FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dual axis solar tracking system. More
particularly, the invention relates to a single block mechanical drive device for
dual axis solar tracking systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Solar tracking has technique gaining acceptance in photovoltaic (PV) sector with
about 30% increase in power output of solar PV module with dual axis tracking
system. Earlier single axis tracking was in use but in recent times dual axis
tracking (both azimuth and longitudinal) has been developed.
In dual axis tracking system there are separate blocks for mechanical drive in
both the axis. The separate blocks for mechanical drive in both the axes creates
many disadvantages.
Earlier single axis tracking was in use but in recent times dual axis tracking (both
azimuth and longitudinal) has been developed. The tracking system consists of
sensors electronic circuit and mechanical drive system. The mechanical drive for
moving in both the axes are in separate blocks. In this prior art drive systems,
material required is more and the system is less sturdy.

CN 201220199334 dated 5.4.2012, discusses a double-shaft rotating type solar
panel automatic tracking device.
US Application 2012/0048340 Al dated March 1, 2012, teaches solar panel
tracking system and associated tracking sensor which uses two photovoltaic (PV)
sensors for dual axis tracking system.
US 2011/0120523 Al dated 5.26.2011 titled solar photovoltaic support and
tracking system with vertical adjustment capability teaches easy Installation of
solar energy systems through use of augur tubes.
In the present invention, the mechanism of single block mechanical drive system
is discussed for dual axis solar tracking system.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a single block mechanical
drive device for dual axis solar tracking systems which allows enhancement of
solar power generation of photovoltaic (PV) modules.
Another object of the invention is to propose a single block mechanical drive
device for dual axis solar tracking systems which is highly stable under winding
condition.

A further object of the invention is to propose a single block mechanical drive
device for dual axis solar tracking systems which involves lower manufacturing
cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, there is provided a single block mechanical drive device for dual axis
solar tracking systems comprising a first drive causing a vertical movement of a
PV module attached to the solar tracking system corresponding to the position of
sun for receiving solar ray incidence; and a second drive imparting horizontal
movement of the PV module to adjust its horizontal position so as to maximize
the incidence of sun rays including time duration of solar energy absorption by
the PV module, wherein the first drive and the second drive are constructed and
accommodated in a single block to cater for movement of the tracking system
along both axes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a PV module operating under dual axis solar
tracking means having a single block mechanical drive device.
Figure 2 shows a side view of the single block mechanical drive device according
to the present invention.
Figure 3 shows the device of figure 2 exhibiting its constituent components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 shows a PV module (1) with dual axis tracking system having a single
block mechanical drive (2)
Figure 2 shows that the drives for both the axes are of the dual axis tracking
system are in single block. A vertical movement is effected by a first drive (3)
and a horizontal movement by a second drive (4). To increase the gear ratios, a
combination of pinion and gear with worm and wheel arrangement is provided.
For the vertical movement, the drive mechanism is shown in figure 3.
The single block mechanical drive for dual axis solar tracking system consists of a
gear (5) meshed with a pinion (6) which is driven by a motor (7). An electronic
circuit for detecting the sun's position activates this motor (7). The gear (5) is
connected to a worm (8) and a wheel (9) arrangement which rotate a shaft
connected to the wheel. There are bearings (10) for supporting the shaft. When
the shaft rotates it moves the PV modules (1) in vertical direction according to
the position of sun so that sun rays fall perpendicular to the face of the PV
module.
Same kind of arrangement is there to rotate the panel horizontally. The control
for the motor's is provided by a sun tracking algorithm.

WE CLAIM :
1. A single block mechanical drive device for dual axis solar tracking systems
comprising :
a first drive causing a vertical movement of a PV module attached to the
solar tracking system corresponding to the position of sun for receiving
solar ray incidence; and
a second drive imparting horizontal movement of the PV module to adjust
its horizontal position so as to maximize the incidence of sun rays
including time duration of solar energy absorption by the PV module,
wherein the first drive and the second drive are constructed and
accommodated in a single block to cater for movement of the tracking
system along both axes.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second
drive comprises a gear meshed with a pinion, the gear being connected
to a work-wheel sub-assembly, a shaft supported via a set of bearing
connected to the wheel, wherein the assembly of the first or the second
drive each driven by each electric motors, and wherein the rotation of the

shafts causes the PV module to move vertically and/or horizontally
corresponding to the position of sun to allow maximum solar incidence on the
PV module.

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a single block mechanical drive device for dual axis solar tracking systems comprising a first drive causing a vertical movement of a PV module attached to the solar tracking system corresponding to the position of sun for receiving solar ray incidence; and a second drive imparting horizontal movement of the PV module to adjust its horizontal position so as to
maximize the incidence of sun rays including time duration of solar energy absorption by the PV module, wherein the first drive and the second drive are constructed and accommodated in a single block to cater for movement of the
tracking system along both axes.