42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
45 - Legal and security services; personal services for individuals.
Goods & Services
Utility solar power plant inspection services, namely,
inspection of utility solar power plants via an unmanned
teleoperated autonomous land vehicle. Remote monitoring, tracking, and reporting of anomalies on
utility solar farms identified by an unmanned teleoperated
autonomous land vehicle for security purposes.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable mobile application software for planning,
designing, construction, engineering, implementing, testing,
system verification, commissioning, operation, monitoring
and maintenance of utility solar installations and renewable
energy portfolios; downloadable mobile application software
for locating installed components for configuration,
control, troubleshooting, and replacement on utility scale
solar plants. Providing online, non-downloadable customer software
platform for planning, designing, construction, engineering,
implementation, testing, system verification, commissioning,
operation, monitoring and maintenance of utility solar
installations and renewable energy portfolios; downloadable
mobile application software for customers locating installed
components for configuration, control, troubleshooting, and
replacement on utility scale solar plants (term considered
too vague by the International Bureau pursuant to Rule 13
(2) (b) of the Regulations).
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Providing online, non-downloadable customer software
platform for automated ordering, shipping, and tracking
through to delivery of components for utility solar
installations and automated tracking of suppliers and
customers for utility solar installations and renewable
energy portfolios.
A spoil-locking coupler system includes a drive element having: a body having a hollow portion with an internal wall and an external wall, the hollow portion defining a socket with a longitudinal axis; a spoil diversion blade extending outward from the external wall; an opening in the hollow body between the internal wall and the external wall and adjacent to the spoil diversion blade; and a first tab-in-groove locking element positioned on the internal wall adjacent the opening. A coupled shaft having an outer surface that defines a second tab-in-groove locking element is connectable to the first tab-in-groove locking element. The coupled shaft is connected to the body of the drive element during powered rotation of the system about the longitudinal axis and into a medium. The spoil diversion blade is operable to guide spoil from the medium through the opening in the hollow body and into a groove of the first or second tab-in-groove locking element, thereby locking the coupled shaft to the drive element.
A twist-locking coupler system enables robust coupling of tubular elements. The system includes a locking hub, comprising: a central portion having a first side and a second side; a first coupling element extending in a first direction from the first side of the central portion; a second coupling element extending in a second direction from the second side of the central portion, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction; a tab-in- groove locking element on a first surface of the first coupling element; and a tab-in-groove locking element on a first surface of the second coupling element. A first and a second tubular element each receive, respectively, the first and the second coupling element in an overlapping onfiguration. Rotation of the locking hub about a longitudinal axis of the first and second tubular elements slides the tab-in-groove locking elements of the first and second coupling elements adjacent corresponding tab-in-groove locking elements on the first and second tubular elements, thereby coupling the locking hub to both the first and second tubular elements.
F16B 7/20 - Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections using bayonet connections
F16D 1/06 - Couplings for rigidly connecting two coaxial shafts or other movable machine elements for attachment of a member on a shaft or on a shaft-end
F24S 25/60 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
F24S 25/617 - Elements driven into the ground, e.g. anchor-pilesFoundations for supporting elementsConnectors for connecting supporting structures to the ground or to flat horizontal surfaces
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
A spoil-locking coupler system includes a drive element and a coupled shaft. The drive element includes a body having a hollow portion with an internal wall and an external wall. The hollow portion defines a socket with a longitudinal axis. A spoil diversion blade extends outward from the external wall. An opening in the hollow body is positioned between the internal wall and the external wall and adjacent to the spoil diversion blade. A first tab-in-groove locking element is positioned on the internal wall adjacent the opening. The coupled shaft has an outer surface that defines a second tab-in-groove locking element connectable to the first tab-in-groove locking element. The coupled shaft is connected to the body of the drive element during powered rotation of the system about the longitudinal axis and into a medium. The spoil diversion blade is operable to guide spoil from the medium through the opening in the hollow body and into a groove of the first or second tab-in-groove locking element, thereby locking the coupled shaft to the drive element.
