Patent ID: 8389918

Claim:
An actuated feedforward controlled solar tracker system comprising: a sub-frame for supporting at least one solar panel; at least one post for supporting the sub-frame; a linking member that connects the sub-frame to the post, wherein the linking member includes a first axle, a second axle and a body member disposed between the first axle and the second axle, wherein the first axle and the second axle are disposed substantially orthogonal to each other and separated by a distance approximately equal to the length of the body member; at least two linear actuators, each actuator having a first end and a second end; a rotational joint for connecting the second end of each of the linear actuators to the sub-frame; a driver system for driving the linear actuators; a feedforward control system including a computer that calculates desired positions of the linear actuators using multiple data points as inputs and communicates with the driver system to drive the linear actuators to the desired positions; and a feedback control system that relays information gathered by sensor devices to the feedforward control system, wherein the feedforward control system and the feedback control system function in an integrated manner.