WO2023132806A1

WO2023132806A1 - Solar tracking system

Info

Publication number: WO2023132806A1
Application number: PCT/TR2022/051340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yunus Emre YAŞAR
Original assignee: Yasar Yunus Emre
Priority date: 2022-01-07
Filing date: 2022-11-23
Publication date: 2023-07-13
Also published as: WO2023132806A4; TR2022000204A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a solar tracking system (1) with one degree of freedom that enables the solar panels (5) to be aligned according to the position of the sun during the day.

Description

SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to solar energy. In more detail, though not exclusively, it is particularly a solar tracking system for aligning photovoltaic panels to the sun during the course of the day.

It is a solar tracking system that can be used on open land, flat roofs, and floating systems in order to optimize efficiency and/or use of space, depending on the purpose and site structure, when multiple tracking systems act together in unison.

State of the Art

The most basic solar tracking systems used today are single-axis ones. These systems allow for rotating a series of solar modules around a fixed axis which makes the modules roughly orient towards the sun. The fixed axis of rotation of said uniaxial trackers may be at a vertical, horizontal, or inclined angle.

An exemplary design of a single-axis tracker that rotates a series of solar modules about a horizontal axis is disclosed in US8459249 B2 document. In this single-axis tracker design, multiple tracker units rotate in unison around a horizontal axis of rotation.

An exemplary design of a single axis tracker that rotates a series of solar modules at an inclined angle about an axis is disclosed in US7554030 B2. In this fixed tilt single-axis tracker design, multiple tracker units rotate in unison about an axis of rotation with a fixed inclination angle.

In both sample tracking systems, each tracker subassembly includes a structure that supports a series of solar modules that rotate around two fixed rotation elements that define the major rotational axis of each tracker. Drives and couplers connect different subsets of tracking units to force them to rotate together.

Horizontal single-axis tracking systems, exemplified in US8459249 B2, rotate roughly according to the diurnal motion of the sun. Thus, it is more efficient than fixed solar modules. However, these systems do not increase efficiency as much as other tracking systems since they are positioned horizontally on the ground at noon when the sun rays carry the most intense energy. In addition, these systems lose their functionality in regions located at angles greater than 45° north and 45° south latitudes.

Vertical single-axis tracking systems exemplified in US8242424 B2 rotate roughly according to the diurnal motion of the sun. Thus, it is more efficient than fixed solar modules. However, since these systems are positioned at a fixed inclined angle, they cannot provide sufficient efficiency increase during sunrise and sunset hours, which are expected to increase efficiency. In addition, these systems require more land use than horizontal single-axis tracking systems. Inclined angle single axis tracking systems, exemplified in US7554030 B2, provide a significant increase in tracking accuracy over prior art single-axis trackers that rotate about a fixed horizontal axis. However, the kinetic motion of these fixed inclination trackers rotating about an axis with an inclined angle causes a significant increase in self-shading losses between the solar modules of each tracker unit, resulting in increased land required for the facility. Also, solar modules are not mounted perpendicular to the axis of rotation since this affects their ability to rotate. They must be adjusted in line with the axis of rotation. In this case, these types of tracking systems are higher off the ground than others. This renders these systems both more vulnerable to wind and difficult to work on.

In addition thereto, there are also solar tracking systems, which are designed to track both the azimuth and altitudinal movements of the sun in the most accurate way, with the help of two discrete transmission systems, which are called dual axis trackers. However, the increase in efficiency remains very low due to the need for more complex mechanical and electronic parts of these systems than the others, the limitations caused by the nature of the movement in their design, and the increase in cost. In addition, they need a lot of space compared to others to fully meet the low energy sun rays at sunrise or sunset hours.

There is another system given in US10619891 B2 called 1.5 axis, claiming that by eliminating the negative aspects of the above-mentioned solar tracking systems, meeting the sun rays at the most optimized angle during the course of the day, optimizing land use, and that the system will be affected by the wind loads on it in the least possible way. However, this system, unlike the other systems given above, does work against the weight. In the related patent, there are two arms called lower and upper drive arms. While these arms change the azimuth angle of the system, they also change the tilt angle. However, due to the nature of the system, the axis on which the solar modules rotate during the change of inclination angles is not fixed and the center of gravity is not on a fixed axis. As a result thereof, the loads on both the connections of these arms and the respective drive unit increase.

In addition, in said 1.5 axis tracking system, the system is made horizontal to the ground in order to be protected from wind loads. However, this scenario does not provide complete protection, depending on the type and direction of the wind. In addition, there is no scenario in which this system can be adapted in the absence of land use restrictions or in regions located at angles greater than 45° north and 45° south latitudes.

