Solar tracking apparatus utilizing photovoltaic flat panels and method
US4429178A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A technique for converting solar energy directly to electrical energy is disclosed herein and utilizes a plurality of photovoltaic-like flat panels having solar collecting front sides. These panels are supported for simultaneous rotation about a given axis, preferably a horizontal or south sloping axis, while their solar collecting front sides face the same direction. At the same time, these front sides are maintained in end-to-end relationship with one another within a common plane, preferably one which is at all times parallel with the axis of rotation. In actual operation, the photovoltaic-like panels are simultaneously rotated about their given axis in tracking relationship with the sun, preferably so as to maintain the solar collecting front sides of the panels at a fixed acute angle with respect to the sun's rays. Moreover,the panels are preferably supported adjacent to one another in a way which minimizes the distance between endmost panels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.