Solar tracking control system

A solar tracking control system for generally controlling the position of a pivotable solar panel connected to a motor by selectively energizing and de-energizing the motor. A signal programmer generates a plurality of time dependent signals wherefrom periodic motor energizing signals are generated for retaining the motor energized and the solar panel pivoting westerly. The degree of pivot of the solar panel is detected and a de-energizing signal is provided for stopping the motor and the westerly pivoting of the solar panel. The solar tracking control system is energized and de-energized in response to a power signal generated by signals received from the signal programmer. A water storage tank is connected to the solar panel and a water pump connected therebetween is energized on the occurrence of a preselected temperature different between the solar panel and the water storage tank. An east/west signal is generated in response to the time dependent signals received from the signal programmer and is connected to switches which are also connected to an overload determining temperature sensitive switch so as to pivot the solar panel away from direct sunlight in response to the determination of an overload condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to a solar tracking control system for 
controlling the position of a solar panel so that the solar panel is 
generally situated substantially perpendicular to the sun. 
In recent times, due to energy shortages, it has become increasingly common 
to seek for alternative energy sources. One such energy source is the sun. 
Solar panels, or collectors, have become commercially available for the 
purpose of drawing energy from the sun and using that energy to heat 
water, air, or other mediums. Other types of solar panels include 
photovoltaic devices which directly create electrical energy from the 
sun's rays. Naturally, the collected energy is thereafter often stored in 
some sort of energy bank and used for heating homes, water supplies, and 
powering various electrical devices, etc. 
It is known that solar panels are most efficient in collecting the sun's 
energy when they are situated substantially perpendicular to the sun. 
Further, it is known that the overall efficiency of the solar panels can 
be increased by pivoting the panels throughout the day so that they are 
generally continually situated substantially perpendicular to the sun. In 
this fashion, efficiency is increased and the number of solar panels for 
any particular purpose is decreased thereby also decreasing the overall 
cost of the system. 
Various mechanisms and methods have been developed for controlling the 
pivoting of solar panels so as to generally continually situate the solar 
panels perpendicular to the sun. The prior art solar tracking systems 
mostly depend on an optical system which will degrade with time due to the 
sun's rays, and they require adjustment periodically. They tend to be 
inefficient and prone to break down because very often, common motor 
clocks, mechanical parts and contacts are utilized for positioning the 
solar panels. Further, other systems are set up to continuously run or 
operate and, therefore, consume energy needlessly ahd are also more likely 
to break down over a period of time. 
It is, therefore, the object of this invention to provide a solar tracking 
control system wherein the solar position is tracked in an efficient 
minimum energy consuming manner under any cloud condition. Further, it is 
the object of this invention to track the solar position in a time 
dependent fashion only in a westerly direction during the day so as to 
eliminate backtracking which has often occurred with systems utilizing 
photosensors. Further yet, it is the object of the present invention to 
provide an inexpensive and yet accurate solar tracking control system 
minimizing mechanical parts so as to decrease the probability of 
breakdown. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The solar tracking control system, according to the present invention, is 
designed to overcome the above-discussed disadvantages associated with 
prior art solar tracking systems. 
The solar tracking control system generally controls the position of a 
pivotable solar panel by selectively energizing and de-energizing a motor 
which is connected to the solar panel. The pivot axis of the solar panel 
is situated substantially parallel to the earth's axis of rotation. A time 
controlled signal programmer is provided for generating a plurality of 
time dependent signals which are, thereafter, utilized in generating the 
various control signals. The signal programmer is time dependent via a 60 
Hz input from a regular house outlet. A means for generating periodic 
motor energizing signals generally including various gates is provided and 
causes a cross coupled NAND gate cell to latch and, thereby, retain the 
motor energized and the solar panel pivoting in the westerly direction. A 
means for detecting the degree of pivot of the solar panel generally 
including a hall effect generator and sensor and a counter is provided so 
as to detect a preselected degree of pivot and reset the cross coupled 
NAND gate cell thereby de-energizing the motor and stopping the westerly 
pivoting of the solar panel. The counter resets itself when resetting the 
NAND gate cell thereby preparing itself for the next count. This process 
of generating a motor energizing signal, causing the solar panel to pivot 
and stopping the pivoting of the solar panel in response to the counter 
providing a de-energizing signal is repeated throughout a period during 
which a fixed automatic signal is at zero or low thereby causing the solar 
panel to pivot westerly generally following the sun during the period of 
which the fixed automatic signal is zero. 
