SOLAR TRACKING APPARATUS

摘要

A variety of techniques may be employed alone or in various combinations, to track alignment of solar collectors with movement of the sun. One approach utilizes two or more piles offset from a single axis of tracking rotation, to provide foundational support. By allocating support between multiple foundational piles, such embodiments reduce the size of any individual pile needed to withstand accumulated torque from sources such as wind. Another approach utilizes an attachment feature to attach a panel to an underlying support arm. The attachment feature may be glued to a bottom surface of a collector panel, and locked into place on the support arm using sliders. Another approach focuses upon the arm structure itself, and the manner of its attachment to a torque tube of a single-axis tracker. Other approaches relate to techniques for stowing solar trackers, and field layout designs for solar trackers.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a torque tube; a solar panel attached to the torque tube; a first plurality of piles arranged in line directly beneath the long axis of the torque tube and rotatably supporting the torque tube for rotation about its long axis; a drive mechanism configured to rotate the torque tube about its long axis to track the sun, a curved surface of the drive mechanism accommodating torque tube alignment; and a foundation configured to support the drive mechanism, the foundation comprising at least two piles offset from the rotation axis, and one or more rigid member or assembly connecting the at least two piles and the drive mechanism.