DESC:DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
[0001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to being prior art by inclusion in this section.
Field of invention:
[0002] The subject matter in general relates to solar tracking systems. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to a single axis solar tracking system for tracking diurnal solar motion.
Discussion of related art:
[0003] With an ever-increasing demand for power supply, solar power is has become a very popular alternative to traditional non-renewable energy sources because of its renewable, clean, and cost-effective nature. In light of this, various approaches to harness solar power have been developed and are under development. Employing solar panels for harnessing solar power is one among various approaches. However, the amount of energy generated in this approach depends on the angle of incidence of sun light on the solar panels, which changes throughout the day. To maximize energy production, the solar panels must be pointed towards the sun, which requires tracking solar motion throughout the day.
[0004] To address this, solar tracking systems have been introduced in the field to improve the output efficiency of solar panels, wherein the solar panels are configured to rotate about an axis to track diurnal solar motion. The single-axis solar tracking systems available in the market are designed to follow the sun's movement in the east-west direction, which is the primary factor that affects the amount of energy produced by solar panels. Most trackers are configured to rotate around a common horizontal axis since it allows many panels to be rotated by a single actuator. However, greater energy can be generated from the solar panels if the axes of rotation are tilted. But there are several drawbacks in the design and implementation of such systems, wherein such system often require multiple driving systems to drive each array of solar panels or individual solar panels.
[0005] Having multiple driving systems would not only raise the cost of setting up the whole system but would also lead to increased complexity and maintenance requirements. Furthermore, each of the driving systems have to be individually powered, which would also add up to the operating cost of the system.
[0006] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an efficient and improved single axis solar tracking system that can also be optimized for bifacial cells, and which further aims at reducing manufacturing, installation and operational costs while achieving higher power output per panel.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one aspect a single axis solar tracking system is provided. The single axis solar tracking system comprises a plurality of pairs of vertical support members, a first solar panel assembly, a second solar panel assembly, an intermediate sub-assembly and a driving assembly. The first solar panel assembly is disposed on a first pair of vertical support members and is configured to rotate about a first diurnal tilt axis. The second solar panel assembly is disposed on a second pair of vertical support members and is configured to rotate about a second diurnal tilt axis. The first solar panel assembly and the second solar panel assembly are connected to transfer movement of the first solar panel assembly to the second solar panel assembly. The first diurnal tilt axis and the second diurnal tilt axis are provided at an angle and are parallel to each other.
[0008] The driving assembly is coupled to at least the first solar panel assembly or the second solar panel assembly. The driving assembly is configured to rotate at least the first solar panel assembly about the first diurnal tilt axis, or rotate the second solar panel assembly about the second diurnal tilt axis to track diurnal solar motion. An intermediate sub-assembly is provided in a manner that one end of the intermediate sub-assembly is connected to at least the first solar panel assembly or the second solar panel assembly, and another end of the intermediate sub-assembly is connected to the driving assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0009] This disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures. Elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a single axis solar tracking system 100 with solar panels 102, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of the single axis solar tracking system 100 with solar panels 102, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 1C illustrates a front perspective view of a single axis solar tracking system 100 without solar panels 102, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 1D illustrates a rear perspective view of the single axis solar tracking system 100 without solar panels 102, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates a detailed view of solar panel assemblies, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of solar panel assemblies with connecting members 204 and 206, in accordance with an alternate embodiment;
[0016] FIGs. 3A-3C illustrate different views of a driving assembly 104, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of solar panel assembly with an intermediate sub-assembly 400, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a damper mechanism 500, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0019] FIGs. 6A-6B illustrates views depicting two stages of the solar panel assemblies tracking diurnal motion, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a single axis solar tracking system;
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a single axis solar tracking system with a rack and pinion driving assembly (802);
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a single axis solar tracking system with a first loop (902) and a second loop (904); and
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a tensioner (912) of the single axis solar tracking system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough details to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as a limiting sense.
[0025] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.
[0026] Referring to FIGs. 1A-1B, a single axis solar tracking system 100 with solar panels 102 installed is disclosed and referring to FIGs. 1C-1D the single axis solar tracking system 100 without the solar panels 102 is disclosed. The system 100 comprises a driving assembly 104, and a first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and a second set of solar panel assemblies 108 disposed on either side of the driving assembly 104.
[0027] In an embodiment, the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 comprises of a plurality of vertical base support structures 110 disposed at equal intervals. A lateral base member 112 may be provided, wherein the lateral base member 112 may be disposed laterally to the plurality of vertical base support structures 110 in a manner that the lateral base member 112 is fixedly or detachably connected to the plurality of vertical base support structures 110 by any known mechanical coupling methods.
[0028] In an embodiment, the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 comprises of, but not limited to, a first solar panel assembly 114 and a second solar panel assembly 116. The first solar panel assembly 114 comprises a first side 118 and a second side 120, wherein the first side 118 is opposite to the second side 120. The first side 118 and the second side 120 of the first solar panel assembly 114 may be longitudinal sides (longitudinal edges of the solar panel). The first solar panel assembly 114 comprises a first solar panel frame 122, a first pivoting member 124 and a first solar panel 102, wherein the first solar panel 102 may be received by the first solar panel frame 122. The first pivoting member 124 may be connected to the first solar panel frame 122 in a manner that ends of the first pivoting member 124 are engaged to the first solar panel frame 122 towards the first side 118 and second side 120 of the first solar panel assembly 114.
