SOLAR TRACKER

Abstract

A solar tracker, comprising at least two rows (1) of photovoltaic modules, having a drive system for rotating one row (1), the rotation of which is transmitted to the other rows (1), wherein each module has its own axis of rotation (2), connected to the axes of rotation (2) of adjacent modules by means of rotation transmission modules (3), and the rotation is transmitted by means of at least one drive bar (7) connected to two rotation transmission modules (3) of adjacent rows (1), characterized in that the drive bar (7) is connected to the rotation transmission modules (3) by means of respective constant velocity joints (8).

Description

Solar tracker TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention relates to a solar tracker, which connects several rows of photovoltaic modules, achieving their homogeneous movement. STATE OF THE ART In the solar energy industry, solar trackers are commonly used. These trackers consist of photovoltaic modules mounted on frames that can be oriented to follow the sun's position. One well-known design of these systems involves rows of photovoltaic modules with a motorized mechanism that allows them to tilt around a main rotation axis, enabling them to track the sun's movement throughout the day. This main rotation axis is horizontal and oriented north-south, ensuring that the plane normal to the surface of the photovoltaic panels always aligns with the local meridian containing the sun. In these solar tracking systems, the photovoltaic modules are mounted on a horizontal rotation axis, and the rotation axes of adjacent rows are interconnected by couplings, allowing the drive of one or more of these axes to move all the modules in the row simultaneously. Furthermore, between each pair of photovoltaic modules, drive bars can be placed, connecting the rotation axes of each row via rotary couplings. This facilitates the transfer of rotational movement to adjacent rows using a single motor that drives the entire system. US patent 8,459,249B2 describes a transmission system located near the ground, where a motor drives a shaft that, in turn, moves the slave photovoltaic modules. This motor is coupled to the shaft perpendicularly or parallel to it, depending on the design, and requires a toothed arc to transmit the rotational motion. Although effective, this system means that the movement occurs at an indirect distance from the shaft, increasing the complexity of the design. Utility model CN205725606U proposes a similar system, in which the motor is positioned parallel to the transmission shaft. This arrangement makes the motor independent of the shaft, but it also requires a more complex transmission system between the two, increasing the size and complexity of the system. A common challenge when installing these systems on terrain with varied topography is the presence of height or lateral deviations between rows of photovoltaic modules. This can complicate the assembly process and increase installation costs, as well as create operational problems due to the lack of precise adaptation to the terrain. In traditional systems, the motors that drive the transmission bars are positioned perpendicular or parallel to the bar's longitudinal axis, occupying significant space and posing risks to operators moving beneath the solar panels. This arrangement not only takes up more space but also increases the risk of accidents during operation. Another problem with current systems is the location of the drive mechanisms for the rotating shafts, which are usually situated at ground level. This presents several drawbacks, such as the risk of moisture or flooding due to heavy rain, and the presence of transmission elements between the ground and the rotating shaft, which increases the risk of accidents when moving the solar panels or the entry of foreign material that could cause damage. Given the need to optimize these systems to adapt to irregular terrain and facilitate their operation under safer and more efficient conditions, the need arises for a solar tracker design that allows for simpler and more practical installation, without compromising its operational performance. The applicant is unaware of any equivalent or similar solution to the invention. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The invention consists of a solar tracker according to the claims. Its various embodiments solve problems of the prior art. The proposed invention relates to an advanced solar tracker, specifically designed to optimize the performance of photovoltaic modules arranged in rows, with a motorized drive system that allows simultaneous adjustment of the tilt of all solar panels. This tilting system is activated from a single point, thanks to an innovative configuration of drive bars equipped with constant-velocity joints at the ends, which transmit the movement between the rows of solar panels, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. The solar tracker is designed for easy installation and operation on uneven terrain. The rotation axes of the solar modules are connected by rotation transmission modules, mounted at an optimal height so that their tilting movement does not interfere with the ground, ensuring the safety of operators and protecting the system components from moisture or flooding that could affect them if they were at ground level. The proposed design allows the solar tracker to be highly adaptable to uneven terrain, compensating