Dual-axis solar cell array tracking device

Abstract

A two-axis solar array tracker for supporting multiple solar energy harvesting elements at multiple solar collector nodes. Two orthogonal axes of motion, specifically, a rotation axis at a rotatable cross beam and a tilt axis relative to the cross beam axis, allow for precise orientation in a stable configuration. The two-axis design of the solar tracker allows for motion of the solar collector so that it can be oriented toward the sun, optimizing the collection of solar radiation when the incoming solar rays are perpendicular to the solar collector solar cell elements. The solar tracker array of the present invention further allows for the integration of solar, electric and / or thermal energy cogeneration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 137,221, filed on January 14, 2021, and hereby incorporates the entire content of this patent by reference into the specification of this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a solar cell array tracking structure for supporting a solar energy harvesting element or a solar thermal collector element. The present invention also relates to a solar power generation and heat energy collection as well as a solar power generation heat energy cogeneration system.

Background Art

[0003] In solar energy harvesting systems, the system's efficiency, or the amount of energy harvested, is maximized when the solar harvesting elements are oriented toward the sun. Solar energy can be harvested in the form of light and heat using solar harvesting elements such as photovoltaic cells and photothermal cells, as well as related elements such as reflective elements (mirrors, etc.) and other optical elements (lenses, etc.). One type of solar harvesting element is a solar cell, also called a photovoltaic cell, which is an electrical device that collects energy from the sun as light and converts it directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. To maximize the light collected, solar harvesting elements are generally positioned nearly perpendicular to the incident sunlight, and the angle or orientation of the solar cell is ideally adjusted over time, and as the sun moves relative to the solar cell's position, to optimally position the solar cell perpendicular to the incident light. Solar harvesting systems without movable and tracking systems are installed in a specific fixed orientation depending on their location (e.g., latitude), maximizing the period during which their solar cell elements are nearly perpendicular to the incident sunlight. A system that enables solar tracking motion and holds solar cell elements perpendicular to incident sunlight is generally called a solar tracking device or solar cell array tracking device. Existing tracking devices employ a variety of mechanisms, including linkages, gears, joints, belts, cable drives, and other mechanical and electronic devices, to control the angle of the solar cells.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190199276 describes a single-axis tracking device in which one or more solar cells are connected to a semicircular structural member and an axial element that serves as the center of their rotation. This semicircular member is a toothed circular rack (similar to the rack in a rack-and-pinion gear system) rotated via a gear system. This allows the solar cells to be rotated to face the sun or nearly face it. This is also achieved by having the system and the axial element (around which the solar cells rotate) in a specific orientation at installation, depending on the location where the system is installed, the available orientations, and the latitude. However, with such a single-axis system, it is impossible to keep the solar cells facing the sun or nearly facing such a required orientation at all times. This is impossible because the relative position of the sun in the sky moves throughout the year.

[0005] Other systems use a similar configuration, in which solar cells are connected to axial elements and rotate, but their motion is commanded by electric elements. Other systems use linkage mechanisms, belts, cable drives, and other mechanical devices to achieve solar tracking motion. Spanish Published Patent No. 2404671(A1) describes a scissor-type linkage system for a single-axis solar tracker optionally mounted on a vertical rotation axis, or a system that provides a horizontal rotation axis perpendicular to the axis formed by the scissor-type mechanism, forming a secondary rotation axis. In both cases, vertical structural elements are used to increase the height of the system requiring reinforcement, resulting in a considerably more complex installation.

[0006] In another example, U.S. Patent No. 9729102 describes a single-axis solar tracking solution using a foldable solar panel. The solar panel is mounted on a system having a vertical rotation axis to form a dual-axis tracking system. Other common tracking systems, such as ground-mounted configurations, are based on at least one of the rotation axes being vertical. Most of these configurations rely on vertical structural members, or combinations of two, three, or four vertical or nearly vertical members, and optionally include additional linkage systems, swivels, ball joints, etc.

[0007] Solar cell array tracking systems are typically found ground-mounted on horizontal surfaces, and are very rarely seen, if at all, on inclined mounting surfaces such as sloped roofs. These types of array systems usually rely on a limited number of anchoring points, i.e., a small area for fixing them to the support area and / or support structure, which makes it impractical to install such array systems on roofs, walls, or inclined or non-flat surfaces. In particular, wind-induced loads from the system (such as weight) are only transmitted to the area and / or structure to which these systems are mounted in a localized area, concentrating the intensity of such loads and resulting in adverse structural effects. Therefore, such arrays generally require the application of structural reinforcement to both the array system itself and the area and / or structure to which these systems are mounted in order to support any additional forces. This need for structural reinforcement results in increased weight and complexity.

[0008] While mounting solar array tracking devices to walls and rooftops is ideal due to the available area for installing such systems, for safety reasons to keep structures away from people, and to avoid shadowing, the structural reinforcement required to support the tracking devices is not always possible or practical to apply to sloped roofs or walls, etc. Furthermore, the height of these types of systems can be substantially increased by relying on vertical or sub-vertical structural members, which results in an equivalent increase in loads and moments transmitted and moved through the system's structure to the surrounding structures in such local mounting areas, further increasing the need for structural reinforcement and resulting in complexity, weight, and cost. Increasing the height also increases exposure to winds with higher velocities, resulting in greater loads. Increasing the height means that the top of the system is pushed outward from the flow boundary layer formed by, for example, the surface on which the system is installed (e.g., a roof). The added vertical height also affects the resulting shading and safety measures. The taller these systems are, the more shading occurs in their surrounding areas. As a result, some systems do not function properly and are not fully utilized because they are in the shadow of neighboring systems. To reach a certain capacity of energy to be extracted, more systems must be installed, and to avoid the resulting higher costs, the spacing between installed systems must be increased. From a safety perspective, spacing is also necessary to prevent damage to one system (e.g., caused by strong winds) from affecting neighboring systems.

[0009] Solar cogeneration, also known as hybrid solar or simply cogeneration, combines photovoltaic (PV) cell technology and solar thermal technology within a single system to deliver both electricity and heat, maximizing the absorbable energy from the sun. Cogeneration is a more efficient method of solar energy harvesting because it can productively utilize heat that would otherwise be wasted. There is still a need for solar tracking devices that can support multiple solar thermal collectors to maximize the energy collected per unit area. There is also still a need for precise solar array tracking devices that are capable of biaxial tracking, but have a small profile or low height that allows for distributed load transfer to the host structure and can be mounted on horizontal and non-horizontal surfaces.

[0010] This background information is provided for the purpose of informing you of information that the applicant believes may be relevant to the present invention. It is not necessarily the case that any of the aforementioned pieces of information constitutes prior art to the present invention, nor should it be interpreted as such. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a tracking device capable of supporting multiple solar thermal collectors or solar energy harvesting elements, and to provide a robust system for controlling the angle of solar thermal collectors to accurately track the sun. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In one embodiment, a two-axis solar tracking device is provided, comprising: a first vertical beam comprising a first mechanical system; a second vertical beam offset from the first vertical beam and comprising a second mechanical system; and at least one horizontal beam extending between the first and second vertical beams, which is a rotating shaft comprising a plurality of solar thermal collector node meshing elements, having a first end comprising a first horizontal beam mechanical element that engages with a first vertical beam meshing element on the first mechanical system to rotate the horizontal beam about its axis, and a second end comprising a second horizontal beam mechanical element that engages with a second vertical beam meshing element on the second mechanical system to tilt the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes with respect to the horizontal beam; and a horizontal beam comprising a plurality of solar thermal collector nodes, each comprising a solar thermal collector node mechanical element that engages with one of the plurality of solar thermal collector node meshing elements on the rotating shaft, and a hollow cross section for receiving conduits connecting each of the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first longitudinal beam, the second longitudinal beam, or the first and second longitudinal beams have a hollow cross-section that connects to a conduit within the transverse beam.