The solar tracking control system is energized and deenergized in response 
to a power signal which is generated by a power signal generating means 
which operates in response to a plurality of time dependent signals 
received from the signal programmer. In essence, a power switch means 
which includes a coil and contacts are utilized for selectively providing 
electrical power to the solar tracking control system in response to the 
power signal. 
The solar panel is connected to an energy bank such as a water storage tank 
for holding the energy collected by the solar panels and a means for 
transferring the energy from the solar panels to the energy bank, such as 
a water pump, is provided. An east/west signal generating means is 
connected to the signal programmer and generates an east/west signal in 
response to a plurality of time dependent signals received from the signal 
programmer. An overload determining means such as a temperature sensitive 
switch is connected to the storage tank or the energy bank such as a water 
storage tank so as to determine an overload, such as the occurrence of 
exceeding a preselected temperature or the occurrence of an overvoltage 
condition of an electrical storage bank. A switch means is provided and is 
connected to the east/west signal generating means capable of overriding 
the latch means and pivoting the solar panel away from direct sunlight in 
response to an overload determination and in response to the east/west 
signal. A water pump may be fluidly connected between a water storage tank 
and the solar panel and can be selectively energized so as to transfer 
heat collected by the solar panel to the water storage tank upon the 
occurrence of a preselected temperature difference between the solar panel 
and the water storage tank. 
The present invention overcomes the prior art disadvantages by 
substantially eliminating mechanical parts. Thus, the overall solar 
tracking system is less prone to breakdown. Further, the solar tracking 
control system is more efficient to operate in that it is energized only 
when needed during daylight. Further, by utilizing low energy consumption 
electrical parts, overall efficiency is also increased in that when the 
solar tracking control system is energized, a minimal amount of energy is 
consumed. In general, the solar tracking control system is efficient 
because during the day, solar tracking occurs in a time dependent fashion 
only in the westerly direction and the solar panel is not permitted to 
back track unless an overtemperature or overload condition occurs such 
that direct sunlight must be avoided. Further yet, the solar tracking 
control system of the present invention, by utilizing electrical 
integrated circuitry and by utilizing a signal programmer dependent on a 
common 60Hz outlet, is generally inexpensive and yet substantially 
accurate. 
In one form thereof, the present invention relates to a solar tracking 
control system for use in controlling the position of a pivotable solar 
panel connected to a motor by selectively energizing and de-energizing the 
motor. The control system includes a means for generating periodic motor 
energizing signals and a means for detecting the degree of pivot of the 
solar panel and for providing a motor de-energizing signal in response to 
detecting a preselected degree of pivot. A latch means is also provided 
and is connected to the detecting means and the generating means and to 
the motor for retaining the motor energized in response to a motor 
energizing signal and retaining the motor de-energized in response to a 
de-energizing signal. 
In one form thereof, the present invention relates to a solar tracking 
control system for use in controlling the position of a pivotable solar 
panel connected to a motor by selectively energizing and de-energizing the 
motor. The control system includes time-controlled signal programmer means 
for generating a plurality of time dependent signals. A means is connected 
to the signal programmer means for generating periodic motor energizing 
signals. A means for detecting the degree of pivot of the solar panel and 
for providing a motor de-energizing signal in response to detecting a 
preselected degree of pivot is provided. The means for detecting includes 
a hall sensor connected to the motor having a hall sensor output in 
response to the motor operation and a counter connected to the hall 
sensor. The counter provides the de-energizing signal in response to the 
hall sensor output. A latch means is connected to the detecting means and 
the motor energizing signal generating means and to the motor for 
retaining the motor energized in response to a motor energizing signal and 
retaining the motor de-energized in response to a de-energizing signal. 
In one form thereof, the present invention relates to a method for 
controlling the position of a pivotable solar panel connected to a motor 
and having a pivot axis substantially parallel to the earth's axis of 
rotation. The method includes the steps of energizing a solar tracking 
control system with a switch actuated in response to a time dependent 
power signal; generating a motor energizing signal and, thereby, 
energizing the motor and causing the solar panel to pivot about the pivot 
axis; detecting the degree of pivot caused by the energizing of the motor; 
generating a motor de-energizing signal in response to detecting a 
preselected degree of pivot and thereby causing the motor and the solar 
panel to stop; repeating the steps of generating a motor energizing signal 
detecting the degree of pivot and generating a motor de-energizing signal 
in a time dependent manner thereby causing the solar panel to continually 
pivot and be substantially perpendicular to the sun; and, de-energizing 
the solar tracking control system in response to the time dependent power 
signal.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout 
the several views of the drawings. 
