U.S. patent application number 12/779639 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-25 for dual axis support for high wind solar panels.
This patent application is currently assigned to Zomeworks. Invention is credited to Steve Baer, Kevin Tan.
Application Number | 20100294265 12/779639 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43123712 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100294265 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baer; Steve ; et
al. |
November 25, 2010 |
DUAL AXIS SUPPORT FOR HIGH WIND SOLAR PANELS
Abstract
A solar panel mounting system and structure which provides dual
axis tracking while only requiring a force to be applied about a
single axis. The system can provide desirable results with both
actively-powered and passively-powered drive mechanisms. Also
provided is a solar panel mounting frame which permits a solar
panel to be mounted without requiring additional frame
components.
Inventors: |
Baer; Steve; (Albuquerque,
NM) ; Tan; Kevin; (Albuquerque, NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEACOCK MYERS, P.C.
201 THIRD STREET, N.W., SUITE 1340
ALBUQUERQUE
NM
87102
US
|
Assignee: |
Zomeworks
Albuquerque
NM
|
Family ID: |
43123712 |
Appl. No.: |
12/779639 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12468992 |
May 20, 2009 |
|
|
|
12779639 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/680 ;
126/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 25/50 20180501;
F24S 2030/131 20180501; F24S 2030/136 20180501; F24S 30/425
20180501; Y02E 10/47 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/680 ;
126/714 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/52 20060101
F24J002/52; F24J 2/00 20060101 F24J002/00 |
Claims
1. A dual axis solar panel support structure comprising: at least
one cable arranged into at least two substantially parallel cable
runs; at least two cable supports suspending said cable above a
ground surface; and a translation mechanism translating a force in
a first direction into a force in a second direction.
2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the force in a first direction
comprises a rotational force about an axis which is substantially
parallel with said substantially parallel runs.
3. The structure of claim 1 wherein said at least one cable
comprises two cables extended in an arrangement substantially
parallel with one another.
4. The structure of claim 1 wherein said mechanism comprises a
Cardan joint.
5. The structure of claim 4 wherein said mechanism further
comprises an adjustment mechanism.
6. The structure of claim 5 wherein said adjustment mechanism is
adjustable for seasonal changes in the Earth's orbit about the
sun.
7. The structure of claim 4 wherein said Cardan joint is attached
at its first end to a cross member which extends between said
parallel cable runs.
8. The structure of claim 4 wherein said Cardan joint is attached
at its second end to a downward-depending member.
9. The structure of claim 8 wherein said downward-depending member
is arranged to form an angle with respect to a primary axis of said
substantially parallel cable runs which is approximately equal to a
north-south latitude at which said support structure is
disposed.
10. The structure of claim 1 wherein said translation mechanism
comprises a piston.
11. The structure of claim 1 wherein said translation mechanism
comprises a transfer box.
12. The structure of claim 1 further comprising a linkage
transferring the force in the second direction to a solar
panel.
13. The structure of claim 1 further comprising a bracket attached
to one of said substantially parallel cable runs.
14. The structure of claim 1 further comprising a balancing
adjustment mechanism.
15. The structure of claim 1 further comprising a space frame
supporting a solar panel, said space frame disposed between said
substantially parallel cable runs.
16. A solar support space frame comprising a plurality of members,
said space frame configured to receive a solar panel.
17. The space frame of claim 16 wherein said space frame attaches
to a back of the solar panel.
18. The space frame of claim 16 wherein said space frame attaches
to a frame of the solar panel.
19. The space frame of claim 16 wherein said space frame comprises
a pyramidal shape.
20. The space frame of claim 16 wherein said space frame comprises
a hexamidal shape.
21. The space frame of claim 16 wherein said space frame
additionally comprises an attachment mechanism.
22. The space frame of claim 16 wherein the solar panel is attached
to said space frame.
23. The space frame of claim 22 wherein the solar panel frame is
attached to said space frame at a plurality of points.
24. The space frame of claim 23 wherein said space frame is
attached to the solar panel frame at a plurality of points about a
periphery thereof.
25. The space frame of claim 16 wherein the solar panel is disposed
within the frame and wherein said space frame is attached to the
frame.
