U.S. patent application number 12/289725 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for aeroelastic canopy with solar panels.
This patent application is currently assigned to OptiSolar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ning Ma, Gianluigi Mascolo, David Taggart.
Application Number | 20100108113 12/289725 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42129956 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100108113 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taggart; David ; et
al. |
May 6, 2010 |
Aeroelastic canopy with solar panels
Abstract
An aeroelastic solar-power-generating canopy is described that
requires minimal construction efforts. The canopy can be formed
over supporting structures such as columns, without requiring an
existing roof. The canopy contains a plurality of solar panels
arranged substantially adjacent to each other, which are coupled to
attachment members. Linking members are coupled to the attachment
members, the linking members providing a flexing point for the
solar panels. A cable is coupled to the linking members, spanning a
substantial portion of the distance covered by the solar panels,
providing a restraining force. And, at least one of the attachment
members and cable is coupled to a supporting structure, wherein the
cable in conjunction with the linking members allows the solar
panels to dynamically react to loads, the arranged solar panels
operating as a covering and as a source of solar power.
Inventors: |
Taggart; David; (San Carlos,
CA) ; Mascolo; Gianluigi; (Emeryville, CA) ;
Ma; Ning; (San Mateo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE NATH LAW GROUP
112 South West Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
OptiSolar, Inc.
Hayward
CA
|
Family ID: |
42129956 |
Appl. No.: |
12/289725 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/96 ;
135/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/44 20130101;
Y02E 10/47 20130101; F24S 2030/16 20180501; H02S 20/10 20141201;
Y02B 10/10 20130101; F24S 20/67 20180501; H02S 20/22 20141201; Y02E
10/50 20130101; Y02B 10/20 20130101; F24S 25/50 20180501; E04F
10/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/96 ;
135/121 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/02 20060101
E04H015/02; E04H 15/34 20060101 E04H015/34 |
Claims
1. An aeroelastic solar-power-generating canopy, comprising: a
plurality of solar panels arranged substantially adjacent to each
other; attachment members coupled to at least one portion of a
solar panel of the plurality of solar panels; linking members
coupled to the attachment members, the linking members providing a
flexing point for solar panels of the plurality of solar panels; a
cable coupled to the linking members, spanning a substantial
portion of a distance covered by the plurality of solar panels, and
providing a restraining force; and a plurality of supporting
structures, wherein at least one of the attachment members and
cable is coupled thereto, wherein the cable in conjunction with the
linking members allows the plurality of solar panels to dynamically
react to loads, the plurality of solar panels operating as a
covering and as a source of solar power.
2. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the attachment members includes a
crossbar.
3. The canopy of claim 1, further comprising a termination
attachment coupling an end of the cable to a supporting structure
of the plurality of supporting structures.
4. The canopy of claim 1, wherein a profile of a portion of the
canopy forms a catenary curve.
5. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the linking member includes a
pulley mechanism in contact with the cable.
6. The canopy of claim 3, wherein the termination attachment is
displaced from the supporting structure.
7. The canopy of claim 1, wherein a cable attached to the
supporting structure is attached via a cable spreader.
8. The canopy of claim 8, wherein the cable spreader is capable of
allowing the cable to move in an axial direction through the cable
spreader.
9. The canopy of claim 1, wherein the cable is terminated to
ground.
10. An aeroelastic solar-power-generating canopy, comprising: a
plurality of means for generating power from solar energy arranged
substantially adjacent to each other; means for attachment coupled
to at least one portion of a means of the plurality of the solar
means; means for linking coupled to the means for attachment, the
linking means providing a flexing point for the means of the
plurality of solar means; a tensioning means coupled to the linking
means, spanning a substantial portion of a distance covered by the
plurality of solar means, and providing a restraining force; and a
plurality means for supporting, wherein at least one of the
attachment means and tensioning means is coupled thereto, wherein
the tensioning means in conjunction with the linking means allows
the plurality of the solar means to dynamically react to loads, the
plurality of solar means operating as a covering.
11. The canopy of claim 10, wherein the attachment means includes a
crossbar.
12. The canopy of claim 10, further comprising a means for
termination, coupling an end of the tensioning means to a
supporting means of the plurality of supporting means.
13. The canopy of claim 10, wherein a profile of a portion of the
canopy forms a catenary curve.
14. The canopy of claim 10, wherein the linking means includes a
means for rotation in contact with the tensioning means.
