Patent Application
20240079991
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to photovoltaic systems with solar trackers. More specifically, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to an improved single-axis photovoltaic tracking system. For example, one or more embodiments of the invention are directed to improvements in the efficiency, efficacy, and reliability in the tracker motor assembly for rocking or rotating, a group or array of photovoltaic panels aligned in rows.
There is a need in the art for a solar panel system that is robust and able to withstand external force that can cause the solar panel system to be unreliable.
An improved single-axis photovoltaic tracking system will now be described in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The following exemplary description numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, although steps or processes are set forth in an exemplary order to provide an understanding of one or more systems and methods, the exemplary order is not meant to be limiting. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the steps or processes may be performed in a different order, and that one or more steps or processes may be performed simultaneously or in multiple process flows without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. In other instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. It should be noted that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention.
For a better understanding of the disclosed embodiment, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation.
The term “first”, “second” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.
As used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present invention refers to “one or more embodiments of the present invention.” As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
Provided herein is an improved single-axis photovoltaic tracking system comprising: a) a plurality of photovoltaic panels b) a central axial point c) a central longitudinal axis d) a controller, wherein said controller rotates said photovoltaic panels about said central longitudinal axis e) a vertical support pier, wherein said vertical support pier anchors said controller, wherein said vertical support pier is connected to said central axial point f) a first mounting arm, wherein said first mounting arm is fixed, wherein said first mounting arm extends outward from said central axial point, wherein said center of said central axial point is a point of rotation g) a second mounting arm, wherein said second mounting arm is fixed, wherein said second mounting arm is configured directly opposed to said first mounting arm, wherein said second mounting arm extends outward from said central axial point, wherein said center of said central axial point is a point of rotation h) a first main journal arm, wherein said first main journal arm is fixed, wherein first main journal arm extends outward from said central axial point, of said controller i) a second main journal arm, wherein said second main journal arm is fixed, wherein said second main journal arm is configured as directly opposed to said first main journal arm, wherein second main journal arm extends outward from said central axial point of said controller j) a fixed mounting bar, wherein said fixed mounting bar is connected between said first mounting arm and said first main journal arm, wherein said fixed mounting bar does not rotate, wherein said fixed mounting bar secures mounting of said photovoltaic panel; wherein said center of said central axial point is a point of rotation, wherein said first mounting arm is connected to a fixed mounting arm, wherein said second mounting arm is connected to said fixed mounting arm k) a plurality of complimentary photovoltaic panels, wherein in said complimentary photovoltaic panels are attached to said fixed mounting arm and l) a plurality of complimentary mounting bars, wherein said plurality of complimentary photovoltaic panels are mounted to said complimentary mounting bars. The complimentary mounting bars of l), wherein said plurality of complimentary mounting bars extend from an opposite end of said second mounting arm. The central axial point of b) further comprising: a) an eastern side and b) a western side. The complimentary mounting bars of l), wherein weight of said plurality of complimentary photovoltaic panels counterbalance weight of said plurality of photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars, wherein weight of said photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars on said western side of said central axial point counterbalances said weight of said photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars on said eastern side of said central axial point. In addition, the counterbalancing of l), wherein said counterbalancing of said weight of said photovoltaic panels and complimentary photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars on said eastern side of said central axial point enables said central axial point to increase in length, wherein said increased length of said central axial point enables the use of more said photovoltaic panels.
In another embodiment provided is a single-axis photovoltaic tracking system comprising: a) a plurality of photovoltaic panels, b) a central axial point c) a central longitudinal axis d) an actuator, wherein said actuator rotates said photovoltaic panels about said central longitudinal axis e) a programmable logic controller, wherein said programmable log controller controls rotations of said actuator f) a vertical support pier, wherein said vertical support pier rotates, wherein said vertical support pier anchors said actuator, wherein said vertical support pier is connected to said central axial point g) a first mounting arm, wherein said first mounting arm is fixed, wherein said first mounting arm extends outward from said central axial point, wherein said center of said central axial point is a point of rotation h) a second mounting arm, wherein said second mounting arm is fixed, wherein said second mounting arm is configured directly opposed to said first mounting arm, wherein said second mounting arm extends outward from said central axial point, wherein said center of said central axial point is a point of rotation i) a first main journal arm, wherein said first main journal arm is fixed, wherein said first main journal arm extends outward from said central axial point, of said actuator j) a second main journal arm, wherein said second main journal arm is fixed, wherein said second main journal arm is configured directly opposed to said first main journal arm, wherein said second main journal arm extends outward from said central axial point of said actuator k) a fixed mounting bar, wherein said fixed mounting bar is connected between said first mounting arm and said first main journal arm, wherein said fixed mounting bar does not rotate, wherein said fixed mounting bar secures mounting of said photovoltaic panel, wherein center of said central axial point is a point of rotation, wherein said first mounting arm is connected to said fixed mounting arm, wherein said second mounting arm is connected to said fixed mounting arm l) a plurality of complimentary photovoltaic panels, wherein in said complimentary photovoltaic panels are attached to said fixed mounting arm, wherein length of said fixed mounting arm is increased and m) a plurality of complimentary mounting bars, wherein said plurality of complimentary photovoltaic panels are mounted to said plurality of complimentary mounting bars. The complimentary mounting bars of m), wherein said plurality of complimentary mounting bars extend from opposite ends of said second mounting arms and said second main journal arm. The central axial point of b) further comprising: a) an eastern side and b) a western side The complimentary mounting bars of m), wherein weight of said plurality of complimentary photovoltaic panels counterbalance weight of said plurality of photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars, wherein weight of said plurality of photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars on said western side of said central axial point counterbalances said weight of said plurality of photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars on said eastern side of said central axial point. The counterbalancing of m), wherein said counterbalancing of said weight of said photovoltaic panels and said complimentary photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars on said eastern side of said central axial point enables said central axial point to increase in length, wherein said increased length of said central axial point enables the use of more said photovoltaic panels.
