Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic plant including a plurality of units each having at least one respective photovoltaic panel, a support structure of the plurality of units designed to support the latter at a distance from the ground (GR).

Abstract: A concentrator tube comprises a reflector portion having two walls; and an aperture closing an opening to the reflector portion. The aperture and the reflector portion extend longitudinally. The aperture is substantially flat relative to curvature of the reflector portion.

Abstract: A triangular extrusion is disclosed which reflects a significant portion of the light into the plant canopy. By the geometry of a triangular extrusion with reflective sides, only a small portion of the light is absorbed and most of the light is reflected into the canopy. An example shade and shadow minimizing extrusion luminaire for a plant canopy includes a reflector and a housing. The housing has two triangular shape ends The triangular shape is defined by angles selected to redirect light impinging on a face of the triangular shape ends of the housing, in both a downward and horizontal direction into the plant canopy without blocking or sacrificing the light.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a solar panel to a surface includes a mounting base that is supported on the surface. The mounting base defines an elongated opening that extends along an axis. A module mount can be coupled to the mounting base. The module mount includes a first mount portion that is received within the elongated opening of the mounting base such that the module mount is movable with respect to the mounting base along the axis. A second mount portion is coupled to the solar panel for mounting the solar panel to the surface through the mounting base.

Abstract: A sun tracking system for use with a solar panel is disclosed. The system has an actuator configured to cause a change in orientation of a solar panel; and a logic controller configured to control the actuator in accordance with a schedule so as to change the orientation of the solar panel. The schedule includes a set of times throughout a day when the orientation of the solar panel will be changed, an orientation of the solar panel being associated with each time. The schedule can include a set of target orientations of the solar panel, each target orientation being associated with a time of day, including: sunrise+1 hour, sunrise+4 hours, sunrise+7 hours, and sunrise+10 hours, where each of the four orientations of the solar panel is most direct with respect to the position of the sun at that time of day.

Abstract: A grid assembly intelligent photovoltaic power generation system includes a supporting unit, a separated composite stand secured on the supporting unit, a shaft with a square cross-section shape arranged on the separated composite stand and capable of rotating on the separated composite stand and a plurality of photovoltaic panels secured onto the shaft with a square cross-section shape and forming a single-row of photovoltaic panel grid; wherein in a condition that a plurality of the photovoltaic panel grids form a photovoltaic array, a certain distance is formed between each row of the photovoltaic panel grid.

Abstract: The present invention is a trough shaped solar concentrator and collector having its focal area and receiver located inside the trough structure below the trough aperture and having a unique dual section trough reflector with a combination of different underlying reflector geometries.

Abstract: The invention disclosure provides a hot water supply system and method thereof which can control a solar heating unit, a first heat-pump unit, a boiler unit, and an electric heater unit through a control unit to heat water. The control unit operates in a pre-heating period and a heating period after the pre-heating period. In the pre-heating period, the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit preheat water. In the heating period, the boiler unit further heats water coming from the solar heating unit and the first heat-pump unit to an exit temperature and stores water in the boiler unit and the electric heater unit so as to provide water to an outflow device. The invention integrates many water heaters in one system, so as to improve the efficiency of generation of hot water and achieve the objectives of energy conservation and carbon reduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflector for uniaxially concentrating thermal solar collectors, comprising an elastic panel and a means that introduces the oppositely directed bending moments from two opposite sides into the panel. The invention further relates to a receiver for highly concentrating thermal solar collectors, the receiver being arranged inside a protective casing, wherein the protective casing is radiopaque and has an opening that is sealed air-tight, through which opening the radiation can penetrate into the interior of the protective casing. One aspect of the invention relates to a sensor for uniaxially and biaxially concentrating thermal solar collectors, the sensor having a hollow body, in which a photoelectric cell is arranged and which has an opening, in which a transparent scattering element is arranged, wherein the outside of the hollow body is reflective to radiation.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a solar concentrator assembly. In one embodiment, a drive mechanism for a linear solar concentrator assembly which includes an elongate reflector support frame which is rotatable about an axis which is parallel to the length of the frame and is defined by a support for the frame includes: a first elongate arm fixable at one end to the frame for rotation about the axis with the frame; a second elongate arm rotatable at one end about the axis independently of the first arm; a first reversible linear drive device coupled between the second arm and the first arm which is operable to rotate the first arm about the axis relative to the second arm; and a second reversible linear drive device coupled between the support and the second arm which is operable to rotate the second arm about the axis.

