Systems for damping a solar photovoltaic array tracker
US11632074B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2021 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar tracker system includes a torque tube, a solar panel assembly attached to the torque tube, a housing defining a chamber and a fluid passageway extending from the chamber, and an active lock connected to a seal configured to prevent a flow path of fluid while in a sealed state and allow the flow path of fluid in an unsealed state. The system further includes a controller in communication with the torque tube and the active lock. The controller is programmed to receive a command to place the solar panel assembly in a stowed position, instruct the torque tube to rotate the panel assembly to a stowed angle corresponding to the stowed position, monitor a current angle of the panel assembly, compare the current angle to the stowed angle, and instruct the seal to transition to the sealed state when the current angle is equal to the stowed angle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.