Abstract: A method of forming a module clamp of a photovoltaic module support structure may include cutting a folding pattern into a sheet of metal. The folding pattern may include one or more width-wise slits relative to the sheet of metal, one or more length-wise slits relative to the sheet of metal, and a hole. The method may include stamping one or more first features onto the sheet of metal to form a stamped sheet and folding the stamped sheet along the one or more width-wise slits and the one or more length-wise slits to form a preliminary module clamp. The method may include stamping one or more second features onto the preliminary module clamp to form the module clamp.

Abstract: A method may include positioning one or more PV module mounting devices along a length of a structural component. The method may include specifying one or more parameters related to fastening the PV module mounting devices to the structural component, the one or more parameters indicating a spacing between the PV module mounting devices. The method may include fastening, by an automated attachment equipment, the PV module mounting devices to the structural component based on the specified parameters and moving the PV module mounting devices fastened to the structural component to an assembly platform.

Abstract: A mounting assembly may include an arced connecting member that includes a first drive chain along a bottom surface of the arced connecting member, a second drive chain positioned adjacent to the first drive chain, and a third drive chain in a gap between the first and the second drive chains. The mounting assembly may include an intermittent-motion drive system that has a drive wheel with a nub extending from a lateral surface of the drive wheel, the nub being shaped to interface with notches included along the third drive chain. The intermittent-motion drive system may include a first and a second protrusion shaped to interface with surfaces of the first and second drive chains, respectively. Rotation of a drive axle extending through the drive wheel may affect rotation of the drive wheel, rotational movement of the nub extending from the drive wheel, and movement of the arced connecting member.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure address problems experienced in conventional tracking systems, including problems associated with inefficiencies created during diffuse light conditions. Embodiments disclosed herein address this problem by altering an angular orientation of PV modules during diffuse light conditions to ensure that the PV modules are in a position that more efficiently generates energy from diffuse irradiance.

Abstract: A method may include calculating a solar position of the Sun and a projected solar zenith (PSZ) relative to a position of a photovoltaic (PV) module. The method may include determining whether an orientation of the PV module is configurable to prevent shading of an upper substring of the PV module while shading a lower substring of the PV module. Responsive to determining that such an orientation is not configurable, the method may include determining whether the orientation of the PV module is configurable to prevent shading of both the upper substring and the lower substring. Responsive to determining that such an orientation is not configurable, the method may include determining whether the PSZ is within a maximum tracker angle range. A target tracker angle may be identified based on the PSZ and the maximum tracker angle range and used as a tracker angle control setpoint.

Abstract: A support device may include a body that includes a surface. The surface may be configured to physically engage with at least a first surface section of a torque tube. In addition, at least a second surface section of the torque tube may be configured to engage with a surface of an attachment structure. The body and the attachment structure may together define an aperture configured to receive the torque tube.

Abstract: A module mounting system may include a photovoltaic (PV) module frame including a mounting rail. The module mounting system may include a spring clip with a PV module frame interfacing element and a clip interfacing element. The spring clip may apply spring force via deformation to lock the PV module frame and a clip together. A second embodiment of the spring clip may include an upper component having one or more arms and a lower component having a central loop configured to rotate relative to each other and interface with the PV module frame or the mounting rail. A second embodiment of the module mounting system may include screwless clips including outer walls and inner walls coupled together as a continuous sheet of material. The screwless clips may couple to a respective mounting flange and a respective frame flange to lock the mounting purlin and the PV module frame together.

Abstract: Methods and systems stowing one or more photovoltaic (PV) modules based on a weather event forecasts are provided. In one embodiment, a method may include receiving a weather event forecast, such as a snow event forecast, for a location of a tracking system that includes a plurality of PV modules, determining that the weather event forecast for the location of the tracking system exceeds a threshold level of severity, and automatically positioning the plurality of PV modules at the location of the tracking system into a stow configuration. In some embodiments, the method may further require receiving confirmation of the weather event from a sensor at the location of the tracking system before positioning the PV modules in the stow configuration.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting system may include a module clamp that includes a central section that includes two first walls connected at the top of each first wall by a first connecting surface. The central section may have a first cross-sectional height corresponding to a height of each of the first walls and a first width corresponding to a distance between the two first walls. The module clamp may have ends that include two second walls connected at the top of each second wall by a second connecting surface in which each of the ends has a second cross-sectional height that is shorter than the first cross-sectional height and a second width that is wider than the first width. The central section may be connected to each of the ends such that the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are bridged and form a bowtie shape.

