U.S. patent application number 16/828073 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-16 for solar wind fence for an array of trackers.
The applicant listed for this patent is NEXTracker Inc.. Invention is credited to Alexander W. AU.
Application Number | 20200228054 16/828073 |
Document ID | 20200228054 / US20200228054 |
Family ID | 69902546 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-16 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200228054 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AU; Alexander W. |
July 16, 2020 |
SOLAR WIND FENCE FOR AN ARRAY OF TRACKERS
Abstract
A solar tracker array has solar modules that may be configured
to operate as a wind fence according to a wind characteristic.
Inventors: |
AU; Alexander W.; (Oakland,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEXTracker Inc. |
Fremont |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69902546 |
Appl. No.: |
16/828073 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14922087 |
Oct 23, 2015 |
10601364 |
|
|
16828073 |
|
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62068323 |
Oct 24, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02S 30/10 20141201;
F24S 30/425 20180501; H02S 20/32 20141201; F24S 50/60 20180501;
F24S 2030/15 20180501; F24S 2030/136 20180501; H02S 50/00 20130101;
F24S 40/85 20180501; F24S 2030/12 20180501; H02S 20/23
20141201 |
International
Class: |
H02S 20/32 20060101
H02S020/32; H02S 30/10 20060101 H02S030/10; H02S 20/23 20060101
H02S020/23; H02S 50/00 20060101 H02S050/00 |
Claims
1. A solar tracker apparatus comprising: a torque tube; and a
plurality of solar modules configured spatially along the torque
tube, and configured as a wind shield for an interior zone
comprising a plurality of tracker apparatus, the plurality of solar
modules are configured to change a direction of on-coming wind to
move substantially over a plurality of solar modules configured on
the plurality of tracker apparatus in the interior zone, each of
the plurality of solar modules in the interior region configured in
a substantially normal direction with respect to a direction of
gravity.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/9622,087 filed Oct. 23, 2015, now U.S. Pat.
No. 10,601,364, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/068,323, filed on Oct. 24, 2014, which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present application relates generally to a tracking
system for solar panels. More specifically, embodiments provide
tracking systems that are suitable for solar panels. In a specific
embodiment, a tracking system is fully adjustable at each of the
pillars, a plurality of tracking systems working in conjunction
with each other to protect the system as a whole, among other
aspects. There are other embodiments as well.
[0003] As the population of the world increases, industrial
expansion has led to an equally large consumption of energy. Energy
often comes from fossil fuels (including coal and oil),
hydroelectric plants, nuclear sources, and others. As an example,
the International Energy Agency projects further increases in oil
consumption, with developing nations such as China and India
accounting for most of the increase. Almost every element of our
daily lives depends, in part, on oil, which is becoming
increasingly scarce. As time further progresses, an era of "cheap"
and plentiful oil is coming to an end. Accordingly, alternative
sources of energy have been developed.
[0004] Along oil, people have also relied upon other sources of
energy such as hydroelectric, nuclear, and the like to provide our
electricity needs. For example, most of the conventional
electricity required for home and business use come from coal- or
natural gas-fired turbines, nuclear power generation plants, and
hydroelectric plants, as well as other forms of renewable energy.
Home and business use of electrical power has been stable and
widespread.
[0005] Much of the useful energy found on the Earth comes from our
sun. Generally all common plant life on the Earth achieves life
using photosynthesis processes from sun light. Fossil fuels such as
oil were also developed from biological materials derived from
energy associated with the sun. For human beings, sunlight has been
essential. For life on the planet Earth, the sun has been the most
important energy source and fuel for modern day solar energy.
[0006] Solar energy possesses many desirable characteristics. Solar
energy is renewable, clean, abundant, and often widespread. Certain
technologies have been developed to capture solar energy,
concentrate it, store it, and convert it into other useful forms of
energy.
[0007] Solar panels have been developed to convert sunlight into
energy. As an example, solar thermal panels often convert
electromagnetic radiation from the sun into thermal energy for
heating homes, running certain industrial processes, or driving
high grade turbines to generate electricity. As another example,
solar photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into
electricity for a variety of applications.
[0008] Solar panels are generally composed of an array of solar
cells, which are interconnected to each other. The cells are often
arranged in series and/or parallel groups of cells in series.
Accordingly, solar panels have great potential to benefit our
nation, security, and human users. They can even diversify our
energy requirements and reduce the world's dependence on oil and
other potentially detrimental sources of energy.
