Actuator-based drive system for solar collector

An actuator-based system for controlling the rotational position of a solar collector trough, said trough being rotatably supported for movement over an angular range of motion based on the relative position of the sun to the trough, said position controlling system comprising:

• a hydraulic cylinder having an output end;
• a linkage assembly interconnecting the output end of said cylinder and said trough, said linkage assembly comprising:
• at least one linkage member;
• and
• a pair of pivot arms attached to said at least one linkage member, said pair of pivot arms including a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, said first pivot arm being pivotally attached to a fixed portion of said trough at one end of said arm and pivotally attached to said at least one linkage member at an opposite end thereof, said second pivot arm being pivotally attached to a rotatably supported portion of said trough at one end and being pivotally attached to said at least one linkage member at an opposite end, said linkage member being pivotally attached to said output end of said cylinder at one end and pivotally attached to each of said first and second pivot arms wherein axial movement of said output end enables said trough to be rotated over said angular range of motion;
• and
• a hydraulic pressurization system for controlling the displacement of said output end of said cylinder.