Systems for damping a solar photovoltaic array tracker
US11817815B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2022 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2042 |
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 column supporting the torque tube, a solar panel connected to the torque tube, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a first end pivotably connected to the torque tube and a second end pivotably connected to the column. The damper assembly further includes an outer shell, a piston within and moveable relative to the outer shell, a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall within the outer shell at least partially defining a chamber, and a valve within the chamber. The valve includes a first axial end defining a slot and is biased to a first position within the chamber in which the first axial end is spaced from the first chamber wall. The valve is moveable within the chamber from the first position to a second position to passively change a flow resistance of the damper assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.