In another embodiment provided is a single-axis photovoltaic tracking system comprising: a) a plurality of photovoltaic panels, wherein number of said photovoltaic panels can vary b) a central axial point c) a central longitudinal axis d) a stepper slew motor, wherein said stepper slew motor is attached to said motor, wherein said stepper slew motor rotates said photovoltaic panels about said central longitudinal axis e) a motor, wherein said motor drives said stepper slew motor f) a rotating main journal, wherein said rotating main journal is attached to said stepper slew motor g) a vertical motor support pier, wherein said vertical motor support pier is attached to an earth ground, wherein said vertical motor support pier supports said motor h) a programmable logic controller controls the rotations of said stepper slew motor i) a vertical support pier, wherein said vertical support pier rotates, wherein said vertical support pier anchors said rotating main journal, wherein said vertical support pier is connected to said central axial point; a first mounting arm, wherein said first mounting arm is fixed, wherein said first mounting arm is configured as directly opposed to each other, wherein said first mounting arm extends outward from said central axial point, wherein center of said central axial point is a point of rotation j) a second mounting arm, wherein said second mounting arm is fixed, wherein said second mounting arm is configured as directly opposed to each other, wherein said second mounting arm extends outward from said central axial point, wherein center of said central axial point is a point of rotation k) a first main journal arm, wherein said first main journal arm is fixed, wherein said first main journal arm extends outward from said central axial point, of said rotating main journal l) a second main journal arm, wherein said second main journal arm is fixed, wherein said second main journal arm is configured as directly opposed to said first main journal arm, wherein said second main journal arm extends outward from said central axial point of said rotating main journal; a fixed mounting bar, wherein said fixed mounting bar is connected between said first mounting arm and said first main journal arm, wherein said fixed mounting bar does not rotate, wherein said fixed mounting bar secures mounting of said photovoltaic panel, wherein said center of said central axial point is a point of rotation, wherein said first mounting arm is connected to said fixed mounting arm, wherein said second mounting arm is connected to said fixed mounting arm m) a plurality of complimentary photovoltaic panels and n) a plurality of complimentary mounting bars, wherein said plurality of complimentary photovoltaic panels are mounted to said plurality of complimentary mounting bars. The central axial point of b) further comprising: a) an eastern side and b) a western side, wherein an equal number of said complimentary photovoltaic panels are attached. The complimentary mounting bars of n), wherein weight of said complimentary photovoltaic panels counterbalance weight of said photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars, wherein weight of said photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars on said western side of said central axial point counterbalances said weight of said photovoltaic panels and said complimentary mounting bars on said eastern side of said central axial point. The counterbalancing of claim n), wherein said counterbalancing of weight of said photovoltaic panels and said mounting bars on said eastern side of said central axial point enables said central axial point to increase in length, wherein said increased length of said central axial point enables the use of more said photovoltaic panels.
References. The description of the figures provided herein contain references to each depicted component. A list of these components described in the context of each figure is provided below for easy reference.
The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an improved single-axis photovoltaic tracker.
is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of an exploded view of an improved single-axis photovoltaic tracker with a programmable logic controller and actuator.