[0014] In another embodiment, the conduit is selected from an electrical conduit, a fluid conduit, and an electrical conduit and a fluid conduit.

[0015] In another embodiment, a fluid conduit fluidly connects multiple solar thermal collector nodes to a thermal cogeneration system.

[0016] In another embodiment, the solar tracking device further comprises a first motor connected to the first mechanical system for controlling the first mechanical system, and a second motor connected to the second mechanical system for controlling the second mechanical system.

[0017] In another embodiment, the solar tracking device further comprises a plurality of solar energy harvesting elements connected to a plurality of solar thermal collector nodes.

[0018] In another embodiment, a plurality of solar thermal collector nodes comprise photovoltaic concentrating cells, thermal collector cells, composite photothermal cells, or a combination thereof.

[0019] In another embodiment, the conduit within the crossbeam is a fluid conduit, and multiple solar thermal collector nodes are provided with integrated thermal fluid conduits connected to the fluid conduit.

[0020] In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second vertical beams is provided with a vertical electrical main, and a plurality of solar thermal collector nodes are electrically connected to the vertical electrical main.

[0021] In another embodiment, at least one of the first and second longitudinal beams is equipped with a fluid guide pipe, and a plurality of solar thermal collector nodes are fluidly connected to the longitudinal fluid guide pipe.

[0022] In another embodiment, the rotating shaft on the crossbeam comprises multiple worm drives for engaging with worm gears on multiple solar thermal collector nodes.

[0023] In another embodiment, the solar tracking device further comprises a plurality of crossbeams.

[0024] In another embodiment, the solar tracking device further comprises a mounting structure for raising the solar tracking device relative to the mounting surface.

[0025] In another embodiment, the rising mounting structure can adjust the angle of the solar tracking device array relative to the mounting surface.

[0026] In another aspect, a first longitudinal beam having a first mechanical system, a second longitudinal beam offset from the first longitudinal beam and having a second mechanical system, and at least one cross beam extending between the first longitudinal beam and the second longitudinal beam, the cross beam being a rotating shaft having a plurality of solar collector node meshing elements, a first end having a first cross beam mechanical element for engaging a first longitudinal beam meshing element on the first mechanical system to rotate the cross beam about its axis, and a second end having a second cross beam mechanical element for engaging a second longitudinal beam meshing element on the second mechanical system to tilt a plurality of solar collector nodes relative to the cross beam, a plurality of solar collector nodes each having a collector node mechanical element that engages one of a plurality of collector node meshing elements on the rotating shaft, and a cross beam having a hollow cross section for receiving fluid conduits connecting each of the plurality of solar collector nodes, a two-axis solar tracking device is provided.

[0027] In one embodiment, the solar tracking device further includes electrical conduits within the cross beam that electrically connect each of the plurality of solar collector nodes to a main electrical conduit.

[0028] In another embodiment, the plurality of solar collector nodes comprise photovoltaic concentrator cells, heat collector cells, hybrid photothermal cells, or combinations thereof.

[0029] Reference is made to the following description, which is used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, so that the present invention, as well as other aspects and further features, can be better understood.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] An isometric view of one embodiment of a two-axis solar cell array tracking device showing solar collector nodes. [Figure 2] An isometric view of one embodiment of a two-axis solar cell array tracking device attached to a solar collector facing upward. [Figure 3] An isometric view of one embodiment of a two-axis solar cell array tracking device having solar collector nodes facing in a certain angular direction. [Figure 4] This is an isometric view of one embodiment of a biaxial solar cell array tracking device attached to a solar thermal collector oriented at a certain angle. [Figure 5A] This is an isometric view of the intersection of a crossbeam and a longitudinal beam, which have a gear system. [Figure 5B] This is an isometric view of the intersection of a horizontal beam and a vertical beam, with the horizontal beam rotated around its axis. [Figure 5C] This is an isometric view of the intersection of the horizontal beam and vertical beam, with the horizontal beam rotating around its axis and the solar collector node gear tilted. [Figure 6] This is an isometric view of a crossbeam with multiple solar thermal collector nodes. [Figure 7] This is an isometric view of a crossbeam with integrated heat conduits. [Figure 8A] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a single solar thermal collector node gear mechanism on a crossbeam. [Figure 8B] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a single solar thermal collector node gear mechanism on a horizontal beam inclined to the left. [Figure 9] This is an isometric view of a single solar thermal collector node on a crossbeam, where the thermal system is integrated. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a single solar thermal collector node with a heat collection system. [Figure 11] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a solar thermal collector node with a heat collection system. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a single solar thermal collector node having a configuration for integrating heat collection and / or heat transfer and / or management systems. [Figure 13] This is a side view of a crossbeam having multiple solar thermal collector nodes attached to multiple conical solar thermal collectors. [Figure 14] This is an isometric view of a two-axis solar cell array tracking device mounted on a mounting frame. [Figure 15] This is an isometric view of a solar tracking array with a central vertical beam. [Figure 16] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of a solar concentrator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein shall have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0032] As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" refer to multiple subjects unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] As used herein, the term “comprising” is understood to mean that the following list is not exhaustive and may or may not include any other additional suitable items, such as one or more further features, components, and / or elements, as needed.

[0034] As used herein, the terms “connect” and “connected” refer to any direct or indirect physical association between elements or features of the present disclosure. Therefore, these terms can be understood to describe elements or features that are partially or completely contained within, attached to, joined, placed on top of, joined, communicate with, or operably associated with each other, even if other elements or features interpose between the elements or features described as connected.

[0035] As used herein, the term “mechanical system” includes any set of mechanical elements that interact with each other and cooperate toward the same object(s), such as transmitting energy / work, power, force, and motion between them. Some examples of mechanical systems that perform such transmission of energy / work, power, force, and motion include, but are not limited to, gear mechanisms (two or more elements such as gears, and other types of elements such as worm drives), meshing linkage elements, couplings, belt and cable systems (with pulleys and other elements), etc. For example, a worm drive / worm gear mechanical system has the interesting property of irreversibility, where motion, load, work, energy, and power applied to a worm drive result in the transmission to the worm gear(s) engaged with such a worm drive, but the reverse (applied to a worm gear and transmitted to the worm) does not occur. Thus, these systems can be maintained in a locked configuration or locked position without the constant application of load, work, energy, and power.

[0036] As used herein, the term “mechanical element” refers to a component of a mechanical system that meshes with other mechanical components in such a mechanical system. A mechanical element may have one or more functions within a mechanical system, which may include, but are not limited to, means of inputting or outputting motion, load, energy, work, or power to or from the mechanical system, or to transmit motion, load, energy, work, or power to other mechanical elements in the mechanical system with which they engage. Some examples of mechanical elements that may be included in a mechanical system include, but are not limited to, gears, worm drives, linkages, couplings, belts, cables, pulleys, and discs.

