Bearing Assembly For A Solar Collector System

Abstract

A solar collector system is provided including a bearing assembly comprising a plurality of wheels or rollers for rollingly engaging a large-diameter support element. Rotation of the large-diameter support element supports tracking of the position of the sun relative to the solar collector system. The bearing assembly may be pre-assembled to the large-diameter support element before the solar collector system leaves the factory, thereby facilitating assembly of the solar collector system in the field, even under adverse conditions.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This U.S. National Stage Patent Application claims the benefit of International Application serial number PCT / US11 / 42442 filed Jun. 29, 2011 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 360,612 filed Jul. 1, 2010, the entire disclosures of the applications being considered part of the disclosure of this application, and hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The instant invention relates generally to a bearing assembly for a solar collector system, and more particularly to a low speed bearing assembly for a solar collector system based on a large diameter structural support cylinder.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Systems that are designed to convert solar radiation or “solar energy” into heat or electricity have long been suggested as an attractive alternative to conventional energy sources such as crude oil, natural gas and the like. In particular, solar energy is know...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a solar collector system that includes a movable solar collector surface and a cylindrical support element. The system also includes a housing assembly with wheels for easy movement and mounting on a base element. The housing assembly has a mounting end and a retaining end. The system also includes a plurality of spherical rollers for securely attaching the housing assembly to the support element. The technical effects of the invention include a more stable and secure attachment of the solar collector system to the base element, improved load bearing, and a more efficient use of space.

Problems solved by technology

In particular, solar energy is known to be a vast and largely untapped renewable energy source that can be converted into a usable form without releasing harmful emissions into the environment.

Unfortunately, high capital costs combined with low energy conversion efficiencies have thus far limited the adoption of solar collector systems to mostly small-scale installations and “off-grid” or niche applications.

Unfortunately, the methods and apparatus for supporting and aiming solar collectors toward the sun are rather crude and simple.

This-type of apparatus for supporting the solar collector is wrought with many problems.

Specifically, it is extremely difficult to install such a type of system in such a manner that the bearing structures and the support rods are in precise alignment.

Of course, even if the collector system is installed with the bearing structures precisely aligned to receive the support rods, problems still arise due to an uneven shifting of the support pylons along the length of the collector system.

Such a movement and shifting of the pylons results in a misalignment of the bearing structures.

Unfortunately, the retaining assembly can be assembled together only after the solar collector has been placed on top of the rollers.

Hence, the task of assembling the retaining assembly must be performed in the field, often under adverse weather conditions.

For instance, windy weather may result in shifting of the axle before the retaining assembly can be fully assembled, and may frustrate attempts to align the holes in the retaining arms, insert the upper bolt, and simultaneously position the third roller on the bolt between the retaining arms.

Similarly, cold temperatures may make it difficult to handle and manipulate the multiple, small parts of the retaining assembly.

The need to assemble the retaining assembly in the field results in increased installation costs and delays.

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