Solar energy system and solar powered tracking apparatus therefor

Abstract

Solar tracking apparatus for a solar energy system comprises at least one chamber containing a volatile fluid, a shading arrangement for controlling the degree to which the at least one chamber is exposed to the sun in dependence on the position of the sun so as to control the extent to which the fluid is vaporized due to solar heating of the at least one chamber, and apparatus for coupling the expansive force generated by vaporization of the fluid to a work piece to control the position, orientation, and/or operation thereof. Preferably, the solar tracking apparatus comprises a base pivotably mounted with respect to a pivot axis, first and second chambers mounted to the base in counterbalancing relationship with respct to the pivot axis, a conduit connecting the chambers for transfer to fluid therebetween, a volatile fluid disposed in the chambers for transfer therebetween, and a shading arrangement for controlling the degree to which each of the chambers is exposed to the sun such that a differential vapor pressure is created therebetween in dependence on the position of the sun which causes a predetermined transfer of the fluid between the chambers so as to change the proportion of the fluid disposed within each of the chambers and thereby cause the base to pivot into a predetermined orientation with respect to the position of the sun.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.