A twist-locking coupler system includes a locking hub and a first and a second tubular element. The locking hub includes a central portion having a first side and a second side. A first coupling element extends in a first direction from the first side of the central portion. A second coupling element extends in a second direction from the second side of the central portion. The second direction is opposite the first direction. The locking hub includes a tab-in-groove locking element on a first surface of the first coupling element and a tab-in-groove locking element on a first surface of the second coupling element. The first and second tubular element each receive, respectively, the first and the second coupling element in an overlapping configuration. The rotation of the locking hub about a longitudinal axis of the first and second tubular elements slides the tab-in-groove locking elements of the first and second coupling elements adjacent corresponding tab-in-groove locking elements on the first and second tubular elements, thereby coupling the locking hub to both the first and second tubular elements.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Electrical trunk line connectors for use in photovoltaic
(PV) power systems aggregating high-voltage direct current
(DC) power from multiple strings to a high-voltage trunk
line in utility-scale solar power plants.
F16B 2/24 - Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal
F16B 5/06 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
F16B 21/08 - Releasable fastening devices with snap action in which the stud, pin, or spigot has a resilient part
F16B 21/12 - Means without screw-thread for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft, or the like and a member surrounding itStud-and-socket releasable fastenings without screw-thread by separate parts with locking-pins or split-pins thrust into holes
A solar tracker support structure includes a first leg, a second leg, a bridge, a first pair of pivot joints, and a second pair of pivot joints. The first leg includes first leg proximal and distal end portions. The second leg includes second leg proximal and distal end portions. The bridge extends between the first leg proximal and second leg proximal end portion. The first pair of pivot joints is configured to move the solar tracker support structure about a first axis. The second pair of pivot joints is configured to move the solar tracker support structure about a second, different axis.
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
F24S 25/70 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surfaceArrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for compensating mounting tolerances
A solar tracker bearing housing includes a closed hoop and a pier coupler. The closed hoop is formed by a base hoop portion, a first side hoop portion, a second side hoop potion, and a top hoop portion. The pier coupler is adjacent to the base hoop portion. The pier coupler includes a first coupler leg, a second coupler leg, and a coupler bridge extending along the base hoop portion between the first coupler leg and the second coupler leg.
A solar tracker bearing housing includes a first bearing leg, a second bearing leg, and a bridge. The first bearing leg includes a first bearing leg first end and a first bearing leg second end, with the first bearing leg first end including a first bracket. The second bearing leg includes a second bearing leg first end and a second bearing leg second end, with the second bearing leg first end including a second bracket. The bridge extends between the first bearing leg second end and the second bearing leg second end, with the bridge including a pin receiving aperture. The first bearing leg, the second bearing leg, and the bridge are a single integral component.
H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
F24S 25/65 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
14.
ADJUSTABLE SOLAR TRACKER SUPPORT FRAME AND HANGING BEARING ASSEMBLY
A solar tracker support frame assembly includes a multi-leg solar tracker support frame and a hanging bearing housing assembly. The multi-leg solar tracker support frame includes first and second frame legs and a bridge extending between the first and second frame legs. The hanging bearing housing assembly is at the multi-leg solar tracker support frame and is configured to support a torque tube. The hanging bearing housing assembly includes a bearing sleeve and a torque tube connector.
A solar tracker support frame assembly includes a multi-leg solar tracker support frame and a bearing assembly. The multi-leg solar tracker support frame includes a first frame leg, a second frame leg, and a bridge extending between the first frame leg and the second frame leg. The bearing assembly is at the multi-leg solar tracker support frame, and the bearing assembly is configured to support a torque tube. The bearing assembly includes a bearing sleeve and a torque tube connector.
A ground pile for a solar tracking system includes an elongate hollow tube extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, one or more pair of support blades formed along the elongate hollow tube and extending away from a longitudinal axis of the elongate hollow tube. The one or more pair of support blades being formed by a hydroforming process.
F24S 25/617 - Elements driven into the ground, e.g. anchor-pilesFoundations for supporting elementsConnectors for connecting supporting structures to the ground or to flat horizontal surfaces
H02S 20/10 - Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground
A method for coupling a solar module frame to a torque tube of a solar tracker using a hooked flange solar module frame coupling apparatus includes: positioning a hook portion the of frame component relative to a frame receiving receptacle at a rail; moving the hook portion of the frame from a biased, coupling configuration to a receptacle entry' configuration via contact between the hook portion and the rail; and moving the hook portion from the receptacle entry' configuration to the biased, coupling configuration to couple the frame to the rail.
