Solar array assembly and method for making the same

摘要

A movable solar array and method for capturing solar energy which includes a V-shaped longitudinal support forming a corner of an elongated truss located at each angle of a polygonal axial cross-section where an open web is fixedly attached between each V-shaped longitudinal support extending the length of the elongated truss. An end member is fixedly attached at each end of the support truss and includes a shaft extending longitudinally outwardly from the end member adapted to engage a drive to longitudinally rotate the elongated truss. Solar panels are attached along one face of the elongated truss, and at least one rotatable drive is capable of driving the shafts at the end of the elongated truss to move the solar panels in relation to a change of direction of incoming solar energy.

主权项

1. A movable solar array comprising:
(a) an elongated support truss having a polygonal axial cross-section with:
(i) V-shaped longitudinal members forming corners of the polygonal axial cross section, each of the V-shaped longitudinal members comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of each of the V-shaped longitudinal members is located on a first side comprising an inner angle that is less than 180 degrees, and the outer surface of each of the V-shaped longitudinal members is located on a second side comprising an outer angle that is greater than 180 degrees;(ii) an open web fixedly attached between each of the V-shaped longitudinal members located adjacent to one another, the open web extending a length of the elongated support truss along each side of the polygonal axial cross-section, the open web comprising a plurality of bends in a same plane, the plurality of bends fixedly attached to a portion of the inner surface of each of the V-shaped longitudinal members associated with the plurality of bends; and(iii) an end member fixedly attached at each end of the elongated support truss with a shaft extending longitudinally outwardly from the end member adapted to engage a drive to longitudinally rotate the elongated support truss, (b) solar panels attached along one side of the elongated support truss of polygonal axial cross-section, and (c) at least one rotatable drive capable of rotatably driving the shafts at the end of the elongated support truss to move the solar panels in relation to a change of direction of incoming solar energy.