BALANCED SOLAR TRACKER CLAMP

摘要

In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.

主权项

1. A solar tracker apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
a drive device; a crank coupled to the drive device and configured in an offset manner to a first end of a continuous torque tube, the continuous torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes; a frame assembly coupled to the continuous torque tube, the frame assembly coupled to a plurality of solar modules; a clamp assembly comprising a housing coupled to a second end of the continuous torque tube such that the continuous torque tube is suspended from the housing, the housing comprising an opening having a major plane normal to a length of the continuous torque tube, the opening comprising a first inner region and a second inner region, the first inner region acts as a first stop for the continuous torque tube when moved in a first radial direction until contacting the first inner region, and the second inner region acts as a second stop for the continuous torque tube when moved in a second radial direction until contacting the second inner region; wherein the drive motor is operable to move the torque tube about a center of rotation and is under a load and moves the torque tube about the center of rotation at substantially a same force from a first radial position to a second radial position; wherein the center of rotation is offset from a center of the continuous torque tube via the crank configured in the offset manner.