Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a self-balanced photovoltaic system
AssigneeQuest Renewables, LLC
InventorsJoseph N. Goodman, James Keane
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for a self-balanced PV array that can withstand extreme loads (e.g., wind, snow, etc.) applied across large surface areas using one or more supports configured along just a single axis. Generally, the load balancing mechanism comprises, in one embodiment, a configuration of support struts that are attached to the PV array at various points depending on the configuration of the PV array and the expected loads. The struts are generally configured to provide two work points that are distributed above and below the ground, pedestal or other connection of the PV array to the surface condition.
Claims20
A self-balanced photovoltaic system, comprising:
- one or more photovoltaic arrays;
- and
- a photovoltaic array support structure comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the one or more photovoltaic arrays are affixed to the upper portion and wherein the photovoltaic array support structure is operably connected to a surface condition by two or more upper struts that are affixed to the upper portion and two or more lower struts that are affixed to the lower portion.
A method of installing a self-balanced photovoltaic system, comprising the steps of:
- assembling a photovoltaic array support structure comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;
- affixing one or more photovoltaic arrays to the upper portion;
- affixing two or more upper struts to the upper portion and to a surface condition;
- and
- affixing two or more lower struts to the lower portion and to the surface condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.