Tracking device with weathervaning wind stowage mode of operation
US8210162B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/47
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved tracking device comprised of a lightweight structural design optimized to carry it's own mass, that mass of a lightweight incident surface or surfaces for reflecting or absorbing energy, and to withstand the forces of low to medium wind loads. A weathervaning stowage mode is initiated under high wind conditions that will inherently rotate the structure such that the reflective facets will face away from the oncoming wind and any entrained dust, hail, or other particulate. The incident surfaces will also pivot upwards via pivots near the top mounting point to reduce the surface area presented to the wind and the resultant aerodynamic forces. A fixed wind deflector is employed to transfer wind load from the top of the incident surface(s) above the point of rotation where the wind load inhibits rotation to the bottom of the facet where upward rotation is enhanced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.