The paper presents an algorithm for the structural synthesis of mechanisms for tracking systems as Multibody Systems and applications to planar linkages are discussed. The method can be extended also for spatial linkages, cams or gear mechanisms.

Their conception as Multibody Systems provides all the general fundamental structures for a defined complexity (number of bodies) and degree of freedom (mobility) of a mechanism. Based on the fundamental particularities of the sun-tracking, applicable mechanical concepts are obtained.

The application presented has as result possible versions (existing and new ones) for the imposed input data. For example, Fig.6.2 represents an existent configuration for this kind of devices while Fig.6.1, 6.3, 6.12 represent new systems based on the same graph where the driving motion is introduced in different ways.

The figures from 6.5 to 6.11 show different configurations with 3 bodies that allow many possibilities to introduce the driving motion. Solutions as described in Fig. 6.4, 6.6, 6.8, may be reliable because of their compact structure, but also spherical mechanisms as in Fig.6.12 can offer an accurate orientation in order to follow the sun path.

Considering the design principles of the sun trackers and also the technological implications in manufacturing these types of systems, the mechanism configurations have to be developed in order to provide a good accuracy. An exergy calculation is necessary for an efficient energy balance between their own feed consumption and the energy provided by the renewable energy system.