Single-Axis Solar Tracking Systems for Optimized Energy Capture
Single-axis solar tracking systems face significant engineering challenges in balancing energy capture with mechanical complexity. Field measurements show that while these systems can increase energy yield by 25-35% compared to fixed installations, they must maintain precise angular control (typically ±0.1 degrees) across arrays spanning hundreds of meters, while withstanding wind loads exceeding 90 mph in stow position.
The core challenge lies in achieving reliable sun-tracking performance while minimizing the mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements that traditionally accompany moving solar installations.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including multi-column structures with universal joint-connected sub-shafts, progressive tooth-like tracking configurations, and integrated flexible bearing assemblies with frictional dampeners. These and other approaches focus on maximizing energy capture while ensuring structural integrity and long-term reliability under varying environmental conditions.
1. Single-Axis Solar Tracker with Multi-Column Structure and Universal Joint-Connected Sub-Shafts
GUANGDONG EXTEN RENEWABLE ENERGY CO LTD, Guangdong Yiteng New Energy Co., Ltd., 2024
A single-axis solar tracker with improved wind resistance and structural integrity. The tracker comprises a multi-column design with swing bars parallel to each column, each bearing a vertical beam. The beam supports solar panels and a transmission shaft with multiple sub-shafts connecting through universal joints. A rotating motor and drum system enables precise control of the transmission shaft. The tracker's structural configuration provides enhanced stability against wind-induced tilts and prevents mechanical misalignment.
2. Single-Axis Solar Tracker with Progressive Tooth-Like Sections and Fixed South-North Axis Configuration
SERTECH TECNOLOGIA SL, 2024
Improved single-axis solar tracker with optimized energy production through a novel configuration that combines elements of polar and fixed-axis trackers. The tracker's structure features a fixed, south-north axis with multiple, tooth-like sections that gradually change angle to maximize energy capture. This toothed design enables optimal energy production when the sun is not in its peak path, while maintaining the tracker's fixed inclination. The toothed sections are arranged in a progressive, tooth-like pattern, with each section rotating around the central axis to achieve optimal tracking. This configuration enables significant energy gains compared to traditional fixed-axis trackers, particularly in regions with low GHI.
3. Solar Panel Mount with Integrated Rotational and Vertical Angle Adjustment Mechanisms Controlled by Single Unit
INHA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION, 2024
Solar power generation system with automatic angle adjustment using a single control unit. The system combines a rotating solar panel mount with a vertical angle adjustment mechanism, allowing the system to automatically adjust the solar panel's angle to optimal tracking conditions. The control unit uses real-time sun position calculation and power measurement to determine optimal tracking conditions, and automatically adjusts the solar panel's angle to ensure maximum energy production.
4. Single-Axis Photovoltaic Tracking System with Vertical Tilting for Optimal Incident Angle Control
LEEYOUNG S&D CO LTD, 2024
A window/door-type photovoltaic tracking system that optimizes incident angle control through a single-axis approach. The system calculates the optimal solar panel inclination by determining the shortest distance from the sun's meridian to the panel's azimuth line, enabling precise control of the incident angle through vertical tilting of the panel. This approach eliminates the need for complex two-axis tracking while minimizing power consumption.
5. Solar Tracker with Integrated Flexible Bearing Assembly and Frictional Dampeners for Single-Axis Tracking
NEVADOS ENGINEERING INC, 2022
Solar tracker with integrated bearing system that enables efficient, cost-effective, and reliable single-axis tracking of solar panels on uneven terrain. The system comprises a flexible bearing assembly with integrated thrust surfaces and frictional dampeners, mounted on a foundation. The bearing design enables precise control over rotation angles while maintaining structural integrity, and the thrust surfaces provide controlled force transmission to the solar panels. The system incorporates a mechanism to prevent excessive rotation and wind-induced vibration, ensuring optimal power generation while minimizing structural loads.
6. Solar Panel System with Dynamic Rotation Mechanism Based on Real-time Weather Data
PARK CHAN JONG, Park Chan-jong, 2022
Solar power generation system that optimizes power generation by dynamically adjusting panel rotation based on local weather conditions. The system employs a novel tracking mechanism where solar panels are rotated to maintain optimal sunlight incidence, rather than traditional fixed tracking. Each panel is connected to a tracking controller that adjusts its rotation angle based on real-time weather data, including solar irradiance, temperature, and humidity. The system achieves optimal power generation while minimizing shading effects, particularly in regions with limited solar gaps. This approach enables continuous energy production while maintaining optimal panel performance.
