Two-Axes Solar Tracker System and Apparatus for Solar Panel and Likes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a simplified and lower cost two-axes tracker for solar PV (photovoltaic) or CPV (concentrated photovoltaic) solar panel, as well as heliostat solar reflectors and solar Stirling engine. In particular, the disclosure addresses a simplified and gravity centered tracker structure with low cost single or dual linear actuators mounted on the side of ground post which is easier for replacement and maintenance at lower cost.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is based on and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 274,927, filed on Aug. 24, 2009.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a simplified and lower cost two-axes tracker for solar PV (photovoltaic) or CPV (concentrated photovoltaic) solar panel, as well as heliostat solar reflectors and solar Stirling engine. In particular, the disclosure addresses a simplified and gravity centered tracker structure with low cost single or dual linear actuators mounted on the side of ground post which is easier for replacement and maintenance at lower cost.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Photovoltaic solar panels are gradually becoming a fixture on roof tops in residential street. The sun exposure to fix panel on the roof is proportional to sine of sun elevation angle to the panel. In other words, solar collection on horizontal flat panel at sunrise a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]In another aspect of the disclosure, the azimuth and elevation drivers can be mounted as an accessory to the side of the ground post and rotating head with nuts and bolts, which can be easily installed, removed, replaced in routine maintenance by a single person. This is the major difference from the traditional tracker, where the slewing drive is located at the center between the ground post and solar panel. If anything happen to the slewing drive, the entire solar panel has to be removed or dismantled. By attaching the azimuth drive on the side proposed by this disclosure, it can extend the life of solar tracker by routine maintenance or replacement of low cost linear actuator.

[0012]In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the two-axes solar tracker is designed with a wind lock device which can be activated whenever a strong wind exceeds a threshold. The wind lock device uses electromagnetic force to lock up the solar tracker in wind neutral position firmly on the ground post using two electromagnetic activated locks. This will bear the vibration and pounding of solar tracker exercised on the linear actuators during strong wind. Furthermore, in windy areas with constant blowing wind, this wind lock device can be used in a stepwise wind lock to protect the linear actuators between activations. This will greatly prolong the life span of linear actuator and the solar tracker from wind abuse.

Problems solved by technology

If anything happen to the slewing drive, the entire solar panel has to be removed or dismantled.

This will greatly prolong the life span of linear actuator and the solar tracker from wind abuse.

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