Torque Tube Mounted Photovoltaic Apparatus, System, and Method

摘要

An interlocking system for connecting photovoltaic module frames to a torque tube, including: (a) an interlock dimensioned to be positioned between the sides of two adjacent photovoltaic module frames; (b) a pair of couplings or flanges, wherein the couplings or flanges connect the interlock to both of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames; and (c) a U-lock connected to the interlock, wherein the U-lock is dimensioned to be connected to a torque tube.

主权项

1. An interlocking system for connecting photovoltaic module frames to a torque tube, comprising:
(a) an interlock formed from a generally U-shaped channel extending in a longitudinal direction, the interlock being dimensioned to be positioned between the sides of two adjacent photovoltaic module frames, wherein each interlock comprises:
(i) a lower center portion;(ii) a pair of side walls extending both longitudinally and upwardly from opposite sides of the lower center portion, wherein the lower center portion and the pair of side walls form the U-shaped channel;(iii) a pair of support portions extending horizontally outward from opposite sides of the side walls on either side of the U-shaped channel, wherein the support portions also extend longitudinally, the support portions being received underneath a longitudinal portion of the bottom edges of the two adjacent photovoltaic module frames to support the two adjacent photovoltaic modules thereon; and(iii) a pair of flanges extending from opposite sides of the center portion, wherein the pair of flanges are received into grooves in the sides of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames; and (b) a U-lock connected to the interlock, wherein the U -lock is dimensioned to be connected to a torque tube.