Solar-tracking system drive having an offset gear
US10469025B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar-tracking photovoltaic (PV) system having a motor drive vertically below a PV module, is described. In an example, the motor drive rotates a torque tube holding the PV module. The motor drive may include a gearbox having a worm drive, and a gearmotor having an offset gear. The offset gear may be coupled to a planetary gear train along an axis of a worm of the worm drive, and the offset gear may be coupled to a motor along a shaft axis offset vertically below the worm axis. Accordingly, the motor may be offset vertically below the worm drive, i.e., farther from the PV laminate than the worm drive, and a rotational clearance for the PV laminate may be increased.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.