[0037] This specification describes a slim, biaxial solar cell array tracking device for supporting multiple solar energy harvesting elements at multiple solar thermal collector nodes. The biaxial solar cell array tracking device described has two vertical axes of motion, specifically a rotation axis on a rotatable crossbeam and a tilt axis relative to the axis of the crossbeam, each controlled by two different gear systems mounted on controllable motors. The biaxial design of the solar tracking device of the present invention allows for the movement of the solar thermal collector so that it can be oriented towards the sun, and the collection of solar radiation is optimized when the incident sunlight is perpendicular to the solar energy harvesting elements of the solar thermal collector. The slim and low height of the solar cell array tracking device described hereby allows for its easy use on any type of roof and is technically efficient and visually appealing. Various solar energy harvesting elements, including but not limited to photovoltaic concentrating cells, thermal collector cells, composite photothermal cells, and other types of cells (optionally including optical elements such as mirrors, lenses, and optical directional elements), can be used with the system of the present invention.

[0038] The solar cell array tracking device is capable of two-axis tracking, yet has a small form factor and low height, reducing system weight and wind-induced loads and moments while enabling distributed load transfer to the host structure. The solar cell array tracking device can be mounted not only on horizontal surfaces but also on highly inclined surfaces such as roofs. Furthermore, the solar cell array tracking device of the present invention provides a mechanism for possible solar cogeneration while enabling highly concentrated solar cells that operate at maximum efficiency and load per occupied area, thereby providing highly concentrated harvested energy and power per occupied area. The system of the present invention is ideal for application on flat or inclined rooftops where the available area for installing solar harvesting systems is small, constrained, and precious, and energy consumption per plant area is typically high. This tracking device configuration also exhibits a small form factor or low height, thus reducing shading to adjacent systems. Consequently, the spacing between adjacent systems is also reduced, maximizing the use of available space for collecting solar energy and achieving high harvested energy and power per available area. With reduced structural complexity and weight, the solar array tracking device enables distributed load transfer to the host structure and can be mounted not only on horizontal or flat surfaces. Solar cogeneration can also be supported, contributing to high concentration of light harvesting energy and power per unit area, for example, in localized areas such as roofs with limited usable area.

[0039] In addition, the solar cell array tracking device of the present invention optimizes the distribution of loads due to the system weight and the loads supporting the solar cell elements and accessory system under wind and weather conditions, compared to conventional monopod, double-legged, or tripod-type biaxial tracking devices. By making it thin and integrating a mechanical angle system for moving the solar thermal collector, the solar cell array tracking device described herein can maximize the area available for solar energy harvesting while minimizing the number of motors and control devices required. An advantage of the present invention is that only a maximum of two motor elements are required to move an array having several solar cell elements. Thus, the operation (including tracking, motion, and orientation) of the biaxial solar cell array tracking device described herein can be managed by an automated system having a computer system (e.g., a microcontroller, microcomputer, and / or several different types of sensors). The solar tracking device of the present invention is also a device that takes into account the possible conduction of electric current and fluid movement for thermal energy extraction and heat transfer (and possibly management) from different solar cell elements, as well as the integration of corresponding necessary components for the operation and management of such a system.

[0040] Figure 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a biaxial solar cell array tracking device 10 showing a solar thermal collector node 12. The biaxial solar cell array tracking device has a first longitudinal beam 14a and a second longitudinal beam 14b substantially parallel to the first longitudinal beam. There is one or more transverse beams 16 between the first longitudinal beam 14a and the second longitudinal beam 14b. The illustrated embodiment has four transverse beams, but other embodiments may have one, two, three, five, six, or more transverse beams extending between the longitudinal beams and connected to the longitudinal beams. The biaxial solar cell tracking device can support a wide variety of solar thermal collectors at multiple solar thermal collector nodes 12, and one or more types of solar thermal collectors can be mounted at each solar thermal collector node 12.

[0041] The solar tracking device of the present invention can be installed on the ground or other horizontal, flat, or non-flat surfaces, and can also be installed on angled surfaces such as roofs and walls (optionally using one or more mounting structures or elements). By tracking the position of the sun relative to the position of the solar tracking device and tilting the solar thermal collector node 12 toward the sun so that the incident sunlight is as close to perpendicular as possible, optimal energy harvesting can be achieved. By using the solar cell array tracking device of the present invention, the time that the solar thermal collector is facing the sun can be maximized, significantly increasing the energy and power harvested. Furthermore, the system of the present invention is thin or has a low height relative to the mounting surface, which allows for easy installation with little or no structural or mechanical reinforcement to either the solar tracking device array or the surface on which the solar tracking device array is mounted, and enables desirable load distribution.

[0042] In a solar cell array tracking device, vertical support structural elements or vertical beams 14a, 14b are arranged substantially parallel to each other to support one or more crossbeams 16, each crossbeam 16 supporting one or more solar thermal collector nodes 12. A first gear system in the first vertical beam 14a is connected to a first meshing gear, also called a crossbeam gear, on each crossbeam to rotate the crossbeam 16 relative to the vertical beam 14a about the axis X-X' of the crossbeam 16. This rotational motion changes the angle of the solar thermal collector nodes 12 in the yz plane. A second gear system in or aligned with the second vertical beam 14b is operably connected to the crossbeams, which are operably connected to each of the solar thermal collector nodes 12 to tilt the solar thermal collector nodes 12 in the xz plane with respect to the axis of the crossbeams. In one embodiment, the solar cell array tracking device is preferably mounted with its yz plane aligned in the north-south direction and the angles of the solar thermal collector nodes on the crossbeam adjusted to adapt to the season and the height of the sun in the sky. Therefore, the tracking device is preferably aligned with the east-west crossbeam, and a second gear system ensures that the solar thermal collector nodes 12 are tilted at the correct angle to track the sun throughout the day. The operation of the first rotation gear system rotates the crossbeam about the axis X-X', and the operation of the second tilt gear system allows each of the solar thermal collector nodes 12 to be tilted relative to the axis X-X'.

[0043] On the first side of the crossbeam, a first mechanical system engages the crossbeam with a meshing element in the first longitudinal beam 14a, which may preferably be a combination of a worm drive and a worm gear. Actuation of the first motion mechanical system by the first motor 32 results in rotation of the crossbeam connected to the first mechanical system. On the opposite or second side of the crossbeam, a second mechanical system engages the crossbeam with a meshing element in the second longitudinal beam 14b, which may also preferably be a combination of a worm drive and a worm gear. Motion transmission mechanical elements along each of the first longitudinal beam 14a and the second longitudinal beam 14b preferably include a shaft into which a worm drive is inserted. When the second motor 34 is actuated on the second motion mechanical system in the second longitudinal beam, the second mechanical system in the second longitudinal beam 14b rotates, causing rotation of an axial element connected to its output shaft in the second longitudinal beam 14b. These elements (preferably shafts and connected worms) rotate to cause rotation of a mechanical element (preferably a worm gear) engaged on the second side of the transverse beam 16. A mechanical element (preferably a worm gear, as described above) on the opposite or second side of the transverse member is not directly connected to the transverse member but is connected to another set of axial components along or within the transverse beam member, and that axial component rotates together with the worm gear used in the second mechanical motion system to tilt the solar thermal collector node 12. As described above, the mechanical systems and mechanical elements shown in the figures of the present invention include a worm drive and a meshing worm gear, but it should be understood that other mechanical systems and mechanical elements may also be used.

