Systems and methods including features of synchronized movement across and array of solar collectors

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed related to solar modules and/or arrays of solar modules provided with synchronized movement. According to one exemplary implementation, an illustrative array may comprise a plurality of solar modules. Each solar module may rotate on an axis, and each axis may be in a parallel configuration relative to the other axes. A first rotation mechanism of a solar module may be configured for rotating/pivoting around a first axis/pivot, and be linked to a corresponding rotation mechanism of a adjacent or sequential solar module.

1 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method of synchronizing movement in an array of solar modules, the method comprising:
 rotating each solar module of a plurality of solar modules on an axis, each axis in parallel configuration relative to other axes, including:
 rotating/pivoting a first rotational mechanism around a first axis/pivot, linked to a first rotational mechanism of a sequential solar module, and 
 rotating/pivoting a second rotational mechanism, linked to the first rotational mechanism, around a second axis/pivot, the second rotational mechanism causing a panel to rotate about the axis, wherein the first and second rotational pivots are stationary; and 
   generating a rotational/angular displacement, moment or torque with a driving mechanism coupled to at least one of the first rotational mechanisms.   
     
     
         28 .- 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . An array of solar modules with synchronized movement, the array comprising:
 a plurality of solar modules, each solar module rotating on an axis, each axis in parallel configuration relative to other axes, each solar module including:
 a first wheel of a solar module to pivot around a first pivot, the first wheel receiving rotational torque from a driver, and 
 a second wheel, linked to the first wheel, the second wheel to transfer rotational torque to a sequential solar collector, wherein the first and second wheels are linked to an arm member rigidly attached to rotate a panel, the panel comprising a solar collector with a plane that rotates in accordance with a plane of sun light; 
   a driving mechanism, coupled to at least one of the first wheels of one of the solar module, the driving mechanism to generate a rotational/angular displacement, moment or torque.   
     
     
         40 .- 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . An array of solar modules, the array comprising:
 a plurality of solar modules including PV panels and characterized by axes, with each of the axes on one of the solar modules, wherein the axes are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and wherein each solar module rotates on an axis and includes:
 a first rotational mechanism that rotates/pivots at a first pivot and is linked to one or more first rotational mechanisms of adjacent or sequential solar modules, 
   a drive mechanism including a worm gear assembly, coupled to a first rotational mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism generates a rotational/angular displacement, moment or torque.