A solar module frame assembly includes first and longitudinal frame portions and first and second lateral frame portions. The first and second longitudinal frame portions can include an intermediate wall, a photovoltaic receptacle at one end portion of the intermediate wall, and a lower wall potion at another, opposite end portion of the intermediate wall. The lower wall portion of each of the first and second longitudinal frame portions can include one or more connecting tabs. The vertical or skewed intermediate wall can include one or more connecting tabs that are configured to engage with corresponding aperture(s) at the adjacent first and second longitudinal frame portions.
H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
F24S 25/65 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
A method for installing a solar tracker A-frame foundation includes: placing a first pile at a first location along a ground surface; placing a second pile at a second location along the ground surface, the second location spaced apart from the first location; simultaneously ramming the first pile into the ground surface at the first location and ramming the second pile into the ground surface at the second location; and after simultaneously ramming the first and second piles into the ground surface, coupling a first leg of a solar tracker A-frame support to the first pile and coupling a second leg of the solar tracker A-frame support to the second pile.
F24S 25/617 - Elements driven into the ground, e.g. anchor-pilesFoundations for supporting elementsConnectors for connecting supporting structures to the ground or to flat horizontal surfaces
A solar tracker centrifugal locking apparatus includes a centrifugal locking device and first and second cable members. Each of the first and second cable members is connected to the centrifugal locking device and configured to connect to a torque tube. The centrifugal locking device is configured such that when the torque tube rotates in a first rotational direction at a rotational velocity below a first direction torque tube rotational velocity threshold, the centrifugal locking device is in an unlocked state to release the first cable member and receive the second cable member. And the centrifugal locking device is configured such that when the torque tube rotates in the first rotational direction at a rotational velocity at or above the first direction torque tube rotational velocity threshold, the centrifugal locking device is in a locked state to prevent further release of the first cable member.
A ground pile for a solar tracking system includes an elongate hollow tube extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, a mount proximate the first end for attaching solar tracking components, one or more threaded longitudinal segments of the hollow tube each having exterior helical segments extending around the longitudinal segment and forming a screw thread, and one or more drivable longitudinal segments of the hollow tube having cross-sections with an internal surface shaped in a non-circular shape.
F24S 25/617 - Elements driven into the ground, e.g. anchor-pilesFoundations for supporting elementsConnectors for connecting supporting structures to the ground or to flat horizontal surfaces
A blade pile drive head (100) and blade pile system include a hollow body (105) having a longitudinal axis (205) and defines a socket (210) for a drive shaft. A distal end of the body opposite the socket defines an attack bit (120), and at least one blade (110) extends away from the longitudinal axis. A blade base (135) is attached to the body (105) in a first axial region ("A") along the longitudinal axis (205). The socket (210) extends into the body (105) in a second axial region ("B") along the longitudinal axis (205), and at least some portion of the first axial region ("A") overlaps along the longitudinal axis (205) with at least some portion of the second axial region ("B").
A method for coupling a first solar module frame and a second solar module frame to a torque tube includes: placing a rail at the torque tube; placing a first outward extending flange of the first solar module frame at the rail; placing a second outward extending flange of the second solar module frame over the first outward extending flange at the rail; and inserting a fastener at the second outward extending flange, the first outward extending flange, and the rail.
H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
F24S 25/35 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the mounting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles by means of profiles with a cross-section defining separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
A method for coupling a first solar module frame and a second solar module frame to a torque tube includes: placing a rail at the torque tube; placing a first outward extending flange of the first solar module frame at the rail; placing a second outward extending flange of the second solar module frame over the first outward extending flange at the rail; and inserting a fastener at the second outward extending flange, the first outward extending flange, and the rail.
A solar module frame coupling assembly (900) includes a solar module frame (908) and a rail (904). The solar module frame (908) includes a frame side portion (903) having a protruded guide structure (901). The rail (904) includes a first rail side (930) and a second rail side (931) that is opposite the first rail side (930). The second rail side (930) is configured to interface with a torque tube (14), and the first rail side (930) includes an alignment slot (902). The alignment slot (902) is configured to receive the protruded guide structure (901) to couple the solar module frame (908) to the rail (904).
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
A solar module frame is configured to bound a plurlaity of photovoltaic cells. This solar module frame includes a first sidewall at a first side of the frame and a second sidewall at a second side of the frame. Extending out from the first sidewall is a first outward facing lower flange that includes at least one fastening aperture, and extending out from the first sidewall is a first inward facing upper flange that defines a first side photovoltaic cell receptacle. Extending out from the second sidewall is a second outward facing lower flange that includes at least one fastening aperture, and extending out from the second sidewall is a second inward facing upper flange that defines a second side photovoltaic cell receptacle.