The document numbered TR 2016/04750, which is another document in the state of the art, discloses a solar tracker with three-axis, high-precision, and is easy-to-install. This invention is an easy-to-install solar tracker that is designed for high-precision tracking of the sun in solar energy systems and that has middle (8), east (9), west (10), down (11), and up (12) light sensors moving on the third axis. Rapid focusing on the sun and perfect tracking are the main features thereof by means of the movable middle (8), east (9), west (10), down (11), up (12) light sensors on the third axis. It works without the need for any programming or computer connection. The invention works with the logic of sensing sunlight at different angles by moving east (9), west (10), down (11), and up (12) light sensors back and forth on the Z axis (third axis) controlled by the logic circuit. However, the 3-axis motion logic of said invention is quite different from our invention. In said invention, the position of the solar module is physically relocated directly on the X, Y, and Z axes, however, in our invention, there is no changing the height axially (by moving an entire solar module up/down). Instead, there are operations of rotation around a vertical axis and tilting right/left/down/up on a horizontal plane. Application flexibility is not provided for floating systems and roof uses where restrictions on land use are the main basis and/or more land use is required for cost reasons.

Objects of the Invention

The invention aims to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages or to find solutions to the situations in which the use of the mentioned systems is not appropriate. All mentioned systems are designed to be implemented in certain scenarios as mentioned. However, the diversity of solar energy use and related applications leads to the need for an alternative photovoltaic solar tracker system that positively addresses the above-listed limitations of prior art single and dual axis tracking systems.

The main object of the present invention is to follow the movement of the sun during the course of the day by adjusting it in order to optimize land use and/or yield increase.

Another object of the present invention is to present a solar tracking system that increases efficiency by directing the solar panels according to their movement from sunrise to sunset.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sun tracking system that can be used effectively in positions at angles greater than 45° north and 45° south latitudes.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solar tracking system that optimizes the movement of the sun, land use, and/or yield increase during the day and increases efficiency by occupying less space.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solar tracking system that does not cause losses by shadowing the solar panels on each other.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solar tracking system that is protected against possible wind effects by reducing its distance from the ground and is easy to intervene and operate.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solar tracking system suitable for open terrain, flat roofs, and floating systems.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sun tracking system that is in a geometric orthogonality relationship with the sun rays when it is moved to the angular rotation limits at the desired angle in its position at sunrise and sunset, and/or its sunrise-to-sunset position, and/or its noon position. For this relation, the distance of the steering arm and/or the distance from the point where the support structure connects to the supporting shaft, where the steering arm connects to the support structure, and/or the distance between the point where the supporting structure connects to the ground and the point where the steering arm connects to the ground, and/or the height of the steering arm from the ground relative to the carrier structure are arranged.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solar tracking system that has parts that allow the length of the steering arm to be adjusted to receive the sun rays at a more accurate angle according to summer and winter months.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide drivers with a solar tracking system that has an operating mechanism in order to move more than one solar tracking system in unison.

Structural and characteristic features of the present invention as well as all advantages thereof will become apparent through the figures described below and by means of the detailed description written by making references to these figures, and therefore, the necessary evaluation should be conducted by taking said figures and the detailed description into consideration.

The Figures to Assist in Understanding the Invention

1. Figure 1 illustrates the various directional and isometric views of the solar tracking system of the present invention.

2. Figure 2A illustrates the various directional, sectional, and isometric views of the supporting structure of the solar tracking system of the present invention.

3. Figure 2B illustrates the various directional, sectional, and isometric views of the carrier pole of the solar tracking system of the present invention.

4. Figure 2C illustrates the various directional, sectional, and isometric views of the carrier structure of the solar tracking system of the present invention.

5. Figure 3 illustrates the various directional, sectional, and isometric views of the steering arm of the solar tracking system of the present invention.

6. Figure 4 illustrates the side views of the solar tracking system of the present invention when the length and/or position of the steering arm of the solar tracking system of the present invention is changed.

7. Figure 5A illustrates the front and top views of the solar tracking system of the present invention, in an example where the length and/or position of the steering arm of the solar tracking system of the present invention is adjusted to increase efficiency.

8. Figure 5B illustrates the front and top views of the solar tracking system of the present invention in an example where the length and/or position of the steering arm of the solar tracking system of the present invention is adjusted to reduce land use.

9. Figure 6A illustrates the front and top views of a group of solar tracking systems that are the subject of the invention in an example where the length and/or position of the steering arm of the solar tracking system of the present invention is adjusted to reduce land use.

10. Figure 6B illustrates the front and top views of a group of solar tracking systems that are the subject of the invention, in an example where the length and/or position of the steering arm of the solar tracking system of the present invention is adjusted to increase efficiency.

11. Figure 7 is various views of the inventive solar tracking system's suitability for rough terrain installation in order to increase space utilization and/or efficiency.

