Patent ID: 7926480

Claim:
A carrier and drive arrangement for use in a solar energy reflector system and which comprises: a) a carrier structure having i) a reflector element, ii) a platform which is separate from the reflector element and upon which the reflector element is mounted, iii) a frame portion that comprises at least one curved transverse frame member to which the platform is secured, hoop-like end members between which the platform extends, and a space frame, wherein the space frame comprises struts connecting opposite end regions of the at least one curved transverse frame member to a spine member, and wherein each of the hoop-like end members has a channel-section circumferential portion, and iv) support members which support the frame portion by way of the end members and which accommodate turning of the carrier structure about an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element when supported by the platform, wherein the support members comprise spaced-apart supporting rollers which track within the circumferential portion of associated ones of the end members; and b) a drive system incorporating an electric motor for imparting turning drive to the carrier structure.