A self-centering rail includes a first side portion and a second side portion that is opposite the first side portion. The first side portion is configured to couple to a first solar module frame when a first flange of the first solar module frame is received at the first rail clamp and the second rail clamp and when a frame self-centering member of the first solar module frame is received at the first rail self-centering member. The second side portion is configured to couple to a second solar module frame when a second flange of the second solar module frame is received at the third rail clamp and the fourth rail clamp and when a frame self-centering member of the second solar module frame is received at the second rail self-centering member.
F24S 25/35 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the mounting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles by means of profiles with a cross-section defining separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
A solar tracing system includes a torque tube (1810), a first single frame structure (1600) coupled to the torque tube (1810), and a second single frame structure (1700) coupled to the torque tube (1810). The first single frame structure (1600) includes first frame structure first and second module receptacles (1610,1612) at opposite sides of the first frame structure (1600), a first pair of solar modules (1602a, 1602b) received at the first frame structure first and second module receptacles (1610,1612), a first frame structure coupling flange (1614), and a first frame structure coupling flange receptacle (1618). The second single frame structure (1700) includes second frame structure first and second module receptacles (1710,1712) at opposite sides of the second frame structure (1700), a second pair of solar modules (1602c, 1602d) received at the second frame structure first and second module receptacles (1710,1712), a second frame structure coupling flange (1714), and a second frame structure coupling flange receptacle (1718).
F24S 25/67 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent modules or their peripheral frames
A solar module tracking apparatus includes a solar module, a wind distribution panel, and a torque tube. The solar module has a first side that includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a second, opposite side. The solar module has a solar module length and solar module width, with the solar module length and the solar module width laying in a first plane. The wind distribution panel is spaced apart from the second side of the solar module to define a plenum between the wind distribution panel and the second side of the solar module. The wind distribution panel has a wind distribution panel length and wind distribution panel width, with the wind distribution panel length and the wind distribution panel width laying in a second plane that is different than the first plane. The torque tube is configured to rotatably move the solar module and wind distribution panel.
A method for automated, or semi-automated, solar module support rail installation at a solar tracking system includes placing a first solar module support rail at a first location along a torque tube of the solar tracking system; using a robotic device to fixate the first solar module support rail at the first location along the torque tube; moving the robotic device to a second, different location along the torque tube; placing a second solar module support rail at the second, different location along the torque tube; and using the robotic device to fixate the second solar module support rail at the second location along the torque tube.
F24S 25/65 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
A method for installing one or more solar module A-frame supports includes: creating a bore extending a depth below a ground surface, placing a temporary support jig adjacent the bore, inserting a leg of a solar module A-frame support into the bore such that a portion of the leg of the solar module A-frame support is within the bore and a portion of the leg of the solar module A-frame support contacts the temporary support jig, when the portion of the leg of the solar module A-frame support is within the bore and the portion of the leg of the solar module A-frame support contacts the temporary support jig, pouring concrete into the bore, and, after pouring concrete into the bore, removing the temporary support jig from contact with the leg of the solar module A-frame support.
H02S 20/10 - Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground
E02D 1/00 - Investigation of foundation soil in situ
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
E02D 7/28 - Placing of hollow piles or mould-pipes by means arranged inside the piles or pipes
A field configurable array of power processing blocks can include a plurality of power processing blocks configured to operate as DC/DC converters and/or DC/AC inverters. The field configurable array of power processing blocks can further include a controller configured to adjust the number of DC/DC converters and/or DC/AC converters. The controller can reconfigure the power processing blocks operating as a DC/DC converter such that the power processing blocks operate as a DC/AC converter and vice versa. In some embodiments, the controller of the field configurable array is configured to adjust connections between PV arrays, energy storage, and the grid to ensure maximum efficiency.
A method for manufacturing a continuous torque tube of a solar tracking system on site includes the steps of: placing raw material at a rolling apparatus on site; shaping the raw material into torque tube components at the rolling apparatus on site; joining the shaped torque tube components output from the rolling apparatus on site to create a continuous torque tube; and placing solar modules at the continuous torque tube to create a continuous solar tracker row.
