| 主权项 |
1. A solar energy system comprising:
a support structure; a pedestal defining a longitudinal axis and having a first end and a second end, said first end of said pedestal connected to said support structure; a frame that is supported by said pedestal and that is rotatable relative to said pedestal about said longitudinal axis, said frame supporting at least one solar device; a tracker assembly connected to said second end of said pedestal and disposed between said pedestal and said frame, said tracker assembly including an elevation drive and an azimuth drive controlled to position said frame in a stowed position and a tracking position, said elevation drive including a hinge point located below said frame and along said longitudinal axis, said elevation drive facilitating rotation of said frame about said hinge point, and said azimuth drive facilitating rotation of said frame relative to said longitudinal axis and capable of being disengaged to allow free rotation of said frame relative to said pedestal about said longitudinal axis; and a wind vane including a major surface and operatively connected to said tracker assembly, said wind vane urging said frame to rotate relative to said pedestal about said longitudinal axis in response to wind acting on said wind vane when said azimuth drive is disengaged, and said elevation drive positioned to orient said frame such that said wind rotates said frame into said stowed position where said frame is oriented parallel with respect to a direction of said wind so as to reduce bending moments imposed by said frame on said pedestal in response to said wind, and a greater portion of a surface area of said major surface of said wind vane is positioned in a location closer to said support structure than said frame such that if said frame is positioned in said tracking position, said wind vane is substantially unshielded by said frame. |
