Solar tracking device
An improved solar tracking arrangement is provided for directing a solar energy collector to face the sun. An electrical control mechanism is provided to detect misalignment of the collector as the sun traverses in relative movement across the sky. When the misalignment exceeds an adjustable limit of tolerance, the tracking system moves the collector to an orientation slightly in advance of the current position of the sun by an amount equal to the limit of tolerance. A threshold light level is required to activate the tracking system, and differential photosensors are employed, the composite signals of which compensate for variations in ambient light level so that the amount of surrounding illumination of the environment does not effect the preset limit of tolerance. The tracking system includes east and west limit switches, which reorient the collector to an eastward facing direction at the end of each day. A high temperature cut off is provided to direct the collector away from the sun when the operating temperature of the collector exceeds a predetermined limit of safety. For self-contained operation, photovoltaic cells are mounted on the collector to provide electricity for the tracking system.
- Assignee:
- American Solar Systems Inc
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4223214
- OSTI ID:
- 6944473
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 9 Jan 1978
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Tracking solar energy collector assembly