A TRACKING SOLAR CONCENTRATOR
DRIVE SYSTEM, TRACKING -ASSEMBLY
Seefigure 15 for the sprocket layout used on the prototype. Because your hub is tailored to your latitude and your drum (105) may be of a different dimension, use the figure and dimensions for general guidance only. Elongated holes are cut in the spindle support (102) so that the chain adjusting plate (307) can be moved to tighten the chain. The hardened bolt (306) is welded to the plate (307) to form a shaft for the reduction sprocket set.
Press the bushing (305) through the sprockets (302) and (303) and then weld them together. Don't overheat and damage the bushing.
Grease the shaft (306) and surface that the big sprocket will run against and double nut the bolt (306) to retain them. Make any slight adjustment to the spindle mounting washer/shims to properly align the drum (105) and the sprocket (302) and install the chain (301) with a master link or half-link as needed. Mark the shaft (109) position on the drum (105) according to figure 15 and drill four 3/ 16" holes between adjacent chain rollers and through the drum. Bolt the chain down with high quality bolts torqued tight. These four bolts are your sprocket "teeth" and will take some pretty high stresses in the wind
Fabricate the motor mounting plate (308) and mount the motor similar to the photo, figure 11. Install the (304) sprocket and chain. Adjust the plate (308) to remove slack.
Fabricate and install a rain shield that will permit free air flow through the motor.
