Patent ID: 8129667

Claim:
A solar collector tracking system for maintaining orientation of multiple solar collectors to the sun to provide optimal focusing of solar radiation on a receiver, said tracking system comprising: multiple solar collectors, each comprising an associated motor operationally connected thereto for changing the position of each collector with respect to the sun; a local controller in operational connection with said multiple solar collectors, said local controller comprising motor communication means for transmitting motor-control signals to control movement of said multiple solar collectors to optimal positions with respect to the sun and thereafter for transmitting additional motor-control signals at selected times to move said collectors selected distances to maintain optimal positions of said collectors with respect to the sun; multiple motor controllers each comprising means for receiving motor-control signals from said local controller wirelessly or via data lines and transmitting corresponding electrical control currents via power lines to said associated motors for controlling operation of said associated motors; and a master controller in signal communication with said local controller, said master controller comprising: means for receiving position status signals from said solar collectors; and means for transmitting position control signals to said local controller for each said solar collector.