Abstract: The tracking device of the present disclosure includes a platform, support structure, and a cylinder. The cylinder comprises a plunger, an interior space, an aperture, and a fluid within the cylinder. Forward actuation of the plunger within the interior space the fluid to be pushed through the aperture. The platform is operably connected to the plunger, so that movement of the plunger causes the platform to rotate about a pivot point of the support structure. The tracking device can have a solar panel connected to the platform. The tracking device can also be used in any application where tracking would be of use, such as for surveillance, or time-lapse photography.

Abstract: A solar concentrating system for concentrating sunlight by tracking the sun, including concentrator support structure, an annular track mounted on an upper surface of a base, the center of mass of the concentrator support structure being off-axis relative to curvature center of annular track, enclosures provided at comers and comprising a wheel positioned on the track, the enclosure connected to a piston connected to a guiding element placed on the track; a fastening element that when moved towards the track, the guiding element is fastened to the track, and when the fastening element is moved away from the track, the guiding element is released, when the first piston elongates or contracts, the first guiding element is fastened to the track, the second guiding element is released, the wheels of the enclosures rotate from a first location on the track to a second location, thereby rotating the concentrator support structure.

Abstract: A solar tracking system is disclosed. The tracking system includes a tube rotatable around its end-to-end axis. A first support is coupled to the tube at a first location of the tube, and is coupled with a first base. A second support is coupled to the tube at a second location of the tube, and is coupled with a second base. A translation mechanism is coupled with the tube and provided to change the position of the first support relative to the second support.

Abstract: A solar tracking device that uses thermal actuation to rotate a solar energy device to track movement of the sun for improved solar energy output of the solar energy device. Thermal actuation is generated by concentrating solar radiation using a solar collector and solar receiver. A medium that expands when heated is in thermal communication with the solar receiver and drives an actuator for rotating the solar tracking device to follow the movement of the sun. The medium may be a phase change material such as Paraffin wax. Rotational actuation may be performed using helical slots in a main housing and cam followers coupled to a shaft extended out of the main housing. At the end of the day, a combination of gravity and/or mechanical return forces may assist in returning the system to an initial position such that it is ready to receive solar radiation the next day.

Abstract: A protective transparent enclosure (such as a glasshouse or a greenhouse) encloses a concentrated solar power system (e.g. a thermal and/or a photovoltaic system). The concentrated solar power system includes one or more solar concentrators and one or more solar receivers. Thermal power is provided to an industrial process, electrical power is provided to an electrical distribution grid, or both. In some embodiments, the solar concentrators are dish-shaped mirrors that are mechanically coupled to a joint that enables rotation at a fixed distance about respective solar collectors that are fixed in position with respect to the protective transparent enclosure. In some embodiments, the solar collectors are suspended from structure of the protective transparent enclosure and the solar concentrators are suspended from the solar collectors. In some embodiments, the greenhouse is a Dutch Venlo style greenhouse.

Abstract: The solar-based power generator is a system for producing usable electricity from water, which is heated through concentration of ambient, environmental light. The generator includes a reservoir having an open upper end. The reservoir receives a volume of water therein. A convex lens is mounted on an upper edge of the reservoir. The convex lens covers the open upper end. A steam output port is in fluid communication with a steam-based electrical generator. The convex lens concentrates ambient light on the water stored within the reservoir, thus heating the water and to converting the liquid water to steam. Additionally, a methane-burning electrical generator is in communication with the reservoir. Pollutants in the water produce methane during heating and decomposition, which is burned by the methane-burning electrical generator.

Abstract: A solar panel mount that tilts the panel about one or more axes toward the direction facing the sun when it is shining, through the action of one or more mechanical means, each effecting tilt about at least one of the axes, and each responding to a particular direction of sunlight with respect to the base or panel, through directionally-sensitive solar radiation absorbing means. In one set of preferred embodiments the mechanical means are length-changing actuators in which a temperature-responsive working fluid drives levers to lift a side of the panel. In a second set of embodiments, the mechanical means are tension-changing actuators in which temperature-responsive folded springs retract to pull the panel to a side.