Description of the References of the Parts

1. Solar Tracking System

5. Solar Panel

10. Supporting Structure

100. Construction

110. Fastener

120. Clamping

20. Carrier Pole 21. First Rotational Axis

22. Second Rotational Axis

200. Lower Shaft

210. Upper Shaft Bearing

220. Upper Shaft

230. Pole

30. Carrier Structure

300. Carrier Leg

310. Lower Shaft Bearing

40. Steering Arm

411. First Joint Rotational Axis

412. Second Joint Rotational Axis

413. Third Joint Rotational Axis

414. Fourth Joint Rotational Axis

415. Fifth Joint Rotational Axis

400. Arm

420. Upper Joint Set

421. First Joint

422. Second Joint

423. Third Joint

430. Lower Joint Set

431. Fourth Joint

432. Fifth Joint

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the nature and scope of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments given by way of example or description and described without limitation including those shown in the drawings or exemplified in the description. The scope of the present invention will be limited only by the claims. The present invention is essentially a solar tracking system (1) with a kinetic structure that will adapt to the azimuth and inclination angles of the sun, consisting of at least one tracking unit including a solar photovoltaic or solar heat solar module (2) aligned to the sun during the course of the day.

The views in Figure 1 show the topological structure of the solar tracking system (1), which enables the positioning of the solar module (5) that collects the sun ray according to the course of the sun during the day.

The solar tracking system (1) comprises a supporting structure (10) that allows for mounting said solar module (5).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said supporting structure (10) comprises the construction (100) on which said solar modules (5) are placed, and the clamping (120) that connects said solar modules (5) to the construction (10).

Said solar tracking system (1) comprises a construction (100) that is arranged so that solar modules (5) can be mounted thereon, a supporting structure (10) on which the solar module (5) will be mounted, that comprises clamping (120) to connect the solar modules to the construction, and fasteners (110) to connect this supporting structure (10).

The views in Figure 2 show the working styles of the sub-elements of the present invention and the axes they will work with: Said supporting structure (10) comprises a carrier construction (100) consisting of a beam, column, purlin, and fasteners to connect them to be adjusted according to the number of solar modules (5) to be carried.

Said solar modules (5) are mounted on said carrier construction (100) with clamping (120) arranged to prevent these solar modules (5) from moving in any direction. (Figure 2A)

The solar tracking system (1) further comprises the carrier pole (20), which carries said supporting structure (10) and enables the supporting structure (10) to rotate freely around the first rotation axis (21) which is the axis with which the support structure (10) is connected.

This tracking system (1) can be adjusted to move with the rotation of the carrier pole (20) about the second rotation axis (22), according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are also a transmission assembly that provides the transmission of the drive that will give the rotational movement to the carrier pole (20), and a shock absorbing damping system that reduces the wind effect on said transmission assembly. This embodiment may also include the drive mechanism connected to the drivers in order to control multiple solar tracking systems (1) from a single center simultaneously.

In the solar tracking system (1), there is also a carrier structure (30) that allows the carrier pole (20) to rotate freely around a second rotation axis (22) - preferably perpendicular to the ground and the first rotational axis (22)- by connecting said carrier pole (20) to the ground.

This tracking system (1) is fixed to the ground (for example, on a concrete structure) with said carrier structure (30) using traditional construction methods (embedded in concrete, with the help of dowels or studs, etc.).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there may be an upper shaft (220) that is located on the upper part of said carrier pole (20), that enables the connection of the supporting structure (10) with the carrier pole (20), and enables the support structure (10) to rotate around the axis where it is connected with the carrier pole (20), an upper shaft bearing (210) that is located on the upper part of the carrier pole (20), and that provides the bearing of said upper shaft (220), a lower shaft (200) that is located at the bottom of the carrier pole (20), and that enables the support structure (10) to rotate around the second rotation axis (22) which is the axis on which the carrier pole (20) is erected, and a pole (230) inside the carrier pole (20), which connects said lower shaft (200) with the supporting structure (10). In this embodiment, the fasteners (110) that provide the connection of said supporting structure (10) with the upper shaft (220) and said carrier structure (30) may comprise lower shaft bearing (310), which enables lower shaft (200) to be inserted. In addition, in this embodiment, there is a shock absorbing damping system that reduces the wind effect by being placed between said carrier pole (20) and lower shaft (200) and/or between said supporting structure (10) and upper shaft bearing (210).

When this solar tracking system (1) is adjusted to move with the rotation of the supporting pole (20) about the second rotation axis (22), according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the tracking system (1) can be adjusted to absorb the cyclical loads that will be on it by adding a shock absorbing damping system to the upper shaft (200) that will provide the connected rotational movement on the carrier pole (20).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the shock absorbing damping system can be adjusted to absorb the cyclical loads on the tracking system (1) by adding one or more movable elements.

