Solar tracking system

Abstract

A solar tracking system enables an array of solar panels to track a path of the sun. The system includes a main support arm ( 205 ) having a hub end and a distal end. A rotatable main hub ( 220 ) is attached to the hub end of the main support arm ( 205 ). A support frame ( 215 ) is rotatably attached to the distal end of the main support arm ( 205 ). A tie-rod ( 210, 610 ) includes a swivel end and a frame end, and the swivel end is rotatably positioned adjacent to the main hub ( 220 ). The frame end of the tie-rod ( 210, 610 ) is connected to the support frame ( 215 ) above the distal end of the main support arm ( 205 ), such that rotation of the main hub ( 220 ) causes a vertical orientation of the support frame ( 215 ) to change.

1 . A solar tracking system, comprising:
 a main support arm having a hub end and a distal end;   a rotatable main hub attached to the hub end of the main support arm;   a support frame rotatably attached to the distal end of the main support arm; and   a tie-rod having a swivel end and a frame end, the swivel end rotatably positioned adjacent to the main hub and the frame end connected to the support frame above the distal end of the main support arm, whereby rotation of the main hub causes a vertical orientation of the support frame to change.   
     
     
         2 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the tie-rod comprises a spring mechanism. 
     
     
         3 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the swivel end of the tie-rod is connected to tie-rod bracket extending from a centre post of the main hub, wherein the main hub is rotatable relative to the centre post. 
     
     
         4 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the support frame comprises a solar panel support frame. 
     
     
         5 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the main hub comprises a pulley or sprocket for causing rotation of the main hub. 
     
     
         6 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the solar tracking system further comprises an array including a plurality of main hubs supporting a plurality of support frames, wherein each main hub in the plurality of main hubs is attached to a central support rail. 
     
     
         7 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the swivel end of the tie-rod is connected to a rear pillar mount. 
     
     
         8 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 7 , wherein the solar tracking system further comprises a clamping sleeve for attaching the rear pillar mount to a support rail, and another clamping sleeve for attaching the main hub to the support rail. 
     
     
         9 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 7 , wherein a distance between the main hub and the rear pillar mount is adjustable. 
     
     
         10 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the solar tracking system further comprises a ball joint at the swivel end of the tie-rod and a ball joint at the frame end of the tie-rod. 
     
     
         11 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein a length of the tie-rod is adjustable. 
     
     
         12 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the solar tracking system further comprises an electric motor to power a drive cable or sprocket engaging the main hub. 
     
     
         13 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the electric motor is controlled by a timer or a position sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The solar tracking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the main support arm, the rotatable main hub, the support frame, and the tie-rod define a pivotable base mechanism.