Y02E10/47

Apparatus for converting motion
11592086 · 2023-02-28 · ·

An assembly for converting motion comprises a first arm and a second arm rotatable about first and second fixed pivots; a third arm pivotably connected to the second arm; a first connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the third arm; a second connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the second arm; and a locking assembly comprising a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member connected to one of the arms and engaging with the second locking member at one or more positions from the retracted position to the extended position. The assembly may comprise the guide assembly comprising a guide member and an engagement member moveably engageable with the guide member.

Torque tube coupler

A first embodiment of a torque tube coupler may include an outer body that includes a first abutting surface and a second abutting surface adjacent to the first abutting surface. Set screws may be inserted into one or more channels of the first abutting surface. Tightening the set screws may force the abutting surfaces away from each other and the outer body to press against an inner surface of a torque tube. Another embodiment of the torque tube coupler may include a central ring sized based on a size of a torque tube. The torque tube coupler may also include a set of fingers that extend away from a first side of the central ring and are shaped to flex radially outward. The torque tube coupler may include a core disposed within the set of fingers that, when drawn towards the central ring, causes the fingers to flex radially outwards.

Solar Panel Truss Mounting Systems and Methods
20180006596 · 2018-01-04 ·

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel truss mounting system comprising a base and a truss assembly coupled to the base. The truss assembly comprises a first panel rail mount, second panel rail mount parallel to the first panel rail mount, base rail mount parallel to the first and second panel rail mounts, and a plurality of support members. A first portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first and second panel rail mounts. A second portion of the plurality of support members extends between the first panel rail mount and the base rail mount. A third portion of the plurality of support members extends between the second panel rail mount and the base rail mount. The system can further comprise a plurality of connectors for coupling a plurality of photovoltaic solar panels to the truss assembly.

SOLAR ARRAY LIFTER AND METHOD
20180002147 · 2018-01-04 ·

A solar array lifting assembly and method. The device and method use a support pole, a pole bracket for supporting a solar array made up of a frame and solar panels, a pole bracket securing mechanism for securing the pole bracket at a predetermined height, and a lifting assembly for lifting the pole bracket and solar array along the support pole.

ROCK ANCHOR FOUNDATION STRUCTURE SUITABLE FOR MOUNTAIN PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE AND CONSTRUCTION METHOD OF ROCK ANCHOR FOUNDATION STRUCTURE
20180002885 · 2018-01-04 ·

The present invention relates to a rock anchor foundation structure suitable for a mountain photovoltaic module and a construction method of the rock anchor foundation structure. A technical solution of the present invention is as follows: the rock anchor foundation structure comprises a drill hole drilled in a rock slope, an anchor rod module arranged in the drill hole and a photovoltaic power station module. The photovoltaic power station module is connected with the anchor rod module through a hollow connecting steel pipe; the photovoltaic power station module comprises a bracket welded on the top of the hollow connecting steel pipe, a beam mutually hinged with the top of the bracket and a photovoltaic cell panel arranged at the upper part of the beam. The rock anchor foundation structure of the present invention is suitable for the technical fields of around treatment and foundation engineering design.

Roofing Grommet Forming a Seal Between a Roof-Mounted Structure and a Roof
20180013379 · 2018-01-11 ·

A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof haying a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Solar Assembly and Method of Forming Same
20180013378 · 2018-01-11 ·

Various aspects provide for a solar assembly. The solar assembly may be a mechanical structure that allows many small solar cells to be integrated into the wing design of an aircraft without placing them on the surface area of the wing or the vehicle. Additional aspects may provide for an adjustable solar assembly. The adjustable solar assembly may be configured to be installed into a structure having a structural profile. When installed, the solar assembly may conform to the structural profile such that the structural profile is maintained. The solar assembly may further comprise an adjustable carrier system comprising a plurality of solar cells attached thereto. The adjustable carrier system may be configured to dynamically adjust the orientation of the solar cells so as to maintain an optimal angle with respect to an external light source.

Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array

Tracking systems for adjusting a photovoltaic array are disclosed. In some embodiments, the tracking system includes an actuator that moves one or more links to cause the array to rotate. The tracking system may be disposed below a torque rail of the tracking system. The actuator may be a slew drive that retracts or extends the one or more links to cause the array to rotate.

Multiple actuator system for solar tracker
11711051 · 2023-07-25 · ·

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.

Fixed-tilt solar arrays and related systems
20230238914 · 2023-07-27 ·

Fixed-tilt solar arrays constructed from screw anchors. A row of truss foundation is installed, with each foundation consisting of a pair of adjacent angled truss legs. A truss cap or adapter joins the legs and provides a support structure to support a rail that in turn supports purlins extending between adjacent, spaced apart truss foundations. Solar panels are attached directly to the purlins using clamps or other conventional mounting systems.