This solar tracking system (1) comprises a carrier pole (20) comprising the upper shaft bearing (210) on which the upper shaft (200) that can rotate freely around the first rotation axis (21) will be seated, shaft (220) that can rotate freely around said first rotation axis (21), the pole (230) with a lower shaft (200) mounted so that it can rotate about a second rotational axis (22) perpendicular to said first rotational axis.

Said support structure (10) is mounted to move on the carrier pole (20) with the fasteners (110) to be connected with an upper shaft (220) so that it can rotate around the first rotational axis (21) and be mounted on the carrier pole (20). These fasteners (110) can be adjusted in such that their center of gravity with respect to the axes on which the support structure (10) rotates remains coincident with the axes on which it rotates. (Figure 2A)

Said carrier pole (20) is mounted to move on the carrier structure with a lower shaft (220) that can rotate around said second rotational axis (22).

In said carrier pole (20), shaft bearings (210) on which said upper shaft (220) is supported by an upper shaft (220) adjusted so that said support structure (10) can be mounted, are mounted on the pole (230). In the embodiment shown in the figure, the lower shaft (200) and the pole (230) are mechanically connected such that there is no movement between them. In another embodiment, the lower shaft (200) and the pole can be adjusted to be one piece. (Figure 2B)

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there may be a carrier leg (300), which is the part of said carrier structure (30) that is in contact with the ground, and scissors system that enables multiple carrier legs (300) to be fixed to each other.

Said carrier structure (30) ensures that the system remains stable throughout its movement by means of fasteners that will help fix this tracking system (1) to the ground and carrier elements that will carry the loads on the system. In one embodiment, said supporting structure consists of a support leg (300). In another embodiment, it may consist of a scissors system in which multiple legs (300) are fixedly arranged to each other. (Figure 2C)

The rotational axis of the shaft bearing (310) where said carrier pole (20) is connected to said lower shaft (200) and this carrier structure is the second rotational axis (22). (Figure 2C)

The solar tracking system (1) of the present invention comprises the steering arm (40) which, by connecting to the said support structure (10), makes it possible to perform the rotational movements around the first rotational axis (21) and the second rotational axis (22) simultaneously.

This tracking system (1) comprises a steering arm (40) which mechanically associates said first and said second rotational axes (21, 22) in a sense in order to rotate said supporting structure (10) and operably connected carrier pole (20) thereon around said first and second rotational axes (21, 22) in the same motion.

In said embodiment, the steering arm (40) does not carry any weight other than the weight of itself and the connecting elements thereon.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there may be an arm (400) assembly that enables the length of said steering arm (40) to be extended and/or shortened according to the sun rays coming from different open areas in summer and winter months.

This tracking system (1) can rotate with the movement of any of the main movable elements (supporting structure (10), carrier pole (20), steering arm (40)), with a certain embodiment of the present invention.

The views in Figure 3 show the working styles of the steering arm (40) and its sub-elements and the axes they will work with: In an embodiment where said steering arm (40) is adjusted to move with the rotation of the carrier pole (20) around the second rotational axis (22), said steering arm guides the angle between the supporting structure (10) and the ground by means of rotating the support structure (10), which will follow the azimuth movement of the sun during the rotation of the carrier pole (200), around the first rotational axis (21) sensitive to the altitude motion of the sun. Said steering arm (40) is shown as a single piece in the view. In a particular embodiment, it may be arranged in height adjustable.

The views in Figure 4 show the adjustment of the module at different angles according to the change in the length of the steering arm (40) in two different configurations of the present invention: This tracking system (1) is described systematically assuming the system is installed at a site in the northern hemisphere to simplify the description of the present invention, however, this tracking system can also be used in the southern hemisphere by making a 180 degree rotation.

Finally, the basic embodiment of the solar tracking system (1) comprises upper joint set (420) connecting said steering arm (40) to the supporting structure (10) from its upper end and lower joint set (430) connecting said steering arm (40) to the ground or carrier structure (30) from its lower end, which enable the support structure (10) to rotate about an axis other than the first rotational axis (1)- preferably perpendicular to the first rotational axis (21) and the second rotational axis (22)-, which is in the horizontal plane where the first rotational axis (21) is located, by means of the joint points they form. This steering arm (40) is adjustable such that it comprises, in a particular embodiment, 3 rotating joints (421, 422, 423) with their axes of rotation arranged perpendicular to each other, which will operatively connect the steering arm (40) to the support structure (10), and such that it comprises 2 rotating joints (431, 432), rotational axes of which are set to be perpendicular to each other, which will enable it to be fixed and operatively connected with respect to said carrier structure (30).