[0029] Similarly, the second solar panel assembly 116 comprises a third side 126 and a fourth side 128, wherein the third side 126 is opposite to the fourth side 128. The third side 126 and the fourth side 128 of the second solar panel assembly 116 may be longitudinal sides. The second solar panel assembly 116 comprises a second solar panel frame 130, a second pivoting member 132 and a second solar panel 102, wherein the second solar panel 102 may be received by the second solar panel frame 130. The second pivoting member 132 may be connected to the second solar panel frame 130 in a manner that ends of the second pivoting member 132 are engaged to the second solar panel frame 130 towards the third side 126 and the fourth side 128 of the second solar panel assembly 116.
[0030] In an embodiment, the system 100 may be provided with one or more vertical support members 134, wherein one of the vertical support members 134 is longer than another, thereby enabling the first solar panel assembly 114 and the second solar panel assembly 116 to be disposed at an angle. Lengths of the vertical support members 134 may be determined based on predetermined tilt angle for the solar panels 102. The first solar panel assembly 114 and the second solar panel assembly 116 may be disposed on pairs of vertical support members 134 in a manner that the first pivoting member 124 and the second pivoting member 132 of the first solar panel assembly 114 and the second solar panel assembly 116 respectively are detachably coupled to the pairs of vertical support members 134, thereby defining a first diurnal tilt axis 136 for the first solar panel assembly 114 along the first pivoting member 124, and a second diurnal tilt axis 138 for the second solar panel assembly 116 along the second pivoting member 132. This structural configuration of the first solar panel assembly 114 and the second solar panel assembly 116 with the pairs of vertical support members 134 enable the first solar panel assembly 114 and the second solar panel assembly 116 to rotate about the first diurnal tilt axis 136 and second diurnal tilt axis 138, respectively.
[0031] In an embodiment, the first solar panel assembly 114 and the second solar panel assembly 116 may be independent of each other and therefore may be configured to rotate independently of each other. The first diurnal tilt axis 136 and the second diurnal tilt axis 138 of the first solar panel assembly 114 and the second solar panel assembly 116 respectively may be provided at an angle and may be parallel to each other.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2A, the first solar panel assembly 114 may be provided with plurality of coupling members 202 configured to be engaged to the first solar panel frame 122 towards, but not limited to, each of corners of the first solar panel frame 122. Similarly, the second solar panel assembly 116 may be provided with plurality of coupling members 202 configured to be engaged to the second solar panel frame 130 towards, but not limited to, each of corners of the second solar panel frame 130. The first solar panel frame 122 of the first solar panel assembly 114 may be connected to the second solar panel frame 130 of the second solar panel assembly 116. The second side 120 of the first solar panel frame 122 may be connected to third side 126 of the second solar panel frame 130 by way of, but not limited to, coupling members 202 disposed on respective sides and connecting members 204.
[0033] In an embodiment, the connecting members 204 may be, but not limited to, rigid structures, wherein one end of connecting member may be engaged to coupling member engaged to the first solar panel frame 122 on one corner towards the second side 120 of the first solar panel assembly 114, and another end of connecting member may be engaged to coupling member engaged to the second solar panel frame 130 on one corner towards the third side 126 of the second solar panel assembly 116. Similarly, one end of another connecting member may be engaged to coupling member engaged to the first solar panel frame 122 on another corner towards the second side 120 of the first solar panel assembly 114, and another end of connecting member may be engaged to coupling member engaged to the second solar panel frame 130 on another corner towards the third side 126 of the second solar panel assembly 116, thereby connecting two corners of the first solar panel assembly 114 towards the second side 120 with the two corners of the second solar panel assembly 116 towards the third side 126. This may enable transfer of motion from one panel assembly to another as the panel assemblies are rigidly connected.
[0034] In an embodiment, plurality of solar panel assemblies may be provided, wherein the solar panel assemblies may be interconnected with each other.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2A, first solar panel assembly 114 and second solar panel assembly 116 may be connected via coupling members 202 and connecting members 204, wherein plurality of coupling members 202 may be disposed on lateral sides of the first solar panel assembly 114 and second solar panel assembly 116, and wherein the connecting members 204 may be configured to be connected to the plurality of coupling members 202. Additional lateral connecting support members 206 (refer FIG. 2B) may be provided laterally to the connecting members 204 in a manner that the lateral connecting support members are engaged to the connecting members 204. A similar structural configuration may be employed to establish connection between each adjacent solar panel assemblies in a set of solar panel assemblies. The role of 106 is to limit the amplitude of torsional oscillation traversing the along the lateral base member 116.
