Dual axis solar array tracker
AssigneeMAXUN Solar Inc.
InventorsRa'ed Arab, Bruno Rocha, Abdullah Arab
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dual axis solar array tracker for supporting a plurality of solar energy harvesting elements at a plurality of solar collector nodes. Two perpendicular axes of movement, specifically a rotation axis at a rotatable transverse beam and a tilt axis relative to the axis of the transverse beam, enable accurate orientation in a stable configuration. The dual axis design of the solar tracker enables the movement of solar collectors such that they can be directed towards the sun wherein incoming solar rays are perpendicular to the solar cell element of the solar collector to optimize collection of solar radiation. The present solar tracker array also enables integrated solar, electrical and/or thermal energy cogeneration.
Claims20
A solar array tracker comprising:
- a first longitudinal beam comprising a first mechanical system;
- a second longitudinal beam offset from the first longitudinal beam comprising a second mechanical system;
- and
- at least one rotatable transverse beam extending between the first longitudinal beam and the second longitudinal beam, the transverse beam comprising:
- a rotatable shaft inside the transverse beam;
- a plurality of solar collector nodes each comprising a collector node mechanical element and connected to a thermal collection cell;
- a first end comprising a first transverse beam mechanical element for engaging with the first mechanical system to effect rotation of the transverse beam around its axis;
- a second end comprising a second transverse beam mechanical element operatively engaged with the rotatable shaft for engaging with the second mechanical system to tilt the plurality of solar collector nodes relative to the transverse beam through the collector node mechanical element in each of the plurality of solar collector nodes by rotating the rotatable shaft inside the transverse beam;
- and
- a thermal conduit connecting each of the plurality of solar collector nodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.