In another embodiment, the number of swivel joints arranged so that said rotational axes are perpendicular to each other, can be set to 2 or 3, not being the same as each other. For example, if 2 rotating joints are used, which adjust the axes of rotation to be perpendicular to each other, which will operatively connect the steering arm (40) to the supporting structure (10), it can be adjusted to use 3 rotating joints, in which the axes of rotation are adjusted to be perpendicular to each other, which will ensure that the steering arm (40) is fixed operatively with respect to said supporting structure (30).

While this steering arm (40) is connected to the supporting structure (10) at the top in a particular embodiment, the first hinge (421) to be attached to the support structure (10) may be adjusted to have a first joint rotational axis (411) in the direction from the ground-facing surface of the supporting structure (10) to the sun-facing surface. In this embodiment, the second joint (422), which will connect the first joint (421) attached to the supporting structure (10) to the third joint (423) connecting the arm (400) is connected so that the first arm rotates on the rotational axis (411). In this embodiment, said joint (422) on a second joint rotational axis (412) perpendicular to the first joint rotation axis (411) is operatively connected to the third joint (423) to be connected to the arm (400). In this embodiment, the arm (400) is connected to the third joint (423) thereon in a rotatable and operative manner on a third joint rotational axis (413) that will be perpendicular to the first joint rotational axis (411) and the second joint rotational axis (412).

As this steering arm (400) is connected to the ground below, in a particular embodiment, the arm (400) is connected with the fourth joint (431), which will connect the steering arm (40) to the fifth joint (432), which will fix it to the ground, such that the fourth joint operates on the rotational axis (414).

The fifth joint (432) that will fix the steering arm (40) to the ground and the fifth joint (431) that will connect it to the arm (400) are operatively connected to each other on a fifth arm rotational axis (415) perpendicular to the fourth arm rotational axis (414). In this embodiment, the third arm rotational axis (413) and the fourth arm rotational axis (414) are arranged to be parallel to each other. In another embodiment, there may or may not be any other correlation between the rotational axes (411, 412, 413) of the upper joint set (420) and the rotational axes (414, 415) of the lower joint set (430).

The fifth joint (432), which will fix the steering arm (400) to the ground, can also be fixed on the carrier structure (30) fixed to the ground, with a particular embodiment.

In another embodiment, it can also be connected with already existing three-dimensional movable joint sets. For example, ball joints may be attached to the lower and upper ends of the steering arm (40) .

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said upper joint set (420) and/or lower joint set (430) is ball joint.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said upper joint set (420) comprises a third joint (423) that transmits (provides the transfer of the motion) the movement it receives from said steering arm (40), a second joint (422) which converts (transmit) the movement it receives from said third joint (423) to a second joint rotational axis (412) perpendicular to the third joint rotational axis (413), and the first joint (421), which turns (transmit) the movement taken from said second joint (422) into a first joint rotational axis (411) perpendicular to the second joint rotational axis (412), which ensures the transfer of the movement to the supporting structure (10), said lower joint set (430) comprises the fourth joint (431), which provides the transfer of the motion it receives from said steering arm (40), and the fifth joint (432) which converts (transmit) the movement it receives from said fourth joint (431) to a fifth joint rotational axis (415) perpendicular to the fourth joint rotational axis (414).

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, while said upper joint set (430) comprises a fourth joint (431), which provides (transmit) the transfer of the movement it receives from said steering arm (40), and the fifth joint (432) which converts (transmit) the movement it receives from said fourth joint (431) to a fifth joint rotational axis (415) perpendicular to the fourth joint rotational axis (414), it also comprises the third joint (423) that provides the transmission (transfer) of the movement that said lower joint set (420) receives from said steering arm (40), the second joint (422), which converts (transmit) the movement it receives from said third joint (423) to a second joint rotational axis (412) perpendicular to the third joint rotational axis (413), and the first joint (421), which turns (trasmit) the movement taken from said second joint (422) into a first joint rotational axis (411) perpendicular to the second joint rotational axis (412), which ensures the transfer of the movement to the supporting structure (10).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said carrier structure (30) is fixedly connected to the ground, said carrier pole (20) is connected to the carrier structure (30) to rotate around the second rotational axis (22), said steering arm (40) is connected to the ground with the lower joint set (430), said steering arm (40) is connected to the supporting structure (10) with the upper joint set (420), said supporting structure (10) is connected to the steering arm (40) with the upper joint set (420), and said supporting structure (10) is connected to said carrier pole (20) to rotate around the first rotational axis (21), and has one degree of freedom. In this embodiment, the direction of said steering arm (40) from the lower joint set (430) to the carrier structure (30) where it is connected to the ground is the north-south direction. Also, when released when not connected to a propulsion system, the central position of said steering arm (40) is the north-south direction from both said lower joint set (430) and said upper joint set (420) to the carrier structure (30). The centers of gravity in this embodiment are in the first rotational axis (21) of the central axis of the weight distribution, from the point where the supporting structure (10) is perpendicular to said first rotational axis (21) and where said supporting structure (10) is connected to said first rotational axis (21), in the direction that said steering arm (40) is connected to said supporting structure (30) with upper joint set (420). However, the center axis of weight distribution in the direction from the ground-facing surface of the supporting structure (10) to the sun-facing surface is in the first rotational axis (21), and the central axis of weight distribution in the direction of the first rotational axis of the supporting structure (10) is in the second rotational axis (22).

