Patent · US Active

Terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array with chain drive

US8536504B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
33References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 31, 2012
Grant dateSep 17, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 31, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/52
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array includes a longitudinal support that may be constructed of discrete sections. The overall length of the array may be adjusted depending upon the necessary size of the array. A drive may be configured to rotate the longitudinal support in first and second directions about a first axis. Solar cell modules are positioned along the longitudinal support and may each include a rectangular case with a plurality of lenses that are positioned over corresponding receivers. Linkages may be connected to the solar cell modules and are axially movable along the longitudinal support to rotate the solar cell modules within second planes that each orthogonal to the first plane to further track the sun during the course of the day. The array may be configured to facilitate rotation about the first axis. The array may be constructed with a center of gravity of the array to extending through the longitudinal support.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.