15. The canopy of claim 12, wherein the termination means is
displaced from the means for supporting of the plurality of
supporting mean.
16. The canopy of claim 10, wherein the tensioning means is
attached to the supporting means via a means for displacing a cable
from a structure.
17. The canopy of claim 10, wherein the displacing means is capable
of allowing the tensioning means to move in an axial direction
through the displacing means.
18. A method for providing an environmental covering using solar
power panels, comprising: arranging a plurality of solar panels
substantially adjacent to each other; attaching attachment members
to at least one portion of a solar panel of the plurality of solar
panels; linking linking members to the attachment members, the
linking members providing a flexing point for solar panels of the
plurality of solar panels; coupling a cable to the linking members,
spanning a substantial portion of a distance covered by the
plurality of solar panels to provide a restraining force; and
coupling the plurality of solar panels to a plurality of supporting
structures, wherein at least one of the attachment members and
cable is coupled to a supporting structure of the plurality of
supporting structures, wherein the cable in conjunction with the
linking members allows the plurality of solar panels to dynamically
react to loads.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the attachment members are
coupled to a crossbar on the solar panel.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising, terminating an end
of the cable to a supporting structure of the plurality of
supporting structures.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] This disclosure relates to a shading structure that is
formed from solar panels. More particularly, systems and methods
for coupling solar panels together to form a flexible canopy are
disclosed.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] Solar panels on top of free-standing shade structures such
as buildings, pavilions, and pergolas can be an efficient and
beneficial use of space. However, the current method of building
such structures is to complete the underlying structure first, then
install the solar panels on top as a secondary effort. It is an
expensive and time-consuming approach, often involving unnecessary
duplication of parts, and the result is a rigid structure that
requires significant reinforcement to counteract bending moments
imposed by wind loads.
[0005] Also, many structures in arid or semi-arid climates can
benefit from shade, but do not need the exclusion of rain; for
example, parking structures, walkways, gazebos, pavilions, band
shells, bleachers, outdoor markets, and so forth. Solar panels
mounted on top of these structures can provide power for lights,
fans, PA systems, refrigerators, surveillance cameras, etc. in and
around the structure, feed the power to neighboring buildings or
the local power grid, or a combination thereof.
[0006] In the above examples, however, if the underlying structure
does not already exist, the conventional approach is to build it
independently of the solar panels, then add the solar panels
afterwards. The result is a relatively expensive, rigid structure
that requires extra design effort to shield the solar panels from
excessive stress, both from wind loads often found in dry climates
and, in some areas, seismic activity.
[0007] Therefore, there has been a long-standing need for a solar
panel design paradigm that reduces the cost of building these
structures, as well as providing the overall structure the
necessary resilience against wind and other outside loads.
SUMMARY
[0008] The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the
present disclosure, wherein systems and methods for the
implementation of solar panels as a roofing structure are provided.
In one of various aspects of the disclosure, an aeroelastic
solar-power-generating canopy is provided, comprising, a plurality
of solar panels arranged substantially adjacent to each other;
attachment members coupled to at least one portion of a solar panel
of the plurality of solar panels; linking members coupled to the
attachment members, the linking members providing a flexing point
for solar panels of the plurality of solar panels; a cable coupled
to the linking members, spanning a substantial portion of a
distance covered by the plurality of solar panels, and providing a
restraining force; and a plurality of supporting structures,
wherein at least one of the attachment members and cable is coupled
thereto, wherein the cable in conjunction with the linking members
allows the plurality of solar panels to dynamically react to loads,
the plurality of solar panels operating as a covering and as a
source of solar power.
[0009] In another aspect of the disclosure, an aeroelastic
solar-power-generating canopy is provided, comprising a plurality
of means for generating power from solar energy arranged
substantially adjacent to each other; means for attachment coupled
to at least one portion of a means of the plurality of the solar
means; means for linking coupled to the means for attachment, the
linking means providing a flexing point for the means of the
plurality of solar means; a tensioning means coupled to the linking
means, spanning a substantial portion of a distance covered by the
plurality of solar means, and providing a restraining force; and a
plurality means for supporting, wherein at least one of the
attachment means and tensioning means is coupled thereto, wherein
the tensioning means in conjunction with the linking means allows
the plurality of the solar means to dynamically react to loads, the
plurality of solar means operating as a covering.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method for
providing an environmental covering using solar power panels is
provided, comprising, arranging a plurality of solar panels
substantially adjacent to each other; attaching attachment members
to at least one portion of a solar panel of the plurality of solar
panels; linking linking members to the attachment members, the
linking members providing a flexing point for solar panels of the
plurality of solar panels; coupling a cable to the linking members,
spanning a substantial portion of a distance covered by the
plurality of solar panels to provide a restraining force; and
coupling the plurality of solar panels to a plurality of supporting
structures, wherein at least one of the attachment members and
cable is coupled to a supporting structure of the plurality of
supporting structures, wherein the cable in conjunction with the
linking members allows the plurality of solar panels to dynamically
react to loads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0011] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bottom view of one exemplary
embodiment of a single panel section.