The exemplifications set out herein illustrate a preferred embodiment of 
the invention in one form thereof and such exemplifications are not to be 
construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the 
invention in any manner. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT 
As shown in the figures, a specific embodiment of the present invention is 
a solar tracking control system for use in controlling the position of a 
pivotable solar panel connected to a motor by selectively energizing and 
de-energizing the motor. More specifically, a solar panel 10 is provided 
for collecting the sun's energy and is pivotally mounted to a motor 12, 
which in turn is connected to a post 14. Post 14 is embedded in the ground 
16 through the use of concrete 18 or, in other suitable fashions. Post 14 
is mounted substantially perpendicular to the earth's surface. 
As more clearly shown in FIGS. 2-4 and 8, motor 12 has a rotating shaft 20 
upon which there is mounted U-member 22. Motor 12 is mounted upon post 14 
through the use of a motor mounting base 24 and so that the axis 26 of 
motor shaft 20 is situated directionally north/south or, substantially 
parallel to the earth's axis of rotation. Accordingly, U-member 22 and 
solar panel 10, connected to shaft 20, rotate substantially parallel to 
the earth's axis of rotation. 
As more clearly shown in FIG. 2, square bar member 28 is connected to 
U-member 22 through the use of bolts 30. On each end of square bar member 
28, there is connected, by welding or other suitable means, an oval member 
32. Each of the oval members 32 has a first hole 34 and a second hole 36 
for the purpose of pivotally supporting solar panel 10 as described 
hereinbelow. More particularly, solar panel 10 is supported on a frame 
including horizontal beams 37 and 38 and vertical beams 40. Beams 37 and 
40 are connected together to substantially form a square. Vertical beams 
40 are connected to half circle plates 42 through the use of bolts 44. 
Half circle plates 42, as shown in FIG. 7, each have a pivot hole 34' 
corresponding with first holes 34 of oval members 32. Half circle plates 
42 also have three angle displacement holes 36' for selectively 
corresponding with the second holes 36 of oval members 32. A pivot bolt 46 
is received through each first hole 34 and pivot hole 34' thereby 
pivotally holding together oval members 32 and half circle plates 42 on 
each end of square bar member 28. Furthermore, angle displacement bolts 48 
are received through each of the second holes 36 of oval members 32 and 
one of the angle displacement holes 36' of each of the half circle plates 
42, as more clearly shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, by placing the angle 
displacement bolts 48 in the various angle displacement holes 36', solar 
panel 10 can be pivoted so as to more substantially be perpendicular to 
the sun during the various seasons of the year. That is, in the north 
hemisphere, solar panel 10 may be pivoted to angle B generally during the 
summer months, to angle A generally during the spring and fall months, and 
in a position as shown in FIG. 4, generally during the winter months. So 
as to further increase efficiency, solar panel 10 is pivoted daily from 
east to west so as to be substantially perpendicular to the sun through 
the use of the solar tracking control system as described hereinbelow. 
Referring now to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the electronic circuitry of the solar 
tracking control system will be described. Power is supplied to the solar 
tracking control system from a 120 volt, 60Hz outlet through two lines 
indicated as L1 and L2. A power supply fuse 50 is provided on L2. 
Transformer 52 reduces the voltage to an appropriate working voltage such 
as 28 volts. Full wave rectifier 54 is connected to the secondary winding 
of transformer 52 and provides a positive 15 volt and a negative 15 volt 
output. Power supply capacitors 56 and power supply resistors 58 are 
connected between the respective positive 15 volt output and negative 15 
volt output of full wave rectifier 54 and the center tap line of 
transformer 52 acting as ground. A 12-volt regulator 60 is provided and is 
connected to the positive 15-volt output of full wave rectifier 54 and the 
center tap output of transformer 52. Capacitors 66 are connected between 
the output of regulator 60 and the center tap output of transformer 52 
and, thus, a 12-volt regulated output is provided as shown. 
A plurality of time dependent signals are created for triggering the 
various electrical components of the solar tracking control system through 
the use of a time controlled signal programmer means or signal programmer 
generally designated as 68. To this end, diode 70 is connected to the 
above-described 28-volt 60 Hz supply. The half-wave rectified output of 
diode 70 is connected in series to resistor 72 and to one of the inputs of 
NAND gate 74. The other input of NAND gate 74 is connected to the 
regulated positive 12-volt output of regulator 60. The output of NAND gate 
74 is connected in series with dividers 76, 78 and 80, each of which 
divide by 60. Dividers 76, 78 and 80 are commonly known as presettable 
divide by n counters and are set at divide by 60. Thus, the output 82 of 
divider 76 is one cycle per second, the output 84 of divider 78 is one 
cycle per minute, and the output 86 of divider 80 is one cycle per hour. 
