Dual axis solar tracker apparatus and method
US8895836B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The dual axis solar tracker apparatus and method uses an azimuth actuator to adjust the azimuth of an attached solar panel and an elevation actuator to adjust the elevation of a panel seat holding the solar panel to track the azimuth and elevation of the sun as it moves through the sky. The panel seat rotatably supports the solar panel with two pins, and a support structure supports the panel seat with an elevation tracking pivot. The actuators are controlled with an actuator controller circuit that is controlled by a microcontroller. The microcontroller uses information about latitude, longitude, time of day and date to control the actuators and track the motion of sun without the need for sensors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.