Embodiments disclosed herein relate to solar tracking apparatuses, systems that include the same, and methods of operating the same. An example solar tracking apparatus includes a structure attachment portion configured to be attached to a structure (e.g., a moveable or stationary structure) and to remain relatively stationary relative to the structure. The structure attachment portion may include one or more mounts configured to attach the structure attachment portion to the structure. The solar tracking apparatus also includes at least one solar panel portion coupled to the structure attachment portion. The solar panel portion may be configured to move relative to the structure attachment portion and the structure. For example, the solar tracking apparatus may include one or more actuators coupled to solar panel portion configured to move at least a portion of the solar panel portion relative to the structure attachment portion.

A solar tracker system includes a torque tube, a solar panel assembly attached to the torque tube, a housing defining a chamber and a fluid passageway extending from the chamber, and an active lock connected to a seal configured to prevent a flow path of fluid while in a sealed state and allow the flow path of fluid in an unsealed state. The system further includes a controller in communication with the torque tube and the active lock. The controller is programmed to receive a command to place the solar panel assembly in a stowed position, instruct the torque tube to rotate the panel assembly to a stowed angle corresponding to the stowed position, monitor a current angle of the panel assembly, compare the current angle to the stowed angle, and instruct the seal to transition to the sealed state when the current angle is equal to the stowed angle.

Provided is a method for relocating a solar power unit in response to a redeployment event. A first location of a deployed solar power unit may be determined. A processor may detect a redeployment event for the solar power unit at the first location. In response to the redeployment event, the processor may determine a new location for the solar power unit. The method may further comprise relocating the solar power unit to the new location.

A system is provided. The system includes a tracker configured to collect solar irradiance and attached to a rotational mechanism for changing a plane of the tracker and a controller in communication with the rotational mechanism. The controller is programmed to store a plurality of positional information and a shadow model for determining placement of shadows based on positions of objects relative to the sun, determine a position of the sun at a first specific point in time, retrieve height information for the tracker and at least one adjacent tracker, execute the shadow model based on the retrieved height information and the position of the sun, determine a first angle for the tracker based on the executed shadow model, and transmit instructions to the rotational mechanism to change the plane of the tracker to the first angle.

A photovoltaic system for generating electrical power on farmland while minimizing reduction of solar radiation incident on ground due to shadowing, including a photovoltaic module having a first photovoltaic face defining a first plane, a normal axis extending from the first plane, a first pivot axis extending through the photovoltaic module, a second pivot axis extending through the photovoltaic module, at least one motor operationally connected to pivot the photovoltaic module about at least one pivot axis, and an electronic controller operationally connected to at least one motor. An incident solar ray strikes the photovoltaic module at an angle of incidence defined as an intersection of the incident solar ray and the normal axis. The electronic controller sends signals to the at least one motor to maintain the angle of incidence as close as possible to ninety degrees.

The present invention describes a method for tracking a solar generator having a plurality of solar modules to the sun, wherein at least one electric output quantity of part of the solar module of the solar generator is detected and a tracker, on which the solar generator is mounted, is controlled such that the detected electric output quantity has a predetermined value. Further, a control for a solar plant and a solar plant having such a control are described.

A solar tracker system comprising one or more tracker rotation control systems that include: a curved gear plate; and a locking element configured to lock the solar tracker system in a first configuration.

A method may include obtaining current data from a sensor related to performance of a solar power generating device, and comparing the current data from the sensor to previously stored data to detect a decrease in expected power generation. The method may also include determining whether the decrease in expected power generation is designated a persistently occurring decrease, and, based on the designation of the decrease as being persistent, changing an orientation of the solar power generating device to a stowed orientation.

Solar tracker systems include a torque tube, a solar panel attached to the torque tube, and a damper assembly. The damper assembly includes an outer shell, a first chamber wall and a second chamber wall within the outer shell at least partially defining a chamber, and a piston to direct fluid through the chamber. A valve is within the chamber that includes a first axial end, a second axial end, and a seal positioned on the first axial end. The damper assembly further includes a biasing assembly that biases the valve into a first position within the chamber in which the seal is spaced from the first chamber wall. The valve is moveable within the chamber from the first position to a second position in which the seal contacts and seals against the first chamber wall to prevent the flow of fluid through the chamber.

A method of determining pathogen inactivation may include performing an energy balance on a fluid heating system. Performing an energy balance may include calculating temperatures of a fluid at a plurality of locations as the fluid flows through the fluid heating system. The method of determining pathogen inactivation may also include receiving inactivation kinetic data regarding a pathogen present in the fluid and determining pathogen inactivation amounts based on exposure to the temperatures. Performing an energy balance may include receiving a plurality of input parameters relating to the fluid heating system. The plurality of input parameters may relate to a solar collection system and an associated fluid control system. The solar collection system may include a parabolic mirror and the fluid control system may include an elongated flow element arranged along a focal axis of the parabolic mirror.