B21C 37/14 - Making tubes from doubled flat material
B21C 37/15 - Making tubes of special shapeMaking the fittings
B21C 37/20 - Making helical or similar guides in or on tubes without removing material, e.g. by drawing same over mandrels, by pushing same through dies
B21H 8/00 - Rolling metal of indefinite length in repetitive shapes specially designed for the manufacture of particular objects
H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
A washer clip device includes a first clip arm, a second clip arm, at least one grounding element at the first clip arm and/or the second clip arm, and a fastening aperture extending through the first clip arm. The first and second clip arms are joined together at a first end of the washer clip device to define a first internal clip area adjacent the first end, and the first and second clip arms are spaced apart from one another at a second end of the washer clip device to define a receiving gap between the first and second clip arms and adjacent to the second end. This washer clip device is movable between a coupling configuration and a receiving configuration, with the receiving gap being larger when in the receiving configuration than when in the coupling configuration.
Systems and methods for triggering a stowing of one or more solar trackers comprise receiving weather data, the weather data including one or more hail parameters, determining the one or more hail parameters exceed a first corresponding one or more hail parameter thresholds, and triggering a stowing of one or more solar trackers. The one or more hail parameters include one or more of a probability of hail, a predicted size of hail, or a predicted location of hail. The systems and methods include one or more of determining the probability of hail exceeds the first hail probability threshold, determining the predicted size of hail exceeds the first hail size threshold, or determining the predicted location of hail exceeds the first threshold distance for trigging the stowing of the one or more solar trackers.
A solar tracker bearing housing includes a housing, a pin aperture at the housing, a rotatable ring rotatably seated at the pin aperture, and a pin received at the rotatable ring. The pin is configured to rotatably connect to at least one torque tube to cause the pin to rotate with the torque tube in a first plane, and the pin is configured to pivot with the rotatable ring in a second, different plane to change an angular orientation of the pin relative to the pin aperture.
A coupling for use with a solar tracker including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including a generally tubular body including one or more stamped end portions and the lower portion designed to secure the upper portion to a support rail of a solar power system.
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
F24S 25/65 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
F24S 25/70 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surfaceArrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for compensating mounting tolerances
Coupling assemblies for use with solar trackers include a housing, a bearing, and at least one hard stop. The housing includes a circular aperture and protruding members extending from the housing. The bearing fits within the circular aperture and rotate within the circular aperture of the housing. The bearing includes an aperture having the shape of the cross-section of a torque tube. The hard stop engages with the protruding members to limit rotation of the bearing and torque tube to a preconfigured articulation range. The housing may include opposing ball bearing paths disposed along an inner surface of the circular aperture, and hard stops at end portions of the opposing ball bearing paths. The bearing may include ball bearing races in an outer portion of the bearing. The coupling assembly may include ball bearings configured to move in the ball bearing paths and the ball bearing races.
F24S 25/65 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
39.
SOLAR TRACKER VIBRATION ANALYSIS AND HEALTH MONITORING
A method and system of analyzing health of a solar tracker, including confirming solar tracker is in a starting position, driving solar tracker through a range of angles, collecting data regarding performance of solar tracker, analyzing the collected data, and presenting one or more aspects of the collected data on a user interface indicating the health of the solar tracker.
A pier for a solar tracking system includes a bearing housing assembly and a frame defining a A-shaped profile having a pair of legs and a crown interposed between the pair of legs, the frame including a pivot disposed on the crown and extending between the pair of legs, the pivot configured to support the bearing housing assembly.
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
F24S 30/00 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
An autonomous cleaning system bridge includes a pair of parallel beams and a pair of transverse beam assemblies interposed between the pair of parallel beams and disposed in spaced relation to one another. Each transverse beam assembly includes an outer tube extending between a first end portion coupled to a first parallel beam and an opposite, second end portion, an insert coupled to the second end portion and defining a through-bore, and an inner tube extending between a first end portion and an opposite, second end portion, the second end portion of the inner tube coupled to a second parallel beam, wherein the inner tube is slidably supported within the through-bore to enable to autonomous cleaning system bridge to transition from a first, expanded configuration to a second, collapsed configuration due to contact between the second parallel beam and a portion of a solar tracker system.
A solar tracker system including at least two solar trackers arranged substantially in parallel, each solar tracker including a torque tube and a plurality of piers supporting the torque tube, a drive mechanism mounted on one of the plurality of piers associated with a first of the at least two solar trackers to rotate the first of the at least two solar trackers, a pulley mounted on each torque tube of the at least two solar trackers, and a cable connecting the pulley of the first of the at least two solar trackers to the pulley of a second of the at least two solar trackers, wherein rotation of the first of the at least two solar trackers is translated to the second of the at least two solar trackers via the cable.