Abstract: In a solar generator, comprising a reflector and an electrohydraulic sun-position tracking device with at least one hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic control seat valve, the reflector can be guided via the control seat valve to follow in synchronism with the course of the sun continuously and uninterruptedly. The control seat valve for regulating a pressure medium flow permanently supplied to the hydraulic cylinder comprises a seat surface and a sealing surface permanently pressed against each other with variable contact pressure, with which the pressure medium flow can be generated as controlled leakage. The sealing surface is made of a material that can be deformed by contact pressure. In the control seat valve, the controlled leakage is set in a control position at least substantially without lifting movement exclusively by the relative material deformation of the sealing surface on the seat surface, which deformation is set via the contact pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in orientable solar panel array systems of the type of solar panel arrays comprising a plurality of panels (1) for capturing solar radiation, arranged on a bearing structure pivotally assembled with respect to a horizontal tube (3), which in turn is rotatably assembled on the end of a support column (2), the structure bearing the panels (1) comprising two parallel trusses (4) on which trusses a series of longitudinal profiles with a C-shaped cross-section are transversely arranged, on which longitudinal profiles sliding profiles (6) with a square cross-section having an open groove in the upper part are perpendicularly arranged, on which sliding profiles the panels (1) are fastened.

Abstract: A system for controlling the rotational position of a solar collector trough includes a hydraulic cylinder having an output end and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes at least one linkage member and a pair of pivot arms attached to the at least one linkage member. The pair of pivot arms is defined by a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each arm being pivotally attached to the at least one linkage member and the trough. The first and second pivot arms form respective parallel horizontal first and second pivot axes enabling the trough to be entirely movable over an angular range of motion extending over 180 degrees based totally on the linear movement of the output end of the hydraulic cylinder and in which an actuator control circuit controls the relative displacement of the cylinder output end.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source. In one embodiment, an apparatus for controlling angular position of a pivotable platform relative to a radiation source includes a frame, a thermal actuation element coupled to the frame, a pivotable platform positioned between the radiation source and the thermal actuation element so as to at least partially block energy from the radiation source from impinging on the thermal actuation element, and apparatus for pivoting the pivotable platform in response to a thermally controlled deformation of the thermal actuation element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar tracker having oleo-hydraulic cylinders that increase the rigidity of the system by keeping the two chambers of each cylinder pressurized, even while on stand-by. This makes the system more accurate, avoiding undesirable cylinder movement caused by oil compression. The system includes a circuit having at least one cylinder assembly (8,9), an oleo-hydraulic plant and a control system (5), wherein the oleo-hydraulic plant supplies the oil to the cylinders controlling the speed of movement of these latter, and the control system (5) supervises and controls the correct operation of the entire system and protects said system against possible accidents.

Abstract: A dual-exposure heat absorption panel is disclosed, which can be used in a solar receiver design. Generally, the heat absorption panel includes a tube panel through which a heat transfer fluid is flowed to absorb solar energy from heliostats that are focused on the tube panel. A structural support frame surrounds the tube panel. A stiffener structure runs across the exposed faces of the tube panel. The headers and other support structures on the periphery are protected by use of a heat shield. Different tube couplings are possible with this structure, as well as different stiffening structures at the headers. The heat shield can be shaped to create an open space, permitting focusing of sunlight on the edge tubes as well. A curtain can be used as an additional heat shield in certain scenarios.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar tracking system. The solar collector has a first end and a second end. The fulcrum is located between the first end and the second end of the solar collector. The solar collector revolves eastward or westward about the fulcrum. The water container is attached to the first end of the solar collector and has a water inlet and a water outlet valve. The first resilient member is secured to and supports an underside of the first end or second end of the solar collector. The first trigger switch is used to detect if the water container is empty of water to open the water input valve to supply water and close the water outlet valve. The second trigger switch is used to detect if the water container is full of water to close the water input valve and open the water outlet valve to drain water out of the water container.

Abstract: A solar radiation collector system may includes a gimbal with a rim that supports a solar radiation concentrator or collector assembly passing through the plane of the rim, and foundation structures that support and anchor the gimbal, allowing it to both rotate and be raised or lowered. One flexible structural member may support the gimbal rim and a second flexible structural device both anchors the rim and enables the gimbal-collector assembly to rotate around an axis parallel to the earth's polar axis providing the desired primary tracking motion following the daily apparent motion of the sun. Motion between the gimbal and the solar radiation collector assembly allows the assembly to follow the apparent seasonal motion of the sun, among other tasks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, in particular a heliostat or photovoltaic device, having a stand (12), having a carrier device (14) disposed thereon and mounted rotatably about an azimuth axis (36) on the stand (12) and comprising a rotary beam (18) on which a support frame (17) for receiving at least one reflector (16) or at least one photovoltaic module is pivotally disposed, so that the support frame (17) can pivot about an elevation axis (37), having a hydraulic drive controller (28) actuating at least one hydraulic lift cylinder (25, 26) for inducing the rotary motion about the azimuth axis (36) and at least one hydraulic lift cylinder (27) for inducing the pivot motion about the elevation axis (37), wherein at least one azimuth drive (34) comprising at least the one hydraulic lift cylinder (25, 26) actuating the rotary motion of the rotary beam (18) is disposed in the interior (44) of the rotary beam (18).

