A tracking solar collector assembly (200) includes Southside supports (212, 213, 214), North side supports (216, 217, 218) and support structures (236, 238). Each support structure has pivotal support points (224, 232) defining a tilt axis (237) and has at least one solar collector (240) mounted thereto. First support points (224) of first and second support structures are pivotally connected to first and second Southside supports (212, 213). A second support point (232) of the first support structure is pivotally connected to first and second North side supports (216, 217). A second support point of the second support structure is pivotally connected to second and third North side supports (217, 218). The assembly further includes a tilting assembly (206) causing the solar collector support structures and the solar collectors therewith to tilt in unison.

Tracking solar collector assembly

A modular shade system (60) includes torque tubes (72), a series of solar tracking panels (64) mounted to the torque tubes to create spaced-apart rows (62) of panels, at least some of the panels being solar collector panels. A shade structure (66) is positioned at a selected location above the support surface so to provide an enhanced shaded region (92) thereunder. A support structure includes a first mounting assembly (68, 70) mounting each torque tube above the support surface for rotation about the torque tube axis and a second mounting assembly (88, 90; 96, 72, 68, 70) supporting the shade structure at the selected location. A tilting assembly (76) selectively rotates each torque tube about its axis. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a modular shade system (10) comprising a support structure (12) defining a shading area (31).

Modular shade system with solar tracking panels

A tilt mechanism ( 11, 11 A) associated with a solar panel assembly ( 10, 10 A) whereby effort required to tilt panel assemblies ( 12, 13, 14 ) comprising the solar panel assembly ( 10, 10 A) is reduced or minimized by appropriate placement of first and second tilt axes ( 18, 18 A) with respect to the centre of mass and/or centre of pressure of the panel assemblies ( 12, 13, 14 ) due to wind. These arrays are suitable for use on mobile or static installations. The tilt mechanism is suited for harnessing wind energy if the panels are suitably shaped.

Solar panel tilt mechanism

The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Concentrating photovoltaic solar panel

A tilt assembly is used with a solar collector assembly of the type comprising a frame, supporting a solar collector, for movement about a tilt axis by pivoting a drive element between first and second orientations. The tilt assembly comprises a drive element coupler connected to the drive element and a driver, the driver comprising a drive frame, a drive arm and a drive arm driver. The drive arm is mounted to the drive frame for pivotal movement about a drive arm axis. Movement on the drive arm mimics movement of the drive element. Drive element couplers can extend in opposite directions from the outer portion of the drive arm, whereby the assembly can be used between adjacent solar collector assemblies in a row of solar collector assemblies.

Tilt assembly for tracking solar collector assembly

The invention basically includes a movable base which contains a plurality of hyperbolic mirror reflectors having their axis directed upwardly towards an absorber plate and which is directed upon an energy converting unit The solar energy is absorbed by the unit and is used to heat a gas such as air which is circulated through the unit, with the heat being subsequently stored in a heat absorbing particulate material such as lava rock or the like Additionally, the movable platform is controlled by a gravity drive (for very low power consumption during operation) and which is in turn controlled by a photoelectric solar detector mechanism The detector mechanism is so designed that it receives the early rays of light of the sun and signals the control system to commence tracking the sun This operation continues until the sun sets, at which time a signal is sent to the control system to return the platform to its original position in the east whereby it is available for commencing the tracking of the sun the following day The heat stored within the rock is transferred to a water system which includes pipes so that the heated water may be used to furnish the necessary heat to the particular structure being serviced

George Kubina

Papers

Solar energy heating system