[0044] Each transverse beam is provided with axial components consisting of shaft elements into which mechanical transmission elements (preferably worm drives) are inserted at desired positions. These axial components extend within or along the transverse beam and are joined to and supported by the transverse beam via bearings, gaskets, and / or other structural components occupying the transverse beam. The length of these axial components, and thus the length of the transverse beam, can be changed, as with the longitudinal members, by changing the length of the shaft components, the number of shaft components, and the number of mechanical transmission elements (e.g., worms) applied. The choice of length and number of components used affects the number of solar energy harvesting elements or solar thermal collectors per transverse beam, as does the number of transverse beams applied in the longitudinal beam. When a combination of worm drives and gears is used, these worms are connected to worm gears. As with the longitudinal members, to do this, the transverse members containing the axial elements have openings at the locations of such mechanical transmission elements (e.g., worms). These openings are preferably enclosed with protective elements to shield the mechanical transmission system from external elements such as weather, shock, airborne particulate matter and chemicals, dirt, and debris. When a worm drive and gear combination is used, as the worm rotates, the worm gear rotates around an axis perpendicular to the transverse member, and thus perpendicular to the first axis of rotation of the tracking system along the transverse member. In this way, when a worm drive and gear combination is used, these worm gears also rotate around the first tracking axis and rotate with the transverse member as the transverse member rotates, thus forming a second axis of the tracking system. These mechanical elements, such as the worm gears, at the solar collector node location have either a structure attached to hold the solar cell elements at such a solar collector node location, or solar cell elements that are directly attached.These then rotate in two combined rotations to form a two-axis solar tracking system, ensuring that the solar cell elements, mounted on the mechanical system elements at the solar collector node positions (e.g., worm gears) within the lateral members, are always facing the sun, thus maintaining their perpendicularity to the incident sunlight for maximum energy harvesting efficiency and the maximum amount of energy collected by the solar cell elements.

[0045] The longitudinal and transverse beams may be made from any supporting structural elements such as one or more beams, bars, rods, hollow beams, extruded parts, rods, or combinations thereof. The beams may consist of one or more of these elements along both their length and / or cross-section. The two longitudinal beams 14a, 14b function as supporting structural elements and also allow the installation of the solar tracking device on a desired surface area by utilizing only specific fixed points along the longitudinal elements and connecting to, for example, a pole, lifting mechanism, or other supporting structure. The two longitudinal beams also surround or connect to the movable parts of a system that command rotation on a desired number of transverse beams, as described.

[0046] During use, a computer system having a microcontroller, or a microcomputer, analog or digital circuit, or any other similar device / circuit / system, or a combination thereof, receives signals to adjust the orientation of the solar thermal collector nodes in the dual-axis solar tracking device and controls a first motor 32 operably connected to a first vertical beam comprising a first mechanical system, and a second motor 34 operably connected to a second vertical beam and a second mechanical system. The rotation angle of each of the crossbeams extending between the first and second vertical beams is controlled by a first crossbeam mechanical element at the first end of the crossbeam. The first crossbeam mechanical element engages with a first vertical beam meshing element on the first mechanical system, and the operation of the first motor relative to the first mechanical system rotates the crossbeam relative to the first vertical beam. The operation of a second motor operably connected to a second mechanical system in or adjacent to a second longitudinal beam engages a second longitudinal beam meshing element on the second mechanical system, and the second mechanical system operably engages with a second transverse beam mechanical element at the second end of the transverse beam to rotate a rotary shaft in the transverse beam. The rotary shaft has a plurality of collector node meshing mechanical elements, each collector node meshing mechanical element connecting and engaging with a collector node mechanical element at a solar thermal collector node location. When a combination of worm drive and gears is used, the rotation of the collector node gears tilts the plurality of solar thermal collectors with respect to the rotary shaft and the axis of the transverse beam at such node locations. These two operations enable the system of the present invention to always orient the mounted solar cell elements perpendicular to the sunlight, thereby maximizing the efficiency of energy harvesting and the duration for which energy harvesting is performed at such maximum efficiency, resulting in a significant increase in power and total energy harvested. The illustrated configuration has the first motion machine system on the first (right) vertical beam 14a and the second machine system on the second (left) vertical beam 14b, but please understand that it is also possible to reverse these configurations.

[0047] Each motor (i.e., the first motor 32 and the second motor 34) may further include a positioning sensing system, which may also include a servo, a stepping motor, or any other type of sensor for providing feedback on motor operation and gear position, forming a feedback loop with the electric motor and associated controller, such that different types of electric motors may be used. The first motor 32 and the second motor 34 are connected to the respective ends of the first longitudinal beam 14a and the second longitudinal beam 14b, respectively, and their output shafts are connected directly or via gearboxes to axial elements in the first and second motion mechanical systems, respectively. These axial elements may consist of several shafts connected to them, with a worm drive or other mechanical transmission motion system in between them. When a combination of a worm drive and gears is used, preferably the worm drive is positioned at a specific point along each axial element, and thus at a specific position along the longitudinal beam member. Each mechanical system having one axial element extending inside or along each longitudinal member can have any desired length, and the length of the axial element can be changed as needed by extending its length using axial connecting elements and further axial and kinematic transmission elements (e.g., worms) or by using extended shafts. Similarly, the number of transverse members can be increased by increasing the number of kinematic transmission elements (e.g., worms) within the axial elements. In one embodiment, with the axial members extending inside the longitudinal beam members, the movable components including the axial elements are protected from the outside (weather, impact, etc.) by the longitudinal members. To enable this conceivable design configuration, the longitudinal beam members may be further designed to include supports for the movable components, including optional or additional structures, systems, and components such as bearings, gaskets, and spacers.

[0048] Each of the first and second motors is operated by one or more computer systems having one or more microcontrollers, or microcomputers, analog or digital circuits, or any other similar devices / circuits / systems, or a combination thereof, which transmit signals to each motor to appropriately rotate the crossbeams and / or tilt the multiple solar collector nodes to optimize the angle of the solar collector nodes so that they are substantially perpendicular to the incident rays of the sun. In an optimized design, for example, each tracking device or each small number of tracking devices installed in the same location within a solar harvesting unit has its own automated control system, some of which transmit signals to a main automated device, which is controlled by the main automated device. These automated devices may include one or more microcontrollers and / or microcomputers and / or dedicated electronic circuit boards, memory, power supplies, interfaces for data input and output, and sensors. Other sensors may be used, including, but are not limited to, one or more light sensors, light intensity sensors, flow-related sensors such as volumetric flow sensors, flow velocity sensors including wind speed and wind direction, gyroscopes, accelerometers, magnetometers, inclinometers, inertial measuring units (IMUs), current sensors, voltage sensors, and temperature sensors. One or more electronic units may further be connected to the Internet and respond to collected data regarding weather, location, season, sun angle, solar behavior (such as sunspot activity), temperature, wind speed, and other data.

