Abstract

A system for collecting precipitation falling on a solar canopy structure. The solar panels arranged in rows. Each row is tilted increasing sun exposure for solar energy collection. The rows are arranged such that two rows face each other forming a V-shape. Pairs of rows tilted towards each other are arranged together. A gutter is installed at the bottom of each “V” formed by two rows. The gutters collect precipitation, such as rain, snow, and ice that runs off of the solar panels. The gutter system collects the precipitation from each gutter and delivers the precipitation to the ground system. Various means are used for preventing precipitation from falling between the upper meeting point of two rows that meet on the higher side, including gaskets and additional gutters.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24S 40/44 - Draining rainwater or condensation
• F24S 25/12 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface using posts in combination with upper profiles

Abstract

A system for collecting precipitation falling on a solar canopy structure. The solar panels arranged in rows. Each row is tilted increasing sun exposure for solar energy collection. The rows are arranged such that two rows face each other forming a V-shape. Pairs of rows tilted towards each other are arranged together. A gutter is installed at the bottom of each "V" formed by two rows. The gutters collect precipitation, such as rain, snow, and ice that runs off of the solar panels. The gutter system collects the precipitation from each gutter and delivers the precipitation to the ground system. Various means are used for preventing precipitation from falling between the upper meeting point of two rows that meet on the higher side, including gaskets and additional gutters.

IPC Classes  ?

• E04D 13/18 - Roof covering aspects of energy collecting devices, e.g. including solar panels
• F24S 25/35 - Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules using elongate rigid mounting elements extending substantially along the mounting surface, e.g. for covering buildings with solar heat collectors forming substantially planar assemblies, e.g. of coplanar or stacked profiles by means of profiles with a cross-section defining separate supporting portions for adjacent modules
• F24S 40/44 - Draining rainwater or condensation

Abstract

A modular tracker system (10) that includes at least first and second tables (12a-b), or is continuous without the use of tables, includes a single motor driving the first and second tables (1 2a-b), first and second intra-table drive shafts (42a-b) and an inter-table drive shaft (16a). Each table includes a support structure (18a-b) including first and second mounting posts (20a-b, 22a-b), a frame (26a-b) supported by the support structure (18a-b), at least one solar panel (28) supported by the frame (26a-b), and first and second gearboxes (30a-d) being concentrically aligned for each table (12a-b). The first and second gearboxes (30a-d) are each configured to produce first and second outputs (68a-d, 50a-d). The first output (68a-d) has a first rotational speed, and the second output (50a-d) has a second rotational speed less than the first rotational speed, and is operatively coupled to the frame (26a-b). The inter-table drive shaft (16a) couples the second gearbox (30b) of the first table (12a) with the first gearbox (30c) of the second table (1 2b), whereby the first and second tables (12a-b) are rotated synchronously.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24J 2/54 - specially adapted for rotary movement
• F16C 1/02 - Flexible shaftsMechanical means for transmitting movement in a flexible sheathing for conveying rotary movements
• F16C 11/06 - Ball-jointsOther joints having more than one degree of angular freedom, i.e. universal joints