26. A method of supporting a solar panel comprising: arranging at
least one cable into at least two substantially parallel cable
runs; suspending the cable above a ground surface with at least two
cable supports; and translating a force applied in a first
direction into a force in a second direction with a translation
mechanism.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/468,992, entitled "A Solar
Panel Adapted to Suspend From a Longitudinally Extending Linkage
Means", to Baer et al., filed on May 20, 2009, and the
specification and claims thereof are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
[0003] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a solar
panel support and track, particularly, one which provides the
ability for a solar panel to automatically track in a second axis
when moving about a first axis, and which is capable of supporting
a high wind solar panel. The movement of the sun can be very
closely approximated by revolving a pointer around an axis parallel
to that of the Earth and adjusting its angle with respect to the
polar axis to about 90 degrees +/- about 23.5 degrees to account
for seasonal declination. An embodiment of the present invention
mechanically coordinates the motion of a single driven tracking
axis (of any orientation) with an additional, perpendicular axis in
order to emulate the action of two driven axes. The result is
two-axis tracking that can be accomplished with only a single axis
being driven. In one embodiment, the basis of this mechanism is the
Cardan or universal joint.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Numerous structural support systems for supporting a solar
panel are known. Of these, the most economical is a single axis
cable supported mounting system, such as that described in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,832,001. While easy to install and low in cost, that
system provides only a single axis of rotation for the supported
panels. Further, that known system is often difficult to balance
such that it functions properly. Modern photovoltaic solar
installations are now almost on the cusp of being cost competitive
with other electrical generation systems.
[0006] Known solar panel supports need large structural steel
because the basic structural elements of the support, principally
the pedestal and torque tubes, are subjected to large bending
loads. The present invention provides a structure in which the
support elements act either in compression or tension, and bending
loads are minimized. Relatively inexpensive and lightweight pipes
can be used as the compression members, with cables, rods or tubes
(either round or square) used as the tension members. Rather than a
large concrete base, only small concrete pads are needed to support
the compression members, and the tension members can be secured to
the ground using conventional helical anchors. The structural
elements required for the support of the present invention are thus
lightweight and easily transportable even to a remote location.
[0007] The total cost of a solar installation and the total output
power are the primary factors which typically determine the
feasibility of installing such systems. Accordingly, the ability of
embodiments of the present invention to provide a low-cost mounting
system while also providing a dual axis system, thereby improving
the efficiency of the installation and increasing the total power
output, address both of the primary factors in determining the
feasibility of solar installations. There is thus a present need
for a solar panel mounting system which is low cost and provides
increased efficiency via a two axis system. Embodiments of the
present invention can render viable an economically non-viable
solar installation.
[0008] Although others have attempted to suspend solar panels, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,466,423 for example, such known techniques rely on
conventional cross frames and do not disclose the ability to attach
a space frame directly to the rear face of a solar panel. There is
thus a present need for a solar panel supporting structure which
permits a solar panel to be mounted directly thereto without
enclosing the back of the solar panel and without requiring
additional panel frame components.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0009] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a dual
axis solar panel support structure which includes at least one
cable arranged into at least two substantially parallel cable runs,
at least two cable supports suspending the cable above a ground
surface, and a mechanism which translates a force in a first
direction into a force in a second direction. The force in a first
direction can include a rotational force about an axis which is
substantially parallel with the substantially parallel runs. The at
least one cable can include two cables extended in an arrangement
substantially parallel with one another. The mechanism can include
a Cardan joint and/or an adjustment mechanism, which can be
adjustable for seasonal changes in the Earth's orbit about the sun.
Optionally, the Cardan joint can be attached at its first end to a
cross member which extends between the parallel runs of cable
and/or the Cardan joint can be attached at its second end to a
downward-depending member. The downward-depending member can be
arranged to form an angle with respect to a primary axis of the
substantially parallel runs which is approximately equal to a
north-south latitude at which the support structure is
disposed.
[0010] In one embodiment, the mechanism can include a piston and/or
a transfer box. Optionally, a linkage can also be provided which
transfers the force in the second direction to a solar panel. A
bracket can be attached to one of the cable runs. The structure can
also include a balancing adjustment mechanism and/or a space frame
disposed between the cable runs which supports a solar panel. The
structure can also include a solar support space frame comprising a
plurality of frame members, the space frame configured to receive a
solar panel. The space frame can attach to a back of a solar panel
and/or to a frame of a solar panel. Optionally the space frame can
have a pyramidal shape or a hexamidal shape. The space frame can
also include an attachment mechanism. A solar panel can be attached
to the space frame at a plurality of points, which points can lie
around a periphery of the panel. A solar panel can be disposed
within a frame and the frame can be attached to the space panel at
a plurality of points. An embodiment of the present invention also
relates to a method of supporting a solar panel which includes
arranging at least one cable into at least two substantially
parallel cable runs, suspending the cable above a ground surface
with at least two cable supports, and translating a force applied
in a first direction into a force in a second direction with a
translation mechanism.