[0049] The dual-axis solar array tracking system can be made longer, larger, or smaller as needed, and may further include additional non-geared crossbeams and / or longitudinal beams for further support, depending on the desired size. In particular, one or more longitudinal beams may be mechanically connected to one or more mechanically connected mechanical systems so that a single motor can power one or more mechanically connected mechanical systems for tilting or rotating the crossbeams. Furthermore, a single central longitudinal beam can be used to control the tilting or rotation of the crossbeams connected on both sides. The array may further include one or more mounting fixtures for mounting the array onto a surface. The dual-axis solar tracking system of the present invention has a simple structure that simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and installation compared to other solar tracking system systems. As mentioned earlier, the lower height or thinner system simplifies the distribution of installation loads, which is important when the assembly and installation of the tracking system are performed on an inclined surface such as a sloped roof. Furthermore, the low height of the dual-axis tracking system makes it visually attractive for installation on a roof. One or more tracking device systems can be linked together, and the design of the present invention may, if necessary, allow one tracking device to be combined with adjacent tracking devices to create a single unit.

[0050] Figure 2 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a biaxial solar cell array tracking device comprising a solar thermal collector element or solar energy harvesting element mounted on a solar thermal collector node 12 with the solar thermal collector facing upward. In this configuration, the solar energy harvesting element is raised relative to the solar thermal collector node to increase its range of motion, thereby maximizing solar energy collection relative to the surface area of ​​the system of the present invention. The illustrated biaxial solar tracking device can support a wide variety of solar thermal collectors 18 with multiple solar thermal collector nodes 12. The solar thermal collector is preferably any type of solar energy harvesting element that collects solar radiation from the sun to convert solar radiation into usable energy. The solar thermal collector may comprise one or more light energy, mechanical energy, and electrical energy and / or thermal energy harvesting components and / or heat transfer components. The solar thermal collector may have a variety of shapes and sizes and may have a variety of cross-sections. Herein, a plurality of panel-type solar thermal collectors 18 supported by a plurality of solar thermal collector nodes 12 on longitudinal beams 14 and transverse beams 16 of the design of the present invention are shown. Each solar thermal collector 18 may further optionally include one or more optical components, such as reflective components and / or lenses. Solar cells come in various types, including photovoltaic cells, thermal cells, solar thermal cells, and other types of solar cells. A solar cell element includes one or more solar cells, or a plurality of cells that form a solar panel of desired dimensions. Thus, a plurality of solar cells may be connected to a single solar thermal collector node and arranged or configured in an integrated group to constitute a photovoltaic, or solar thermal, or cogeneration panel or module (optionally further including one or more light-reflecting components and / or light-focusing components to maximize the amount of light received by each solar cell).

[0051] Figure 3 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a biaxial solar cell array tracking device 10 having a solar thermal collector node 12 at a certain angle. The biaxial solar cell array tracking device is shown with the crossbeams 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d rotated with respect to the crossbeam axis (as shown in Figure 1), and the rotation is made possible by a first motor 32. The vertical beams 14a, 14b support the crossbeams 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d, and at least one of the vertical beams 14a, 14b includes a first mechanical system that engages with the crossbeams 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d to rotate the crossbeams 16a-16d together.

[0052] Figure 4 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a biaxial solar cell array tracking device having a solar collector 18 mounted on a solar collector node 12 at a certain angle facing the sun. In the biaxial solar cell array tracking device, vertical beams 14a, 14b support horizontal beams 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d. To achieve a desired angle of the solar collector 18, the rotation of the horizontal beams 16a-16d and the respective inclinations of the solar collector node 12 relative to the connected horizontal beams are adjusted using first and second motors and through first and second mechanical systems. The number of solar cell elements that can be installed in the tracking system can be changed depending on the number of horizontal beams, and consequently, the number of mechanical transmission elements (e.g., worm drives) along the vertical beams, and the number of mechanical transmission elements (e.g., worm drives) within each lateral member. The spacing between the mechanical drive units (e.g., worms) of both the vertical and horizontal beams can be changed to accommodate solar cell elements of different sizes. This spacing is uniquely limited by the dimensions of the solar cells to avoid collisions between adjacent solar cells at any point during tracking. Therefore, a very high area density occupancy is achieved by the energy harvesting elements, resulting in maximum energy harvesting at peak efficiency.

[0053] Figure 5A is an isometric view of the intersection of the first end of the crossbeam 16 and the first longitudinal beam 14 in one embodiment, having an optional stabilizing frame or mounting frame 38. The illustrated integration allows the crossbeam 16 to rotate about an axis relative to the first longitudinal beam 14, but it should be understood that the gear system in the longitudinal beam may be on either side of the solar array tracking device. For clarity, each of the two longitudinal beams in the solar tracking device has a single mechanical system and a dedicated motor, one of the mechanical systems for rotating the crossbeam and the other mechanical system for tilting the solar thermal collector node, and each mechanical system is integrated with a dedicated motor. In this embodiment, the collector node gear 22 in the solar thermal collector node engages with the collector node meshing worm 24 on the rotating shaft 36 of the crossbeam 16. In a preferred embodiment, the collector node 22 has a mechanical transmission element, and the collector node meshing gear 24 is a worm gear / worm drive system as shown, but other mechanical transmission systems may be used, including but not limited to bevel gear systems, rack and pinion gear systems, and other known gear systems, link mechanisms, belt drives, and other motion and mechanical transmission systems. To enable engagement of the illustrated longitudinal beam meshing mechanical element (in this embodiment, a longitudinal beam meshing worm drive 30), the longitudinal beams, including the longitudinal axis elements of the mechanical system, have openings at the location of such mechanical meshing elements (e.g., worm drives). Preferably, these openings are enclosed with protective elements to shield the mechanical system from external elements such as weather and impact.

[0054] The preferred use of worm drives and gear combinations is related to their irreversibility. That is, for the purposes of the present invention, loads such as wind, self-weight, the self-weight of the support structure by the gear system and the resulting moment cannot move the support element by the gear system or gear mechanism from a desired set position. Thus, such a desired position can only be set by commanding the motion of the gear mechanism (e.g., directly or indirectly using a motor). Specifically, when a worm gear set is used, the worm gear can be adjusted to a stable configuration by commanding the worm to rotate until it reaches a desired position and that position is set. In such embodiments, a worm gear at the end of a crossbeam is connected to an axial component of a first rotating gear system that is held in place, and structural elements such as brackets ensure and stabilize the precise engagement and spacing of the worm gear with respect to the worm. These structural elements (e.g., brackets) are attached to a longitudinal beam, allowing the axial gear element from the crossbeam to which the worm gear is connected to pass through the worm gear. Connecting components such as bearing elements can be used to hold such axial components in place and, at the same time, allow their rotation.

[0055] The solar cell attachment 28 is designed to receive a solar thermal collector or solar energy harvesting element and to provide electrical and / or thermal-fluid integration with the solar thermal collector to extract energy from photovoltaic cells and / or photothermal cells within the solar thermal collector. All structural elements, including longitudinal and transverse beams, enable electrical and / or thermal-fluid transfer. This can be done using electrical wiring conduits and / or fluid conduits and their respective connectors outside such structural elements and / or movable mechanisms in such locations, and / or by integrating such transfer elements and connectors with the structural elements and mechanisms. This last configuration can be achieved, for example, by integrating the connections and their respective connectors with the structural elements and mechanisms, and / or by passing electrical and / or thermal-fluid conduits within the structural elements and mechanisms through hollow sections, channels, cavities, etc. Aside from routing electrical wiring and / or thermal fluid conduits within the hollow sections of the crossbeams and longitudinal beams (or, if the crossbeams are divided into several hollow sections, entirely or partially hollow within channels or specific crossbeam cells), possible embodiments may include the transmission of electrical and / or fluid thermal energy from the rotating frame to the stationary frame. For example, this could be examined from a biaxial rotating frame, such as in a solar thermal collector, through the inside of their worm gears to the crossbeams of a host, such as a single-axis rotating frame, or from a crossbeam (one axis of rotation) through the inside of its worm gear located at its end to one or more lead pipes extending along or into the longitudinal beams.

