Device for supporting, aligning, and cooling a solar panel

Abstract

A device for solar panels and method allows seasonal tilting by human assistance for changes in sun angle above equator, and unassisted daily positioning east to west to east. A primary support member is fixed to the back of a typical solar panel, generally from corner to corner along a line of balance. This support member is elongated and enabled for rotation, with attached panel by rotation sleeves or pivots. Extensions of the rotation sleeves in connection with two posts are positioned on a polar axis. The posts are solidly fixed in the earth or a base. The rotation sleeve covering the longer post, closest to the pole, is manually adjusted and secured to change the angle of the collector with the equator. Stops are provided. A linear actuator is pivotally attached at an edge or corner of the solar panel with the other end attached to a post, which is pivotally attached relative to the ground or base. An electric motor is powered by batteries to drive the linear actuator. Control of the motor is regulated by programmed activation in response to time of day as maintained by an on board clock. The panel tracks the sun and at change of day returns to a preset position. Cooling of the solar panel is provided with subsurface air via infiltration gallery and distribution channels. Air moves by convection or with auxiliary fan.

1 . An apparatus for the support and movement of a solar panel, said apparatus consisting of: 
 an attachment member rigidly affixed to said solar panel along a balance line;    a first extension cover pipe acting in cooperation with first end of said attachment member, permitting rotation of said attachment member;    a second pipe acting in cooperation with second end of said attachment member, permitting rotation of said attachment member;    a first support member engaged with said first extension cover pipe providing adjustment axially, corresponding to change in slope of said solar panel;    a hydraulic actuator, first end of said hydraulic actuator pivotally attached to said solar panel, second end of said hydraulic actuator fixed to a third extension member; and,    control means directing movement of said linear actuator in response to time of day, causing rotation of said solar panel about said balance line.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said attachment member is oriented along a true polar alignment.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein, said balance line is the longest edge to edge distance of said solar panel.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said solar panel is rectangular.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said attachment member is fastened corner to diagonal corner of said solar panel.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , including battery power.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  6 , wherein said battery recharged by said solar panel.  
   
   
       8 . A cooling apparatus for a solar panel, said apparatus consisting of: 
 a series of heat conductive channels connected to the back of said solar panel, said channels open to the atmosphere at first end extension, said channels second end connected with manifolds;    said manifolds second end connected to a pipe;    said pipe extending below ground surface, connected with perforated pipe(s) located spatially directly beneath said solar panel; and,    said perforated pipes in contact with porous rock.    
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  including an electrically powered fan contained within said pipe.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  including said electrically powered fan with control means, said control means responsive to preset time of day.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  including said electrically powered fan to draw air from said porous rock, transporting said air to atmosphere at said first end extension of said conductive metal channels.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of claim of  10  including said electrically powered fan to draw air from atmosphere at said first end extension of said conductive metal channels, transporting said air to said porous rock.  
   
   
       13 . A solar panel support structure apparatus to reduce uplift wind forces on said solar panel and to improve cooling of underlying ground surfaces, said apparatus consisting of 
 a sheet;    said sheet supported diagonally along a pipe member, a first end of said pipe member attached to elevated corner of said solar panel, a second end of said pipe member attached to concrete footing;    noncoincident corners of said sheet with said pipe member fastened to tie down hooks anchored in concrete.    
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said sheet a weather resistant woven fabric.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said sheet a square shape.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said sheet a reflective surface.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein said sheet casts a shadow substantially beneath said solar panel.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein first extension cover pipe bends approximately 90 degrees, to describe a second section, said second section in cooperation with a pipe, said pipe constrained in concrete.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein a bolt restricts movement of said second section of said extension cover pipe with said pipe.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 19  wherein conductors from said solar panel are enclosed within said attachment member, said extension cover pipe, said pipe; and exiting beneath ground surface.