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System and method for reconfiguring a solar panel for storage and transport

  • US 9,917,471 B2
  • Filed: 11/12/2015
  • Issued: 03/13/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for stowing a mobile solar array which comprises:

  • a support column mounted on a docking pad to support the solar array, wherein the support column has an upper column and a lower column with a hinge connection therebetween;

    a hydraulic ram engaged to interconnect the lower column with the docking pad; and

    a means for activating the hydraulic ram to rotate the upper column relative to the lower column back and forth on the hinge connection in a rotation plane, to move the solar array between an operational configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein for the operational configuration the support column is extended and the solar array is flat for collecting solar radiation, and wherein for the retracted configuration the support column is collapsed to lower the solar array toward the docking pad and the solar array is folded to provide a compact unit for transport of the mobile solar array and to present the solar array as a less aerodynamic body to minimize adverse wind effects.

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