[0056] Figure 5B is an isometric view of the intersection of a transverse beam and a longitudinal beam in one of the hypothetical embodiments, with the transverse beam rotated about its axis. One or more transverse beam gears 26 on the transverse beam are connected to a longitudinal beam meshing worm drive 30 to rotate the transverse beam 16 relative to the axis of the transverse beam. On one side of each transverse beam 16 (the same side for all transverse beams in the tracking device), all transverse beams are connected, preferably via worm gears, to the same gear-mechanical system of one of the longitudinal beams. The transverse beams can be, for example, beams, bars, hollow beams, or bars, extruded products, or other types of structural elements, and can consist of one or more of these elements along both their length and / or cross-section. By being connected to the transverse beams, when the worm gear rotates, it causes the transverse members to rotate along their longitudinal axis, forming the first axis of tracking. Therefore, when the first motor 32 connected to the first longitudinal member 14a rotates, it is connected to its output shaft and causes rotation of axial elements in the first mechanical system within or along the first longitudinal beam 14a. In this embodiment, these axes and the connected worm rotate, causing the worm gear on the first side of the transverse member to rotate. As described above, with the worm gear connected to the transverse member, the rotation of the worm gear causes the connected transverse member to rotate along its axes.

[0057] The motor 32 is preferably fixed to the vertical beam and connected directly or via a gearbox to an axial element extending along the vertical beam. The vertical beam motor 32 controls the motion of the first mechanical system within the vertical beam 14a and commands the orientation of several solar cell elements. These axial components transmit rotational motion to the horizontal beam elements via one or more mechanisms. That is, the solar thermal collector nodes attached to the horizontal beam are made capable of rotating about the axis of the horizontal beam of the tracking system, thereby forming the tracking device or the first axis of tracking. When referring to a “two-axis” tracking system, the rotation of the horizontal beam about the horizontal beam axis is called the first axis of motion.

[0058] Figure 5C is an isometric view of the intersection of a transverse beam and a longitudinal beam in one embodiment, where the transverse beam rotates about its axis and the solar collector node gear is tilted. On the opposite side of the transverse beam 16 in the second longitudinal beam 14b, or on the second side, the tilting motion is transmitted to an axial element along the transverse member via a rotating shaft. This tilting motion is converted into a tilt along the transverse beam of a solar thermal collector node, or a structure holding the solar cell element and protruding from the gear mechanism set, connected to several gear mechanism sets along the axial element in the second mechanical system. Such tilting motion occurs around an axis perpendicular to the transverse beam and forms a second axis of the tracking device. This second axis or tilt acts on a second mechanical system in the second longitudinal beam and is driven by a second motor 34 that transmits rotation from the transverse beam gear 26 or other mechanical elements to a rotating shaft of the transverse member, and thus to one or more solar collector node meshing worms 24. Each collector node meshing worm 24 is operably connected to a collector node gear 22, which tilts the solar thermal collector node 12 relative to the rotating shaft and the crossbeam 16 to which the solar thermal collector node 12 is mounted. Although the collector node meshing gear 24 and the collector node gear 22 are shown as a meshing worm drive and worm gear, respectively, it should be understood that other embodiments can perform similar functions using meshing mechanical elements.

[0059] Figure 6 is an isometric view of a crossbeam 16 having multiple solar thermal collector nodes. In this embodiment, multiple collector node meshing worms 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, and 24e mesh with corresponding collector node gears on each of the solar thermal collector nodes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e, respectively, to tilt each of the solar thermal collector nodes 12a-12e relative to the crossbeam 16. In this embodiment, electrical and / or thermal (e.g., fluid-based) systems may be connected to or included in the tracking system described (in design, the electrical and / or thermal energy transfer devices are integrated with the tracking device). For example, electrical wiring and / or fluids may be routed from non-movable lead pipes to and from solar cell elements, which may be mounted and / or integrated within structural members through and / or in or along the longitudinal and transverse structural elements described. External wiring conduits and / or fluid conduits may be used, but electrical wiring and / or fluids can also preferably pass through structural members such as gears, shafts, axial elements (either off-the-shelf or intentionally designed), and brackets, while a rotating frame is routed from the stationary lead pipes to the solar cell elements and from the solar cell elements to the stationary lead pipes. For example, slip rings may be used to help achieve such an accomplishment. In this embodiment, one of the crossbeam gears 26a, 26b controls the rotational motion of the crossbeam relative to the longitudinal beams, and the other crossbeam gear 26a, 26b controls the tilting motion of the solar thermal collector nodes 12a-12e relative to the axis of the crossbeam.

[0060] Figure 7 is an isometric view of one embodiment having a crossbeam 16 with integrated heat conduits for collecting thermal energy and / or controlling heat flow within the tracking device and solar cell elements. In this embodiment of the system, the photoelectron collector may be used in conjunction with means to enable thermal energy transfer, and a solar collector may be used instead of the photoelectron collector, or a combination of both may be applied. The combination of the photoelectron collector and the solar collector can increase the energy collected from sunlight and improve the energy harvesting efficiency of the system. In this embodiment, the solar thermal collector nodes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e are fluidly connected to the solar collector node fluid conduits 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, and 44e, respectively. The thermal fluid system may further be connected to or included in the tracking system described, for example, inside the crossbeam supporting the axis 40. The thermal fluid system may be integrated with the tracking device in the design and embedded in or alongside the longitudinal and crossbeam components described. In one example, fluid conduits can be routed from stationary main fluid pipes to solar cell elements and from solar cell elements to stationary main fluid pipes, which can be mounted and / or integrated within longitudinal and transverse beam members, through a movable frame, through and / or within the structural elements described. External fluid conduits can be used, but the integration of slip rings can help route fluid conduits (and / or electrical energy) from stationary main fluid pipes to solar cell elements and from solar cell elements to stationary main fluid pipes, while allowing fluid conduits (and / or electrical energy) to pass through structural members such as gears, shafts, axial elements, and brackets. In this way, the transmission of current and fluid through the solar thermal collector nodes enables the cogeneration of electricity (and, in some cases, other forms of power, directly for heating and / or cooling, for example) through a combination of thermal and photoelectric energy capture mechanisms. The fluid conduit system may further include a heat sink or cooling system for the collected solar energy received by the solar cells to extend the lifespan of the solar cells and protect the heat-sensitive components from overheating.Preferably, the circulating fluid has good thermal conductivity, low viscosity, long-term chemical and physical stability, low light absorption, good photostability, is non-toxic, cost-effective, and maintains its properties over a suitable range of operating temperatures.

