Torque limiter devices, systems and methods and solar trackers incorporating torque limiters

    公开(公告)号:US10042030B2

    公开(公告)日:2018-08-07

    申请号:US15437488

    申请日:2017-02-21

    Inventor: Ronald P. Corio

    Abstract: A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

    Mounting bracket assemblies and methods
    2.
    发明授权
    Mounting bracket assemblies and methods 有权
    安装支架组件和方法

    公开(公告)号:US09281778B2

    公开(公告)日:2016-03-08

    申请号:US14044704

    申请日:2013-10-02

    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly comprises a flexible body including at least one top member and a flexible angled bottom member connected to the top member. The flexible body defines a beam insertion aperture between the top member and the bottom member. The mounting bracket assembly further comprises at least one clamp attached to the top member. The mounting bracket assembly may further comprise a threaded rod running through the at least one top member and a clamping nut securing the threaded rod to the top member such that rotating the clamping nut compresses the top member and grounds an electricity generating device such as a photovoltaic module. The mounting bracket assembly may further comprise an integral grounding device disposed adjacent the top member to electrically ground the electricity generating device.

    Abstract translation: 安装支架组件包括柔性主体,该主体包括连接到顶部构件的至少一个顶部构件和柔性倾斜的底部构件。 柔性体在顶部构件和底部构件之间限定一个梁插入孔。 安装支架组件还包括附接到顶部构件的至少一个夹具。 安装支架组件还可以包括穿过至少一个顶部构件的螺纹杆和将螺杆固定到顶部构件的夹紧螺母,使得夹紧螺母的旋转压缩顶部构件并将发电装置如光伏 模块。 安装支架组件还可以包括与顶部构件相邻设置的一体式接地装置,以使发电装置电接地。

    TORSION LIMITER DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS AND SOLAR TRACKERS INCORPORATING TORSION LIMITERS
    3.
    发明申请
    TORSION LIMITER DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS AND SOLAR TRACKERS INCORPORATING TORSION LIMITERS 有权
    扭矩限制装置,系统和方法以及装有扭矩限制器的太阳追踪器

    公开(公告)号:US20150234031A1

    公开(公告)日:2015-08-20

    申请号:US14624930

    申请日:2015-02-18

    Inventor: Ronald P. Corio

    Abstract: A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.

    Abstract translation: 太阳能跟踪器组件包括支撑柱,连接到支撑柱的扭力梁,连接到扭转梁的安装机构,连接到扭力梁的驱动系统以及连接到驱动系统的输出的扭力限制器。 当外力导致驱动系统上的扭转水平超过预定极限时,扭力限制器便于太阳能跟踪器组件在扭转方向上的旋转运动,从而允许外力围绕延伸的枢转轴线旋转 通过扭转梁。 示例性实施例还包括对准多行太阳能跟踪器的方法。

    MOUNTING ASSEMBLIES, SOLAR TRACKERS, AND RELATED METHODS
    4.
    发明申请
    MOUNTING ASSEMBLIES, SOLAR TRACKERS, AND RELATED METHODS 审中-公开
    安装组件,太阳能跟踪器及相关方法

    公开(公告)号:US20130269753A1

    公开(公告)日:2013-10-17

    申请号:US13864008

    申请日:2013-04-16

    Inventor: Ronald P. Corio

    Abstract: Mounting assemblies, solar trackers, and methods of reducing the torque load of a solar tracker are provided. A mounting assembly comprises at least one support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, and a mounting rack attached to the torsion beam. A longitudinal pivot axis extends through the torsion beam. The mounting rack has a substantially flat mounting surface and a curved rear surface such that a weight of one or more components mounted thereto is shifted toward the pivot axis.

    Abstract translation: 提供了安装组件,太阳能跟踪器和减少太阳能跟踪器的扭矩负载的方法。 安装组件包括至少一个支撑柱,连接到支撑柱的扭转梁和连接到扭转梁的安装架。 纵向枢转轴线延伸穿过扭转梁。 安装架具有基本平坦的安装表面和弯曲的后表面,使得安装在其上的一个或多个部件的重量朝向枢转轴线移动。

    Single Axis Solar Tracking System
    5.
    发明申请
    Single Axis Solar Tracking System 有权
    单轴太阳能跟踪系统

    公开(公告)号:US20080308091A1

    公开(公告)日:2008-12-18

    申请号:US12137764

    申请日:2008-06-12

    Inventor: Ronald P. Corio

    Abstract: A solar tracking system with a torque tube supporting solar panels. Columns support the system and have bearings for rotation of the torque tube. A drive is coupled to the torque tube and is driven by a gearbox, such as a worm gear assembly, for rotating the array of solar panels to follow the sun's diurnal motion. The array can rotate in an opposite direction, or backtrack, to prevent shadowing from one module row to another. Multiple gearboxes can be mechanically linked by drive shafts and driven by a single motor. The drive shafts may incorporate universal joints for uneven terrain or staggered configurations. Harmonic dampers can be affixed to the solar panels to decouple wind forces which allows the use of larger solar panels.