[0009] Although solar panels have been used successfully for
certain applications, there are still limitations. Often, solar
panels are unable to convert energy at their full potential due to
the fact that the sun is often at an angle that is not optimum for
the solar cells to receive solar energy. In the past, various types
of conventional solar tracking mechanisms have been developed to
address this issue. Unfortunately, conventional solar tracking
techniques are often inadequate. These and other limitations are
described throughout the present specification, and may be
described in more detail below.
[0010] From the above, it is seen that techniques for improving
solar systems are highly desirable.
SUMMARY
[0011] In an example, the present invention provides a solar
tracker apparatus. The apparatus has a torque tube; and a plurality
of solar modules configured spatially along the torque tube and
configured as a wind shield for an interior zone comprising a
plurality of tracker apparatus. In an example, the plurality of
solar modules are configured to change a direction of on-coming
wind to move substantially over a plurality of solar modules
configured on the plurality of tracker apparatus in the interior
zone. In an example, each of the plurality of solar modules in the
interior region is configured in a substantially normal direction
with respect to a direction of gravity.
[0012] In an example, the apparatus is provided within an exterior
zone of an array of solar tracker apparatus; wherein the plurality
of solar modules configured to change the direction is configured
as a wind fence, and configured in an offensive position to divert
the on-coming wind, while the plurality of solar modules in the
interior region are configured in a defensive position and each of
the solar panels are protected from the plurality of solar modules
provided on the exterior zone.
[0013] In an example, the apparatus is provided within an exterior
zone and each of the plurality of solar modules is configured to
act as a wind fence for an interior zone of an array of solar
tracker apparatus.
[0014] In an example, the present invention provides a solar system
comprising an array of solar modules. The system has an interior
zone comprising a first plurality of tracker apparatus, each of
which is configured with a first plurality of solar modules; and an
exterior zone comprising at least one tracker apparatus configured
with a torque tube configured within a frame structure having a
first interior stop region and a second interior stop region. In an
example, the torque tube is capable of moving about an arc from a
first angle to a second angle. In an example, a plurality of solar
modules are disposed with the frame structure are configured as a
windshield.
[0015] In an example, the present invention provides a method of
operating a solar array system. In an example, the method includes
providing an array of solar modules. In an example, the array of
solar modules comprises an interior zone comprising a first
plurality of tracker apparatus, each of which is configured with a
first plurality of solar modules, and an exterior zone comprising
at least one tracker apparatus configured with a torque tube
configured within a frame structure having a first interior stop
region and a second interior stop region. In an example, the torque
tube is capable of moving about an arc from a first angle to a
second angle. In an example, the method includes detecting a
predetermined wind characteristics during a time frame, the wind
characteristic being in one of a plurality of ranges. In an
example, the plurality of ranges including at least a first range,
a second range, and a third range. In an example, the method
includes configuring the one tracker apparatus in a normal state
when the wind characteristic in the first range; configuring the
one tracker apparatus in a defensive state configured to allow each
of the first plurality of tracker apparatus to be operable in a
normal manner to rotate each of the solar modules in a range from
about -60 Degrees to +60 Degrees when the wind characteristic in
the second range. The method includes configuring the one tracker
apparatus in a defensive state and each of the plurality of first
plurality of tracker apparatus in a locked at 0 Degrees state when
the wind characteristic in the third range.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a solar tracker
configured in different angles according to an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a solar array system including a plurality of
solar trackers in a normal operating mode according to an
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the solar array system in a
partial defense mode having outer solar trackers configured as a
wind fence according to an embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a configuration of the solar array system in a
full defense mode having outer solar trackers configured as a solar
wind fence according to an embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of the configuration shown in FIG. 4
according to an embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a process of operating a solar array
system according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In conventional tracker designs, wind forces may lead to
uncontrollable movement of the solar modules on the tracker leading
to an increase in resonance and movement until supporting or
positioning components, such as a torque tube or a slew gear,
breaks. Once a row of trackers is influenced by such wind forces,
other trackers that may be adjacent to the that row are influenced
and may participate in the uncontrollable movement.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a solar tracker
100 configured in different angles according to an illustrative
embodiment. The solar tracker 100 has a torque tube 102 and a
plurality of solar modules 104 configured spatially along the
torque tube 102.