[0036] In an embodiment, the driving assembly 104 may be configured to drive at least, but not limited to, the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 to track diurnal solar motion. Referring to FIGs. 3A-3C, the driving assembly 104 comprises a base structure 302 configured to support different components of the driving assembly 104. The driving assembly 104 comprises a first shaft 304 and a second shaft 306, wherein the first shaft 304 and the second shaft 306 may be disposed at an offset. The first shaft 304 and the second shaft 306 may be detachably engaged to the base structure 302 through any known mechanical coupling methods. The driving assembly 104 comprises a first transmission member 308, a second transmission member 310, a third transmission member 312 and a fourth transmission member 314. The first transmission member 308 and the fourth transmission member 314 may be co-axially disposed, but not limited to, on opposite ends of the first shaft 304. The second transmission member 310 and the third transmission member 312 may be co-axially disposed, but not limited to, on opposite ends of the second shaft 306.
[0037] In an embodiment, the second transmission member 310 and the third transmission member 312 may be engaged to the second shaft 306 on opposite ends, in a manner that rotation of either the second transmission member 310 or the third transmission member 312 rotates the second shaft 306, thereby transferring the rotation from one transmission member to another.
[0038] In an embodiment, the first transmission member 308 may be engaged to the first shaft 304, and the fourth transmission member 314 may be disposed freely on the first shaft 304 in a manner that the fourth transmission member 314 freewheels over the first shaft 304. The freewheeling of the fourth transmission member 314 may be achieved through roller bearings. The first transmission member 308 and the fourth transmission member 314 may be independent of each other, wherein the first transmission member 308 or the fourth transmission member 314 remain unaffected with the rotation of one another.
[0039] In an embodiment, the first transmission member 308, the second transmission member 310 and the fourth transmission member 314 may be pulleys of different sizes. The third transmission member 312 may either be a pulley or a gear. The sizes of the transmission members may be determined based on the requirements. The transmission members of the driving assembly 104 may be configured to achieve gear reduction to enable precise diurnal solar tracking of the solar panel assemblies.
[0040] In an embodiment, the first transmission member 308 and the second transmission member 310 may be provided with a first groove 316 and a second groove 318, respectively. The first groove 316 and the second groove 318 on the first transmission member 308 and the second transmission member 310 may be configured to receive a first transmission belt 320 for coupling the first transmission member 308 and the second transmission member 310.
[0041] In an embodiment, the fourth transmission member 314 may be provided with two grooves, viz., a third groove 322 and a fourth groove 324. The third groove 322 may be, but not limited to, wider compared to the fourth groove 324. The third groove 322 and the fourth groove 324 may be disposed adjacent to each other. A second transmission belt 326 may be employed to couple the third transmission member 312 and the fourth transmission member 314, wherein, on one end, the second transmission belt is received by the third groove 322 of the fourth transmission member 314 and on another end the second transmission belt is received on the third transmission member 312. A motor or any other equivalent means (not shown in the figures) may be coupled to the first shaft 304 towards the first transmission member 308, wherein the motor may be configured to rotate the first transmission member 308.
[0042] In an embodiment, rotation of the first transmission member 308 by the motor may enable rotation of the fourth transmission member 314 because of the connections established between the first transmission member 308, the second transmission member 310, the third transmission member 312 and the fourth transmission member 314 as discussed in the foregoing.
[0043] The purpose of fourth groove 324 of the fourth transmission member 314 will be discussed later in greater detail.
[0044] In an embodiment, the number of transmission members may be determined based on the requirements, wherein the number of transmission members may not be limited to four.
[0045] In an embodiment, the driving assembly 104 may be provided with two smaller pulleys 328. The two smaller pulleys 328 may be disposed below the fourth transmission member 314 on either side. The smaller pulleys 328 may be disposed on the base structure 302. The smaller pulleys 328 may be disposed on the base structure 302 in a manner that central axis of the smaller pulleys 328 may be parallel to the diurnal tilt axes of the solar panel assemblies.
[0046] In an embodiment, the driving assembly 104 may be provided with a driver counterweight 330, wherein the driver counterweight 330 may be disposed on the first shaft 304. The driver counterweight 330 may be disposed adjacent to the fourth transmission member 314. The driver counterweight 330 may be further configured to achieve a uniform torque delivery from the driving assembly 104. The driver counterweight 330 may also be provided in the form of, but not limited to, a damper. The driver counterweight 330 may be configured to dampen any jolts that may occur due to faulty working of the driving assembly 104. The driver counterweight 330 may be configured to rotate on a horizontal axis and may be designed to counterbalance and provide a uniform driving torque along the multiple tilted axes. Since the driver counterweight 330 is configured to rotate on a horizontal axis, it simplifies the bearing and support structures required to counterbalance the torques needed to turn multiple solar panels which would have otherwise required multiple counterweights, one per module, each on its own tilted axis, vastly increasing complexity, and cost.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the first solar panel assembly 114 with an intermediate sub-assembly 400 is depicted. In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises an intermediate sub-assembly 400 that may be configured to establish connection between the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 with the driving assembly 104 and the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 with the driving assembly 104. The intermediate sub-assembly 400 may be a structure that enable transfer of motion from the driving assembly 104 to the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and the second set of solar panel assemblies 108.
