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.

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic plant including a plurality of units each having at least one respective photovoltaic panel, a support structure of the plurality of units designed to support the latter at a distance from the ground (GR).

A solar tracker system includes a support tube, a solar panel assembly connected to the support tube, and an active lock connected to the support tube. The active lock includes a housing defining a chamber and a seal. The seal prevents a flow of fluid through the chamber when the active lock is in a sealed state and allows the flow of fluid through the chamber when the active lock is in an unsealed state. The active lock further includes a locking system motor connected to the seal to transition the active lock between the sealed state and the unsealed state, a battery providing power to the locking system motor, and an antenna for receiving instructions controlling the locking system motor.

A header for photovoltaic module support system and a photovoltatic module support system is disclosed. In various embodiments the header includes a beam and a plurality of strongback mounting tabs attached to the beam, each of the plurality of strongback mounting tabs attached to the beam such that the mounting tabs have an upward face that is mounted generally flush with an upward surface of the beam such that the upward face of the mounting tab and the upward surface of the beam define a support surface for an attachable strongback. In various embodiments the header includes a standoff and stabilizing rod attached to a downward surface of the beam, the stabilizing rod having a first end and second end attached to the downward surface of the beam with a main body that extends lengthwise with the beam and radially outward over the standoff.

Disclosed is a device with a heat exchanger having a first flow through which a first gaseous heat transfer medium passes and a second flow through which a second gaseous heat transfer medium passes. Upstream of the first flow, there is a combustion chamber, which optionally extends into the first flow. Two feed lines are attached to the first flow, of which the first feed line is connected to a thermal solar installation and the second feed line is connected to a source for a combustible gas-air mixture or for a non-combustible gas, in particular an oxygen-containing gas, such as air.

Solar tracking installation includes first movement assembly which functionally engages with the primary axis shaft to cause rotation of the primary axis shaft around the primary axis for moving the plurality of planar modules of solar collector elements in a first rotational direction around the primary axis. The installation further includes a second movement assembly which functionally engages with the secondary movement member to cause tilting of each of the plurality of planar modules of solar collector elements around each respective pivotal mount. In this way the movement of the multitude of solar collection elements is a combination of the rotation of first movement assembly and the tilting motion caused by the second movement assembly.

The present invention relates to a photovoltaic plant including a plurality of units each having at least one respective photovoltaic panel, a support structure of the plurality of units designed to support the latter at a distance from the ground (GR).

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.

A dual-axis hydraulic joint system includes a vertical shaft, a horizontal shaft, and a hydraulic system. The vertical shaft allows a yaw rotational motion and the horizontal shaft allows a pitch rotational motion, wherein the rotational motion of the vertical shaft and the horizontal shaft is controlled by the hydraulic system. In doing so, the hydraulic system manages a pressure value within a vertical shaft enclosure that holds the vertical shaft, and also manages a pressure value within a horizontal shaft enclosure which holds the horizontal shaft. The pressure value within the vertical shaft enclosure or the horizontal shaft enclosure is either increased or decreased to determine the rotational direction of the vertical shaft or the horizontal shaft. When used for solar panel direction control, the hydraulic system operates according to feedback received from a light-sensor unit, a first encoding unit, and a second encoding unit.

A single axis solar tracker includes two drive systems (motors) that both rotate a rotating shaft. The drive systems may be located about 16-25% from either longitudinal end of the rotating shaft.