Ganged single axis solar tracker and its drive system

Abstract

The present invention involves a ganged single axis solar tracker and its drive system having at least two rows of solar trackers and a drive mechanism. Each tracker row shares one common rotation axis and the at least two tracker rows are placed in parallel. At least one torque arm is rigidly and perpendicularly connected to the each tracker rotation axis. The drive mechanism has at least one rotary actuator, such as a slew drive, whose rotation axis is parallel to the tracker rotation axes. At least one drive torque arm is rigidly and perpendicularly connected to the drive rotation axis. The drive torque arm and the tracker torque arms are hinge connected with a series of rigid beams. The linkage beams are perpendicular to the tracker and drive rotation axes. The rotary drive rotates and creates a rotation movement. The drive torque arm follows the rotation movement of the drive, which consequently converts a linear push-pull movement in the linkage beams. The linkage beams push and pull the tracker torque arms, rocking the at least two rows of solar trackers to rotate about their axes and to follow the sun's movement.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to solar energy production and more particularly to an apparatus for driving a number of rows of solar receivers to follow the motion of the sun relative to the earth.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Solar energy has gradually become an important alternative power resource to help achieve the goal of sustainable development. Solar power has a few unique advantages such as it is clean, abundant, and it produces when the consumption is high. The biggest challenge the solar energy is currently facing is its relatively high cost. Solar tracking systems can improve incident angles of solar receivers such as solar thermal or photovoltaic modules (PV). These tracking devices have been successfully used to improve power production efficiency, and thus to reduce solar power generation costs.[0005]The prior art single axis trackers typically have one motor / drive per tracker row, thus limiting th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The ganged single axis tracker has several advantages. Firstly, it allows for easier placement and doubles the number of solar panels it can track. Secondly, it distributes wind forces in a more appropriate manner, reducing the likelihood of failure. Lastly, it doesn't require additional land and can be located within the tracker array.

Problems solved by technology

The biggest challenge the solar energy is currently facing is its relatively high cost.

The prior art single axis trackers typically have one motor / drive per tracker row, thus limiting the total area of solar receivers driven by each motor / drive.

Solar tracker array using this technology will have high costs due to generally increased material usage, field construction work, as well as maintenance requirements.

The system has also limitations.

Firstly, the first linkage member close to the drive has to withstand wind loads on the entire tracker array, thus it becomes less economy when the tracker array increases in size.

Secondly, the linear actuator produces large up and down forces onto the foundations and tracker beams near the drive, increasing costs for these affected members.

Thirdly, the drive has to be located away from the tracker array, thus requiring extra land.

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