Abstract: A structure (26) for supporting an array (22) of solar panels (24) in a solar energy collection system (20) includes a support assembly (140) formed from a ganged pier (44). The ganged pier (44) includes a truss (68), a post (46) downwardly extending from the truss (68) for attachment to a footing (48), and posts (50) upwardly extending from the truss (68). The structure (26) further includes torsion tubes (34), each of which is pivotally retained by one of the posts (50) to form parallel rows (32) of torsion tubes (34). Multiple ganged piers (44) can be interconnected to increase the number of rows (32) of the system (20). The solar panels (24) are attached to the torsion tubes (34) to form the array (22).

Abstract: A DC power-generation array system (30) is made up of an array (32) of power-generation cells (36) arranged as N strings (38) of M cells (36) each. The system (30) incorporates an integral control apparatus (34) having N string units (52) and a single process unit (54). Each string unit (52) is coupled to one of the strings (38), and is made up of monitor module (72) to measure a string current (IS(X)) through that string (38), and a switching module (74) to switch that string (38) into and out of the array (32). The process unit (54) is made up of a processor (90) to evaluate the string currents (IS(X), and a data I/O module (98) to provide a remote monitoring and control of the system (30). The system (30) also has an interface unit (92) to provide local monitoring and control of the system (30). The processor (90) causes the switching modules (74) to couple or decouple strings (38) from array (32) under automatic, remote, and/or local control.

Abstract: A structure (26) for supporting an array (22) of solar panels (24) in a solar energy collection system (20) includes a support assembly (42) formed from a rigid subassembly (44). The subassembly (44) includes an elongated truss (68), a base (46) coupled to the truss (68) for attachment to a footing (48), and posts (50) extending from a top edge of the truss (68). The structure (26) further includes torsion tubes (34), each of which is pivotally retained by one of the posts (50) to form parallel rows (32) of torsion tubes (34). A number of rigid subassemblies (44) can be interconnected to further increase the number of rows (32) of the system (20). The solar panels (24) are attached to the torsion tubes (34) to form the array (22), and a drive mechanism (38) pivots the torsion tubes (34) via a single elongated actuator and multiple torque arms (90).

Abstract: A solar-energy conversion (SEC) array (24) and method of operation are presented. The array (24) has an aim direction (48) substantially coincident with a solar direction (50) when the array (24) is operational. The array (24) is made up of an array-support structure (26), and a plurality of SEC clusters (28). Each cluster (28) is made up of a number of SEC units (44) and a single cell-support structure (32). Each SEC unit (44) is made up of a concave mirror (30) coupled to the array-support structure (26), and a cell assembly (34). The cell assembly (34) is made up of a cell housing (68) containing an SEC cell (72), and a passive heat-extraction unit (70) thermally coupled to the cell (72) and configured to extract and dissipate heat. The cell-support structure (32) is made up of a support column (56) coupled to the array-support structure (26), and individual support arms (60) coupling each of cell assemblies (34) to the support column (56).

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.