Abstract: Method for orientation of a solar panel device (3), wherein the solar panel device is oriented with respect to at least one axis (5), in a first direction and in a second direction, using energy from a first fluid reservoir (6) or a second fluid reservoir (8), the energy being provided by the solar radiation and the two reservoirs being independent, and wherein the solar panel device is oriented with respect to the axis (5), in the first direction or in the second direction, until a distributor valve (13, 14) prevents feeding of one of the actuator chambers by one of the chambers of a reservoir.

Abstract: A solar tracker includes a base having an upper surface, a collector support structure having a lower surface adjacent to the upper surface of the base, a conduit in fluidical communication with a space between the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the collector support structure, a pump for pumping fluid into or out of the conduit, wherein injecting fluid into the conduit forms a fluid layer between the collector support structure and the base, and a solar collector supported by the collector support structure.

Abstract: Solar tracker with a principal substructure comprising a series of posts between which sections of beams are arranged, joined by intermediate axles and which can turn in respect of a longitudinal axle; it is also provided with secondary substructures comprising a frame for attachment of the solar panels which rotate in respect of an axle transversal to the longitudinal and with connection parts between the frames and the beams, and in respect of which they are articulated, with the frames being activated by connecting rods joined to a common slide. The centre of gravity of the structure overall is arranged such that it is very close to the longitudinal axle, which facilitates its actuation, reduces wind sensitivity and facilitates erection in addition to being provided with a certain degree of longitudinal tolerance, which enables better use to be made of land, as it is possible to achieve greater power per square meter.

Abstract: A reciprocating solar engine includes a) a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which the platform is moveably positioned to reciprocally rotate through a predetermined arc b) a first solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on one side of the support and a second solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on a second side of the support; c) a connecting tube connecting the first container and the second container; d) a fluid contained within at least one of the first and the second container, the fluid being evaporable from solar heat and condensable from shading from solar heat; e) a roof above the platform, having at least one window of which is located above the first container and at least one window of above the second container; f) shuttering devices connected to the roof and movable so that one window is closed while the other is open and vice versa; and, g) shutter device controls functionally connected to the shutter device and the platform

Abstract: A solar tracking device that uses thermal actuation to rotate a solar energy device to track movement of the sun for improved solar energy output of the solar energy device. Thermal actuation is generated by concentrating solar radiation using a solar collector and solar receiver. A medium that expands when heated is in thermal communication with the solar receiver and drives an actuator for rotating the solar tracking device to follow the movement of the sun. The medium may be a phase change material such as Paraffin wax. Rotational actuation may be performed using helical slots in a main housing and cam followers coupled to a shaft extended out of the main housing. At the end of the day, a combination of gravity and/or mechanical return forces may assist in returning the system to an initial position such that it is ready to receive solar radiation the next day.

Abstract: A sun tracking system includes a reduction device of a servo motor, multiple shafts, multiple couplers, and at least two rows of cylinders and each row having at least two cylinders, a solar panel, multiple pivotal connection units and multiple sliding units. The reduction device of a servo motor drives the cylinders of the first and second rows of cylinders which drive other cylinders. The cylinders of the first row of cylinders are pivotably connected to the solar panel and the cylinders of the second row of cylinders are movably connected to the solar panel. By the cylinders of the same row moving upward or downward while the cylinders of the other row moving downward or upward, the panel is controlled to aim the sun.

Abstract: A solar thermal power system with associated heat exchanger, variable focus heliostat, and a heliostat stand with a pneumatic piston for shock absorption and positioning is disclosed. The heat exchanger is a solar receiver possessing a beveled bottom substantially perpendicular to the angles of the reflected light from the surrounding heliostats.

Abstract: One or more cables are attached to the ring-shaped heliostat tracker assembly to control a position of the heliostat mirror on the ring shaped heliostat tracker assembly by winding the one or more cables with a cable winder spool and a cable unwinder spool. The ring-shaped rail track couples to two or more wheels joined to a structure housing a heliostat mirror. One or more position encoders track the heliostat mirror to indicate a position of the heliostat mirror on the ring-shaped rail track.

