Patent ID: 8210162

Claim:
An improved tracking structure with weathervaning stowage mode of operation comprising (a) a stable foundation, (b) a tracking structure with azimuth and elevation axes of rotation, (c) a means of attaching said tracking structure to said foundation, (d) a rotary transmission means for imparting rotational motion to said azimuth axis of rotation, (e) and a means of attaching said rotary transmission means to said tracking structure's azimuth axis of rotation, (f) a rotary transmission means for imparting rotational motion to said elevation axis of rotation, (g) a means of attaching said rotary transmission means to said tracking structure's elevation axis of rotation, (h) an incident surface or plurality of incident surfaces mounted to said tracking frame, (i) a means of attaching the incident surface or plurality of incident surfaces to said tracking structure, (j) a computer or other controller providing a means of controlling said axis drives in normal operation and thereby positioning said tracking structure to a desired position, wherein improvements consist of (k) a wind speed measuring instrument for measuring wind speed, (l) a means of transmitting said wind speed measurements to said computer or other controller, and also providing a means for determining said weathervaning mode at a predetermined wind speed, (m) said weathervaning mode of operation being initiated by the active placement and holding of facets into a vertical orientation via said elevation rotary transmission means, and by the release of said transmission means on the azimuth axis so that a free weathervaning rotation about the azimuth axis of rotation can be initiated and maintained in a passive condition (n) an attachment location of said incident surface or plurality of incident surfaces in an offset orientation to the azimuth axis of rotation, whereby an aerodynamic configuration is established that will inherently weathervane said tracking structure in a wind condition of predetermined speed.