Actuator systems for solar trackers
US11466760B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar tracking system includes a solar array, support beams that support the solar array, a torque tube coupled to the support beams, a base that rotatably supports the torque tube, and an articulation system that rotates the torque tube relative to the base. The articulation system includes an outer tube, a screw rod, and a nut and/or inner tube that rotates and translates along a length of the screw rod as the screw rod rotates. The interior portion of the outer tube includes helical grooves and the exterior portion of the nut or inner tube includes ridges or rollers that mate with the helical grooves, which cause the nut and/or inner tube to rotate as the nut and/or inner tube is translated along a length of the screw rod when the screw rod is rotated by the motor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.