[0024] When the solar tracker 100 is configured in a first angle,
the torque tube 102 and the plurality of solar modules 104 are
respectively disposed as indicated by reference character 102 and
104. When the solar tracker 100 is configured in a second
(horizontal) angle, the torque tube 102 and the plurality of solar
modules 104 are respectively disposed as indicated by reference
character 102' and 104'. When the solar tracker 100 is configured
in a third angle, the torque tube 102 and the plurality of solar
modules 104 are respectively disposed as indicated by reference
character 102'' and 104''.
[0025] FIG. 1 shows the first, second, and third angles in which
the solar tracker 100 may be configured, but embodiments are not
limited thereto. In an embodiment, the torque tube 102 is capable
of moving about an arc from the first angle to the third angle.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a solar array system (also known as a solar
system) 200 including first to eighth solar trackers 100-1 to 100-8
in a normal operating mode according to an embodiment. The solar
array system 200 includes an interior zone 202 and first and second
exterior zones 204A and 204B.
[0027] The first solar tracker 100-1 is disposed in the first
exterior zone 204A. The second to seventh solar trackers 100-2 to
100-7 are disposed in the interior zone 202. The eighth solar
tracker 100-8 is disposed in the second exterior zone 204B.
[0028] The first and eighth solar trackers 100-1 and 100-8 disposed
in the first and second exterior zones 204A and 204B, respectively,
are operable to act as wind fences for the second to seventh solar
trackers 100-2 to 100-7 disposed in the interior zone 202, as shown
in FIGS. 3 through 5.
[0029] In an embodiment, one or more of the first and eighth solar
trackers 100-1 and 100-8 disposed in the first and second exterior
zones 204A and 204B includes a torque tube configured within a
frame structure having a first interior stop region and a second
interior stop region. The first interior stop region and a second
interior stop region may correspond to a first angle and a second
angle, respectively, and the one or more of the solar trackers
100-1 and 100-8 may be configured to move the torque tube about an
arc from the first angle to the second angle.
[0030] In the normal operating mode, the first to eighth solar
trackers 100-1 to 100-8 may each be configured at angles that
optimize collection of solar energy by the solar array system 200.
A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand how to
determine the angles that optimize collection of solar energy.
[0031] The solar array system 200 may operate in the normal
operating mode when a wind characteristic is in a first range. In
an embodiment, the first range may include a wind velocity in a
direction orthogonal to a long axis of torque tubes of the first to
eighth solar tracker 100-1 to 100-8 being below a first threshold
value.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows the solar array system 200 in a partial defense
mode wherein outer solar trackers, that is, the first and eighth
solar trackers 100-1 and 100-8 disposed in the first and second
exterior zones 204A and 204B, respectively, are each configured as
a wind fence, according to an embodiment. The solar array system
200 may operate in the partial defense mode when a wind
characteristic is in a second range. The second range may include a
wind velocity greater than the first threshold value and less than
a second threshold value.
[0033] The first and eighth solar trackers 100-1 and 100-8 disposed
in the first and second exterior zones 204A and 204B act as a wind
fence for the second to seventh solar trackers 100-2 to 100-7
disposed in the interior zone 202 when in the partial defense mode.
The second to seventh solar trackers 100-2 to 100-7 operate as in
the normal operating mode when in the partial defense mode.
[0034] The first and eighth solar trackers 100-1 and 100-8 may be
configured as a wind fence by configuring the first and eighth
solar trackers 100-1 and 100-8 to have an angle according to one of
a first interior stop region and a second interior stop region of
the respective torque tubes when in the partial defense mode. When
a solar tracker is configured as a wind fence, the solar modules of
the solar tracker are configured to function as a wind shield.
[0035] In an embodiment, only one of the first and eighth solar
trackers 100-1 and 100-8 may be configured as a wind fence when in
the partial defense mode, and the other of the first and eighth
solar trackers 100-1 and 100-8 may operate as in the normal
operating mode when in the partial defense mode. For example, in an
embodiment, only the one of the first and eighth solar trackers
100-1 and 100-8 that is upwind of the interior zone 202 is
configured as a wind fence in the partial defense mode.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the solar array system
200 in a full defense mode according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a
side view of the solar array system 200 in the full defense mode of
FIG. 4.
[0037] The solar array system 200 may operate in the full defense
mode when a wind characteristic is in a third range. The third
range may include a wind velocity greater than the second threshold
value.