[0061] Figure 8A is a vertical cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a single solar thermal collector node gear mechanism on a transverse beam 16 in a second motion mechanical system. A second motor 34 is operably connected to the second longitudinal beam and the second mechanical system, which in this case comprises a transverse beam gear 26 for rotating a rotating shaft 36 in the transverse beam 16. The operation of the second mechanical system rotates the rotatable shaft 36 into which the collector node meshing worm 24 engages, and consequently rotates the collector node gear 22, thereby tilting the solar thermal collector node 12 with respect to the rotating shaft 36 and the transverse axis in this embodiment.

[0062] Figure 8B is a vertical cross-sectional view of a single solar thermal collector node gear mechanism on a left-tilted crossbeam when the second motor 34 engages the second motion mechanical system. As shown, in this case, the crossbeam gear 26 rotates the rotating shaft 36 within the crossbeam, and the collector node meshing worm 24 rotates the collector node gear 22, tilting the solar thermal collector node with respect to the rotating shaft 36 and the cross axis.

[0063] Figure 9 is an isometric view of a single solar thermal collector node 12 on a crossbeam 16, having one possible configuration for an integrated fluid-type heat and / or heat management transfer system, in contrast to the routing of such a system outside the presented tracking device and its respective structural elements and mechanisms. The presented tracking device may assist in the transfer of electrical energy and / or thermal energy (e.g., based on fluid transfer). Furthermore, the transfer of electrical and / or thermal energy and / or fluid may be carried out outside the structural elements and / or movable mechanisms of the tracking device, and / or by integrating such transfer elements and connectors with the structural elements and mechanisms, for example, using electrical wiring conduits n and / or fluid conduits and their respective connectors. An example of a fluid transfer system for thermal energy transfer is shown with the proposed solar tracking device. In this configuration shown in this figure, for clarity, the worm gear at the end of the crossbeam, as well as its connection to the crossbeam and its support bracket to the longitudinal beam, are omitted. In this configuration of the system, the thermal energy transfer fluid system is integrated with the proposed tracking device, and it is found that the fluid is delivered from the solar thermal collector node 12 to the outside of such brackets in the crossbeam and / or from the outside of such brackets to the solar thermal collector node 12, through the center or rotation axis of the solar thermal collector node worm gear, through its hollow support shaft 40 and the center of the bracket. In this configuration, several fluid conduit elbows 44 are used, which are mounted either on the outside or inside of the hollow crossbeam (cross section). In this configuration, the fluid is delivered from or toward the center of the crossbeam through the center of the omitted worm gear at each end of the crossbeam. The fluid then passes through the worm gear and subsequently through the crossbeam through the crossbeam support shaft 40, which has a hollow center. Thus, with this support shaft supported (or inside) each omitted longitudinal beam bracket and seated, the fluid passes through the bracket to the outside of the bracket. For this possible configuration, another elbow is shown that allows the fluid to enter and exit the main fluid conduit 42.These conduits may extend along or within each longitudinal beam, or they may be incorporated into these longitudinal beams.

[0064] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a single solar thermal collector node 12 having a possible configuration for possible integration of a heat collection and / or heat transfer system (in contrast to the routing of such a system outside the presented solar thermal collector node and its respective structural elements and mechanisms). This figure shows an enlarged view of a possible configuration of the solar thermal collector node. The center of the cross section of the worm gear (followed by the cross beam) at the end of a possible cross beam supporting shaft 40 is hollow. On either side of the cross beam cross section are cross-sectional views of fluid conduit elbows 44a, 44b. In this configuration, it can be seen that the fluid is delivered from the center of the solar thermal collector node 12, or through the axis of rotation of the solar thermal collector node worm gear, through its hollow support shaft and the center of the bracket, from the elbow to the elbow outside such bracket in the cross beam, and / or from the elbow outside the bracket to the elbow. In this configuration, it can also be seen that the fluid from the center or rotation axis of the solar thermal collector node worm gear through the center of the hollow support shaft 40 can be delivered through different channels within the mechanism and its mechanical components, which may also include the solar thermal collector node worm gear used in this configuration. The fluid then enters and exits the upper part of the mechanism, and therefore the solar thermal collector node, where solar cell elements are located, or where further connectors and / or channels may exist, which can allow the fluid to enter and exit further upward or in other directions, into and out of the solar cell elements and their respective positions (possibly through other existing structural members holding such solar cell elements).

[0065] Figure 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a single solar thermal collector node with possible configurations for integrating heat collection and / or heat transfer. This figure is a different cross-sectional view in a different planar direction from the previous figure and shows a crossbeam hollow support shaft 40 supporting the fluid flow to the main fluid conduit. As shown, the hollow support shaft 40 in the crossbeam 16 is integrated in this configuration with a collector node meshing worm 24 on a rotating shaft 36 in the crossbeam to allow the fluid flow to the solar thermal collector node 12.

[0066] Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a single solar thermal collector node having possible configurations for integrating a heat collection and / or heat transfer system.

[0067] Figure 13 is a side view of a crossbeam 16 having multiple solar collector nodes 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e attached to multiple conical solar collectors 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, respectively. In one embodiment, the solar collector is a truncated pyramid having one or more solar cell elements positioned along the apex and / or base of the pyramid. This structure and solar cell elements are used here as an example of another possible solar cell element that can be attached to the solar collector node and their respective support structures so that the solar cells can always be oriented towards the sun when operated by the two-axis tracking device of the present invention. By utilizing square or rectangular solar cell elements that are attached directly or via the support structure to the top of mechanical moving elements (e.g., worm gears) along different crossbeams and / or at a desired distance from the top of the elements (e.g., the worm gears described above), the minimum spacing between adjacent solar cell elements is ensured and area utilization is maximized. In the illustrated example, a truncated pyramid-based structure may be used, connected to the top of the lateral member mechanical element (e.g., a worm gear). The height and base length of the inverted pyramid may be determined to maximize area utilization, such as the ratio of the sum of the base areas at the apex of the inverted pyramid to the available area, and to minimize the distance between adjacent elements to avoid collisions during tracking motion and shading between adjacent elements. For example, a solar cell element(s) may be applied to the base (top) of the inverted pyramid. In addition, one or more focusing lenses(s) may be applied to the base of the inverted pyramid, using one or more solar energy harvesting elements, such as one or more solar cells or solar panels, closer to its truncated region, i.e., its virtual apex, and thus closer to the top of the lateral member mechanical element(s) (e.g., a worm drive and gear). Such lenses may be used to concentrate light directed towards the solar cell element(s).

[0068] Figure 14 is an isometric view of a biaxial solar array tracking device having one of several possible solar cell elements mounted on an exemplary mounting frame or mounting structure to avoid shading from the surroundings (e.g., from another solar harvesting unit or their respective holding structures) or other interference due to snow accumulation. For example, the edges or corners of the longitudinal members may be mounted on an upward element, which may be commanded in conjunction with the automatic control of the tracking system. This additional tilting system allows the entire tracking system to be tilted, enabling full tracking of the sun for even longer periods. The solar tracking device may also be mounted on a structure raised above the mounting area to avoid shading. This may be an additional feature when considering the installation of the tracking system on a horizontal surface or a less steep slope where snow tends to accumulate. This is also applicable to ground installations, flat roofs, or sloped roofs with some degree of inclination. Furthermore, the solar tracking device of the present invention may allow snow, or other particles or debris, to be brushed away or removed from the top of the driving solar cell elements by driving the tracking system of the present invention or by using one or more additional motors or vibrators. This can be achieved, for example, by detecting a lower light level illuminating a particular solar cell and / or a lower level of output energy from a particular solar cell when compared to the overall light level measured on or near the system, and then rotating the solar cell to a tilted position to remove the aforementioned snow and / or particles and / or debris obstructing the solar cell by gravity. Such a tilted position may be conceivable under extreme wind conditions. While the illustrated frame has four legs, it should be understood that the mounting frame can employ other designs, forms, shapes, etc., or may have any number of legs that are arbitrarily nested to tilt the array relative to the mounting surface.In addition, the mounting frame may be a single post or pedestal with optional bearings for adjusting the angle of the solar tracking device array relative to the mounting surface, or a frame based on, for example, a scissor type (full, half), a diamond-shaped variation, a linkage mechanism, or other type of mechanism.

