Solar Tracking System

Abstract

A solar tracking apparatus comprises an array frame assembly adapted to support at least one solar collecting product, rotation means to enable the array frame assembly to rotate to at least track the sun from east to west over a fixed primary axis of rotation, and adjustment means to enable the array frame assembly to be adjusted relative to the primary axis of rotation to allow for seasonal changes in the sun's elevation and changes in the sun's declination throughout each day.

1 . A solar tracking apparatus comprising:
 an array frame assembly adapted to support at least one solar collecting product, having opposed ends,   rotation means comprising a pair of spaced apart drive members to enable the array frame assembly to rotate to at least track the sun from east to west along an inclined primary axis of rotation, the opposed ends of the array frame assembly being proximal to the drive members, and   adjustment means to enable the array frame assembly to be adjusted relative to the primary axis of rotation to allow for seasonal changes in the sun's elevation and changes in the sun's declination throughout each day,   the adjustment means being operable towards one or both ends of the array frame assembly and comprising a first part connected relative to each drive member and a second part adjustably connected to the first part to enable the adjustment of the array frame assembly relative to the primary axis of rotation.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first part comprises a sub frame assembly adapted to hold the array frame assembly in a desired position and orientation. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the drive members comprise two rotatable shafts, supporting each end of the sub frame assembly, the shafts having an axis of rotation defining the primary axis of rotation. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , including a support frame assembly adapted to support the rotatable shafts in a longitudinal orientation with a polar end of the support structure being at a higher elevation relative to the support structure at an equatorial end, a line between the rotatable shafts comprising the primary axis of rotation. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the array frame assembly is provided with opposed distal ends, and the adjustment means enables the distal ends to be moved over a secondary east-west axis line at noon, such that when one distal end moves down the other distal end moves up and, when the desired position is achieved, the array frame is locked into position. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the east-west axis line is approximately midway along the array frame assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the array frame assembly is locked into position against the sub frame assembly by a first lockable bracket fixed centrally at the equatorial end of the array frame and a second lockable bracket fixed adjacent the polar end of the array frame, both lockable brackets adapted to lock onto the sub frame. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 7 , additionally comprising a pair of bracing members attached at each end of the array frame assembly and near the corners of the array frame assembly and projecting below the array frame assembly and having a lockable bracket attached to a lower end of the bracing members and which is adapted to lock onto the sub frame when the fixed lockable brackets are not proximal to the sub frame. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the sub frame assembly comprises a rigid member having an upward facing generally concave shape, which is suspended between the drive members in a north-south orientation. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , including a first and second pair of supporting members straddling the approximate middle of the sub frame assembly and forming a double V-shape when viewed from either end, converging upper ends of the supporting members pivotally supporting each side of the array frame assembly at support points, a line between the support points representing the secondary east-west axis over which the distal ends of the array frame can be moved up or down. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the first pair of supporting members are adjustable in length with the second pair of supporting members being pivotal at the point of attachment to the sub frame assembly such that lengthening the first pair of support members pushes the array frame assembly away in an arc. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a downward projecting member fixed longitudinally under the array frame onto which at least two wheels and at least three guides are fixed, the wheels able to ride on an upwardly facing semicircular sub frame rail causing the ends of the array frame assembly to be offset oppositely relative to the primary axis of rotation and then locked in the desired position on the sub frame assembly with the guides having the function of fixed lockable brackets. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the ends of the array frame assembly can be oppositely offset away from the primary axis of rotation, the angle of inclination of the array face adapted to be varied with or without the ends being equally offset. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , comprising arms at both ends of the array frame assembly, the arms adapted to pivot at points of attachment to the array frame assembly and having pivotal elbows between the array frame assembly and drive members, the arms being lockable in the desired position by an additional locking arm. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2 , further including a support frame assembly to support each end of the sub frame assembly or the array frame assembly, the support frame assembly at one end being taller than the support frame assembly at the other end, the support frame assembly adapted to be fixed to a support surface. 
     
     
         16 . A solar tracking system comprising a first apparatus, and a second apparatus, the first apparatus and the second apparatus being aligned longitudinally in a north-south alignment, and a longitudinal drive system interconnecting the first apparatus and the second apparatus such that rotation of one apparatus will cause rotation of the second apparatus. 
     
     
         17 . The system as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the longitudinal drive system includes a torque shaft which is operatively associated with the drive shaft of one apparatus and operatively associated with the drive shaft of the other apparatus such that rotation of the torque shaft will cause rotation of each drive shaft. 
     
     
         18 . A solar tracking system comprising a first apparatus, and a second apparatus, the first apparatus and the second apparatus being in a lateral orientation, and a lateral drive system interconnecting the first apparatus and the second apparatus such that rotation of one apparatus will cause rotation of the second apparatus. 
     
     
         19 . The system as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein the lateral drive system comprises at least one reciprocating elongate member operatively connected to the solar tracking apparatus via a rod which is pivotally attached to the elongate member and the apparatus. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . (canceled)