[0038] One or more of the first and eighth solar trackers 100-1 and
100-8 may be configured as a wind fence when in the full defense
mode, as described for FIG. 3. The second to seventh solar trackers
100-2 to 100-7 are locked at a 0 degree angle (that is, are locked
in a substantially horizontal position) when in the full defense
mode.
[0039] In an embodiment, only one of the first and eighth solar
trackers 100-1 and 100-8 may be configured as a wind fence when in
the full defense mode, and the other of the first and eighth solar
trackers 100-1 and 100-8 may locked at the 0 degree angle. For
example, in an embodiment, only the one of the first and eighth
solar trackers 100-1 and 100-8 that is upwind of the interior zone
202 is configured as a wind fence in the full defense mode.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a process 600 of operating a solar array
system according to an embodiment. In an example, the solar array
system includes an interior zone comprising a plurality of interior
tracker apparatus, and at least one exterior zone including at
least one exterior tracker apparatus. Each of the interior and
exterior tracker apparatus includes a plurality of solar
modules.
[0041] In an embodiment, one or more of the interior or exterior
tracker apparatus is operable to rotate their respective the solar
modules in a range from -60 Degrees to +60 Degrees, wherein 0
degrees corresponds to a horizontal disposition of the solar
modules. In an embodiment, each of the interior tracker apparatus
is operable to lock their respective solar modules at 0
Degrees.
[0042] At S602, the process 600 determines a predetermined wind
characteristic during a time frame, the wind characteristic being
in one of a plurality of ranges. In an embodiment, the plurality of
ranges includes at least a first range, a second range, and a third
range.
[0043] At S604, the process 600 determines whether the wind
characteristic is in the first range. The process 600 proceeds to
S606 when the wind characteristic is determined to be in the first
range, and proceeds to S608 otherwise.
[0044] At S606, the process 600 configures the one or more exterior
tracker apparatus in a normal state when the wind characteristic is
in the first range. The normal state may be a sun-tracking
configuration adapted to collect solar energy. The process 600 then
proceeds to S612.
[0045] At S608, the process 600 determines whether the wind
characteristic is in the second range. The process 600 proceeds to
S610 when the wind characteristic is determined to be in the second
range, and proceeds to S614 otherwise.
[0046] At S610, the process 600 configures the one or more exterior
tracker apparatus in a defensive state when the wind characteristic
is in the second range. The defensive state may be a wind fence
state. The wind fence state may include disposing the solar modules
of the exterior tracker apparatus at either 60 or -60 degrees. The
process 600 then proceeds to S612.
[0047] At S612, the process 600 configures the plurality of
interior tracker apparatus in a normal state when the wind
characteristic is in the first or second range. The process 600
then returns to S602.
[0048] At S614, the process 600 configures the one or more exterior
tracker apparatus in the defensive state, such as described above
with respect to S610, when the wind characteristic is not in the
first or second range, that is, when the wind characteristic is in
the third range. In an example, the defensive state can be
configured in a locked flat position or normal position with
respective gravity, while the outer modules are in an offensive
state to divert wind away from the inner region of the array of
solar panels. Of course, the term "offensive" and "defensive" are
used in its literal meaning, and should be interpreted using
ordinary meaning, and may be used interchangeably.
[0049] At S616, the process 600 configures the plurality of
interior tracker apparatus in a locked 0 degree state when the wind
characteristic is in the third range. In the locked 0 degree state,
the solar modules of the plurality of interior tracker apparatus
may be substantially parallel to the ground. The process 600 then
returns to S602.
[0050] The process 600 may be carried out using a controller of the
solar array system. In an embodiment, the controller performs the
process 600 using a processor or controller executing computer
programming instructions stored in a non-transitory
computer-readable media. In an embodiment, the controller performs
the process 600 using custom logic circuits embodying operations of
the process 600.
[0051] In an example, the present invention provides a solar
tracker system. The solar tracker system has a first pillar
structure and a second pillar structure. In an example, the system
has a torque tube configured between the first pillar structure and
the second pillar structure and a plurality of solar modules
configured spatially along the torque tube from a first end to a
second end.
[0052] In an example, the system has a panel rail configured to
each of the plurality of solar modules. That is, the system has a
plurality of panel rail devices coupling respective plurality of
solar modules.
[0053] In an example, the system has a clamp device coupled to
sandwich the torque tube between a lower portion of the clamp
device and each panel rail. In an example, the clamp device is a
U-bolt that has a lower region coupled to the lower region of the
torque tube, and each of the bolt structures is inserted into an
opening in the panel rail. The panel rail is disposed underlying a
pair of solar modules and is configured to hold the pair of solar
modules, while being clamped onto the torque tube using the U-bolt
and a pair of bolts securing the panel rail to the torque tube.