The output 86 of divider 80 is connected to inverter 88 which, in turn, is 
connected to divider 90 having outputs of Q.sub.2 at one cycle per 4 
hours, Q.sub.3 at one cycle per 8 hours, Q.sub.4 at one cycle per 16 hours 
and, Q.sub.5 at one cycle per 32 hours. Q.sub.2, Q.sub.3, Q.sub.4, and 
Q.sub.5 are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 6. Divider 90 is a seven stage 
binary counter and is set to divide by 24. 30 Divider 90 operates on 12 
volts and can be reset by providing a signal on reset line 92. Reset line 
92 is connected to the output of NAND gate 94. One input of NAND gate 94 
is connected to the output of NAND gate 96 which, in turn, is connected to 
outputs Q.sub.4 and Q.sub.5 of divider 90. The other input of NAND gate 94 
is connected to line 98, which is connected to normally open reset switch 
100 leading to ground. Line 98 is also connected to an integrator 
consisting of resistor 102 and capacitor 104, which are, in turn, 
connected to a positive 12 volts. Thus, dividers 78, 80 and 90 can be 
reset by merely depressing reset switch 100. In the alternative, dividers 
78, 80 and 90 are reset automatically via the output of NAND gate 94, 
which is dependent on the outputs Q.sub.4 and Q.sub.5 of divider 90. 
The solar tracking control system is selectively automatically activated 
through the use of a power switch means generally designated as 106. Power 
switch means 106 includes coil K8, which is connected to and is adapted to 
pull closed contacts C8A and C8B. Coil K8 is activated through the use of 
NPN transistor 114 which, in turn, is activated through the use of a power 
signal generating means for generating a power signal in response to time 
dependent signals Q.sub.3, Q.sub.4, and Q.sub.5 of divider 90. The power 
signal for activating coil K8 through the use of NPN transistor 114 is 
generated through the use of NOR gates 110 and 112 and inverter 108. The 
Boolean logic representing the system energizing and de-energizing power 
signal necessary to activate NPN transistor 114 is Q.sub.3 +Q.sub.4 
+Q.sub.4 +Q.sub.5. Resistor 116 is connected in series with the output of 
NOR gate 112 and resistor 118 is connected in series with the output of 
NOR gate 110. Resistor 120 is connected between the base of NPN transistor 
114 and ground. Accordingly, through the use of the power signal 
generating means, a power signal is produced as shown in FIG. 6 and coil 
K8 is energized and contacts C8A and C8B are closed over a period of 
twelve hours. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the power signal is 
high between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., during which time the solar tracking 
control system is energized. 
An east/west signal generating means is provided for generating an 
east/west signal in response to time dependent signals Q.sub.2 and Q.sub.4 
and the output of NOR gate 112. East/west signal generating means includes 
NAND gate 122 having a first input of Q.sub.2 and a second input of 
Q.sub.4 from divider 90. The output of NAND gate 122 is connected to a 
first input of NAND gate 124. The second input of NAND gate 124 is 
connected to the output of NOR gate 112. The Boolean logic representing 
the east/west signal generation is Q.sub.2 .multidot.Q.sub.3 
.multidot.Q.sub.4 +Q.sub.5. Accordingly, the output of NAND gate 124 
generates the east/west signal shown in FIG. 6. 
Resistor 126 and light-emitting diode 128 are connected in series between 
the output of NAND gate 124 and a 12-volt supply. Accordingly, 
light-emitting diode 128 lights up and indicates the time during which the 
east/west signal is low. It should be noted that the output of NAND gate 
124 or the east/west signal is connected via line 130 to one of the inputs 
of exnor gate 132. Thus, line 130 and the respective input of exnor gate 
132 is low from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and high, thereafter, as more 
clearly shown in FIG. 6. 
A fixed automatic signal is also generated through the use of a fixed 
automatic signal generating means in response to time dependent signals 
Q.sub.3 and the output of NOR gate 112. More specifically, the fixed 
automatic signal is provided at the output of exnor gate 134 having a 
first input from NOR gate 136 and a second input connected to ground. NOR 
gate 136 has a first input connected to inverter 138 which, in turn, is 
connected to Q.sub.3 of divider 90. The second input of NOR gate 136 is 
connected to inverter 140 which, in turn, is connected to the output of 
NOR gate 112. Thus, the fixed automatic signal, which is low from 11:00 
a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and high at all other times as shown in FIG. 6, is 
applied to line 142 which is connected to one of the inputs of exnor gate 
144 and to solid state relay, more commonly known as a field effect device 
146. Thus, a low signal is provided via line 142 to solid state relay or 
contact 146 and to exnor gate 144 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and a 
high signal is provided thereto at all other times. The Boolean logic 
representing the fixed automatic generation is Q.sub.3 .multidot.Q.sub.4 
.multidot.Q.sub.5. It should be further noted that light-emitting diode 
148 and resistor 150 are connected in series between line 142 and a 
12-volt supply thereby indicating the time of which the fixed automatic 
signal is low. 
A gate means is provided for generating motor energizing signals in 
response to the fixed automatic signal and the motor energizing signals 
generated via time dependent signals Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.3 of divider 80. 
More specifically, the output of NAND gate 152 provides the periodic motor 
energizing signals as shown in FIG. 6. That is, exnor gate 154 has a first 
input of Q.sub.1 and a second input Q.sub.3 as more clearly shown in FIG. 
6b. Exnor gate 154 has an output signal also shown in FIG. 6b and is 
connected to an input of NAND gate 152. The other input of NAND gate 152 
is connected to inverter 156 which, in turn, is connected to the output of 
exnor gate 134 which provides the fixed automatic signal. Accordingly, the 
output of NAND gate 152 is the motor energizing signal as shown in FIGS. 
6a and 6b. It should be noted that the motor energizing signal is 
connected to a latch means or, more particularly, to a cross coupled NAND 
gate cell generally indicated as 158 for the purpose of setting the same 
and causing motor 12 to be energized moving solar panel 10 westerly as 
will be described hereinbelow. 
A means for detecting the degree of pivot of the solar panel and for 
resetting cross coupled NAND cell 158 by providing a motor de-energizing 
signal in response to detecting a preselected degree of pivot and, 
thereby, selectively stopping the westerly movement of solar panel 10 is 
provided. More specifically, motor 12 is mechanically coupled to a 
hall-effect generator 164 whereby a preset number of electrical signals 
are created by every predetermined number of revolutions by motor 12. Hall 
sensor 160 senses the signals created by generator 164 and is connected to 
exnor gate 166. The other input of exnor gate 166 is connected to ground. 
The output of exnor gate 166 is connected to synchronous programmable 
4-bit counter 162. It should be noted that both hall sensor 160 and 
counter 162 are connected to a 12-volt supply line and ground as shown. 
Synchronous programmable 4-bit counter 162 is programmed to count down 
from a 4-bit binary digit through the use of switches generally indicated 
as 168 connected to a 12-volt source. Thus, when a preselected number of 
pulses coming from hall sensor 160 and exnor gate 166 are counted by 
counter 162, a reset signal is provided to reset line 170 thereby 
resetting cross coupled NAND cell 158. It should be noted that counter 162 
also resets itself each time it provides a reset signal on line 170 via 
line 178. Further, through capacitors 172 and resistors 174, cross coupled 
NAND gate cell 158 sets and resets only upon the occurrence of a change of 
voltage i.e., from high to low or from low to high. More specifically, 
cross coupled NAND gate cell 158 is set when the motor energizing signal 
goes from high to low and remains set until line 170 goes from high to 
low. It should also be noted that the output of cross coupled NAND gate 
cell 158 is connected to solid state relay or contact 176 via line 178. 
Counter 162 is also connected to line 142 carrying the fixed automatic 
signal and is thereby kept in a reset position between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 
a.m. when the fixed automatic signal is high. 