7. Single-Axis Solar Tracker with Sectional Axis for Independent Tilt and Azimuth Adjustment
SERTECH TECNOLOGIA S L, 2022
Improved single-axis solar tracker design that optimizes energy production by dynamically adjusting the angle of the solar panels. The tracker features a novel axis configuration that combines the benefits of fixed and azimuth-angle variations. The axis is divided into sections that transition from a fixed inclination to a variable angle, allowing the panels to maintain optimal alignment with the sun's rays. This adaptive approach enables maximum energy production across the solar irradiance spectrum, particularly during periods of low GHI. The tracker's configuration enables precise control over the angle of incidence, with the ability to adjust the tilt angle and azimuth angle independently. This results in higher energy production compared to traditional fixed-angle trackers.
8. Single-Drive Solar Tracking System with Integrated Motor-Encoder and Embedded Gear Train
AHMET KAGIZMAN, 2022
A single-drive mechanical system for solar tracking systems that enables efficient energy production by following the sun's position during the day. The system integrates a motor with an encoder into a single drive element, utilizing a cage with embedded gear train components to achieve precise control of the tracking mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate motors and clutch mechanisms, reducing system complexity and maintenance requirements. The system operates through the rotation of the Earth around its axis, allowing the tracking mechanism to follow the sun's movement.
9. Solar Tracking System with Asymmetrical Mounting for Dynamic Panel Orientation Adjustment
ABDULKERIM KARABIBER, 2022
A solar tracking system that enables efficient energy generation by dynamically adjusting the orientation of solar panels to track the sun's movement throughout the day. The system employs an asymmetrical mounting design that allows the panels to be positioned at different angles relative to the vertical axis, eliminating the need for traditional fixed mounting structures. This enables the panels to capture more solar radiation by tracking the sun's position, resulting in higher energy production compared to traditional fixed mounting systems. The system can be configured for either photovoltaic (PV) panels or heat collection applications, and its adjustable mounting design enables precise control over the solar panel's orientation.
10. Kinematic Solar Tracking System with Dynamic Orientation and Precise Guiding Mechanism
YUNUS EMRE YASAR, 2022
Solar tracking system for optimizing photovoltaic panel alignment during the day, enabling maximum energy production while minimizing space requirements. The system employs a kinematic structure that dynamically adjusts its orientation to follow the sun's movement, with a unique guiding mechanism that allows precise control over the tracking axis. The system's design ensures efficient energy production during both peak and off-peak sun hours, while maintaining optimal alignment with the sun's path.
11. Solar Tracking System with Mass-Based Positioning for Periodic Panel Rotation
Robert Bradley Perham, 2022
Solar tracking system for photovoltaic panels that maintains optimal energy collection angles without external power sources. The system employs a novel tracking mechanism that periodically rotates solar panels to maintain their normal orientation relative to the sun's rays. The rotation is achieved through a mass-based positioning system that precisely controls the tilt angle between the tracking arm and the solar panel's normal plane. This approach ensures that the solar panels capture 99% of available solar energy regardless of the sun's position, even in locations with irregularly varying daylight patterns. The system is designed to operate independently of the internet and is particularly suitable for critical infrastructure and renewable energy applications.
12. Vertically-Mounted Solar Panel Array with Central Axis Azimuth Tracking and Tensioned Linkage System
DROMEC GROEP B V, 2021
A solar farm system that maximizes energy output by dynamically rotating solar panels to optimize their alignment with the sun's rays. The system comprises a vertically-mounted solar panel array with a rotating tracking system that moves the panels in azimuth while maintaining perpendicular orientation to incoming solar radiation. The tracking system is driven by a central axis and features a tensioned linkage system that enables simultaneous rotation of adjacent panels. The system can be configured to accommodate multiple rows of panels, with each row connected through the linkage system. The system's rotation pattern follows the sun's movement, allowing maximum energy generation while minimizing losses due to panel misalignment.
13. Solar Tracking System with Earth Rotation Axis Synchronization and Declination-Based Orientation Adjustment
K MERIDIAN, 2021
Solar tracking system using Earth's rotation synchronization to optimize power generation. The system synchronizes its tracking axis with the Earth's rotation axis and adjusts its orientation in response to solar declination. This approach eliminates the need for traditional hour-by-hour tracking while maintaining optimal power generation. The system incorporates automatic and manual inclination control, with precise positioning determined by latitude and solar declination. The synchronization mechanism enables continuous tracking of solar position while maintaining optimal orientation for maximum energy production.