A solar tracker includes a plurality of piers, one end of the piers configured for installation in the earth, a plurality of bearings, each bearing supported by a pier, a torque tube received in the plurality of bearings and configured to support a plurality of solar modules, a plurality of drive motors, each drive motor associated with a pier, a plurality of high efficiency gear boxes, each high efficiency gear box associated with one of the plurality of drive motors; and a plurality of brakes, each brake associated with one of the plurality of high efficiency gear boxes and one of the plurality of drive motors, wherein in combination the plurality of brakes apply sufficient braking force to prevent back driving of the torque tube.
A solar module mounting bracket including a rail, having a box section configuration to support a solar module and a pair of arms each having a first end portion movably coupled to the rail. The pair of arms are movable relative to the rail between a first parallel configuration, and a second substantially configuration, in which the pair of arms define an opening configured to receive a torque tube. The arms each have a hole formed in a second end portion opposite the first end portion to receive a fastener to secure the rail to the torque tube.
A hierarchical system increases the utilization of a fleet of Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) by optimally assigning work to and providing charging strategies for the BEBs. The system includes a digital twin platform for generating behavior models for the electric vehicles, charging stations for the electric vehicles, or both; an assignment and strategy module for optimally assigning blocks and determining optimal charging strategies for the electric vehicles; and a depot parking and management module for parking and charging the electric vehicles according to optimal charging strategies. In some embodiments, the behavior models can be adjusted in real time in response to the occurrences of events.
G06Q 10/0637 - Strategic management or analysis, e.g. setting a goal or target of an organisationPlanning actions based on goalsAnalysis or evaluation of effectiveness of goals
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
G06Q 10/0639 - Performance analysis of employeesPerformance analysis of enterprise or organisation operations
A solar tracking system includes a pier, a torque tube rotatably supported on the pier, a solar module coupled to the torque tube, wherein rotation of the torque tube effectuates a corresponding rotation of the solar module, and an inerter, the inerter including a drive gear couplable to the torque tube, wherein rotation of the torque tube effectuates movement of the drive gear, a drive gear operably coupled to the drive gear, wherein movement of the drive gear effectuates movement of the driven gear, and a flywheel operably coupled to the driven gear, wherein movement of the driven gear effectuates rotation of the flywheel, wherein a wind loading on the solar module effectuates rotation of the torque tube and a corresponding rotation of the flywheel, where rotation of the flywheel stores kinetic energy to mitigate excitation of the solar tracker.
A coupling for use with a solar tracker includes an elongate body defining opposed top and bottom surfaces, the bottom surface defining a pair of protuberances disposed in spaced relation along a length of the elongate body and defining a gap therebetween, each of the pair of protuberances including a tab disposed thereon adjacent the gap, wherein the gap is configured to receive a torque tube such that an inner surface of the gap and the tabs of each of the pair of protuberances abut a portion of the torque tube, wherein each tab of the pair of protuberances includes a bore defined therethrough that is configured to receive a fastener to couple the elongate body to a torque tube.
A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a saddle defining a U-shaped profile extending between opposed first and second end portions, the saddle defines a channel configured to selectively receive a module rail and a slot defined through the first and second side surfaces adjacent the first end portion, and a clip assembly slidably supported within the channel and including a clip having a generally U-shaped profile defining a crown interposed between a pair of legs having an upturned tab and extending from the crown and terminating at a respective hook, wherein the clip assembly is configured to transition from a first open position to a second, closed position where the upturned tab is received within the slot of the saddle and a hook of each of the pair of legs engages a module rail to selectively couple the module rail to the saddle.
A method for assessing health of a solar tracker includes receiving data associated with a parameter of a plurality of solar trackers of a solar array, determining a health status tier from data received for one or more of the plurality of solar trackers, assigning the determined health status tier to the one or more of the plurality of solar trackers, and instructing solar trackers of the plurality of solar trackers assigned to a first health status tier to transition to a predetermined position.
A solar tracking system includes a first solar tracking row and a second solar tracking row, each of the first and second solar tracking rows including a plurality of support piers, a torque tube rotatably supported on the plurality of support piers, a plurality of solar modules coupled to the torque tube, and at least one damper coupled to the plurality of support piers at a first end and coupled to a portion of the torque tube at a second, opposite end, and a connecting rod coupled to a portion of each torque tube of the first and second solar trackers such that rotation of the torque tube of the first solar tracker row effectuates movement of the connecting rod, which in turn, effectuates rotation of the torque tube of the second solar tracking row.