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations of end-views of exemplary
two- and three-panel roofing sections.
[0013] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary link which contains a cable
supporting member that facilitates connection to the cable.
[0014] FIG. 3B provides an illustration of another link, wherein a
pulley is configured with the link.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary section-end
attachment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary canopy
system.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exemplary cable spreader
system.
[0018] FIGS. 7A-B are illustrations of alternate cable
terminations.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a cable termination with an
overhanging eave.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Aspects of the disclosed systems and methods are elucidated
in the accompanying figures and following description. In various
embodiments, the solar panels and their structures are configured
into a flexible canopy that attach directly to the supports of a
structure. For example, this can be accomplished by hinging
together the support members of solar panels (forming a "panel
section") and suspending each panel section between the structure's
supports. The panel sections can be configured to react to tensile
loads, which they do very efficiently. Each link can be connected
to a stabilizing element that can apply any one or more of "outward
and downward" tension (for example, a guy-wire) to offload the
panel section during uplifting wind conditions thus mitigating the
compressive loads they experience, while raising the natural
resonance of the panel sections to higher frequencies. Panel
support members that are used to form the panel sections can also
perform "double duty" as canopy structural members, thereby
reducing cost and amounts of material used. Pre-assembling and
pre-wiring the panel section on the ground on-site, then lifting
into place, also significantly reduces installation costs.
[0021] Further, the solar panels can be arranged and electrically
connected in groups for desired power aggregation, increasing
overall installed cost-efficiency. Also, the finished canopy,
having the linking structure disclosed herein, can be considered to
be sufficiently aeroelastic and seismically resilient for a lower
cost than comparable rigid structures which are designed to minimum
deflection criteria. As in the embodiments of this disclosure, the
design priority is the strength of structural members which are
allowed to deflect, thereby costs and amounts of material used are
reduced. Therefore, efficiencies in construction and reduction in
procured and installed costs are understood to be achievable using
the various embodiments disclosed herein.
[0022] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bottom view of one exemplary
embodiment of a single panel section 10 formed from a solar panel
2. The single panel section 10 is shown with supporting crossbars 4
and rails 6 attached to one side of the panel section 10 in a
structurally efficient manner. As should be apparent, other panel
section shapes as well as supporting crossbars/rails styles or
shapes or geometries may be utilized according to design
preference. For example, two or more rails 6 may extend beyond the
two opposing edges of the panel section 10, or the crossbars 4 may
be diagonally positioned, and so forth. Or a frame (not shown) or
other supporting mechanism or means may be used. Since there are
innumerable ways of attaching or supporting or bracing a panel
section 10, the enabling embodiment of FIG. 1 is understood to be a
non-limiting example. Thus, modifications and changes to the
attachment or supporting mechanisms of FIG. 1 may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
[0023] It should also be understood that the panel section 10 may
contain one or more solar panels. That is, a plurality of solar
panels 2 may be arranged to form a single panel section 10. Thus,
the panel section 10 may be larger than a single solar panel 2.
Additionally, as stated above, the panel section 10 may be of any
arbitrary shape or size, with some panel sections 10 being
rectangular, square, polygonal, curved, and so forth. Also, in some
embodiments, it may be desirable to attach an intermediate
structure between the panel section 10 and the rails 6, in addition
to or other than the crossbars 4. Or based on the capabilities and
type of rails 6 used, the crossbars 4 may not be necessary. Or
based on the capabilities and type of crossbars 4 used, the rails 6
may be supplanted by use of the crossbars 4 as the "rail-like"
element.
[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations of end-views of exemplary
two- and three-panel roofing sections 20 and 25, respectively. The
three-panel section 20 of FIG. 2A shows three individual panel
sections 10 placed proximal to each other to form a "single"
roofing section 20. One or more rails 6 at the ends of the roofing
section 20 are attached via a hinge or mount 28 to a support 26 of
the underlying structure (e.g. pillar, rafter, girder, ridge beam,
and so forth). The hinge or mount 28 can be a bolt, pin, link, or
any other type of attaching mechanism that allows the attached
panel section 10 to pivot or move in a constrained manner that does
not introduce bending into the rail. One or more rails 6 that are
interior to the roofing section 20 are joined to a neighboring rail
6 of the adjacent panel section 10 by a link 22. The link 22 may
also be of any type of mechanical linkage that allows the panel
section 10 to move in a constrained manner. A cable(s) 24 is
coupled directly or indirectly to the links 22.
[0025] The linked panels 10 of the roofing section 20 are
understood to hang down under their weight and their natural
shapes, and are held down by the cable pretension, with the linkage
points naturally falling along a catenary curve. The linked panels
are further pulled downward by the cable pretension. The cable(s)
24 attached to the links 22, being anchored to something solid
(e.g., the pillars or rafters, the ground, strong structures, and
so forth), apply "outward and downward" tension on the links 22 for
stability against random gusts or turbulence.
[0026] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to utilize a single
cable 24 that traverses all the rails 6 from one side of the
structure to the other. Cable spreaders (discussed below) on the
supports 26 can be used to control the cable 24 between the
sections and maintain the tension on each link 22. If the cable
spreader is configured to enable the cable 24 to slide there
within, it can distribute the cable's tension wherever it is most
needed to react to a given dynamic load. By using such a design,
additional parts and labor can be reduced as cable terminations
(FIG. 7) are only needed for the outermost links 22 in every
row.
[0027] When wind pressure is downwards, the rails are in tension;
when wind force is upwards, the rails are in compression. Because
the compressive load is balanced by the tensile load in the cable
24, the magnitude of the compression experienced by the rails 6
does not overstress them. The tension from the cable(s) 24 also
raises the roofing section's 20 natural resonance frequency,
thereby minimizing its susceptibility to fatigue. If the individual
panel sections 10 are caused to vibrate, they will vibrate at a
higher frequency and lower amplitude than they would without the
cable(s) 24. This will reduce the dynamic force and in turn the
stress of the panel section. This reduces the stress on the
individual panel sections 10.
[0028] FIG. 2B illustrates a similar approach to that of FIG. 2A
except with a two-panel section 25, and should be self-explanatory
in view of the foregoing description for FIG. 2A.
[0029] Based on the principles described above, structural supports
26 and appropriately configured panel sections 20 or 25 define the
main components to build a roof. There is no requirement for
purlins, tie beams, collar beams, wind braces, battens, and so
forth, which are typically required in a conventional solar panel
mounting system. These extra components add considerably to cost,
complexity, obstruction of the underlying space, and the energy
required to make the superfluous components. Of course, such items
may be added to the exemplary approaches described herein, but they
are not necessary. Because of the lack of need for these
conventional parts, costs associated with their procurement and
installation can be eliminated, resulting in a more cost-effective
solar panel roofing system.
[0030] Based on the above exemplary embodiments, various designs
are possible for the links 22. For example, FIG. 3A is an
illustration 30 of an exemplary link 29 which contains a cable
supporting member 31 that facilitates connection to the cable 24.
The cable supporting member 31 may include a lip that the cable 24
rests on or a channel (fully or partially enclosed, etc.) that
mechanically couples link 29 to cable 24. Cable 24 may loosen,
tighten, or slide lengthwise over the lip or across the channel,
depending on the forces on the attached roofing section compared to
those on other roofing sections connected to the same cable. The
link 29 may be coupled to the panel sections (not shown) via
pin/hole combinations 27 which mate to the accompanying rails 6 of
the panel sections. It should be understood that the pin/hole
combinations 27 may be replaced with any suitable mechanism for
coupling that provides some measure of pivoting to the panel
sections, as according to design preference.
[0031] Also, the cable supporting member 31, though shown as being
"below" the link 29 in FIG. 3A may, in some embodiments, be
situated above, next to, or on the link 29, and so forth. That is,
for example, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to place the
cable supporting member 31 above the bottom of the rails 6,
possibly on the exterior of the link 29. Also, it is envisioned it
may be possible to have the cable supporting member 31 operate as a
coupling for securing the link 29 to the rails 6, via the holes 27.