[0054] In an example, the system has a mechanical isolator
comprising an elastic material configured to separate the panel
rail from the torque tube cause destructive interference with a
natural resonant frequency of the system without the mechanical
isolator to reduce a mechanical vibration of the system. In an
example, the elastic material comprises a rubber or a polymer that
has sufficient rigidity. In an example, the material can also be
configured with one or more openings to further allow the thickness
of material to flex and/or absorb vibration. Further details of the
system can be found in U.S. Ser. No. 14/734,981, commonly assigned,
and hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The
'981 application is assigned to NEXTRACKER INC., 6200 PASEO PADRE
PARKWAY, FREMONT, CALIFORNIA 94555, and titled MASS DAMPER FOR
SOLAR TRACKER.
[0055] In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a
tracker apparatus for solar modules. The tracker apparatus has a
first pier comprising a first pivot device and a second pier
comprising a drive mount. The drive mount is capable for
construction tolerances in at least three-axis and is configured to
a drive device. The drive device has an off-set clamp device
coupled to a cylindrical bearing device coupled to a clamp member.
The apparatus has a cylindrical torque tube operably disposed on
the first pier and the second pier. The cylindrical torque tube
comprises a first end and a second end, and a notch. The notch is
one of a plurality of notches spatially disposed along a length of
the cylindrical torque tube. The apparatus has a clamp configured
around an annular portion of the cylindrical torque tube and mate
with the notch to prevent movement of the clamp. The clamp
comprises a support region configured to support a portion of a
solar module.
[0056] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides
an alternative solar tracker apparatus. The apparatus has a drive
device, a crank coupled to the drive device and configured in an
offset manner to a frame assembly. The frame assembly is coupled to
a plurality of solar modules.
[0057] In an example, the apparatus has a continuous torque tube
spatially disposed from a first region to a second region. The
crank comprises a first crank coupled to a first side of the drive
device and a second crank coupled to a second side of the drive
device. The crank comprises a first crank coupled to a first side
of the drive device and a second crank coupled to a second side of
the drive device; and further comprises a first torque tube coupled
to the first crank and a second torque tube coupled to the second
crank. The crank comprises a first crank coupled to a first side of
the drive device and a second crank coupled to a second side of the
drive device; and further comprises a first torque tube coupled to
the first crank and a second torque tube coupled to the second
crank, and further comprises a first swage fitting coupling the
first crank to the first torque tube and a second swage fitting
coupling the second crank to the second torque tube. The apparatus
also has a pier coupled to the drive device. In an example, the
apparatus also has a drive mount coupled to a pier.
[0058] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides
an alternative solar tracker apparatus. The apparatus has a center
of mass with an adjustable hanger assembly configured with a clam
shell clamp assembly on the adjustable hanger assembly and a
cylindrical torque tube comprising a plurality of torque tubes
configured together in a continuous length from a first end to a
second end such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of
rotation of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a
drive motor operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube.
[0059] In an example, the drive motor is operable to move the
torque tube about the center of rotation and is substantially free
from a load. The center of rotation is offset from a center of the
cylindrical torque tube.
[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides
a solar tracker apparatus. The apparatus has a clamp housing member
configured in a upright direction. The clamp housing member
comprises a lower region and an upper region. The lower region is
coupled to a pier structure, and the upper region comprises a
spherical bearing device. The upright direction is away from a
direction of gravity. The apparatus has a clam shell clamp member
coupled to the cylindrical bearing and a torque tube coupled to the
spherical bearing to support the torque tube from the upper region
of the clamp housing member. The torque tube is configured from an
off-set position from a center region of rotation.