So as to remove the energy collected by solar panel 10 and store the same, 
an energy bank such as a water storage tank 180 is connected to solar 
panel 10. In essence, storage tank 180 is fluidly connected to solar panel 
10 via water lines 182 and a water pump 184 is connected to one of the 
water lines 182 so as to circulate water between solar panel 10 and water 
storage tank 180. As shown in FIG. 5b, water pump 184 is electrically 
powered via lines L1 and L2 which are connected thereto and is selectively 
energized and de-energized through the use of contact C3, which is 
controlled with coil K3. Coil K3 is itself energized when the temperature 
of solar panel 10 exceeds the temperature of water storage tank 180 by 
approximately 3 degrees Fahrenheit which may be preselected. This 
temperature difference is sensed by using a bridge 186 having on one leg 
thereof storage tank thermistor 188 sensing the water temperature within 
storage tank 180 and on the other leg solar panel thermistor 190 sensing 
the water temperature within solar panel 10. The imbalance of bridge 186 
is sensed and amplified through temperature control OP AMP circuit 192 
which, in turn, is connected to the base of temperature control transistor 
194. Transistor 194 causes coil K3 to be energized thereby pulling contact 
C3 and, thereby, energizing water pump 184 whenever an imbalance in bridge 
186 occurs. The resistors used within bridge 186 and within temperature 
control OP AMP circuit 192 are sized according to general electronic 
standards. Further, bridge 186 is connected between 12-volt supply line 
196 and line 198 connected to the center tap of transformer 52. 
A contact C8B is connected to 12-volt supply line 196 and closes in 
response to coil K8 thereby providing power to the water pump control 
circuitry in response to the power signal. Light-emitting diode 200 and 
resistor 202 are connected in series between ground and contact C8B 
thereby providing a visual indication as to when power is provided to the 
water pump control circuitry and the solar tracking control system in 
general. Coil K3 is connected between contact C8B and pump 
manual/automatic switch 204 and light-emitting diode 206 and resistor 208 
are connected in parallel with coil K3. Thus, light-emitting diode 206 
provides a isual indication whenever coil K3 or water pump 184 are 
energized. Switch 204 is shown in the automatic position whereat coil K3 
will automatically be energized upon the occurrence of an imbalance in 
bridge 186. In the alternative, switch 204 may be placed in the manual 
position whereat coil K3 and pump 184 are energized regardless of any 
imbalance occurrence in bridge 186. 
The direction of motor 12, which is powered via a 28-volt 60 Hz supply from 
transformer 52, is controlled through the use of motor control bridge 210, 
motor control OP AMP circuit 212 and coils K1 and K2, which are controlled 
by transistors 214 and 216, respectively. More specifically, each input of 
0P AMP 218 is connected to a respective leg of motor control bridge 210. 
Thus, the output of OP AMP 218 is either zero, positive or negative, 
depending on the imbalance of motor control bridge 210. The output of OP 
AMP 218 is connected to the respective bases of NPN transistor 214 and PNP 
transistor 216. Accordingly, either coil K1 or coil K2 can be energized 
during any particular period of time but not both. Diode 220 is connected 
in parallel with coil K1 and diode 222 is connected in parallel with coil 
K2. The resistors of motor control bridge 210 and motor control OP AMP 
circuit 212 are sized according to general electrical standards. 
Motor 12, on one end thereof, is connected to west limit switch 224 and 
diode 226 which are in parallel with each other and at the other end 
thereof are, in turn, connected to contact C1. At the other end thereof, 
motor 12 is connected to east limit switch 228 and diode 230, which are 
connected parallel to each other and are further connected to contact C2 
at the other end thereof. Diode 232 is connected in series with secondary 
winding 234 of transformer 52 thereby providing rectified current to motor 
12. Both contacts C1 and C2 are shown in their normally closed positions 
when coils K1 and K2 are not energized. West limit switch 224 and east 
limit switch 228 are physically situated substantially near the end of the 
desired pivot of solar panel 10 in the respective westerly or easterly 
direction and open when solar panel 10 substantially reaches that position 
thereby opening a respective limit switch 224 or 228 and causing motor 12 
and the pivoting of solar panel 10 to stop. Thereafter, due to the open 
limit switch, motor 12 will operate only when the correct contact C1 or C2 
closes, thereby causing motor 12 to pivot solar panel 10 in the opposite 
direction of that which caused the opening of the limit switch. More 
specifically, during normal operation, coil K1 is energized pulling closed 
contact C1 and causing solar panel 10 to move westerly. When solar panel 
10 has been pivoted substantially to the end of the desired angle, west 
limit switch 224 will open and motor 12 will stop regardless of whether 
contact C1 is closed or open. Thereafter, only the energizing of coil K2 
pulling closed contact C2 will allow motor 12 to be energized with current 
flowing through diode 226 and, thereby, causing solar panel 10 to move in 
the easterly direction. It should be noted that, in general, the same 
operation occurs when the substantially furthest easterly pivot is 
reached, however, in that position, east limit switch 228 is opened. 
