Systems for damping a solar photovoltaic array tracker
US11211896B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2021 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Solar tracker systems include a torque tube, a solar panel attached to the torque tube, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a housing defining first and second chambers, a first fluid passageway extending between the first and second chambers, and a second fluid passageway extending from the second chamber. A piston is moveable relative to the housing and a valve is positioned within the first chamber and moveable to passively control fluid flow. An active lock includes a shaft extending into the second chamber with a seal attached to the shaft. The shaft is selectively moveable between an unsealed position in which the seal is spaced from a chamber wall and a flow path is defined between the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway, and a sealed position in which the seal contacts and seals against the chamber wall to obstruct the flow path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.