[0048] In an embodiment, the intermediate sub-assembly 400, on its one side, may be configured to be engaged to the first solar panel assembly 114 or the second solar panel assembly 116 among the first set of solar panel assemblies 106. The intermediate sub-assembly 400 may be configured to be engaged to the first solar panel frame 122 towards the first side 118 and the second side 120 of the first solar panel assembly 114, or may be configured to be engaged to the second solar panel frame 130 towards the third side 126 and the fourth side 128 of the second solar panel assembly 116. The intermediate sub-assembly 400 may be engaged to the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 via any known mechanical coupling methods.
[0049] In an embodiment, the intermediate sub-assembly 400 comprises of a rectangular structure 402 with four vertical connecting members 406 disposed towards four corners of the rectangular structure 402. The intermediate sub-assembly 400 further comprises of V-shaped members 408 engaged to the rectangular structure 402 towards its two opposite ends, wherein the ends of the V-shaped members 408 away from the rectangular structure 402 are connected to each other via another connecting member 410.
[0050] In an embodiment, the intermediate sub-assembly 400, on its another side, may be provided with a coupling linkage member 412, wherein upper structure of the intermediate sub-assembly 400 may be configured to converge towards the coupling linkage member 412. The coupling linkage member 412 may enable establish connection between the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and the driving assembly 104. The coupling linkage member 412 may be, but not limited to, a rigid member.
[0051] Similarly, the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 may be coupled with the driving assembly 104, wherein intermediate sub-assembly 400 as discussed in the foregoing may be provided that may enable establishing connection between the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 and the driving assembly 104. The structural configuration of the intermediate sub-assembly 400 remains the same and is therefore not repeated for the sake of brevity.
[0052] In an embodiment, the driving assembly 104 may be provided with a first wire 140, wherein the first wire 140 may extend from the fourth transmission member 314 towards the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 disposed on, but not limited to, either side of the driving assembly 104. The first wire 140 may loop around the fourth transmission member 314, wherein the first wire 140 may be received within the fourth groove 324 of the fourth transmission member 314 and thereby extend away from the fourth transmission member 314 by interfacing the two smaller pulleys 328 provided on either side of the fourth transmission member 314. Counterweights 142 may be provided towards opposite ends of the first wire 140, wherein the counterweights 142 may be engaged to the ends of the first wire 140. A pulley sub-assembly 144 may also be provided towards the opposite ends of the first wire 140 at the counterweights 142. The counterweights 142 on the ends of the first wire 140 offer tension in the first wire 140 thereby enabling the first wire 140 to tightly wrap around the fourth transmission member 314 thereby offering better grip. The slightest rotation of the fourth transmission member 314 may move the first wire 140 looped around the fourth transmission member 314.
[0053] In an embodiment, the first wire 140 extending away from the fourth transmission member 314 may be configured to be engaged to the coupling linkage members 412 of the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 on either side of the driving assembly 104. The pulley sub-assemblies 144 provided at the counterweights 142 further enables smoother movement of the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and the second set of solar panel assemblies 108.
[0054] In an embodiment, the counterweights 142 along with the pulley sub-assemblies 144 may be provided on counterweight support structures 146.
[0055] In an embodiment, rotation of the fourth transmission member 314 enables movement of the first wire 140 laterally which in turn pulls/pushes the coupling linkage members 412 engaged to the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 or the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 towards/away from the driving assembly 104 which rotates the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 or the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 along their respective diurnal tilt axes.
[0056] In an embodiment, each of the coupling member 202 provided at the corners of the panel frames may be provided with at least one longitudinal through hole. The system 100 may be provided with at least a set of second wires 148 and a second set of counterweights 150 (refer FIGs. 1A and 1C). The set of second wires 148 may be employed to longitudinally connect plurality of solar panel assemblies among the first set of solar panel assemblies 106. Similarly, the set of second wires 148 may be employed to longitudinally connect plurality of solar panel assemblies among the second set of solar panel assemblies 108, wherein the longitudinal through holes of the coupling members 202 may be configured to receive the second wire 148, wherein the second wire 148 may pass though the longitudinal through holes and are in turn connected to the second set of counterweights 150.
[0057] In an embodiment, left side of the solar panel assemblies among the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 may be connected via the second wire 148 in a manner that the second wire 148 passes through the through holes of the coupling members 202 provided towards the left side of the first solar panel frame 122, the second solar panel frame 130 and so on. Similarly, right side of the solar panel assemblies among the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 may be connected via another second wire 148 in a manner that the other second wire 148 passes through the through holes of the coupling members 202 provided towards the right side of the first solar panel frame 122, the second solar panel frame 130 and so on.
[0058] In an embodiment, the plurality of solar panel assemblies of the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 may be connected via the second wire 148 in a similar arrangement disclose in the foregoing and is therefore not repeated for the sake of brevity.
[0059] In an embodiment, the second set of counterweights 150 may be provided towards one of the ends of each of the second wire 148, wherein the ends of the second wire on both the left side and the right side may be engaged to the counterweight 150 of the second set of counterweights 150. The second set of counterweights 150 may be suspended from a second set of pulley 152, wherein the second set of pulley 152 may be engaged to the lateral base member 112 towards at least one end of the lateral base member 112. The second set of counterweights 150 may be provided to eliminate any slack and maintain tension in the second wire 148 connecting the plurality of solar panel assemblies.