    Abstract translation: 具有支撑太阳能电池板的扭矩管的太阳跟踪系统。 立柱支撑系统并具有用于转矩管旋转的轴承。 驱动器联接到扭矩管并且由齿轮箱(例如蜗轮组件)驱动,用于旋转太阳能电池板阵列以跟随太阳的日间运动。 阵列可以沿相反的方向旋转或回溯,以防止从一个模块行到另一个模块的阴影。 多个变速箱可以通过驱动轴机械连接并由单个电机驱动。 驱动轴可以包括用于不平坦地形或交错配置的万向节。 谐波阻尼器可以固定在太阳能电池板上,以分离风力,从而允许使用较大的太阳能电池板。

    Single axis solar tracking system

    公开(公告)号:US09631840B2

    公开(公告)日:2017-04-25

    申请号:US13895117

    申请日:2013-05-15

    Inventor: Ronald P. Corio

    Abstract: A solar tracking system with a plurality of tracking assemblies moved by a single motor. A method and system that prevents overloading the motor or tripping a circuit breaker due to an obstructed or impeded tracker includes sensing movement of the tracker assemblies and entering into obstruction clearing modes. Obstruction clearing mode 1 (OCM1) is a high frequency adjustable mode that prompts movement for an adjustable period of time. If movement commences, the system returns to a normal mode. If there is no movement, the system enters into an obstruction clearing mode 2 (OCM2) with is an adjustable lower frequency series of attempts. If there is no movement, no further attempts are made. Each of these steps are monitored and controlled remotely. There are two types of secure connections for drivelines, torque tubes or affixing driveline linkages for high torque conditions.

    Single axis solar tracking system
    7.
    发明授权
    Single axis solar tracking system 有权
    单轴太阳能跟踪系统

    公开(公告)号:US08459249B2

    公开(公告)日:2013-06-11

    申请号:US12137764

    申请日:2008-06-12

    Inventor: Ronald P. Corio

    Abstract: A solar tracking system with a torque tube supporting solar panels. Columns support the system and have bearings for rotation of the torque tube. A drive is coupled to the torque tube and is driven by a gearbox, such as a worm gear assembly, for rotating the array of solar panels to follow the sun's diurnal motion. The array can rotate in an opposite direction, or backtrack, to prevent shadowing from one module row to another. Multiple gearboxes can be mechanically linked by drive shafts and driven by a single motor. The drive shafts may incorporate universal joints for uneven terrain or staggered configurations. Harmonic dampers can be affixed to the solar panels to decouple wind forces which allows the use of larger solar panels.

    Abstract translation: 具有支撑太阳能电池板的扭矩管的太阳跟踪系统。 立柱支撑系统并具有用于转矩管旋转的轴承。 驱动器联接到扭矩管并且由齿轮箱(例如蜗轮组件)驱动,用于旋转太阳能电池板阵列以跟随太阳的日间运动。 阵列可以沿相反的方向旋转或回溯,以防止从一个模块行到另一个模块的阴影。 多个变速箱可以通过驱动轴机械连接并由单个电机驱动。 驱动轴可以包括用于不平坦地形或交错配置的万向节。 谐波阻尼器可以固定在太阳能电池板上,以分离风力,从而允许使用较大的太阳能电池板。

    Combustion ignitor
    8.
    发明授权
    Combustion ignitor 失效
    燃烧点火器

    公开(公告)号:US5371436A

    公开(公告)日:1994-12-06

    申请号:US459904

    申请日:1990-01-02

    CPC classification number: H01T13/04

    Abstract: An ignitor (118) comprises a body portion (120) connected with an electrical supply cable (122) and an electrode portion (124) removably mounted within the body portion (120). The body portion (120) includes a capacitor defined by an outer, electrically conductive shell (126) of the body portion, and an inner, tubular capacitor plate (134). The inner, tubular capacitor plate (134) is held within the body portion (120) by means of a connector assembly (132) which is held in place by a dielectric potting compound (136).

