A solar tracking system is disclosed. The solar tracking system may comprise at least one processor, a memory coupled to the at least one processor, a carriage mount, a carriage, an altitude motor connected to the carriage, an azimuth motor connected to the carriage, and a tracking application, residing in the memory and executed by the at least one processor. The tracking application may be configured to run the altitude motor and azimuth motor in a predictive manner, such that a solar panel connected to the carriage is positioned in a way to increase solar irradiation of the solar panel.

The present invention provides a transmission device applied to a photovoltaic tracking support. The photovoltaic tracking support comprises a stand column and a main beam. The main beam is rotatably supported on the stand column, and the main beam supports a photovoltaic assembly. The transmission device comprises a composite chain gear set and a composite chain wheel set. The composite chain gear set has multiple chain gears. The multiple chain gears are coaxially arranged and are arranged in a manner that the teeth are staggered. The composite chain wheel set has multiple chain wheels. The multiple chain wheels are coaxially arranged, and are in one-to-one correspondence to and meshing transmission with the multiple chain gears. One of the composite chain gear set and the composite chain wheel set is rotatably disposed on the stand column, and the other is connected to the main beam. The present invention also provides a photovoltaic tracking support comprising the transmission device. When the transmission device is applied to the photovoltaic tracking support, the shaking amplitude of the photovoltaic tracking support under the action of strong wind can be reduced, wear can be decreased, and the transmission device adapts to grease-free lubrication conditions.

An anti-torsion device of a solar tracker with a rotation axis, and solar tracker comprising the anti-torsion device, the device having a coupling part fixedly attached rotationally with respect to the rotation axis of the solar tracker; an extension element arranged mechanically and fixedly attached to the coupling part, further extending radially and externally with respect to the coupling part; and, an actuator and a counter-actuator arranged in a locked position, where they are in contact with the extension element, and a released position, where they are separated with respect to the extension element, when the anti-torsion device is fixedly arranged with respect to the rotation axis and in accordance with the locked position, the extension element is rotationally immobilized so that the rotation of the coupling part is further prevented.

A solar tracking system is provided and includes a solar array, a plurality of support beams configured to support the solar array, a torque tube coupled to the plurality of support beams, a base configured to rotatably support the torque tube, and an articulation system configured to rotate the torque tube relative to the base. The articulation system includes a first helical tube coupled to the torque tube, a first helical tube support disposed on the base and configured to slidably support the first helical tube, and a gearbox in mechanical communication with the first helical tube. Actuation of the gearbox causes the first helical tube to translate within the first helical tube support and the first helical tube support is configured to rotate the first helical tube as the first helical tube is translated therein to cause a corresponding rotation of the solar array.

A mounting assembly may include an arced connecting member that includes a first drive chain along a bottom surface of the arced connecting member, a second drive chain positioned adjacent to the first drive chain, and a third drive chain in a gap between the first and the second drive chains. The mounting assembly may include an intermittent-motion drive system that has a drive wheel with a nub extending from a lateral surface of the drive wheel, the nub being shaped to interface with notches included along the third drive chain. The intermittent-motion drive system may include a first and a second protrusion shaped to interface with surfaces of the first and second drive chains, respectively. Rotation of a drive axle extending through the drive wheel may affect rotation of the drive wheel, rotational movement of the nub extending from the drive wheel, and movement of the arced connecting member.

A solar tracking system is provided and includes a solar array, a support structure configured to support the solar array, a base configured to rotatably support the support structure, and an articulation system configured to articulate the support structure relative to the base. The articulation system includes a gearbox that is coupled to the support structure and an actuator that is configured to extend and retract. The actuator includes a first end portion and a second, opposite end portion, wherein the first end portion is rotatably coupled to the base and the second end portion is coupled to the gearbox. Extension of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the base in a first direction and retraction of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the based in a second, opposite direction.

Slew drive systems for rotational and axial load bearing, e.g., in applications including satellite-based telecommunications systems, are disclosed herein. In some cases, slew drive systems disclosed herein can improve efficiency, accuracy, and/or reliability of telecommunication systems while reducing the cost and complexity of manufacture. For example, a slew drive system can comprise a threaded plug and a retaining ring in addition to a worm gear, a plurality of tapered roller bearings, and a worm wheel, allowing a significant reduction in material and labor costs of slew drive manufacture, which can be critical in the manufacture of expensive telecommunications system actuator assemblies.

A novel portable solar energy system includes a solar concentrator, a thermal storage device, an azimuth adjustment system, an elevation system, and a heat exchanger, all mounted on a rotatable support frame. In a particular embodiment, the thermal storage device remains at a fixed vertical height and fixed tilt orientation when adjustments are made to the azimuth adjustment system and/or the elevation adjustment system.

A solar tracking mounting system is provided. The tracking system has an anchor comprising a pile and a riser bracket fastened to the top thereof, wherein the riser bracket is configured to provide adjustable mounting points, a chord assembly coupled to with the riser brackets, wherein the chord assembly is configured to pivotability tilt, a kicker connected to the anchor assembly, wherein the kicker is configured to connect the chord assembly to the pile, a vertical actuator connected to the kicker and the chord assembly, wherein the vertical actuator is a rack and pinion linear actuator configured to amplify a torque received from a motor and pivotably tilt to the chord assembly to a desired angle while tracking a direction of a light source, and a driveshaft connected to the motor and the vertical actuator. A jack screw may also be provided therein for actuation.

A solar tracking system is provided and includes a solar array, a support structure configured to support the solar array, a base configured to rotatably support the support structure, and an articulation system configured to articulate the support structure relative to the base. The articulation system includes a gearbox that is coupled to the support structure and an actuator that is configured to extend and retract. The actuator includes a first end portion and a second, opposite end portion, wherein the first end portion is rotatably coupled to the base and the second end portion is coupled to the gearbox. Extension of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the base in a first direction and retraction of the actuator causes the support structure to rotate about the based in a second, opposite direction.