J, H01K, H05B; investigating properties of materials by optical means G01N)
- F24S: SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS (for producing mechanical power from solar energy F03G6/00)
- G09B: EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS (devices for psychotechnics or for testing reaction times A61B5/16; games, sports, amusements A63; projectors, projector screens G03B)
- Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

## Abstract

The present invention is a solar tracking system which utilizes three supports arranged in a generally tripod configuration. In one embodiment, two of the supports are linear actuators, and the third support is a stationary universally pivoting joint such as a ball and socket joint. The tracking system may include cross-supports for increased stability, a linear rail for additional range of motion, and a mounting base to facilitate installation. This solar tracking system offers a stable, cost-effective design which is also capable of moving the solar module into an optional stowed position.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A solar tracking system for moving a solar energy module, said solar energy module having an energy collection surface, comprising:
a first support arm comprising a first linear actuator having first and second ends, wherein said first end of said first linear actuator is coupled to said solar energy module;
a second support arm having first and second ends, wherein said first end of said second support arm is coupled to said solar energy module; and
a stationary support having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said top end is coupled to said solar energy module by a universally pivoting joint.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The solar tracking system of claim 1, wherein said first linear actuator, said second support arm, and said stationary support form a substantially triangular support base for said solar energy module.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The solar tracking system of claim 1, wherein said second support arm comprises a second linear actuator.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The solar tracking system of claim 1, further comprising a cross-brace having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said top end of said cross-brace is coupled near said first end of said first linear actuator, and wherein said bottom end of said cross-brace is coupled near said second end of said second support arm.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The solar tracking system of claim 4, wherein said cross-brace comprises a third linear actuator.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The solar tracking system of claim 1, further comprising a mounting base, wherein said second end of said first linear actuator, said second end of said second support arm, and said bottom end of said stationary support are all coupled to said mounting base.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The solar tracking system of claim 6, wherein said second end of said first linear actuator is coupled to said mounting base with a universally pivoting joint.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The solar tracking system of claim 6, wherein said mounting base comprises a metal frame.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The solar tracking system of claim 1, wherein said first end of said first linear actuator is coupled to said solar energy module with a universally pivoting joint.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The solar tracking system of claim 1, wherein said first end of said second support arm is coupled to said solar energy module with a universally pivoting joint.

### Claim 11 (depends on 3)

The solar tracking system of claim 3, wherein said solar module comprises a mid-line defining a right half and a left half of said solar module;
wherein said first end of said first linear actuator is coupled to said solar module at a first attachment point on said right half, and wherein said second end of said first linear actuator is coupled to the ground at a location to the left of said mid-line of said solar module; and
wherein said first end of said second linear actuator is coupled to said solar module at a second attachment point on said left half, and wherein said second end of said second linear actuator is coupled to the ground at a location to the right of said mid-line of said solar module.

### Claim 12 (depends on 3)

The solar tracking system of claim 3, wherein said first linear actuator and said second linear actuator comprise a range of motion to move said solar module into a stowed position.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The solar tracking system of claim 12 wherein said stowed position comprises said energy collection surface of said solar module to be facing at least partially away from the sun.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The solar tracking system of claim 1, wherein said energy collection surface comprises an array of solar concentrator devices.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

The solar tracking system of claim 1, wherein said bottom end of said stationary support is coupled to a rail, wherein said rail is co-planar with the ground.

### Claim 16

A method of moving a solar module, wherein said solar module is coupled to a first linear actuator, a second support arm, a stationary support, and a control system, wherein said method of moving comprises:
providing control signals from said control system to said first linear actuator and to said second support arm;
moving said first actuator from a first position to a second position; and
moving said second support arm from a first position to a second position.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The method of moving a solar module of claim 16, wherein said step of providing control signals comprises sensing the sun's position with photo sensors.

### Claim 18 (depends on 16)

The method of moving a solar module of claim 16, wherein said second position of said first linear actuator, and said second position of said second support arm comprise a stowed position of said solar module.

### Claim 19 (depends on 16)

The method of moving a solar module of claim 16, wherein said control system comprises linear encoders coupled to said first linear actuator and to said second support arm.