Patent · US Active

Systems for damping a solar photovoltaic array tracker

US11264944B1 · kind B1 · utility

0Cited by
51References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 2, 2021
Grant dateMar 1, 2022
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 2, 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 an outer shell, a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall within the outer shell at least partially defining a chamber, and a piston to direct fluid through the chamber. A valve is within the chamber that includes a first axial end, a second axial end, and a seal positioned on the first axial end. The damper assembly further includes a biasing assembly that biases the valve into a first position within the chamber in which the seal is spaced from the first chamber wall. The valve is moveable within the chamber from the first position to a second position in which the seal contacts and seals against the first chamber wall to prevent the flow of fluid through the chamber.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.