Device for supporting, aligning, and cooling a solar panel

Abstract

A device for solar panels and method allows seasonal tilting by human assistance for changes in sun angle above equator, and unassisted daily positioning east to west to east. A primary support member is fixed to the back of a typical solar panel, generally from corner to corner along a line of balance. This support member is elongated and enabled for rotation, with attached panel by rotation sleeves or pivots. Extensions of the rotation sleeves in connection with two posts are positioned on a polar axis. The posts are solidly fixed in the earth or a base. The rotation sleeve covering the longer post, closest to the pole, is manually adjusted and secured to change the angle of the collector with the equator. Stops are provided. A linear actuator is pivotally attached at an edge or corner of the solar panel with the other end attached to a post, which is pivotally attached relative to the ground or base. An electric motor is powered by batteries to drive the linear actuator. Control of the motor is regulated by programmed activation in response to time of day as maintained by an on board clock. The panel tracks the sun and at change of day returns to a preset position. Cooling of the solar panel is provided with subsurface air via infiltration gallery and distribution channels. Air moves by convection or with auxiliary fan.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Solar collectors are known to have increased performance (heat or electricity) in cases where they can actively track the sun. Estimates of 30% or more power generation are estimated with active tracking solar devices over that of fixed mounting brackets. Tracking devices have typically taken the configuration of a single mast to support a collector or group of collectors such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,145 issued to Corio. Another configuration is shown by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,253,632 and 6,089,224 issued to Poulek. In some cases adjustments of entire rows or groups of panels are suggested with a long interconnected rigid framework using a number of rods, cables or various mechanisms. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,099 to McDermott and U.S. Pat. No. 6,563,040 to Hayden et al. This prior art is generally expensive to manufacture, difficult to install, and inadequate against high winds such as encountered in Wyoming and other Rocky Mountain States. Additional refe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] There is discovered a reliable and strong support structure that requires a minimum of electricity to realign panel(s), can withstand excessive winds, provides cooling to the solar panel(s), and contains additional benefits here summarized. The discovery of this invention is based upon the science of biomimicry, specifically the shape and behavior of a leaf. Leaves are often round, ovoid or tapered to a stem. Orientation of a solar panel is presented in which a corner of the panel is closest to the ground and connected to a hollow attach...

Problems solved by technology

Analogously, photovoltaic cells diminish...

Images