[0069] Figure 15 is an isometric view of a solar tracking array having a central longitudinal beam 14b and two peripheral longitudinal beams 14a, 14c. A transverse beam extends between the central longitudinal beam 14b and one of the peripheral longitudinal beams 14a or 14c. As shown, a transverse beam 16a extends between the central longitudinal beam 14b and the peripheral longitudinal beams 14a, and a transverse beam 16b extends between the central longitudinal beam 14b and the peripheral longitudinal beams 14c. The central longitudinal beam 14b may have either a mechanical system that operates to rotate the transverse beams or a mechanical system that operates to tilt the solar thermal collector nodes within each transverse beam, and the transverse beams may operate on both sides of the central longitudinal beam 14b. The peripheral longitudinal beams 14a or 14c may have mechanical systems that perform other functions; i.e., if the central longitudinal beam is involved in rotation, the longitudinal beams are involved in tilting, and vice versa. In this way, a single central longitudinal beam can control the two sets of transverse beams on either side of it with a single motor.

[0070] Figure 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a solar concentrator that can be used as a solar thermal collector in conjunction with the solar cell array tracking device described herein. The solar concentrator 50 comprises a concentrator body 56 which may have a substantially inverted pyramidal structure shape that supports the solar concentrator. An optical element 52 is positioned at the upper or broad end of the concentrator body 56 to concentrate and / or focus light rays from a light source within the solar concentrator onto at least one solar cell 54. The optical element may be, for example, a Fresnel lens, but other different or additional optical elements such as a concave lens, a mirror, or other light-directing optical elements may be used within the solar concentrator. The optical element 52 above the narrow end of the concentrator body 56 preferably encloses the upper opening of the solar concentrator 50. The optical element 52 may be embedded within the upper opening of the concentrator body 56. The sides of the concentrator body may consist of different walls. The inner wall of the concentrator body 56 may also be made of a highly reflective, mirror-like material, or coated with such a material, to further assist in the concentration of incident light onto the solar cells 54. The outer wall may have a structure for incorporating one or more possible different types of solar thermal collector components, which may be coated with those components, or additional such components may be added, taking into account either or both electrical and thermal conversion.

[0071] At the narrow end of the solar collector is at least one solar cell 54, which receives light rays collected or focused by the optical element 52. The solar cell may be, for example, a photovoltaic (PV) cell for collecting light energy, a thermal collector cell for collecting thermal energy, or a composite photothermal collector cell that can collect both light and thermal energy from incident sunlight, which may be converted into electrical energy. In one embodiment, the collector node that attaches the solar collector to the solar array tracking device may further include a mechanism for moving the solar collector into or away from the focused optical path. In particular, a solar cell positioned at the top of the solar collector node may be configured to be moved using a mechanical system which may include one or more motors for changing the position of the cell in order to move the solar cell 54 toward or away from the optical focal point of the solar collector formed by the optical element 52, or to move the focal point relative to the solar cell 54. In this way, the system can choose to use incident light energy to generate electricity through the PV cell, generate heat through the heat sink, or a combination of both. One advantage of using a solar thermal collector is that the size of the solar cell can be reduced due to the light-gathering effect from the optical element. This allows the thermal collection system to be even smaller and more efficient than those that could be realized using larger thermal collection cells that receive lower intensity light / thermal energy, and can simplify the thermal fluid transfer system.

[0072] The solar tracking arrays described herein are adaptable to applications ranging from large-scale arrays used for grid connection to small-scale residential applications. In residential applications, the collectors may be designed as roof solar panel arrays, in which case one tracking device consists of adjacent solar energy harvesting elements. The elevated and / or angled versions of the tracking devices described herein can be built at a sufficient height from the ground, thereby allowing for full utilization of the land below for agricultural and other purposes and minimizing the overall installation area.

[0073] All publications, patents, and patent applications referenced herein indicate the level of the art to which the present invention belongs and are incorporated herein by reference. While the present invention has been described above, it is modifiable in many respects. Such modifications should not be considered departures from the scope of the invention, and all such modifications that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the following claims.

Claims

1. It is a dual-axis solar tracking device, A first vertical beam equipped with a first mechanical system, A second vertical beam comprising a second mechanical system, wherein the second vertical beam is offset from the first vertical beam, At least one rotatable transverse beam extending between the first longitudinal beam and the second longitudinal beam, wherein the transverse beam is The rotatable shaft within the aforementioned crossbeam, Multiple solar thermal collector nodes, each equipped with a solar collector node mechanical element, A first end comprising a first crossbeam gear for engaging with a worm drive in the first mechanical system to cause the crossbeam to rotate about its axis, A second end comprising a second crossbeam mechanical element operably engaged with the rotatable shaft, which engages with the second mechanical system to tilt the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes relative to the crossbeam via the collector node mechanical element in each of the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes, by rotating the rotatable shaft within the crossbeam, A hollow cross section having conduits connecting each of the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes, A crossbeam, A solar tracking device equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The solar tracking device according to claim 1, wherein the first vertical beam, the second vertical beam, or the first vertical beam and the second vertical beam have a hollow cross section connected to a conduit in the horizontal beam.

3. The solar tracking device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conduit is one or more of an electrical conduit and a fluid conduit.

4. The solar tracking device according to claim 3, wherein the fluid conduit fluidly connects the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes to a thermal cogeneration system.

5. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a first motor connected to the first mechanical system for controlling the first mechanical system, and a second motor connected to the second mechanical system for controlling the second mechanical system.

6. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a plurality of solar energy harvesting elements connected to the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes.

7. The solar tracking device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes each comprise one or more photovoltaic concentrating cells, thermal collector cells, composite photothermal cells, or a combination thereof.

8. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the conduit in the crossbeam is a fluid conduit, and the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes are equipped with an integrated thermal fluid conduit connected to the fluid conduit.

9. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the first vertical beam and the second vertical beam is provided with a vertical electrical main, and the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes are electrically connected to the vertical electrical main.

10. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the first and second vertical beams is provided with a fluid lead pipe, and the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes are fluidly connected to the fluid lead pipe.

11. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rotatable crossbeam comprises a plurality of worm drives for engaging with worm gears on the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes.

12. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a plurality of vertical beams.

13. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a mounting structure for raising the solar tracking device relative to the mounting surface.

14. The solar tracking device according to claim 13, wherein the mounting structure can adjust the angle of the solar tracking device with respect to the mounting surface.

15. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the conduit in at least one rotatable crossbeam is an electrical conduit that electrically connects each of the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes to an electrical main.

16. The solar tracking device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell being connected to one of the plurality of solar thermal collector nodes.

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