Abstract: A reciprocating solar engine includes a) a seesawing platform having a central fulcrum support upon which the platform is moveably positioned to reciprocally rotate through a predetermined arc b) a first solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on one side of the support and a second solar heat-receiving closed container located on the platform on a second side of the support; c) a connecting tube connecting the first container and the second container; d) a fluid contained within at least one of the first and the second container, the fluid being evaporable from solar heat and condensable from shading from solar heat; e) a roof above and connected to the platform, having at least one window of which is located above the first container and at least one window of above the second container; f) shuttering devices connected to the roof and movable so that one window is closed while the other is open and vice versa; and, g) shutter device controls functionally connected to the shutter device

Abstract: A solar energy system including a pedestal defining a longitudinal axis, a frame that is supported by the pedestal and that is rotateable relative to the pedestal about the longitudinal axis, the frame including at least one solar device, and a wind vane operatively connected to the frame to urge the frame relative to the pedestal about the longitudinal axis in response to wind acting on the wind vane.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method for moving an object in two or more axes includes one or more fluid containers, each of which is directly or indirectly in physical contact with the object. A volume of a fluid is placed in the one or more fluid containers. The system further includes a fluid mover operably connected to the one or more fluid containers for moving the fluid into the one or more containers, and a fluid volume control for controlling the volume of fluid in the one or more containers. By changing the volume of fluid in the one or more containers, the containers are variably pressurized, thereby moving the object in one or more axis. The object may be supported at one or more pivot points that allow the object to be moved in multiple axes.

Abstract: A system for controlling the rotational position of a solar collector trough includes a hydraulic cylinder having an output end and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes at least one linkage member and a pair of pivot arms attached to the at least one linkage member. The pair of pivot arms is defined by a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each arm being pivotally attached to the at least one linkage member and the trough. The first and second pivot arms form respective parallel horizontal first and second pivot axes enabling the trough to be entirely movable over an angular range of motion extending over 180 degrees based totally on the linear movement of the output end of the hydraulic cylinder and in which an actuator control circuit controls the relative displacement of the cylinder output end.

Abstract: Increased utilization of solar power is highly desirable as solar power is a readily available renewable resource with power potential far exceeding total global needs; and as solar power does not contribute to environmentally harmful pollutants associated with fossil fuel power, such as unburned hydrocarbons, NOx and carbon dioxide. The present invention is motivated by the fact that heliostats are the single biggest cost element for utility-scale central receiver solar thermal powerplants. This invention provides a low-cost heliostatic mirror with protective inflation stabilizable surface element means for providing adverse weather performance & survival, where the inflation stabilizable surface element means include inflation stabilizable near-spherical surface element means and may include inflation stabilizable near-cylindrical surface element means.

Abstract: A solar energy alignment and collection system includes at least two solar energy receivers having a central focal point, with each of the at least two solar energy receivers generating an energy output. An actuation system is operatively coupled to the at least two solar energy receivers and is configured and disposed to shift the solar energy receivers along at least one axis. A control system, operatively linked to the solar receivers and the actuation system, senses the energy output of each solar energy receiver and shifts the actuation system along the at least one axis causing solar energy to be directed at the central focal point. When solar energy is directed at the central focal point, the energy output of each solar energy receiver is substantially identical.

Abstract: It includes at least one module with a concave reflecting mirror surface which concentrates the light radiation towards certain devices in order to then obtain electrical or other type of energy. It also includes means for orienting that mirror surface according to the position of the sun. It is characterised in principle in that each module comprises a thin lightweight laminar body with an arched structure which incorporates the concave mirror surface, this laminar body being associated with certain stiffening supports which stabilise and stiffen that arched structure in order to maintain this shape, said structure being supported on some ground with the interposition of guide means by which the arched structure at least tilts towards one side or the other depending on the light sensor or timer which activates a device that positions each module in real time with the required orientation according to the position of the sun.

Abstract: An actuated feedforward controlled solar tracker system including a sub-frame supporting at least one solar panel, a post supporting the sub-frame, and a linking mechanism connecting the sub-frame and post, where the linking mechanism includes a first axle, second axle and body member. The linking mechanism's first and second axles are disposed orthogonal to each other and are separated by the body member. The system includes at least two linear actuators, a rotational joint connecting the linear actuators and sub-frame, and a driver system that drives the actuators. Additionally, the system includes a feedforward control system including a computer that calculates desired positions of the linear actuators using multiple inputs and communicates with the driver system to drive the linear actuators, and a feedback control system that relays information gathered by sensor devices to the feedforward control system, where the feedforward and feedback control systems function in an integrated manner.