[0061] In an example, the apparatus is configured substantially
free from any welds during assembly. Reduced welding lowers cost,
improves installation time, avoids errors in installation, improves
manufacturability, and reduces component count through standardized
parts. The torque tube is coupled to another torque tube via a
swage device within a vicinity of the clam shall clamp member. In
an example, the connection is low cost, and provides for strong
axial and torsional loading. The apparatus is quick to install with
the pokey-yoke design. The torque tube is coupled to an elastomeric
damper in line to dampen torque movement to be substantially free
from formation of a harmonic waveform along any portion of a
plurality of solar panels configured to the torque tube. The
apparatus also has a locking damper or rigid structure to configure
a solar panel coupled to the torque tube in a fixed tilt position
to prevent damage to stopper and lock into a foundation-in a
position that is substantially free from fluttering in an
environment with high movement of air. The apparatus further
comprises a controller apparatus configured in an inserter box
provided in an underground region to protect the controller
apparatus. The apparatus has a drive device to linearly actuate the
torque tube. In an example, the apparatus uses an electrical
connection coupled to a drive device. In an example, the spherical
bearing allows for a construction tolerance, tracker movement, and
acts as a bonding path of least resistance taking an electrical
current to ground. The apparatus can be one of a plurality of
tracker apparatus configured in an array within a geographic
region. Each of the plurality of tracker apparatus is driven
independently of each other to cause each row to stow independently
at a different or similar angle.
[0062] Still further, the present invention provides a tracker
apparatus comprising a clam shell apparatus, which has a first
member operably coupled to a second member to hold a torque tube in
place.
[0063] In an example, the apparatus also has a clamp housing
operably coupled to the clam shell apparatus via a spherical
bearing device such that the spherical bearing comprises an axis of
rotation. The axis of rotation is different from a center of the
torque tube. The apparatus further comprises a solar module coupled
to the torque tube.
[0064] In an example, the invention provides a tracker apparatus
comprising a plurality of torque tubes comprising a first torque
tube coupled to a second torque tube coupled to an Nth torque tube,
whereupon N is an integer greater than 2. Each pair of torque tubes
is coupled to each other free from any welds.
[0065] In an example, each pair of torque tubes is swaged fitted
together. Each of the torque tubes is cylindrical in shape. Each of
the plurality of torque tubes is characterized by a length greater
than 80 meters. Each of the torque tubes comprises a plurality of
notches. In an example, the apparatus also has a plurality of
U-bolt devices coupled respectively to the plurality of notches.
Each of the plurality of torque tubes are made of steel.
[0066] In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides
a tracker apparatus having a pier member comprising a lower region
and an upper region. A clamp holding member is configured to the
upper region and is capable of moving in at least a first
direction, a second direction opposite to the first direction, a
third direction normal to the first direction and the second
direction, a fourth direction opposite of the third direction, a
fifth direction normal to the first direction, the second
direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction, and a
sixth direction opposite of the fifth direction.
[0067] In yet an alternative embodiment, the present invention
provides a solar tracker apparatus. The apparatus has a clamp
housing member configured in a upright direction. The clamp housing
member comprises a lower region and an upper region. The lower
region is coupled to a pier structure. The upper region comprises a
spherical bearing device. The upright direction is away from a
direction of gravity. The apparatus has a clam shell clamp member
coupled to the cylindrical bearing and the clam shell clamp being
suspended from the cylindrical bearing. In an example, the
apparatus has a torque tube comprising a first end and a second
end. The first end is coupled to the spherical bearing to support
the torque tube from the upper region of the clamp housing member.
The torque tube is configured from an off-set position from a
center region of rotation. The apparatus has a drive device coupled
to the second end such that the drive device and the torque tube
are configured to be substantially free from a twisting action
while under a load, e.g., rotation, wind, other internal or
external forces.
[0068] In an example, the present invention provides a solar
tracker apparatus comprising a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly
comprising a housing having an opening having a major plane normal
to a length of a continuous torque tube, the opening comprising a
first inner region and a second inner region, the first inner
region acts as a first stop for the continuous torque tube when
moved in a first radial direction until contact with the first
inner region, and the second inner region acts as a second stop for
the continuous torque tube when moved in a second radial direction
until contact with the second inner region, the housing having a
pivotable hanger assembly configured to suspend the continuous
torque tube such that the continuous torque tube traverse through
the major plane. In an example, the apparatus comprises a center of
mass with the pivotable hanger assembly the continuous torque tube
comprising a plurality of cylindrical torque tubes configured
together in a continuous length from a first end to a second end
such that the center of mass is aligned with a center of rotation
of the cylindrical torque tubes to reduce a load of a drive motor
operably coupled to the cylindrical torque tube. Further details
can be found in U.S. Ser. No. 14/184,656 filed Feb. 19, 2014, and
titled BALANCED SOLAR TRACKER CLAMP, commonly assigned, and hereby
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0069] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described
herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various
modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to
persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit
and purview of this application and scope of the appended
claims.
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