SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM

摘要

A solar tracking system with a plurality of tracking assemblies moved by a single motor. A method and system that prevents overloading the motor or tripping a circuit breaker due to an obstructed or impeded tracker includes sensing movement of the tracker assemblies and entering into obstruction clearing modes. Obstruction clearing mode 1 (OCM1) is a high frequency adjustable mode that prompts movement for an adjustable period of time. If movement commences, the system returns to a normal mode. If there is no movement, the system enters into an obstruction clearing mode 2 (OCM2) with is an adjustable lower frequency series of attempts. If there is no movement, no further attempts are made. Each of these steps are monitored and controlled remotely. There are two types of secure connections for drivelines, torque tubes or affixing driveline linkages for high torque conditions.

主权项

1. A method of adjustably limiting driveline torque to a motor of a linked tracker system for driving a plurality of individual solar tracker assemblies with the motor, the method comprising the steps of:
a) sending a prompt to the motor to move the tracker assemblies; b) sensing whether the tracker assemblies are moving; c) entering into an obstruction clearing mode 1 (OCM1) if the tracker assemblies are not moving; d) entering into an obstruction clearing mode 2 (OCM2) if the tracker assemblies are not moving after an OCM1 time period; and e) ceasing movement attempts if the tracker assemblies are not moving after an OCM2 time period.