In this tracking system (1), in an embodiment, the center of the weight distribution can be adjusted to be on the first rotational axis (21) from the point where the support structure (10) is perpendicular to the first rotational axis (21) and where said supporting structure (10) is connected to said first rotational axis (21), in the direction that said steering arm (40) is connected to said supporting structure (10) with upper joint set (420), the center axis of the weight distribution in the direction from the ground-facing surface of the supporting structure (10) to the sun-facing surface can be adjusted to be in the first rotational axis (21), and the center axis of the weight distribution of the supporting structure in the direction of the first rotational axis of the supporting structure can be adjusted to be in the second rotational axis (22).

In an embodiment, in each of the 3-axis rotational motion (vertical, east-west horizontal and northsouth horizontal) of the supporting structure (10), the center of gravity of the supporting structure (10) and the supporting pole (20) in all three directions is on the axis on which it rotates.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there are connection elements that provide the connection of the said carrier structure (30) with the carrier pole (20) and the ground, that provide the connection of the said steering arm (40) with the lower joint set (430) and the upper joint set (420), that provide the connection of said upper joint set (420) and the supporting structure (10) and the said lower joint set (430) to the carrier structure (30) or the ground.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there may also be a shock absorbing damping system that can be placed between said upper joint set (420) and the supporting structure (10) to reduce the wind effect.

This solar tracking system (1), in one embodiment, can be controlled by an electronic motor (not shown) that will provide torque to rotate the mechanical element (not shown) to drive the carrier pole (20) with proper programming of an electronics (e.g. drive not shown) to control this motor.

This solar tracking system (1) can be arranged such that more than one tracking system can be driven by a single drive, in a particular embodiment of the present invention.

Adaptation to the change in the angles of inclination that the modules (5) must have at different latitudes is achieved by adjusting the length of the steering arm (40) and/or the distance of the point where this steering arm attaches to the supporting structure (10) from the first rotational axis (21), and/or changing the distance of the point where this steering arm connects to the ground to the second rotational axis (22) and/or the length of the carrier pole (20). By means of the above- mentioned changes, the maximum and minimum values of the inclination angles that the modules (5) should have can be adjusted.

When the steering arm (40) is fixed to the ground in a southward direction from the supporting structure (30), this tracking system will have the smallest inclination angle to the south. In this embodiment, throughout the course of the day, the angle of inclination will decrease from sunrise to noon, and the angle of inclination will increase from noon to sunset. In this embodiment, the angle of inclination will be greatest at sunrise and sunset.

When the steering arm (40) is fixed to the ground in a northward direction from the supporting structure (30), this tracking system will have the largest inclination angle to the south. In this embodiment, during the course of the day, the inclination angle will increase from sunrise to noon and decrease from noon to sunset. In this embodiment, the inclination angle will be the smallest at sunrise and sunset. With a particular embodiment, this angle can be adjusted parallel to the ground.

The views in Figure 5 show the change in tilt angle with respect to the change of azimuth angles in two different configurations of the present invention: The largest and/or smallest azimuth angle and/or largest and/or smallest tilt angles that this tracking system (1) can reach is adjusted by changing the length of the steering arm (40) and/or the distance of the point where this steering arm connects to the supporting structure (10) from the first rotational axis (21), and/or by changing the distance of the point where this steering arm connects to the ground to the second rotational axis (22) and/or the length of the carrier pole (20).

The steering arm (40) can be adjusted so that it is fixed to the ground (Fig. 5A) in the northward direction from the supporting structure (30), and/or the steering arm (40) can be adjusted so that it is fixed to the ground (Figure 5B) in the southward direction from the supporting structure (30) and/or these two configurations are used in common, so as to minimize the effect of wind loads on the tracking system on the system in regions with different wind conditions.