14. Single-Axis Solar Tracker with Unified Photovoltaic Panel Mounting and Single Linear Actuator
C I CORPORATION PTY LTD, 2021
A single-axis solar tracker that enables efficient and precise tracking of solar collectors by mounting multiple photovoltaic panels together. The tracker features a single linear actuator that moves the mounting assembly to track the solar body on a single plane, eliminating the need for separate drive motors for each panel. The assembly includes a base mounting the tracker, a mounting assembly with a single axis, and a linear actuator mounted to the base. This configuration enables maximum panel alignment while minimizing power consumption through a single actuator.
15. Sun Tracking Device with Combined Azimuth and Elevation Rotation via Single Linear Actuator Mechanism
SENER INGENIERIA Y SISTEMAS SA, 2021
A sun tracking device with a novel azimuth and elevation rotation mechanism that enables precise solar panel tracking through a single linear actuator. The device features a rotating stand that pivots around the azimuth angle while maintaining the solar panels in the desired orientation. A single linear actuator, positioned at the azimuth angle, provides rotation around the angle, while a separate linear actuator, positioned at the elevation angle, enables precise elevation control. This configuration eliminates the need for separate azimuth and elevation actuators, simplifying the mechanical design and reducing the number of components required.
16. Solar Array Tracking System with Single-Control Hydraulic Steering Arm Mechanism
DOGA PANEL GUENES ENERJISI VE ELEKTRIK UERETIMI ITHALAT IHRACAT SANAYI TICARET LTD SIRKETI, 2021
A solar panel tracking system that enables synchronized movement of all panels in a solar array using a single control mechanism. The system employs a fixed steering arm with hydraulic motors that transmit the motion energy to each panel in a row, while a fixed movement arm receives the control signals. This configuration eliminates the need for separate motion systems for each panel, simplifying installation, maintenance, and operation. The system achieves precise angle control through the steering arm's hydraulic motors, which can be powered by the solar array's energy output.
17. Solar Tracking Apparatus with Automatic Angular Adjustment for Panel Alignment
UNIV BRIGHAM YOUNG, 2021
Solar tracking apparatus for optimizing energy production by automatically adjusting the angle of solar panels relative to a fixed structure. The apparatus comprises a structure attachment portion with mounting points for the solar panels, along with a controller that actively moves the solar panels to position them optimally for maximum solar exposure. The system ensures consistent alignment with the sun's position regardless of the structure's orientation, eliminating the need for manual tracking.
18. Solar Tracking Rack with Dynamic Position Adjustment Mechanism
SIPUYI TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Sipuyi Technology Co., Ltd., 2020
Solar tracking rack device for solar power generation systems that dynamically adjusts its position to maximize energy output by tracking the direction of direct solar radiation. The device enables real-time adjustment of its tracking position based on changing solar irradiance patterns, allowing optimal energy collection while maintaining optimal panel orientation.
19. Photovoltaic Panel Solar Tracking System with Rod-Semicircular Component-Rope Rotation Mechanism
SOUMPARAS FOTIS STAMATI, 2020
Solar tracking system for photovoltaic panels that enables maximum energy production while minimizing installation costs. The system comprises a rod, a semicircular component, and a rope, which together form a controlled rotation mechanism. The rod provides the primary axis of motion, while the semicircular component enables precise azimuth control. This configuration enables 180-degree rotation around the vertical axis, eliminating the need for traditional vertical-axis trackers. The system enables optimal tracking while maintaining the most cost-effective installation approach.
20. Orthogonal Dual-Shaft Solar Panel Tracking System with Cam-Driven Single-Axis Rotation Mechanism
NP HOLDINGS CO LTD, 2020
Solar tracking device that enables simultaneous rotation of multiple solar panels using a single driving mechanism. The device comprises a rotation shaft with a fixed position and a second rotation shaft positioned orthogonally to it. The fixed position rotation shaft is driven by a separate power source, while the second rotation shaft is driven by a single power source. The second rotation shaft features a cam system that moves in the direction of the fixed position rotation shaft's rotation, allowing the solar panels to rotate around their respective axes. This single-axis rotation enables simultaneous tracking of multiple panels while maintaining control over the entire system.
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