The invention relates to a single-axis follower support system (1) for a solar collector (9) comprising a stationary structure (2) for anchoring to the ground; and a platform (30) suitable for supporting a solar collector, attached to at least one central horizontal beam (32) rotatably mounted on the stationary structure along a horizontal rotational axis inside at least one bearing (4) attached to the stationary structure; wherein the at least one bearing (4) comprises: a rotatable part (5) having a cavity (50) for receiving the central beam and a guide rail (51) in the shape of a circular arc centered on said horizontal rotational axis, wherein said guide rail extends below said cavity; and a base (7) retained on the stationary structure and onto which rolling members are attached which are rollingly mounted in the guide rail of the rotatable part.

A bearing assembly comprises a bearing wheel with a rotational axis, the bearing wheel including and extending radially between an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface at least partially forms a bore, the bore extends axially through the bearing wheel along the rotational axis, and the bore has a cross-sectional geometry configured to receive a rotatable shaft with a complementary cross-sectional geometry, and wherein the outer surface extends circumferentially around the rotational axis, and the outer surface has a circular cross-sectional geometry. The bearing assembly also comprises a bearing collar comprising a collar base and a collar mount, wherein the collar base includes an inner surface configured to circumscribe and slidingly engage the outer surface of the bearing wheel, wherein the collar mount projects radially out from collar base to a distal mount end, and wherein a plurality of mounting apertures at the distal mount end extend axially through the collar mount, and the mounting apertures are configured to respectively receive fasteners for securing the collar mount to a stationary structural member.

This disclosure relates to the design of pile cap assemblies configured to rotatably couple the torque tube of a photovoltaic solar tracker to multiple support piles that elevate the torque tube above the ground. The pile cap assemblies define low friction bearings that allow the torque tube to rotate smoothly within the low friction bearings. The pile cap assemblies also include numerous mounting hole configurations that allow for adjustment of a position of the pile cap assemblies with respect to the support piles. This allows for any small variation in positioning of the support piles to be accommodated.

A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

A solar energy collection system can include support devices made with bearings. Such bearings can include an inner partially toroidal surface for sliding contact and support of an outer surface of a torque tube. The toroidal surface can be made with a single radius of curvature or multiple radiuses of curvature and cylindrical portions. The bearings can include connectors for connecting the bearing members to a support housing. The connectors can be tool-less connectors.

In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus configured with an off-set drive assembly. In an example, the apparatus has an inner race structure, which has a cylindrical region coupled to a main body region, the main body comprising an off-set open region. The cylindrical region is an annular sleeve structure coupled to the main body region, which occupies the spatial region within the cylindrical region. In an example, the apparatus has an outer race structure coupled to enclose the inner race structure, configured to couple the inner race structure to allow the inner race structure to move in a rotational manner about a spatial arc region; and configured to allow the inner race structure to pivot about a region normal to a direction of the spatial arc region. In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly that is configured to pivot a torque tube.

One embodiment provides an apparatus for a single axis tracker that includes a first strap component formed into a first portion of a bearing race. A second strap component is formed into a second portion of the bearing race. The first portion of the bearing race and the second portion of the bearing race removably interleave to hold a torque tube.

A system includes a containment vessel configured to receive and retain equipment to be decontaminated. The system also includes a solar reflector configured to reflect solar energy towards the containment vessel in order to heat the containment vessel. The system further includes end supports configured to receive and retain the solar reflector and the containment vessel. The system also includes a base having or coupled to multiple side supports, where each side support is configured to contact and support a corresponding one of the end supports. In addition, the system includes one or more semi-transparent solar shades configured to reduce the solar energy reaching the solar reflector and the containment vessel.

Solar trackers that may be advantageously employed on sloped and/or variable terrain to rotate solar panels to track motion of the sun across the sky include bearing assemblies and other mechanical features configured to address mechanical challenges posed by the sloped and/or variable terrain that might otherwise prevent or complicate use of solar trackers on such terrain.

In an example, the present invention provides a solar tracker apparatus. In an example, the apparatus comprises 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. Further details of the present example, among others, can be found throughout the present specification and more particularly below.