Abstract: Solar tracker with a principal substructure comprising a series of posts between which sections of beams are arranged, joined by intermediate axles and which can turn in respect of a longitudinal axle; it is also provided with secondary substructures comprising a frame for attachment of the solar panels which rotate in respect of an axle transversal to the longitudinal and with connection parts between the frames and the beams, and in respect of which they are articulated, with the frames being activated by connecting rods joined to a common slide. The centre of gravity of the structure overall is arranged such that it is very close to the longitudinal axle, which facilitates its actuation, reduces wind sensitivity and facilitates erection in addition to being provided with a certain degree of longitudinal tolerance, which enables better use to be made of land, as it is possible to achieve greater power per square metre.

Abstract: The tracker is formed by a structure (3) bearing a platform (1) carrying the solar panels (2) that varies both the azimuth and elevation orientation thereof in order to track the sun. This movement is achieved by means of two actuators (4) connected respectively to fixed points (P1o, P2o) on the ground and other vertices (P1, P2) of the platform (1), thereby causing the platform to rotate around a central support point “O” of the same. The distances (D1, D2) between the points which join the actuators (4) have a one-to-one relation with the rotation angles (?, ?) of the platform (1) around both perpendicular axes: an oblique fixed axis (O-Cl) and another axis (0-Az) that angularly varies the inclination thereof with respect to the first.

Abstract: A sun tracing device includes a power unit having an elevating element, a supporting plate carrying a photoelectric transformation unit, and an adjusting unit coupled to the power unit and the supporting plate. The power unit is used to lift/lower the adjusting unit, so that the adjusting unit can rotate and/or lift/lower the supporting plate.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device for moving at least one hydraulic consumer comprises at least one supply line, a discharge line or bypass line to which the hydraulic consumer is connected, and at least one pressure source and, optionally, a directional control valve. The line contains a dosing device for measuring a hydraulic medium dose by using a given compressibility of the hydraulic medium. The measured hydraulic medium dose either is supplied from the dosing device into the hydraulic consumer connected downstream or is discharged from the hydraulic consumer connected upstream into the dosing device. The dosing device comprises from upstream to downstream in series first and second blocking members which respectively can be switched into a leakage-free blocking position and into a through flow position, and a dead space between the blocking members. For dosing the hydraulic medium dose the blocking members are switched several times alternatingly.

Abstract: Coolant vapor pressure is used to generate a push force to adjust the azimuth angle of a solar panel without using a dedicated power supply.

Abstract: A heliostat having a frame structure for supporting a mirror. The frame structure is pivotable about at least one axis of rotation. A liquid ballast system is mounted on a side of the frame structure that is remote from the reflective surface of the mirror. The liquid ballast system includes at least two tanks, and an imaginary line between the tanks extends at an angle or perpendicular to the axis of rotation. An arrangement is provided for moving ballast liquid between the tanks in an actively controlled manner.

Abstract: A system (22) for orienting an object (28) relative to a base (24) to which the object (28) is rotatably coupled includes a braking surface (46) in fixed relation with the base (24). A brake (48) is engaged with the braking surface (46). A linear actuator (82) has a body (86) in fixed attachment with the object (28) via a strap member (84) and a coupling element (80). The linear actuator (82) also includes a rod (88) in fixed communication with the brake (48) through an elongate member (90) that flexes in response to a braking force (66) imposed on the braking surface (46) by the brake (48). The linear actuator is activated to generate linear motion (120) of the rod (88). The linear motion (120) of the rod (88) causes rotational motion (122) of the object (28). The strap member (84) is enabled to flex as the object (28) rotates.

Abstract: A solar tracking apparatus which is movable from a morning position to an evening position, the apparatus comprising a support means to which a solar device can be supported, a cylinder, the cylinder including a ram which is extendable from and retractable into the cylinder, an expansion chamber which forms part of or which is in fluid connection with the cylinder, a liquid in the cylinder and the expansion chamber, the liquid having a boiling point which is greater than the maximum operating temperature of the cylinder and the expansion chamber, a return means to cause the apparatus to be returned to the morning position, and rotation means associated with the ram to rotate the apparatus from the morning position to the evening position upon extension of the ram.