Abstract

One embodiment includes a reflector for a photovoltaic solar system. The reflector is configured to connect to a torque tube such that sunlight is reflected upwards towards an underside of one or more photovoltaic solar panels.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02S 40/22 - Light-reflecting or light-concentrating means
• G02B 5/10 - Mirrors with curved faces
• G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light

Abstract

A journal-coupler includes a first portion with a first opening and a second opening, a first pair of flanges and a first connecting portion. A second portion is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a third opening and a fourth opening, a second pair of flanges and a second connecting portion. An upper bearing portion and a lower bearing portion removably connected to the upper bearing portion are included. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion combine as an enclosed torque tube portion and connect over a first torque tube and a second torque tube. The lower bearing portion includes a pier insert portion with fastening slots, a first prong, and a second prong. The journal-coupler sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube and the second portion.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05D 5/06 - Bent flaps
• E05D 5/14 - Construction of sockets or sleeves
• E05D 7/081 - Hinges or pivots of special construction for use in suspensions comprising two spigots placed at opposite edges of the wing, especially at the top and the bottom, e.g. trunnions the pivot axis of the wing being situated near one edge of the wing
• E05D 7/10 - Hinges or pivots of special construction to allow easy separation of the parts at the hinge axis

Abstract

A single-axis tracker system includes a bearing race including a pair of flanges that each include a slot that limits north-south movement of at least one torque tube that is disposed within the bearing race. A journal-coupler removably connects to the bearing race. A moveable ganged bearing lock holds the at least one torque tube in place while in a stow position.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
• F16C 17/02 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for radial load only

Abstract

An embodiment for a solar tracker assembly includes a component having multiple pulleys or slide surfaces. A first torque tube is connected with the component. The first torque tube includes a cable slot. A first pull cable is connected to a first and a second pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a first and a second slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A second pull cable is connected to a third and a fourth pulley of the multiple pulleys or to a third and a fourth slide surface of the multiple slide surfaces. A first post is connected with the torque tube. The first post includes a connection point connected to the first pull cable and the second pull cable.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
• F24S 30/425 - Horizontal axis
• F24S 50/20 - Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors for tracking
• F24S 30/00 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules

Abstract

A bearing for single-axis solar tracking system includes a journal with a tube portion connected to a pair of flanges that are configured as a thrust-stop. The bearing further includes a race removably connected to the journal.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16M 11/10 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
• F16C 13/04 - Bearings with only partial enclosure of the member to be borneBearings with local support at two or more points
• F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
• H02S 30/10 - Frame structures

Abstract

A control system for a single-axis solar tracking system includes a controller that communicates control signals. An alternating current (AC) powerline is connected to the controller. The AC powerline supplies power control for one or more solar tracker drive motors and propagates the control signals to the one or more solar tracker drive motors.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks

Abstract

One embodiment provides an apparatus for a single axis tracker that includes a first strap component formed into a first portion of a bearing race. A second strap component is formed into a second portion of the bearing race. The first portion of the bearing race and the second portion of the bearing race removably interleave to hold a torque tube.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
• F16C 17/02 - Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement for radial load only
• F24S 30/425 - Horizontal axis
• F16C 33/06 - Sliding surface mainly made of metal
• F24S 30/00 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules

Abstract

One embodiment provides a drive system (4) that includes a drive device (8) with at least one drum (6) for spooling at least one wire rope (7). A mounting device (10) is connected to the drive device (8) and a single-axis tracker. At least one partial pulley (5) is connected to a torque tube (2). The at least one partial pulley (5) is configured to accept the at least one wire rope (7) and to transfer leveraged drive forces to the torque tube (2).

IPC Classes  ?

• H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
• H02S 40/22 - Light-reflecting or light-concentrating means

Abstract

One embodiment provides a drive system that includes a drive device with at least one drum for spooling at least one wire rope. A mounting device is connected to the drive device and a single-axis tracker. At least one partial pulley is connected to a torque tube. The at least one partial pulley is configured to accept the at least one wire rope and to transfer leveraged drive forces to the torque tube.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
• F16H 19/06 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising an endless flexible member
• F16M 11/20 - Undercarriages with or without wheels

Abstract

A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion and connect over a first torque tube and a second torque tube. The journal-coupler sustains a continuous electrical ground path between the first portion, the first torque tube, the second torque tube and the second portion.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05D 5/06 - Bent flaps
• E05D 5/14 - Construction of sockets or sleeves
• E05D 7/081 - Hinges or pivots of special construction for use in suspensions comprising two spigots placed at opposite edges of the wing, especially at the top and the bottom, e.g. trunnions the pivot axis of the wing being situated near one edge of the wing
• E05D 7/10 - Hinges or pivots of special construction to allow easy separation of the parts at the hinge axis

Abstract

One embodiment includes a device for solar tracker systems. The device includes a first purlin including a first mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a first side of a torque tube. The first purlin further including a first linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a first solar module. A second purlin includes a second mating surface configured for frictional attachment to a second side of the torque tube. The second purlin further including a second linear shaped top surface configured for mounting a second solar module. The first purlin and the second purlin connect to one another with a fastening clamp that is configured for holding the first purlin and the second purlin against the torque tube.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
• F16M 11/10 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis

Abstract

A solar panel assembly includes a first torque tube and a mounting rail including a cutout portion that attaches to the first torque tube. The mounting rail including an upper portion configured for mounting multiple solar panels. The mounting rail establishes and maintains an electrical ground path from the solar panel assembly to the first torque tube.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24S 25/63 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
• H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
• F24S 25/60 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules

Abstract

A journal-coupler includes a first portion including a first pair of flanges and a first coupler portion and a second portion that is removably connected to the first portion. The second portion includes a second pair of flanges and a second coupler portion. The first coupler portion and the second coupler portion combine to form an enclosed torque tube portion.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05D 5/06 - Bent flaps
• E05D 7/081 - Hinges or pivots of special construction for use in suspensions comprising two spigots placed at opposite edges of the wing, especially at the top and the bottom, e.g. trunnions the pivot axis of the wing being situated near one edge of the wing
• E05D 5/14 - Construction of sockets or sleeves
• E05D 7/10 - Hinges or pivots of special construction to allow easy separation of the parts at the hinge axis

Abstract

A system includes a coupler-journal including a central body portion and a coupling portion. The coupler-journal is configured for attaching with a first torque tube and a second torque tube. A bearing is configured for placement around the central body portion.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16D 1/02 - Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for connecting two abutting shafts or the like
• H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking