Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: Jdog on August 26, 2010, 08:07:33 PM

Title: Solar Tracking Array
Post by: Jdog on August 26, 2010, 08:07:33 PM

I'm building an array of solar panels that will track the sun on two axes. I need to figure out a method of rotating both axes that will use minimal power. This is relatively easy for Yaw because gravity is not fighting against me, although I still need to account for wind. I was planning on using a self-locking worm drive to turn on that axis. But I am not sure how I will do it for Pitch because I do not know if a self-locking worm drive will be strong enough to hold 60-100 lbs of weight. Does anyone have any ideas or experience with this sort of thing and would like to help out?

Title: Re: Solar Tracking Array
Post by: Soeren on August 26, 2010, 09:33:55 PM

Hi,

Counterbalance.

Title: Re: Solar Tracking Array
Post by: Jdog on August 28, 2010, 12:22:36 AM

Quote from: Soeren on August 26, 2010, 09:33:55 PM

Hi,

Counterbalance.

Ahh, good call, very good call. Now I just feel stupid. Thanks a lot  :)