Abstract: A mounting system may include a frame associated with a power-generating device, the frame including an opening. The mounting system may include a bracket mounting assembly. The bracket mounting assembly may include a top member having a first surface, a clamp, and a single bolt passing through both the top member and the clamp such that the clamp moves along an interface between the first and a second surfaces as the single bolt is tightened. The clamp may include the second surface corresponding to the first surface, an arm projecting away from the top member, and a flange at least proximate a top of the arm. The flange may include an ear at the top of the arm and a tab on a bottom side of the ear projecting back towards the top member, the tab positioned to interface with the opening on the frame.

Abstract: A module mounting assembly that couples a PV module to a support structure is provided. The module mounting assembly may include a mounting bracket, a mounting pin, and a clamp. The clamp may be configured to couple the mounting bracket to the support structure and the mounting pin may be configured to couple the mounting bracket to the PV module. The mounting pin may have a number of features and designs that facilitate positioning the mounting pin within the openings and retaining the mounting pin in an installed state.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining a normal set point of a solar panel and a wind velocity measurement corresponding to wind that affects the solar panel. The method may include determining an allowable range of tilt angles according to a first lookup table that describes a relationship between the wind velocity measurement and the allowable range of tilt angles. The method may include identifying whether the normal set point of the solar panel is outside of the allowable range of tilt angles, and responsive to identifying that the normal set point of the solar panel is outside of the allowable range of tilt angles, determining a temporary stow set point. The method may include rotating the solar panel to the temporary stow set point.

Abstract: A method may include orienting a set of solar power units in a first position in which rows of solar power units are shaded by adjacent rows of solar power units; and monitoring energy generated by the set of solar power units over a window of time, that includes from when the set of solar power units are oriented in the first position until a sun angle corresponds to none of the rows being shaded by the adjacent rows. The method may include identifying a knee in energy generation during the first window of time, where the knee indicates a transition from higher to lower rates of change of energy generation at a given solar angle. The method may include plotting a trajectory of future orientation positions over time of the set of solar power units that include an orientation and time corresponding to the given solar angle.

Abstract: A method may include positioning one or more PV module mounting devices along a length of a structural component. The method may include specifying one or more parameters related to fastening the PV module mounting devices to the structural component, the one or more parameters indicating a spacing between the PV module mounting devices. The method may include fastening, by an automated attachment equipment, the PV module mounting devices to the structural component based on the specified parameters and moving the PV module mounting devices fastened to the structural component to an assembly platform.

Abstract: A solar tracker assembly is provided which includes a support column, a torque tube or torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torque tube or torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torque tube or torsion beam, and a spring counter-balance assembly connected to the torque tube or torsion beam. An exemplary spring counter-balance assembly comprises a bearing housing and a bushing disposed within the bearing housing and configured to be slideably mounted onto the torque tube or torsion beam, and one or more compressible cords made of a flexible material. The compressible cords are located between the bushing and the bearing housing and provide damping during rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly.

Abstract: A mounting assembly may include an arced connecting member that includes a first drive chain along a bottom surface of the arced connecting member, a second drive chain positioned adjacent to the first drive chain, and a third drive chain in a gap between the first and the second drive chains. The mounting assembly may include an intermittent-motion drive system that has a drive wheel with a nub extending from a lateral surface of the drive wheel, the nub being shaped to interface with notches included along the third drive chain. The intermittent-motion drive system may include a first and a second protrusion shaped to interface with surfaces of the first and second drive chains, respectively. Rotation of a drive axle extending through the drive wheel may affect rotation of the drive wheel, rotational movement of the nub extending from the drive wheel, and movement of the arced connecting member.

Abstract: A module mounting system may include a photovoltaic (PV) module frame including a mounting rail. The module mounting system may include a spring clip with a PV module frame interfacing element and a clip interfacing element. The spring clip may apply spring force via deformation to lock the PV module frame and a clip together. A second embodiment of the spring clip may include an upper component having one or more arms and a lower component having a central loop configured to rotate relative to each other and interface with the PV module frame or the mounting rail. A second embodiment of the module mounting system may include screwless clips including outer walls and inner walls coupled together as a continuous sheet of material. The screwless clips may couple to a respective mounting flange and a respective frame flange to lock the mounting purlin and the PV module frame together.

Abstract: A test system is disclosed for facilitating analysis and evaluation of medical performance of ultrasonic examination equipment, including ultrasonic imaging systems, Doppler ultrasonic systems and ultrasonic color flow mapping systems. The test system is employed while the ultrasonic examination system is operating. A test transducer apparatus is positioned at a location at which it receives incident ultrasonic energy from the examination system. Receiver and analyzer circuitry senses and identifies characteristics of the incident ultrasonic energy being produced by the examination system, and electronically produces signals representing these sensed characteristics. A storage device is provided to preserve representations of these characteristics.