On the Eccentricity Effects in Solar Tracking Triangular Linkage with Eccentric Linear Actuator

Abstract

Improving the efficiency of PV or solar-thermal platforms through the use of tracking systems including a triangle type mechanism with one variable link is the subject of many scientific papers and patents. The literature has emerged a new idea on improving the performance of tracking systems by introducing large eccentricity in the triangle linkage with eccentric linear actuator. It is known that, in a triangle type linkage, the output angular stroke is closely related to the minimum admitted transmission angle and reach a value of not more than 120º–130º, for a linear actuator with null eccentricity. This paper deals with the study of the eccentricity influence on the actuator stroke, as well as on the forces generated into the tracking system and linear actuator by the moment of the tracked platform (under the wind load). The obtained results show that eccentricity does not modify the transmission angle, and increasing eccentricity reduces slightly the needed driving force, with the negative effect of generating a bending moment on the linear actuator.