[0060] In an embodiment, the connecting members 204 and the second wire 148 may be employed together to connect the plurality of solar panel assemblies, wherein the connecting members 204 may be under compression and the second wire 148 may be in tension, during the operation of the system 100, thereby offering a stable transmission of motion between the solar panel assemblies.
[0061] The arrangement of connecting plurality of solar panel assemblies via the second wire 148 and inclusion of the second set of counterweights 150 offers an improved transfer of motion between the solar panel assemblies.
[0062] In an alternate embodiment, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, a third transmission member and a fourth transmission member may be, but not limited to, spur gears. The first transmission member may be engaged with the second transmission member, and the third transmission member may be engaged with the fourth transmission member. The first transmission member and the fourth transmission member may be disposed on a first shaft and the second transmission member and the third transmission member may be disposed on the second shaft. Transmission of the motion from the first transmission member to the fourth transmission member is achieved by transfer of motion from the first transmission member to the fourth transmission member via the second transmission member and the third transmission member. Number of teeth on each of the transmission members may be determined based on the requirements. The transmission members may be employed as gear reduction mechanism.
[0063] In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises of a damper mechanism 500 configured to dampen any sudden rotational movement occurring in the solar panel assemblies, wherein the sudden movement of the solar panel assemblies may occur because of various reasons, few of which include natural cause such as storms and technical problems that may arise due to faulty driving assembly 104.
[0064] In an embodiment, the damper mechanism 500 comprises a damper plate 502 having, but not limited to, a circular profile. The damper plate 502 may be engaged to the lateral base member 112, wherein angle of central axis of the damper plate 502 may be similar to angle of the diurnal tilt axes of the solar panel assemblies. The damper mechanism 500 may be further provided with a damping member 504, wherein the damping member 504 may be connected to at least one of the solar panel assemblies. The damping member 504 may be provided at an angle in a manner that at least a portion of surface of the damping member 504 interfaces with the damper plate 502 during the diurnal motion of the solar panel assemblies. The damping function may be achieved by friction between the damping member 504 rubbing on the damper plate 502. Damping may also be achieved by other means such as adding torsional or radial dampers to impede any sudden jolts on the damping member 504. The damper mechanism 500 may be provided with an additional spring 506. The spring 506 may be configured to absorb energy from unwanted oscillations and jolts which can be dissipated by the damping mechanism described above by tuning its natural frequencies.
[0065] DIURNAL SOLAR TRACKING
[0066] In an embodiment, the system 100 may be configured to track diurnal solar motion. The motor may be configured to rotate the first transmission member 308, wherein the first transmission member 308 may be coupled with the second transmission member 310 thereby rotating the second transmission member 310. As the second transmission member 310 and the third transmission member 312 are engaged to the second shaft 306, rotation of the second transmission member 310 in turn rotates the third transmission member 312. The third transmission member 312 may be coupled with the fourth transmission member 314, wherein the third transmission member 312 may rotate the fourth transmission member 314.
[0067] As the first wire 140 is tightly wrapped around the fourth transmission member 314, rotation of the fourth transmission member 314 causes the first wire 140 to move along with the fourth transmission member 314 and thereby traverse as the first wire 140 extends away from the fourth transmission member 314.
[0068] In an embodiment, the fourth transmission member 314 may be configured to rotate in a first direction 602, or a second direction 604 depending on direction of rotation of the motor, wherein the direction of rotation of the motor may be determined based on the movement of the sun.
[0069] For example, when the fourth transmission member 314 rotates in the first direction 602, the first wire 140 may traverse from the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 towards the first set of solar panel assemblies 106. The counterweights 142 provided on either side of the driving assembly 104 may assist the movement of the first wire 140. The counterweights 142 provided towards the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 tend to pull the coupling linkage members 412 connected to the first wire 140 as the driving assembly 104 tend to push the first wire 140 towards the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 due to the rotation of the fourth transmission member 314 in the first direction 602. This causes solar panel assemblies rotate about their diurnal tilt axes thereby rotating the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 to rotate towards right.
[0070] Similarly, when the fourth transmission member 314 rotates in the second direction 604, the first wire 140 may traverse from the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 towards the second set of solar panel assemblies 108. The counterweights 142 provided on either side of the driving assembly 104 may assist the movement of the first wire 140. The counterweights 142 provided towards the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 tend to pull the coupling linkage members 412 connected to the first wire 140 as the driving assembly 104 tend to push the first wire 140 towards the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 due to the rotation of the fourth transmission member 314 in the second direction 604. This causes solar panel assemblies rotate about their diurnal tilt axes thereby rotating the first set of solar panel assemblies 106 and the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 to rotate towards left. The driving assembly 104 along with the counterweights 142 may be configured to maintain tension in the first wire 140.
[0071] In an embodiment, the transfer of motion from the motor to the fourth transmission member 314 and then to the plurality of panel assemblies may be incremental, in a manner that the motion of the sun is precisely tracked.