Connected in series with contact C8A, there is manual override solar panel 
control switch 236 shown in its normally closed position. Switch 236, 
along with west manual override switch 238 and east manual override switch 
240 are provided for imbalancing bridge 210 so as to make solar panel 10 
pivot in the desired direction regardless of the automatic solar tracking 
control system described hereinabove. That is, west manual override switch 
238 is provided for imbalancing bridge 210 so as to make solar panel 10 
pivot westerly and east manual override switch 240 is provided so as to 
imbalance bridge 210 and cause solar panel 10 to pivot easterly. 
An overload determining means for determining substantially when the energy 
bank or storage tank 180 is substantially full or when solar panel 10 has 
reached a critical level or temperature and switch means connected to the 
above-described east/west signal generating means and the overload 
determining means for overriding the latch means and pivoting the solar 
panel away from direct sunlight in response to an overload determination 
and in response to the east/west signal is described hereinbelow. More 
specifically, temperature sensitive switch 242 is connected to manual 
override solar panel control switch 236 and is normally in the position 
shown in FIG. 5b whereat 12-volts is provided to line 244. When the 
temperature of storage tank 180 is below substantially 140 degrees 
Fahrenheit or some other preselected temperature, temperature sensitive 
switch 242 remains in its normal operating position as shown. Switch 242 
is substantially a bimetallic strip-type thermostat situated so as to 
sense the temperature of the water within solar panel 10 or storage tank 
180 and to provide an overtemperature control signal whenever a 
preselected temperature such as 140 degrees Fahrenheit is exceeded. In the 
alternative, temperature sensitive switch 242 can be a preset thermosnap 
disk control switch. Accordingly, whenever the preselected temperature is 
exceeded, switch 242 opens and provides 12-volts on line 246. 
Line 244 is connected to one of the inputs of exnor gate 132 and to ground 
via resistor 248. Line 244 is also connected to diode 250 which, in turn, 
is connected to solid state relay 146 and solid state relay 252. It should 
be noted that solid state relay 146 is controlled via line 142 and solid 
state relay 252 is controlled via the output of exnor gate 144. The output 
of relay 252 is connected to the input of relay 176 which, as described 
hereinbelow, is controlled via line 178. The output of relay 176 is 
connected to the west leg of motor control bridge 210. The output of solid 
state relay 146 is connected to the inputs of solid state relays 254 and 
256. It should be noted that line 246 is also connected to the inputs of 
solid state relays 254 and 256. Further, solid state relay 254 is 
controlled via line 258 which is the output of exnor gate 132. Line 258 is 
also connected to one of the inputs of exnor gate 260. The other input of 
exnor gate 260 is connected to ground. The output of exnor gate 260 
controls solid state relay 256 which, in turn, has an output connected to 
the east leg of motor control bridge 210. 
The operation of the solar tracking control system will be described 
hereinbelow. At substantially 7:00 a.m., the output of NAND gate 94 goes 
high and thereby resets dividers 78, 80, and 90 via reset line 92. At that 
point, the power signal goes high, coil K8 is closed, and contacts C8A and 
C8B are closed thereby providing power to the solar tracking control 
system and indicating the occurrence of this event via light-emitting 
diode 200. Simultaneously, the east/west signal on line 130 is low and the 
fixed automatic signal on line 142 is high. Accordingly, if temperature 
sensitive switch 242 is in its normal operating position as shown, the 
output of exnor gate 132 is low and, thus, the output of exnor gate 260 is 
high. Further, because the fixed automatic signal is high on line 142, the 
output of exnor gate 144 is low and solid state relay 146 is closed 
thereby allowing current to flow through diode 250, relay 146 and solid 
state relay 256 and to the east leg of bridge 210. Accordingly, coil K2 is 
energized and contact C2 is opened thereby causing solar panel 10 to move 
easterly until east limit switch 228 is opened. 
If at 7:00 a.m., after resetting, the temperature sensitive switch is 
triggered and thus connected to line 246, the output of exnor gate 132 is 
high thereby closing solid state relay 256 and opening solid state relay 
254 thereby allowing current to flow through line 246 and solid state 
relay 254 to the west leg of motor control bridge 210 thereby causing 
solar panel 10 to move westerly if not already in the westerly position 
until west limit switch 224 is opened. 
At substantially 11:00 a.m., the fixed automatic signal goes low as shown 
in FIG. 6a, and the motor energize signal also goes low for a period of 10 
minutes as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. Accordingly, cross coupled NAND gate 
cell 158 is set and a high signal is provided on line 178 thereby closing 
solid state relay 176. Further, because the fixed automatic signal carried 
on line 142 is low, solid state relay 146 is open and because the output 
of exnor gate 144 is caused to be high, solid state relay 252 is closed. 
