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US 8,273,978 B2Granted
Solar panel array sun tracking system
AssigneeThompson Technology Industries, Inc.
InventorsDaniel S. Thompson, Monty Mullins, Craig Stager, Anthony Zante
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A solar panel tracking system that can simultaneously rotate large arrays of solar panels position in multiple rows utilizing a single drive system. The drive system comprises a single actuation device that drives multiple rotational translation stages at each solar array row for tilting the panels to the correct position. A dual beam structure within each row insure appropriate panel support during rotation and provide the framework for simplified installation and maintenance.
Claims15
A solar panel array sun tracking system, comprising:
- a plurality of support posts disposed on a mounting surface;
- at least one drive shaft support beam mounted onto said support posts in a generally horizontal orientation, each of said at least one drive shaft support beam having a longitudinal axis corresponding to said horizontal orientation;
- a plurality of pivot support post platforms fixedly attached to each of said at least one drive shaft support beam;
- pivot structure connected to each of said pivot post platforms, each pivot structure including an array axis of rotation disposed generally horizontally and generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said drive shaft support beam;
- lateral mounting structure for supporting a plurality of solar panels on each side of said drive shaft support beam;
- a plurality of panel mounting structures for mounting a plurality of substantially co-planar solar panels, said panel mounting structure pivotally attached to said pivot structure at said array axis of rotation, said panel mounting structure pivotally attached to said lateral mounting structure;
- a rotational drive system having at least one drive shaft operatively connected to said pivot structure and disposed parallel to said drive shaft support beam and further having motorized means for imparting a reciprocating force to said at least one drive shaft;
- and
- at least one reciprocating drive tube axially connected to each of said drive shafts and
- interposed between said drive shaft and said pivot structure;
- wherein when said rotational drive system is operated, each of said at least one drive shaft causes a plurality of said panel mounting structures to pivot about the respective array axis of rotation of the pivot structure to which the particular panel mounting structure is pivotally connected.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.