PHOTOVOLTAIC COLLECTION SYSTEMS, FRICTION DRIVES, AND METHOD FOR TRACKING THE SUN AND AVOIDING WIND DAMAGE

摘要

Disclosed are photovoltaic collection systems, friction drives, and method for tracking the sun and avoiding wind damage without the use of complicated or expensive mechanical systems. In particular, disclosed is friction drive system for coupling a support beam supporting a photovoltaic collection assembly to a support pillar. The frictional drive system can include a plurality of wheels positioned for rotatably and pivotably coupling the support beam to the support pillar such that the support beam will slip with respect to the support pillar under application of a wind torque of a predetermined amount. Further, at least one motor can apply torques to the wheels for moving the support beam with respect to the support pillar.