A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail including a pair of opposed flanges disposed in spaced relation to one another and defining a channel therebetween, each of the pair of opposed flanges including a respective slot defined therethrough, and a coupling clip configured to be received within each of the slots and a portion of a module rail received within the channel of the support rail, wherein the coupling clip includes a resilient finger disposed on a distal end portion configured to engage a portion of the pair of opposed flanges to inhibit proximal movement of the coupling clip and a one protrusion disposed on a proximal portion thereof configured to engage a portion of an opposite flange of the pair of opposed flanges to inhibit distal movement of the coupling clip to couple the module rail to the support rail.
A solar tracking system includes a beam assembly having a beam including a pair of spaced apart flanges and a web interposed between each of the pair of spaced apart flanges and a reinforcement plate selectively coupled to a portion of the beam, the reinforcement plate configured to selectively strengthen a portion of the beam, and a bearing housing assembly selectively couplable to a portion of the beam.
A parallel inverter system for solar tracker systems minimizes circulating currents, mitigates ripple, and increases efficiency. The parallel inverter system includes inverters coupled together in parallel, a common DC bus coupled between a DC load and inputs of the inverters, a common AC bus coupled between outputs of the inverters and an electrical power grid, and a common-mode filter coupled to the output of each of the inverters. The parallel inverter system also includes controllers coupled to the inverters, respectively, the controllers configured to generate interleaved pulse width modulation (PWM) signals, respectively. The PWM signals are synchronized with each other. The PWM signals may be synchronized with each other via the EtherCAT protocol.
H02M 7/493 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode the static converters being arranged for operation in parallel
H02M 1/12 - Arrangements for reducing harmonics from AC input or output
A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail (12) defining opposed top and bottom surfaces, the top surface configured to support a portion of a solar module (140), and a fastening assembly (80) operably coupled to a portion of the support rail (12), the fastening system including a retaining bolt (82) having an elongated head (84) including opposed top and bottom surfaces (84b, 84c) extending between opposed first and second end portions (84d, 84e), wherein the bottom surface (84c) of the elongated head (84) is offset from the top surface of the support rail (12) to define a gap, the gap configured to selectively receive a portion of a solar module (140) therein.
F24S 25/636 - ClampsClips clamping by screw-threaded elements
H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
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
A solar tracking system includes a beam including a pair of legs disposed in spaced relation to one another and extending between respective first and second end portions, a web extending between the first end portion of each of the pair of legs, the web including a V-shaped notch defined therein, and a pair of return flanges defining a respective first end portion disposed on respective second end portions of the pair of legs, the pair of return flanges extending from each respective leg of the pair of legs and terminating at a second end portion defining a gap between the second end portions of the pair of return flanges, and a bearing housing assembly selectively couplable to a portion of the beam.
A solar tracking system includes a beam including a pair of legs disposed in spaced relation to one another and extending between respective first and second end portions, a web extending between the first end portion of each of the pair of legs, the web including a V-shaped notch defined therein, and a pair of return flanges defining a respective first end portion disposed on respective second end portions of the pair of legs, the pair of return flanges extending from each respective leg of the pair of legs and terminating at a second end portion defining a gap between the second end portions of the pair of return flanges, and a bearing housing assembly selectively couplable to a portion of the beam.
H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
H02S 20/10 - Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground
A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a torque tube coupling defining an arcuate slot therethrough, a mounting bracket couplable to a portion of a pier, and a first fastener, a portion of the first fastener slidably and rotatably received within a portion of the slot to enable polyaxial rotation of the torque tube coupling relative to the mounting bracket.
F16M 11/10 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
F24S 50/20 - Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors for tracking
F16M 11/00 - Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon
F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles
F24S 30/00 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
H02S 20/32 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support rail defining a channel for receipt of a solar module therein, the support rail including an aperture defined therein that is in open communication with the channel and a clamp assembly selectively coupled to the support rail, a first portion of the clamp assembly configured to receive a portion of a torque tube therein and a second portion of the clamp assembly configured to selectively extend through the aperture of the support rail when the clamp assembly is transitioned from a first, unlocked position, to a second, locked position.
