[RE-wrenches] Tracker manual needed

[William Miller]

Friends:



So far it looks like I have stumped all of you on identifying these
trackers.



These trackers are trying to work.  The electronics and motors are
operable.  Unlike the diagram below, these trackers do not have an inclined
axis to allow the tracking to sweep from east to west with the panels
inclined to compensate for latitude and season.



The trackers spun around their mounting poles and I simply want to know how
to orient the axis so I can put them back to work:



A.   If I orient the axis N-S the tracker would track east to west with no
tilt towards the south.

B.   If I orient the axis E-W the tracker would alter tilt angle as the day
progressed, but never facing other than due south.



This all seems strange, but maybe I just don’t have my mind wrapped around
the concept as applies to these units.  Maybe these mounts were modified in
the ancient past when they were installed.  The original installer is no
longer on this planet so he can’t be asked.



I created a web site to post all of the photos so anyone who is curious can
look at full sized images.  The web site is here
<https://millersolar.com/MillerSolar/case_studies/26-Mystery_tracker/Mystery_Tracker.html>
.



Thanks everyone for trying to help.  This is a real head scratcher.



William

805-438-5600





*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *larry at starlightsolar.com
*Sent:* Wednesday, July 22, 2020 9:53 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Tracker manual needed



William,



This type of mount is a polar axis type and should be aligned with the
pivot N-S. The actuator can then swing the array E-W. The attached photo is
an example of how the mount was used in the C-band antenna days. (1980’s
for the young folks)



It’s hard to tell but it looks like the elevation bolt is missing that
connects the azimuth bar to the pole mount cap. Can you supply a better
photo of the mount?



Set the elevation angle to latitude for best all year performance.
Elevation can also be seasonally adjusted for more gain.



There are 3 types of sensors most commonly used in this style of linear
actuator. Hall effect, reed switch or a 10 turn potentiometer.


Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar Power Systems







On Jul 22, 2020, at 8:33 AM, William Miller <william at millersolar.com> wrote:



Dave:



The trackers appear to work. I am not clear on what  direction to orient
them. Do you know?

William Miller

www.millersolar.com
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