Accordingly, so long as temperature sensitive switch 242 remains in its 
normal position as shown, current is allowed to travel through diode 250, 
closed relays 252 and 176, and to the west leg of motor control bridge 210 
thereby energizing coil K1 and closing contact C1 energizing motor 12 and 
causing solar panel 10 to move in the westerly direction. As soon as motor 
12 starts to rotate, however, hall sensor 160 generates pulses which 
travel through exnor gate 166 and are counted by counter 162. Thereafter, 
when a preselected number of pulses coming from hall sensor 160 are 
counted by counter 162, a reset signal is provided on reset line 170 
thereby resetting cross coupled NAND gate cell 158 and, also, resetting 
counter 162 via line 178. Accordingly, line 178 then goes low thereby 
opening solid state relay 252 and closing solid state relay 146 and, 
thereby, also de-energizing motor 12 and causing solar panel 10 to stop 
pivoting. As can be appreciated, the above-described sequence of events 
whereby the cross coupled NAND gate cell 158 is set and reset occurs 
periodically each half hour as indicated by the motor energize signal 
shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b. In this fashion, because the motor energizing 
signal is time dependent, solar panel 10 is caused to pivot so as to be 
substantially always perpendicular to the sun. 
It should be noted that between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., if temperature 
sensitive switch 242 is caused to open and provide current to line 246, 
solar panel 10 will be moved in the westerly direction generally away from 
direct sunlight due to the low east/west signal. This is because upon such 
an occurrence, the output of exnor gate 132 will be high thereby closing 
solid state relay 254 and opening relay 256 and, thus, causing current to 
flow through line 246 and solid state relay 254 to the west leg of motor 
control bridge 210. 
Between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. however, the east/west signal on line 130 
goes high so that if the temperature sensitive switch 242 opens and makes 
contact with line 246, the output of exnor gate 132 is low and, thus, the 
output of exnor gate 260 is high causing solid state relay 256 to close 
and solid state relay 254 to open. Accordingly, current flows through line 
246 and relay 256 to the east leg of motor control bridge 210 and causes 
solar panel 10 to be pivoted in the easterly direction away from direct 
sunlight until east limit switch 228 is opened. 
At 3:00 p.m., the fixed automatic signal goes high and, therefore, no 
further setting of cross coupled NAND gate cell 158 can occur as also 
shown by the motor energize signal of FIG. 6a. Further, solid state relay 
146 is closed and solid state relay 252 is open. Further yet, solid state 
relay 254 is closed because the output of exnor gate 132 is high due to 
the east/west signal on line 130 being high and a voltage being provided 
on line 244. Accordingly, current is allowed to travel through diode 250, 
relays 146 and 254 to the west leg of motor control bridge 210, thereby 
causing solar panel 10 to travel the remainder of the way westerly until 
west limit switch 224 is opened. Solar panel 10 will remain in this most 
westerly position until the next day at 7:00 a.m. when the system is again 
automatically reset and solar panel 10 is caused to move to its full 
easterly position. It should be noted that counter 162 is reset via line 
262 upon the fixed automatic signal going high. 
Furthermore if, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., an overtemperature or 
overload situation occurs and temperature sensitive switch 242 is caused 
to provide current on line 246, the output of exnor gate 132 becomes low 
and the output of exnor gate 260 becomes high thereby allowing current to 
flow through line 246 and relay 256 to the east leg of motor control 
bridge 210 and thereby causing solar panel 10 to be pivoted to its full 
easterly fixed position until east limit switch 228 is opened. 
At 7:00 p.m. the power signal goes low and contacts C8A and C8B are caused 
to open thereby preventing power from being supplied to the solar tracking 
control system until the next day at 7:00 a.m. when the system is again 
reset automatically. As can be appreciated at 7:00 a.m. of the next day, 
the above-described operation is repeated. 
It should further be noted that the above-described solar tracking control 
system is originally set by synchronizing the signal programmer with the 
time of day by depressing reset switch 100 at approximately 7:00 a.m. 
Thereafter, as described above, the system automatically resets itself at 
that same time and operates without any further input from the operator. 
While the invention has been described as having a specific embodiment, it 
will be understood that it is capable of further modifications which are 
equivalent thereto. This application is therefore intended to cover any 
variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general 
principles thereof and including such departures from the present 
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which 
this invention pertains.