Torque limiter devices, systems and methods and solar trackers incorporating torque limiters

摘要

A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

主权项

1. A solar tracker assembly comprising:
a support column; one or more torque tubes or torsion beams connected to the support column; a mounting mechanism attached to the one or more torque tubes or torsion beams; a drive system connected to the one or more torque tubes or torsion beams; and a torque limiter connected to an output of the drive system; wherein when a hinge moment force causes a level of torque on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torque limiter passively facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torque, thereby allowing the hinge moment force to rotate the solar tracker assembly about a pivot axis into a lower hinge moment position.