for lateral deviations and / or height variations between the support anchor points. This flexibility not only facilitates assembly but also optimizes system performance, ensuring precise tilt of the solar panels relative to the sun at all times. The solar tracker of the invention consists of at least two rows of photovoltaic modules, generally parallel, and has a drive system for rotating one row, the rotation of which is transmitted to the other rows. Each module has its own axis of rotation, connected to the axes of rotation of adjacent modules in the same row by means of rotation transmission modules. Rotation is transmitted between rows by means of at least one drive bar connected to two rotation transmission modules of adjacent rows. This drive bar is connected to the rotation transmission modules by means of constant-velocity joints and is preferably telescopic. Ideally, the drive system comprises a motor adjacent to a rotation transmission module, whose shaft is aligned with the constant velocity joint. Other variations will be discussed in the rest of the report. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A section of drawings is included, which represents ways of implementation as an example. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an example of implementation. Figure 2 shows a side view of an example of a misaligned implementation. Figure 3 shows a detail of the connection of the bar with a rotation transmission module. MODES OF REALIZING THE INVENTION Next, a brief description is given of one way of carrying out the invention, as an illustrative and non-limiting example thereof. The solar tracker consists of at least two rows (1) of photovoltaic modules, in which the solar panels forming the modules are mounted on a rotation axis (2). These modules are longitudinally interconnected with the rotation axes (2) of adjacent modules by means of rotation transmission modules (3), which allow the transfer of rotational motion. The rotation axis (2) is raised above the ground and supported by pillars connected to the rotation transmission modules (3), which are generally height-adjustable to adapt to the terrain. These rotation transmission modules (3) are known, and any prior art version may be used. The rotation transmission modules (3) comprise a transverse spindle (4) and a crown gear transmission system (5), from which a coupling rod (6) extends to the adjacent modules. One example of transmission consists of a worm gear connected to the motor shaft which, via a gear system, transmits the rotation to the follower's rotation shaft (2). Between each pair of adjacent, generally parallel rows (1), there is a transmission bar (7), joined at its ends by means of constant velocity joints (8) to two coupling rods (6) of two rotation transmission modules (3), one in each row (1). A simple example of a constant velocity joint (8) is a cardan joint. One of the rows (1) has a drive system, with a motor (9), which is responsible for orienting that row (1) of modules, whose movement is transferred to the other rows (1) by means of one or more transmission bars (7). It is possible to have more motors, or in more rows (1), if the weight or inertia of the solar tracker is high. The transmission bar (7) shown is telescopic, allowing it to adapt to differences in position between pairs of rows (1), for example, due to the terrain. To achieve this, the transmission bar (7) comprises independent sections of different cross-sections that fit together. The drive motor is preferably aligned with the constant velocity joint (8) that connects the drive shaft (7) to the drive motor shaft (9). This arrangement allows for direct transmission of the motor's motion to the drive shaft (7), improving system efficiency by reducing its mechanical complexity. This avoids previous configurations where the motor occupied more space (perpendicular or parallel to the drive shaft), eliminates the risk of collisions with the motor during panel movement, ensuring greater operator safety and reducing the possibility of mechanical failures. In summary, the proposed solar tracker not only improves the operational efficiency of solar systems but also offers a flexible solution adaptable to different terrains, with simplified assembly and enhanced worker safety. Innovations in its design and operation give it a competitive advantage over traditional solar trackers, establishing it as a preferred option for photovoltaic installations on a variety of terrains.

Claims

1. A solar tracker, comprising at least two rows (1) of photovoltaic modules, having a drive system for rotating one row (1), the rotation of which is transmitted to the other rows (1), wherein each module has its own axis of rotation (2), connected to the axes of rotation (2) of adjacent modules by means of rotation transmission modules (3), and the rotation is transmitted by means of at least one drive bar (7) connected to two rotation transmission modules (3) of adjacent rows (1), characterized in that the drive bar (7) is connected to the rotation transmission modules (3) by means of respective constant velocity joints (8).

2. A solar tracker according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive bar (7) is telescopic. 3.Solar tracker, according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive system comprises a motor (9) adjacent to a rotation transmission module (3), whose axis is aligned with the homokinetic joint (8).