[0072] In an embodiment, each of the solar panel assembly among the plurality of solar panel assemblies are independent of each other, wherein each of the solar panel assembly comprises of its independent diurnal tilt axis.
[0073] In an alternate embodiment, plurality of sets of panel assemblies may be disposed on either side of the driving assembly 104, wherein each set of solar panel assemblies comprises of plurality of solar panel assemblies disposed consecutively (refer FIG. 7). The consecutively disposed panel assemblies may be connected in a similar arrangement as discussed in the foregoing, and the plurality of sets of panel assemblies may be coupled with the driving assembly 104 in a similar arrangement as discussed in the foregoing.
[0074] In an alternate embodiment, driving assembly 104 may be configured to drive a single set of solar panel assemblies that may be disposed on one side of the driving assembly 104.
[0075] In an alternate embodiment, plurality of driving assemblies may be configured to drive plurality of solar panel assemblies, wherein each driving assembly 104 may be disposed at pre-determined interval of set of solar panel assemblies.
[0076] In an alternate embodiment, the first wire 140 may be provided as a loop, wherein instead of providing counterweights 142 towards ends of the system 100, pulleys may be provided wherein the first wire 140 may loop around the pulleys thereby forming a loop. This setup may enable elimination of the counterweights 142. The first wire 140 may be provided in tension by means such as, but not limited to, a turnbuckle springs or weighted pulleys stationed along the first wire 140 loop to replicate the counterweights 142, thereby achieving the same effect.
[0077] It another embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, wherein the first wire 140 may be provided as a loop with pulleys 804 on either end, driving assembly may be a simple rack and pinion setup 802, wherein the rack may be operated by a motor (motor not shown in the figure). Elastic tensioning members may be provided through the length of the first wire loop 140 to dampen any unwanted oscillations through, but not limited to, frictional or viscoelastic means.
[0078] In yet another embodiment, portions of first wire 140 disposed between two adjacent solar panel assemblies disposed in adjacent rows of the solar panel assemblies may be connected by rigid compressive members.
[0079] The mean level of the first wire 140 is configured to follow the lands contour in east-west direction, thereby allowing the solar tracking system to adapt to varied terrain and elevation without the need for excess levelling that may be required for conventional trackers.
[0080] As discussed in the foregoing, the second set of solar panel assemblies 108 comprises of the second set of plurality of pairs of vertical support members 134. Similarly, a third panel assembly may be provided, wherein the third panel assembly may be disposed on a third pair of vertical support member, wherein the third panel assembly may be configured to tilt about a third diurnal tilt axis. Likewise, a fourth panel assembly may be provided, wherein the fourth panel assembly may be disposed on a fourth pair of vertical support member, wherein the fourth panel assembly may be configured to tilt about a fourth diurnal tilt axis, and so on.
[0081] The third panel assembly and the fourth panel assembly may be connected to transfer movement of the third panel assembly to the fourth panel assembly, and the third diurnal tilt axis and the fourth diurnal tilt axis may be provided at an angle and may be parallel to each other. A second intermediate sub-assembly may be provided wherein one end may be connected to at least the third panel assembly or the fourth panel assembly.
[0082] The driving assembly 104 may be configured to be disposed between the first and second panel assemblies and the third and fourth panel assemblies, wherein the driving assembly 104 may be coupled to at least the third panel assembly or the fourth panel assembly. The driving assembly 104 may be configured to tilt at least the third panel assembly or the fourth panel assembly about the third diurnal tilt axis or the fourth diurnal tilt axis respectively along with tilting the third panel assembly or the fourth panel assembly about the third diurnal tilt axis or the fourth diurnal tilt axis respectively to track diurnal solar motion.
[0083] In cases where the terrain or land level may be uneven or the land designated for the solar installation may have irregular boundaries necessitating rows of solar panels to be offset with respect to each other, another embodiment (refer FIG. 9) may be provided wherein motion from the driving assembly 104 may be distributed to the solar panel assemblies disposed at offsets due to said geographical conditions. In such an embodiment, wire configured to connect the solar panel assemblies may be divided into two loops, a first loop 902 and a second loop 904. The embodiment may be further provided with a coupling shaft 906, wherein the coupling shaft 906 enables transfer of motion from the driving assembly 104 and the first loop 902 or the second loop 904. The coupling shaft 906 may be disposed along the column of the set of solar panel assemblies. The driving assembly 104 may be provided on one side of the coupling shaft 906. A portion of the wire may be connected to one end of the driving assembly 104 (typically, but not limited to, a rack and pinion setup), while another end may be configured to loop around at least a portion of the coupling shaft 906. One end of the first loop 902 may be configured to loop around at least another portion of the coupling shaft 906 at an offset distance, and another end of the first loop 902 may loop around another pulley provided towards the ends of the solar panel assembly arrays and then terminate by connecting with at least one solar panel assembly among the first set of solar panel assemblies 908. The second loop 904 may be configured to be connected to the driving assembly 104 and another end of the second loop 906 may loop around another pulley provided towards the ends of the solar panel assembly arrays and then terminate by connecting with at least one solar panel assembly among the second set of solar panel assemblies 910. The at least one solar panel assembly among the first set of solar panel assemblies 908 and the at least one solar panel assembly among the second set of solar panel assemblies 910 to which the respective first loop 902 and the second loop 904 may be connected may be disposed at an offset in a particular plane, to cater to said geographical condition of the land. The coupling shaft 906 may enable transfer of motion from the driving assembly 104 to the solar panel assemblies 908, 910.