Views in Figure 6 show the use of space in two different configurations of the invention, when more than one tracking system (1) is positioned such that no tracking system is shadowed by the other when they move together in unison as a result of the movement they will make during the course of the day: In a particular embodiment, the use of space may be set to be minimal for this topological structure When the steering arm (40) is fixed to the ground in the northward direction from the supporting structure (30), and when multiple tracking systems (1) act together in unison. (Figure 6A)

In a particular embodiment, the increase in efficiency may be adjusted to be maximum for that topological structure when the steering arm (40) is fixed to the ground in a southward direction from the carrier structure (30), and when multiple tracking systems (1) act together in unison. (Figure 6B)

Both when the steering arm (40) is fixed to the ground in the northward direction from the supporting structure (30), and when the steering arm (40) is fixed to the ground in a southward direction from the supporting structure (30), and/or when these two configurations are used in common, the space utilization and/or efficiency increase can be optimized in a particular embodiment.

The steering arm (40) can be adjusted so that it is fixed to the ground in the northward direction from the supporting structure (30), and/or the steering arm (40) can be adjusted so that it is fixed to the ground in the southward direction from the supporting structure (30) and/or these two configurations are used in common, so as to minimize the effect of wind loads on the tracking system (1) on the system in regions with different wind conditions.

Systems where more than one tracking system (1) will move together in unison may have different largest and/or smallest azimuth and/or largest and/or smallest inclination angles from each other.

The views in Figure 7 show the suitability of this tracking system (1) for installation in situations where the area will be installed is uneven: In a particular embodiment where this tracking system (1) stands on one leg, the system will exhibit the ability to be installed independently of the topography of the terrain.

In cases the field is uneven, depending on the topography, when the invention is arranged in multiple different configurations and sizes and moves together in unison, it can be optimized according to the purpose so that, by means of a tracking system (1), the other will not be overshadowed and/or the efficiency increase will be maximum for this topological structure in accordance with the purpose, and/or space usage can be optimized for this topological structure to be minimum and/or when space usage and efficiency increase are used together.

Claims

1. A solar tracking system (1) that enables at least one solar module (5) that collects the sun rays to be positioned according to the course of the sun during the day, characterized by comprising;

• at least one supporting structure (10) enabling said solar module (5) to be mounted,

• at least one carrier pole (20) which carries said supporting structure (10) and enables the support structure (10) to rotate freely around the first rotational axis (21) which is the axis through which it is connected to the supporting structure (10),

• at least one carrier structure (30) that allows the carrier pole (20) to rotate freely around a second rotational axis (22) - preferably perpendicular to the ground and the first rotational axis (22) - by connecting said carrier pole (20) to the ground,

• at least one steering arm (40), which, by connecting to said support structure (10), enables rotational movements around the first rotational axis (21) and the second rotational axis (22) to be carried out simultaneously,

• at least one upper joint set (420) that enables the supporting structure (10) to rotate around an axis - preferably perpendicular to the first rotational axis (21) and the second rotational axis (22) - other than the first rotational axis (21) in the horizontal plane where the first rotational axis (21) is located, by means of the joint points they form, and that connects said steering arm (40) to the supporting structure (10) from its upper end, and at least one lower joint set (430) that connects said steering arm (40) at its lower end to the ground or supporting structure (30).

2. A solar tracking system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that, said upper joint set (420) and/or lower joint set (430) is a ball joint.

3. A solar tracking system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that;

• said upper joint set (420) comprises o at least one third joint (423) which transmits the transfer of the motion received from said steering arm (40), o at least one second joint (422), which transmits the movement it receives from said third joint (423) to a second joint rotational axis (412) perpendicular to the third joint rotational axis (413), o at least one first joint (421), which transmits the movement it receives from said second joint (422) to a first joint rotational axis (411) perpendicular to the second joint rotational axis (412), which ensures the transfer of the movement to the support structure (10), • said lower joint set (430) comprises o at least one fourth joint (431) which transmits the motion received from said steering arm (40), o at least one fifth joint (432), which transmits the motion it receives from said fourth joint (431) to a fifth joint rotational axis (415) perpendicular to the fourth joint rotational axis (414). lar tracking system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that;

• said upper joint set (430) comprises o at least one fourth joint (431) which transmits the transfer of the motion receives from said steering arm (40), o at least one fifth joint (432), which transmits the motion it receives from said fourth joint (431) to a fifth joint rotational axis (415) perpendicular to the fourth joint rotational axis (414),

• said lower joint set (420) comprising o at least one third joint (423) which provides the transmission of the motion received from said steering arm (40), o at least one second joint (422), which transmits the movement it receives from said third joint (423) to a second joint rotational axis (412) perpendicular to the third joint rotational axis (413), o at least one first joint (421), which transmits the movement it receives from said second joint (422) to a first joint rotational axis (411) perpendicular to the second joint rotational axis (412), which ensures the transfer of the movement to the support structure (10). cking system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that;