    Abstract translation: 点火器(118)包括与电源电缆(122)连接的主体部分(120)和可移除地安装在主体部分(120)内的电极部分(124)。 主体部分(120)包括由主体部分的外部导电外壳(126)和内部管状电容器板(134)限定的电容器。 内部管状电容器板(134)通过连接器组件(132)保持在主体部分(120)内,该连接器组件通过电介质封装化合物(136)保持在适当的位置。

    SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM
    9.
    发明申请
    SINGLE AXIS SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM 有权
    单轴太阳能追踪系统

    公开(公告)号:US20160231027A9

    公开(公告)日:2016-08-11

    申请号:US13895117

    申请日:2013-05-15

    Inventor: Ronald P. Corio

    Abstract: A solar tracking system with a plurality of tracking assemblies moved by a single motor. A method and system that prevents overloading the motor or tripping a circuit breaker due to an obstructed or impeded tracker includes sensing movement of the tracker assemblies and entering into obstruction clearing modes. Obstruction clearing mode 1 (OCM1) is a high frequency adjustable mode that prompts movement for an adjustable period of time. If movement commences, the system returns to a normal mode. If there is no movement, the system enters into an obstruction clearing mode 2 (OCM2) with is an adjustable lower frequency series of attempts. If there is no movement, no further attempts are made. Each of these steps are monitored and controlled remotely. There are two types of secure connections for drivelines, torque tubes or affixing driveline linkages for high torque conditions.

    Abstract translation: 具有由单个电机移动的多个跟踪组件的太阳跟踪系统。 防止由于阻碍或阻碍的跟踪器引起的电动机过载或断路器的方法和系统包括感测跟踪器组件的移动并进入障碍物清除模式。 障碍清除模式1(OCM1)是一种高频可调模式,可以在可调整的时间段内提示运动。 如果运动开始,系统返回正常模式。 如果没有移动,则系统进入阻塞清除模式2(OCM2),具有可调节的低频系列尝试。 如果没有动作,则不再进行尝试。 这些步骤中的每一个都被远程监控和控制。 有两种类型的传动系统,扭矩管或固定传动系连接用于高转矩条件的安全连接。

    MOUNTING BRACKET ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS
    10.
    发明申请
    MOUNTING BRACKET ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS 审中-公开
    安装支架组件和方法

    公开(公告)号:US20160190976A1

    公开(公告)日:2016-06-30

    申请号:US15063098

    申请日:2016-03-07

    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly is provided in which a mounting bracket includes a first attachable bracket piece and a second attachable bracket piece, a first fastener, a second fastener, and a third fastener. Each attachable bracket piece has a top member and a bottom member connected to the top member at an angle. The first clamp is attached to the top member of the first attachable bracket piece by the first fastener. The second clamp is attached to the top member of the second attachable bracket piece by a second fastener. The third fastener secures the bottom member of the first attachable bracket piece to the bottom member of the second attachable bracket piece. The mounting bracket defines a beam insertion aperture between the top members and the bottom members. The mounting bracket assembly may include a first integral grounding device located adjacent the top member of the first attachable bracket piece or adjacent the top member of the second attachable bracket piece. The first integral grounding device is configured to electrically bond a frame of an electricity generating device to the mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly may further include a second integral grounding device configured to electrically bond a torque tube to the mounting bracket assembly

    Abstract translation: 提供了一种安装支架组件,其中安装支架包括第一可附接支架件和第二可连接托架件,第一紧固件,第二紧固件和第三紧固件。 每个可连接支架件具有顶部构件和与顶部构件成一定角度连接的底部构件。 第一夹具通过第一紧固件附接到第一可附接支架件的顶部构件。 第二夹具通过第二紧固件附接到第二可连接支架件的顶部构件。 第三紧固件将第一可附接支架件的底部件固定到第二可连接支架件的底部件上。 安装支架在顶部构件和底部构件之间限定一个梁插入孔。 安装支架组件可以包括位于第一可附接支架件的顶部构件附近或邻近第二可附接支架件的顶部构件的第一整体接地装置。 第一集成接地装置被配置为将发电装置的框架电连接到安装支架组件。 安装支架组件还可以包括构造成将扭矩管电连接到安装支架组件的第二整体接地装置

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