Thus, it is apparent that based on the embodiments disclosed
herein, several variations and modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 3B provides an illustration 35 of another link 33,
wherein a pulley 34 is configured with the link 33, and is
instructive for demonstrating possible variations to the link(s)
described herein. It should be noted that while FIGS. 3A-B
illustrate the rails 6 as having a diagonal edge, allowing the
pivoting or flexing of the panel sections ends upward, non-diagonal
edging or any other type of contour for the edge of the rails 6 may
be used. In some embodiments, it may not be desirable to have a
predetermined contour on the edge of the rails 6 as the ends of the
rails 6 may be sufficiently spaced from each other to allow
movement without contact. In some embodiments, it may be desirable,
in fact, to ensure contact of the ends of the rails 6, in order to
provide some constraint of the flexing movement, according to
design preference.
[0033] Also, it should also be noted that while the exemplary
embodiments described above show two pin/hole combinations 27 per
link, the rails 6 may be configured in such a manner that only one
pin/hole combination 27 may be necessary, or several pin/hole
combinations 27. That is, in some embodiments, the rails 6 of
adjoining panel sections may overlap each other such that a single
pin/hole combination 27 may be implementable, thus the link may
only require a single pin/hole combination 27 per panel section
pair.
[0034] FIG. 4 is an illustration 40 of an exemplary section-end
attachment, wherein the end(s) of a rail 6 may be attached to a
securing mechanism/bracket 45 that is mounted or fixed to a
structural member 42. The securing mechanism/bracket 45 is fitted
with hole(s) 41 that are mated to hole(s) 41 in the end(s) of the
rail 6 by which a pin (not shown) or any suitable securing device
or means is used to secure the rail 6 to the structural member 42.
In some embodiments, the securing device may be a cotter pin that
enables the rail 6 to move laterally, or simply a ring. In some
embodiments, a frictioning device such as a washer, collar, and so
forth, may also be implemented. It is understood that the
frictioning device may also be used to reduce friction (rather than
increase friction) or to provide some degree of cushioning to the
rail 6 ends during periods of load or movement. By use of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the rails 6 may pivot about the hole(s)
41 to enable the supported panel section to flex up or down.
[0035] As should be apparent, the embodiment of FIG. 4 is one of
several possible ways to secure the rail 6 to a supporting
structure. As non-limiting examples, the securing mechanism/bracket
45 may be sleeve or ring that couples to the rail 6. Additionally,
the securing mechanism/bracket 45 may be placed on the side or
under the structural member 42, for example, as with a rafter.
Accordingly, with an understanding of the principles outlined in
the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, numerous changes and
modifications may be made for implementing a rail-to-support
connection without departing from the spirit and scope of this
disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary canopy system
50 implementing the systems and methods disclosed herein. Panel
sections 10 formed of solar panels flexibly linked together to form
a flexible roof that is supported by columns 53. Cabling 24 is
attached to strategic points of the panel sections 10 to provide
resilience to the canopy system 50. The basic building block of the
canopy system 50 is a panel section 10 of at least two or more
linked panels.
[0037] FIG. 6 is an illustration 60 of an exemplary cable spreader
system 55. The cable spreader system 55 contains at one end a
sleeve/channel 62 that the cable 24 can be placed in. The
sleeve/channel 62 may be enclosed (threading the cable 24 therein)
or may be open (laying the cable 24 therein) or of another nature
that allows the cable 24 to be situated in the sleeve/channel 62.
The sleeve/channel 62 may be displaced a certain distance from a
girder 51 that is supported by the support 53. As should be
apparent, the cable spreader system 55 may be attached directly to
the support 53 in any suitable fashion or manner desired, as
according to design preference. Additionally, the cable spreader
system 55 may be accommodated with an additional tensioning or
spreading mechanism (not shown) that "pushes" the cable 24 downward
and/or applies tension to the cable 24, as needed.
[0038] The cable spreader system 55 functions to anchor the cable
24 to supporting sections 53 and provides a mechanism to maintain
tension on each link in the desired direction. Since the cable 24
can move through the sleeve/channel 62, it can allocate its
resilience wherever it is most needed to react to a given dynamic
load. Since there may be many other ways to perform the desired
control exhibited by the cable spreader system 55, it should be
apparent that various modifications or changes may be made to the
exemplary cable spreader system 55 without departing from the
spirit and scope of this disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 7A is an illustration 70 of a cable termination 73.
