A TRACKING SOLAR CONCENTRATOR
TAIL AND COUNTERWEIGHT
tail and counterweight are very important in reducing stresses on the hub, support and drive systems. It also adds needed rigidity to the array bearing plates (008). With this, we can completely balance out all static forces except the total weight which will appear centered over the support structure. When the system is properly balanced, the drive systems can be removed and the array can be easily positioned in either axis with gentle hand pressure.
TAIL AND COUNTERWEIGHT - MAJOR MATERIAL LIST
- 4 each 10 foot lengths .083" x 1" square steel tube (401) these were cut and set aside earlier.
- approx 18" - 3/4" threaded rod, 3 nuts, 2 lock-washers (402)
- 2 each - 3/16" gusset plates per figure . (403)
- scrap steel or other material for weight - see text (404)
- approx 20 feet - 3/8" steel rod (405)
There is little to be said about the tail system that is not apparent from the photos. The prototype is overbuilt, having been made in two pieces for removal of the tail/counterweight section, while leaving enough to rigidize the bearing plates (008). This was for developmental reasons only and is not recommended. The four pieces (401) are tapered to a common connection point figure 16and figure 17. It will be necessary to make a slight bend in them in order that the bearing plates (008) remain parallel. Unlike the prototype, a much simpler set of cross ties with 3/8" rod should be sufficient. The counterweights are six inch squares of scrap steel with a 3/4" hole through the middle. A one-inch piece weighs about 10 Ibs. The total requirement will be in the neighborhood of 60-70 Ibs. A way to determine it is to hang a bucket of sand filled to balance and then weigh the bucket and sand on the bathroom scales. You will notice that the weights are suspended slightly below the centerline of the array. This effectively counteracts the tail pieces (401) which are above the centerline
