MUMBAI, India, Sept. 7 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202617085579 A) filed by Nextpower LLC on July 13, 2026, for Support Structure For Solar Trackers With Thermal Expansion Mitigation.
Inventors include Au, Alexander W.; Morin, Jacob Mark; Patel, Ryan; Delgado-Nanez, Ricardo; Sable, Abhimanyu Anil; and Van, Harry.
The application for the patent was published on September 04, 2026, under issue no. 36/2026.
Abstract: A support structure (200, 300, 400, 500a, 500b, 600a, 600b) for solar trackers with thermal expansion mitigation includes a frame (212, 312, 412, 512, 612a, 612b) rotatably coupled to one or more ground piles (216, 316, 416, 516, 616a, 616b). The support structure (200, 300, 400, 500a, 500b, 600a, 600b) further includes a pivot bracket (206, 306, 406, 606a, 606b) rotatably coupled to a portion of the frame (212, 312, 412, 512, 612a, 612b) with the pivot bracket (206, 306, 406, 606a, 606b) including a pivot pin (244) to which torque tube clamps (232, 332, 432, 532) are rotatably coupled. The torque tube clamps (232, 332, 432, 532) are affixed to a torque tube (204, 304, 404, 504) and solar modules are affixed to the torque tube (204, 304, 404, 504) via one or more mounting brackets. Thermal expansion/contraction of the torque tube (204, 304, 404, 504) is translated into rotational movement of the frame (212, 312, 412, 512, 612a, 612b) relative to the one or more ground piles (216, 316, 416, 516, 616a, 616b) via the rotatable couplings including the pivot bracket (206, 306, 406, 606a, 606b). The rotational movement of the frame (212, 312, 412, 512, 616a, 612b) relative to the one or more ground piles (216, 316, 416, 516, 616a, 616b) enables the torque tube (204, 304, 404, 504) to expand/contract while mitigating mechanical stress of the support structure (200, 300, 400, 500a, 500b, 600a, 600b).
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