In one or more embodiments of the invention the exploded view shows 3 photovoltaic panels (100) utilized. However, the number of photovoltaic panels is not limited to 3 and can be either lower or higher than 3. In order to create accurate rotation in the system, a controller (130) or an equivalent structure that performs the intended rotating function, is implemented to achieve precise rotational movements of the system about a central longitudinal axis (110). Also shown in
In one or more embodiments of the invention the exploded view shows 3 photovoltaic panels (100) utilized. The number of photovoltaic panels is not limited to 3 and can be either lower or higher than 3. In order create accurate rotation in the system, an actuator (200) or an equivalent structure that performs the intended rotating function, is implemented to achieve precise rotational movements of the system about a central longitudinal axis (110). Some examples of possible actuators (200) that could be used are linear actuators, hydraulic piston actuators, rotary actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, thermal and magnetic actuators, mechanical actuators, supercoiled polymer actuators or any equivalent structures that perform the same intended purpose. The actuator (200) itself is a component of a system that is responsible for moving or rotating and controlling a mechanism or system. Here the actuator (200) performs the function of creating rotation of the photovoltaic panels (100). The actuator (200) is controlled by a programmable logic controller (202) which is an industrial computer control system that monitors the state of an input stimulus such as a user interface and makes decisions based upon a custom program to control the state of actuator (200). The programmable logic controller (202) is programmed with National Renewable Energy Labatory solar position algorithm or any other equivalent algorithm that performs the intended purpose. The algorithm controls the angle of the actuator (200) to rotate the photovoltaic panels (100) and the complimentary photovoltaic panels (126) towards the sun.
Also shown in
In one or more embodiments of the invention the exploded view shows 3 photovoltaic panels (100) utilized. Also included but not limited to a vertical motor support pier (104) or an equivalent structure that performs the intended purpose. The vertical motor support pier (104) supports or holds the motor (102) in place. In order create accurate rotation in the system, the motor (102), the rotating main journal (108) and the stepper slew motor (114) work together as a single unit to achieve precise rotational movements of the system about a central longitudinal axis (110). Stepper slew motors (114) also referred to but not limited to as a swing motor or a swing drive motor, provide rotation for the system. The motor (102) is an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Motors (102) operate through the interaction between the motor's magnetic field and electric current in a wire winding to generate force in the form of torque applied on the motor's shaft. The motor (102) here drives the stepper slew motor (114) and provides it with energy such that the stepper slew motor (114) can achieve rotation. The motor's (102) functionality is controlled by a programmable logic controller (202), which is programmed with National Renewable Energy Labatory solar position algorithm or any other equivalent algorithm that performs the intended purpose. The algorithm controls motor (102), stepper slew motor (114) and rotating main journal (108) to rotate the photovoltaic panels (100) and the complimentary photovoltaic panels (126) towards the sun. The motor (102), rotating main journal and the stepper slew motor (114) can be either powered by directed current (DC) or alternating current (AC).
Also shown in
In this embodiment the weight of the complimentary mounting bars (128) and photovoltaic panels (100) on the western-side of the central axial point (106) offset the weight of the photovoltaic panels (100) and the fixed mounting bar (124) on the easternly-side of the central axial point (106). The alternation between eastern and western, or vice versa, lateral extensions of photovoltaic panels (100) and the fixed mounting arms (124) carries down the entire row (what element is this). This alternation is enabled by the use of the first mounting arm (116), second mounting arm (118), first main journal arm (120), and second main journal arm (122) to project the photovoltaic panels (100) laterally outward from a central axial point. This in turn results in a counterbalance of the photovoltaic panels (100) along the length of the photovoltaic panels (100) and complimentary photovoltaic panels (126). The laterally opposed masses extending the length of the central longitudinal axis (110) of rotation allow for laterally opposed forces, which sum to zero.
In the sunrise configuration, the photovoltaic panels (100) and complimentary photovoltaic panels (126) are oriented to ensure an improved incident angle with respect to sunlight originating from a sunrise in the east. The photovoltaic panels (100) are shown as rotatably lowering below a plane perpendicular to the ground that extends through the central longitudinal axis (110). The photovoltaic panels (100) would thus be rotatably above the same plane, thus offsetting the lateral loads of the photovoltaic panels (100).
In a morning configuration where the sun's light would be originating from a point higher in the sky above the horizon, thus necessitating a rotation of the photovoltaic panels (100) maintain an incidence angle to capture the light and thus generate a current. As described in, the photovoltaic panels (100) would offset the lateral forces imparted by photovoltaic panel (100) and the fixed mounting bar (124), as both would extend in a fixed plane laterally and equidistantly from the central longitudinal axis point (110) via a first mounting arm (116), second mounting arm (118), first main journal arm (120), and second main journal arm (122).
In a midday or noon configuration where the sun's position creates an incident angle optimization position in which the photovoltaic panel (100) orientation matches, a lateral plane perpendicular to the ground. In this configuration, lateral counterbalancing of the photovoltaic panels (100) are directly opposing and thus allow for greater control and stability against wind or any other vibration that are external to the single-axis photovoltaic tracking system. As discussed in, counterbalancing is achieved by placing complimentary photovoltaic panels (126) and the complimentary mounting bars (128) on the eastern and western side of the single-axis system.
In the evening or sunset positions, respectively, which are the end-of-day comparative analogues to the positions shown and described in Figures above.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63279938 | Nov 2021 | US | national |
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/279,938, filed Nov. 16, 2021, entitled “IMPROVED SINGLE-AXIS PHOTOVOLTAIC TRACKING DEVICE AND SYSTEM”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US22/50000 | 11/15/2022 | WO |