Simply put, the cable termination 73 provides a mechanism to anchor
the cable 24 at a termination point. While FIG. 7A shows the cable
termination 73 as being displaced from a girder or beam 51 in some
embodiments the cable termination 73 may be directly attached to
the girder or beam 51. Also, the cable termination 73 may also be
directly or indirectly attached to the support 53, depending on
design preference. Actual tensioning of the cable 24 may be
accomplished by simply pulling the cable 24 to a desired tension
and then fixing its end with a plug or restraint 74. The tensioning
of the cable 24 may also be facilitated by a turnable termination,
for example, as seen in guitar string tuning pegs. Or the cable 24
may be looped through a ring attached to the beam 51. Therefore, it
is understood that various changes and modifications can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 7B is a diagram of another cable-termination
embodiment. Here, the cable 24 is configures so as not to be
attached to or interact with the end support 53. Instead, it passes
through a pulley or channel 76, which can be similar to those
mounted to the links 29, 31, and may be terminated by a spring 77
that maintains tension in the cable 24 if thermal expansion
decreases the cable pretension below its desired lower limit. Many
types of simple spring(s) 77 or equivalent devices can be used to
control the tension. The spring 77 can be anchored directly to the
ground or to a footing 78, as is a compression member 79 that
supports the pulley or channel 76. In some embodiments, the pulley
76 may be configured with a spring inside the pulley 76, to provide
tension to the cable 24. That is, the end of the cable 24 may be
affixed to the pulley 76 and tensioning may be accomplished with
the pulley's spring.
[0041] Various designs are also possible for the ends of the
canopy. For example, the canopy can end just above the outermost
major support as in FIG. 7, or an overhanging eave can be added as
shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, rail 6 of the eave can be fixed to the
support 53 by a fixed member/strut 87. In this example, rather than
using a cable 24 to secure the eave, a fixed member/strut 87 is
utilized. Since the eave may only consist of a single panel section
2, the ability to flex may not be a concern. However, it should be
noted that in some embodiments, it may be desirable to enable the
eave to flex and, therefore, the fixed member/strut 87 may be
replaced with a cable 24, in a specialized fashion. For example,
the end of the eave may be coupled to the cable 24 with the cable
24 "wound" back to be terminated at the support 53. In this
instance, the cable termination 73 may be replaced with a cable
spreader and the cable 24 terminated at some appropriate place on
the support 53.
[0042] In various embodiments, it is understood that it may be
desirable to attach or secure some form of netting or protection
underneath the canopy system 50 to catch any glass or debris from
solar panel breakage. In some embodiments, the netting or
protection mechanism may be decorative and/or configured with
lighting to add to the functionality or aesthetics of the canopy
system 50.
[0043] Various advantages are realizable using the exemplary
methods and systems disclosed herein. For example, rather than
attaching solar power panels to an existing roof (requiring
complicated attachment mechanisms), the aeroelastic
solar-power-generating canopy can be simply built from two or more
panel sections with flexibly linked rails and stabilizing cables.
This design allows the canopy to be attached to major supports,
with no further structure needed. Because of the flexible nature of
the canopy, it will react to dynamic loads in any direction. The
cables can be configured to be continuous from end to end of the
structure, thus reducing the number of junctions. Optional
overhanging eaves can be positioned at the ends of the
canopy/structure. The canopy is also advantageous in that it is
structurally optimized to minimize the use of commodity materials
such as steel and concrete, resulting in a more cost effective
energy generating solution for open or semi-open structures. Also,
installing such a canopy over a building would reduce the thermal
energy reaching the building, reducing its cooling requirements and
thus its energy usage.
[0044] Based on the disclosed embodiments, electrical connections
between the panels sections can be arranged to aggregate power in
quantities compatible with downstream equipment. Thus, sturdy,
resilient, and elegant families of designs can be found for a wide
variety of shade providing, power generating structures. The
exemplary canopy system, being a solar panel system, is capable of
generating power with no noise or smell, which can be a boon in
remote recreation areas, as well as being useful in urban and
industrial settings.
[0045] It will be understood that many additional changes in the
details, materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been
herein described and illustrated to explain the nature of the
invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the
principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended
claims.
* * * * *