• said carrier structure (30) has one degree of freedom fixedly connected to the ground,

• said carrier pole (20) has one degree of freedom connected to the carrier structure (30) so as to rotate around the second rotational axis (22),

• said steering arm (40) has one degree of freedom connected with the lower joint set (430) to the ground, • said steering arm (40) has one degree of freedom connected with the upper joint set (420) to the supporting structure (10),

• said supporting structure (10) has one degree of freedom connected with the upper joint set (420) to the steering arm (40),

• and said supporting structure (10) has one degree of freedom connected to said carrier pole (20) so as to rotate around the first rotational axis (21). A solar tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, said supporting structure (10) comprises;

• at least one construction (100) on which said solar modules (5) are placed,

• at least one clamping (120) that enables said solar modules (5) to be connected to the construction (10). A solar tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising; connection elements that enable the connection of

• said carrier structure (30) with the carrier pole (20) and the ground,

• said steering arm (40) with the lower joint set (430) and the upper joint set (420),

• said upper joint set (420) with the supporting structure (10), and

• said lower joint set (430) with the carrier structure (30) or the ground. A solar tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, said carrier pole (20) comprises;

• at least one upper shaft (220) that is located at the top of the carrier pole (20), that connects the supporting structure (10) with the carrier pole (20) and enables the supporting structure (10) to rotate around the axis where it is connected with the carrier pole (20),

• at least one upper shaft bearing (210) that is located on the upper part of the carrier pole (20), and that provides the said upper shaft (220) to be seated,

• at least one lower shaft (200) that is located at the lower part of the carrier pole (20) and that enables the supporting structure (10) to rotate around the second rotational axis (22) which is the axis on which the carrier pole (20) is erected, • at least one pole (230) that is located inside the carrier pole (20), and that enables the connection of said lower shaft (200) with the supporting structure (10).

9. A solar tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising; at least one arm (400) assembly that enables the length of said steering arm (40) to be extended and/or shortened according to the sun rays coming from different open areas in summer and winter months.

10. A solar tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising; at least one transmission assembly that provides the transmission of the drive that will give the rotational movement to the carrier pole (20).

11. A solar tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising; at least one transmission assembly that provides the transmission of the drive that will give the rotational movement to the steering arm (40).

12. A solar tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, said carrier structure (30) comprises; at least one carrier leg (300), which is the part in contact with the ground.

13. A solar tracking system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising; at least one shock absorbing damping system that allows for reducing the wind effect by being placed between said upper joint set (420) and the supporting structure (10).

14. A tracking system (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that; the direction of said steering arm (40) from the lower joint set (430) to the carrier structure (30) where it is connected to the ground is the north-south direction.

15. A solar tracking system (1) according to Claim 8, characterized by comprising; the fasteners (110) that provide the connection of said supporting structure (10) with the upper shaft (220).

16. A solar tracking system (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that, said carrier structure (30) comprises; at least one lower shaft bearing (310) that allows the lower shaft (200) to be placed.

17. A solar tracking system (1) according to Claim 8, characterized by comprising; at least one shock absorbing damping system that reduces the wind effect by being placed

• between said carrier pole (20) and lower shaft (200), and/or

• between said supporting structure (10) and upper shaft bearing (210).

18. A solar tracking system (1) according to Claim 10, characterized by comprising; at least one shock absorbing damping system that reduces the effect of wind on transmission assembly.

19. A solar tracking system (1) according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, characterized by comprising; at least one the drive mechanism connected to the drivers in order to control multiple solar tracking systems (1) from a single center simultaneously.

20. A solar tracking system (1) according to Claim 12, characterized by comprising; at least one scissors system that provides a fixed connection of more than one supporting leg (300) to each other.

21. A solar tracking system (1) according to Claim 14, characterized in that; when released when not connected to a propulsion system, the central position of said steering arm (40) is the north-south direction from both said lower joint set (430) and said upper joint set (420) to the carrier structure (30).

22. A tracking system (1) according to Claim 14, characterized in that; the centers of gravity are in the first rotational axis (21) of the central axis of the weight distribution, from the point where the supporting structure (10) is perpendicularto said first rotational axis (21) and where said supporting structure (10) is connected to said first rotational axis (21), in the direction that said steering arm (40) is connected to said supporting structure (30) with upper joint set (420).

23. A tracking system (1) according to Claim 14, characterized in that; the center axis of weight distribution in the direction from the ground-facing surface of the supporting structure (10) to the sun-facing surface is in the first rotational axis (21).

24. A tracking system according to Claim 14, characterized in that; the weight distribution of the supporting structure (10) in the direction of the first rotational axis is in the second rotational axis (22) of the center axis.

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