[0084] In yet another embodiment, plurality of tensioners 912 (refer FIGs. 9 and 10) may be disposed along the length of the wire along the east-west direction, wherein the tensioners 912 may be configured to maintain the tension in the first loop 902 and the second loop 904. The tensioners 912 may be provided at predetermined intervals.
[0085] In an embodiment, the tensioner 912 comprises of a housing 1002 that may be configured to encompass at least three pulleys, with one active pulley 1004 and two passive pulleys 1006 disposed on either side of the active pulley 1004. The passive pulleys 1006 may be provided along a same line in the east-west direction, wherein the passive pulleys 1006 may be configured to be rigidly engaged to the housing via shafts. The active pulley 1004 may be disposed at an offset in a vertical direction from the two passive pulleys 1006, wherein the active pulley 1004 may be configured to traverse vertically. The wire of the first loop 902 or the second loop 904 may be configured to pass under one of the passive pulleys 1006 followed by passing over the active pulley 1004 and then passing under the other passive pulley 1006 thereby forming a V-shape.
[0086] In an embodiment, the tensioner 912 may be provided with first damping elements 1008 disposed on either side of the housing 1002. The active pulley 1004 may be configured to be connected to at least one second damping element 1010 on either side via shaft, wherein the frictional damping block 1010 may be configured to interface with the first damping elements 1008 provided on the housing 1002. The housing 1002 may be provided with longitudinal slots 1012, wherein the longitudinal slots 1012 may enable connecting of the active pulley 1004 with the second damping element 1010. The active pulley 1004 may be configured to traverse longitudinally along the longitudinal slots 1012. The tensioner 912 may be provided with at least one elastic member 1014 configured to be disposed between the second damping element 1010 and an extended portion of the housing 1002 on which the tensioner 912 may be engaged. The elastic member 1014 may enable further damping of the any movement of the active pulley 1004. The elastic member 1014 may be, but not limited to, a spring. In case of any variation in the tension in the wire connecting the solar panel assemblies for transmission of movement, the tensioner 912 may be configured to absorb the jolts or jerks in the wire. In yet another embodiment, the second damping elements 1010 and the first damping elements 1008 may be replaced with counterweights or gas dampers, wherein the active pulley 1004 of the tensioner 912 may be engaged to counterweights instead of being connected to second damping elements 1010 which in turn interface with the first damping elements 1008 provided on the housing 1002. The counterweights may be provided such that the surfaces of the counterweights interface with the surfaces of the housing 1002, wherein the housing 1002 surfaces may be extended to interface with the counterweights.
[0087] The tensioner 912 may be configured to not only maintain tension in the wire, but also configured to dampen any unwanted motion that may arise in the solar panel assemblies. Furthermore, this setup offers no resistance during normal actuation required for tracking, unless there is an oscillation observed in the wire.
[0088] It shall be noted that the processes described above are described as sequence of steps; this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is understood that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.
[0089] The processes described above is described as a sequence of steps. This was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.
[0090] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0091] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. ,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A single axis solar tracking system (100) comprising:
a first set of solar panel assemblies (106, 908) comprising:
a first set of plurality of pairs of vertical support members (134);
a first solar panel assembly (114), disposed on a first pair of vertical support member (134), configured to tilt about a first diurnal tilt axis (136);
a second solar panel assembly (116), disposed on a second pair of vertical support member (134), configured to tilt about a second diurnal tilt axis (138), wherein,
the first solar panel assembly (114) and the second solar panel assembly (116) are connected to transfer movement of the first solar panel assembly (114) to the second solar panel assembly (116); and
the first diurnal tilt axis (136) and the second diurnal tilt axis (138) are provided at an angle and are parallel to each other;
a driving assembly (104) coupled to at least the first solar panel assembly (114) or the second solar panel assembly (116), wherein the driving assembly (104) is configured to tilt at least the first solar panel assembly (114) or the second solar panel assembly (116) about the first diurnal tilt axis (136) or the second diurnal tilt axis (138) respectively to track diurnal solar motion; and
an intermediate sub-assembly (400) with one end connected to at least the first solar panel assembly (114) or the second solar panel assembly (116), and another end connected to the driving assembly (104).
2. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the first solar panel assembly (114) comprises a first pivoting member (124) provided along the first diurnal tilt axis (136) enabling the first solar panel assembly (114) to tilt about the first diurnal tilt axis (136); and
the second solar panel assembly (116) comprises a second pivoting member (132) provided along the second diurnal tilt axis (138) enabling the second solar panel assembly (116) to tilt about the second diurnal tilt axis (138).
3. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving assembly (104) comprises:
a first transmission member (308) and a fourth transmission member (314) disposed on a first shaft (304); and
a second transmission member (310) and a third transmission member (312) disposed on a second shaft (306), wherein,
a motor is coupled to the first transmission member (308);
the fourth transmission member (314) is disposed freely on the first shaft (304);
the second transmission member (310) and the third transmission member (312) are connected to the second shaft (306);
the first transmission member (308) is coupled with the second transmission member (310); and
the third transmission member (312) is coupled with the fourth transmission member (314).
4. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein,
the first transmission member (308) and the second transmission member (310) are coupled using a first transmission belt (320); and
the third transmission member (312) and the fourth transmission member (314) are coupled using a second transmission belt (326).
5. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the driving assembly (104) comprises:
two smaller pulleys (328) disposed on either side of the fourth transmission member (314); and
a first wire (140) looped around the fourth transmission member (314) and extending from the fourth transmission member (314) to be connected to the intermediate sub-assembly (400) by interfacing with at least one among the two smaller pulleys (328).
6. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein counterweights (330) are provided towards ends of the first wire (140) for maintaining tension in the first wire (140).
7. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein central axes of the two smaller pulleys (328) are provided at an angle wherein the central axes are parallel to the first diurnal tilt axis (136) and the second diurnal tilt axis (138).
8. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprising:
a first pivoting member (124) disposed along the first diurnal tilt axis (136), wherein the first pivoting member (124) is connected to the first pair of vertical support members (134) and the first solar panel assembly (114); and
a second pivoting member (132) disposed along the second diurnal tilt axis (138), wherein the second pivoting member (132) is connected to the second pair of vertical support members (134) and the second solar panel assembly (116).
9. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
the first solar panel assembly (114) comprises a first side (118) and a second side (120), wherein the first side (118) is opposite to the second side (120);
the second solar panel assembly (116) comprises a third side (126) and a fourth side (128), wherein the third side (126) is opposite to the fourth side (128); and
the second side (120) of the first solar panel assembly (114) is connected to the third side (126) of the second solar panel assembly (116) by at least one connecting member (204).
10. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein a second wire (148) is provided that connects the second side (120) of the first solar panel assembly (114) and the fourth side (128) of the second solar panel assembly (116).
11. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a second set of counterweights (150) are provided towards ends of the second wire (148) to maintain tension in the second wire (148).
12. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, the system comprising:
a second set of solar panel assemblies (108, 910) comprises:
a second set of plurality of pairs of vertical support members (134);
a third panel assembly, disposed on a third pair of vertical support member, configured to tilt about a third diurnal tilt axis;
a fourth panel assembly, disposed on a fourth pair of vertical support member (134), configured to tilt about a fourth diurnal tilt axis, wherein,
the third panel assembly and the fourth panel assembly are connected to transfer movement of the third panel assembly to the fourth panel assembly; and
the third diurnal tilt axis and the fourth diurnal tilt axes are provided at an angle and are parallel to each other; and
a second intermediate sub-assembly (400) with one end connected to at least the third panel assembly or the fourth panel assembly.

13. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein,
the driving assembly (104) is configured to be disposed between the first and second panel assemblies and the third and fourth panel assemblies;
the driving assembly (104) is coupled to at least the third panel assembly or the fourth panel assembly; and
the driving assembly (104) is configured to tilt at least the third panel assembly or the fourth panel assembly about the third diurnal tilt axis or the fourth diurnal tilt axis respectively along with tilting the third panel assembly or the fourth panel assembly about the third diurnal tilt axis or the fourth diurnal tilt axis respectively to track diurnal solar motion.

14. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 5 comprises of at least one tensioner (912) disposed along a length of wire connecting at least one solar panel assemblies and the driving assembly (104), wherein the tensioner (912) is configured to maintain tension in said wire.

15. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the tensioner (912) comprises:
a housing (1004);
plurality of pulleys (1004, 1006) housed within the housing (1004);
at least one first damping element (1008) provided on the housing (1004);
at least one second damping element (1010) configured to interface with the at least one first damping element (1008), wherein at least one pulley (1004) interfacing with said wire is connected to the at least one second damping element (1010); and
at least one elastic member (1014) disposed between the second damping element (1010) and at least an extended portion of the housing (1002), wherein:
a longitudinal slot (1012) is provided on the housing (1002) for connecting the at least one pulley (1004) with the second damping element (1010);
the at least one pulley (1004) is configured to traverse longitudinally along the longitudinal slot (1012); and
the second damping element (1010) interfaces with the first damping element (1008) to absorb any energy distributed in undesirable oscillations.

16. The single axis solar tracking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises:
a coupling shaft (906); and
a first loop (902) and a second loop (904), wherein one end of the first loop (902) is configured to be looped around at least a portion of the coupling shaft (906); and
a wire, wherein one end of the wire is configured to be connected to the driving assembly (104) and another end is configured to be operably looped around at least another portion of the coupling shaft (906) at an offset, wherein motion of the driving assembly (104) is transferred to the first loop (902) via the coupling shaft (906).