Photovoltaic system bearing assembly
US10320326B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A photovoltaic (PV) system having a bearing assembly to support PV modules is described. In an example, the bearing assembly includes a pair of bearing supports having respective sub-rims. The sub-rims may have complementary arcuate seat surfaces, which when combined, define a curved seat rim to receive a bearing sleeve. Accordingly, the bearing supports may be mounted symmetrically about a pile such that the sub-rims combine to support the bearing sleeve, and a torque tube holding the PV modules may be mounted on the bearing sleeve. More particularly, the torque tube may be in sliding contact with the bearing sleeve, and a weight of the PV modules and torque tube may be evenly transmitted through the pair of bearing supports to a shear center of the pile.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.