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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Centerless-drive solar collector system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5862937

A parabolic-trough solar collector system is disclosed, with each collector driven to track the sun using a ring driven in centerless fashion. The parabolic troughs are made of laminated plywood or molded or formed of plastics or metals. The drive motor moves a flexible belt, i.e., chain or cable, which is routed about the drive ring on each collector. The motion of the cable moves all drive rings together to track the sun. A photodetector senses the position of the sun and provides the signal needed to drive the collectors in the correct direction.

Assignee:
IFI; EDB-86-100640
Patent Number(s):
US 4559926
OSTI ID:
5862937
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English