A solar tracking system includes a solar array, a support structure configured to support the solar array, a driveshaft coupled to the support structure, a base configured to rotatably support the driveshaft, and an articulation system coupled to the driveshaft and configured to articulate the driveshaft relative to the base. The articulation system includes a gearbox coupled to the driveshaft. The solar tracking system also includes a motor mechanically operably coupled to the gearbox to cause the driveshaft to rotate, and a controller that determines a fault caused by the winding up of the driveshaft, and, in response to determining the fault, shorting the windings of the motor and/or providing power, which is generated by the motor when the unwinding driveshaft drives the rotation of the motor, to a load, such as an energy storage device, a resistive load, and/or a heating element.
A common enclosure includes a housing, inverter input connectors and an inverter output connector coupled to the housing, a common DC bus mechanically coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the inverter input connectors, a common AC bus mechanically coupled to the housing and electrically coupled between the inverter output connector and a power grid connector, a controller mechanically coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the common DC and AC buses, local controllers coupled to the inverters, decentralized controllers coupled to the local controllers, and a centralized controller in communication with the local controllers. The decentralized controllers generate decentralized control signals for the local controllers based on measured voltages and currents of the electrical power grid and the inverters. The centralized controller transmits centralized control signals to the local controllers to maintain a constant voltage on the common DC bus based on a predicted DC load.
A solar tracker, solar array, and method of designing a solar tracker or array including a plurality of piers, a torque tube supported by the piers, each pier having a common reveal from the earth and the torque tube has a relative angle from a first pier to a second pier of between 0.25 and about 0.75 degrees.
B65D 3/00 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines
B65D 3/02 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape
B65D 3/06 - Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies or peripheral walls of curved or partially-curved cross-section made by winding or bending paper without folding along defined lines characterised by shape essentially conical or frusto-conical
E04B 1/41 - Connecting devices specially adapted for embedding in concrete or masonry
F24S 25/16 - Arrangement of interconnected standing structuresStanding structures having separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
F24S 25/60 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
F24S 25/61 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
64.
ARTICULATION JOINTS FOR TERRAIN FOLLOWING SOLAR TRACKER
A coupling system for use with a solar tracker includes a support flange, a swivel flange rotatably supported on the support flange, an articulation joint interposed between each of the support flange and the swivel flange and rotatably supported by each of the support flange and the swivel flange, wherein opposed first and second end portions of the articulation joint are configured to be operably coupled to a respective first and second torque tube, and at least one locking fastener selectively coupled to a portion of the support flange and a portion of the swivel flange, the at least one locking fastener configured to selectively inhibit rotation of the swivel flange relative to the support flange.
F24S 30/455 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes with horizontal primary axis
F24S 30/458 - Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes with inclined primary axis
65.
AUTONOMOUS CLEANING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES
A docking station for use with a solar tracking system includes a frame configured to selectively support solar cleaning equipment thereon and a mounting bracket operably coupled to a portion of the frame. The mounting bracket maintains a gap between adjacent edges of the frame and an adjacent solar module, and the frame includes a width that approximates a width of the solar module.
H02S 40/00 - Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups
A47L 11/38 - Machines, specially adapted for cleaning walls, ceilings, roofs, or the like
F24S 25/67 - Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent modules or their peripheral frames
H02S 20/30 - Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
H02S 30/00 - Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
A method of controlling a solar array including receiving current and voltage data from a plurality of solar modules of the solar array, calculating a diffuse fraction irradiance for the plurality of solar modules, mapping the diffuse fraction irradiance for the plurality of solar modules, generating a digital image of light conditions in the solar array based on the mapped diffuse fraction irradiance, defining zones within the array based on the light conditions in the digital image, determining a zone-specific solar tracker angle for each zone based on mapped diffuse fraction irradiance, transmitting the zone-specific solar tracker angle to a computing device associated with each solar tracker in the solar array, and driving the solar trackers of each zone such that the solar trackers that make up each zone are oriented to substantially the same angle.
A clamp assembly for use with a solar module includes a first clamping arm operably coupled to a first portion of a solar module, a second clamping arm operably coupled to a second portion of the solar module and operably coupled to the first clamping arm and disposed in juxtaposed relation thereto, and a fastener operably coupled to a respective portion of each of the first and second clamping arms. The fastener is configured to draw each of the first and second clamping arms towards one another from a first, open position, where the solar module is free to move relative to first and second clamping arms to a second, closed position, where the solar module is inhibited from moving relative to the first and second clamping arms.