[0011] Objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of
applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in
the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be
learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of
the invention may be realized and attained by means of the
instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more
embodiments of the present invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The
drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more
preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed
as limiting the invention. In the drawings:
[0013] FIGS. 1A and 1B are drawings of a solar panel support system
according to an embodiment of the present invention, note that the
panels are not illustrated in FIG. 1A;
[0014] FIGS. 2 and 3 are drawings illustrating a second axis drive
mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIGS. 4 and 5 are drawings illustrating an angle adjustment
for the second axis drive mechanism according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a cable mount for a cross
bar of the second axis drive mechanism;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an arm attached to a cross
bar of the second axis drive mechanism which drives the linkage
attached to the arm;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of the
present invention wherein a plurality of linkages are attached to
panel mount arms, thereby movably connecting the panel mounts to
the cross bar of the second axis drive mechanism;
[0019] FIGS. 9 and 10 are drawings which respectively illustrate
outside and inside portions of panel mount arms and cable
mounts;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a balance ballast and an
adjustable, balancing, cable mount;
[0021] FIGS. 12, 13A and 13B are drawings illustrating perspective
views of an adjustable, balancing, cable mount;
[0022] FIGS. 14 and 15 are drawings illustrating interior support
posts with a support arm supporting balance ballasts;
[0023] FIGS. 16 and 17 are drawings which illustrate an embodiment
of the present invention in different states of rotation about two
axes;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a drawing which schematically illustrates an
embodiment of the present invention wherein a plurality of pistons
are configured such that rotation about a first axis causes a
second piston to react to a force induced on a first piston;
[0025] FIG. 19 is a drawing which schematically illustrates an
embodiment of the present invention wherein a transfer box cause a
rotational force to be translated from a first axis to a second
axis;
[0026] FIGS. 20A and 20B are drawings which schematically
illustrates top and side views of an embodiment of the present
invention disposed in an orientation which is not aligned with the
north-south polar axis of the Earth;
[0027] FIGS. 21 and 22 are drawings which illustrate embodiments of
the present invention wherein a solar panel is attached to a space
frame;
[0028] FIGS. 23 and 24 are drawings which illustrate embodiments of
the present invention wherein a frame of a solar panel is attached
to a space frame;
[0029] FIGS. 25A-D are drawings which illustrate an embodiment of a
receiver which attaches a space frame to a solar panel support;
and
[0030] FIG. 26 is a drawing which illustrates an alternative
embodiment of a receiver which attaches a space frame to a solar
panel support.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
photovoltaic solar panel support system, particularly to a dual
axis, suspended cable, support system.
[0032] The term "cable" as used throughout the specification and
claims is intended to include any elongated member capable of
supporting a solar panel, including but not limited to rods, belts,
ropes, metal and synthetic braided and/or twisted cables, chains,
wires, and the like.
[0033] The term "fastener" as used throughout the specification and
claims is intended to include bolts, nails, screws, adhesive,
welds, bonds, links, straps, snaps, buttons, tape, combinations
thereof and the like.
[0034] An embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 1A and 1B. As illustrated therein, system 10 includes a pair
of end supports 12 and optionally one or more center supports 14.
End supports 12 are preferably connected via a plurality of support
cables 16, which are attached to crossbars 30. Panels 18 are
preferably attached to cables 16 via one or more cable clamps 20 or
other mounting mechanisms. To effect rotation about a first axis,
drive mechanism 22 is preferably attached thereto. Drive mechanism
22 can optionally be an active drive mechanism, passive drive
mechanism, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment,
drive mechanism 22 comprises a passive drive mechanism affixed to
center support 14. However, desirable results can also be obtained
by affixing an active drive mechanism 22 to one of end supports 12
or to center supports 14. Of course desirable results can also be
achieved by attaching a drive mechanism in another configuration
which causes movement about an axis of the panels without being
affixed to one of the end or center supports 12 or 14. For example,
a pump can be used to pump fluid from a tank on one side of the
system to a tank on the other side of the system. In yet another
embodiment, a rotational drive mechanism can be coupled to shaft 26
such that rotation of shaft 26 induces rotational forces, via
second axis drive mechanism 24, in both the long and short axes of
cross support 17, thereby imparting movement about two axes of
panels 18. In one embodiment, when the wind blows against system
10, cables 16 thus bow and thereby create a curved shape which is
stronger than a straight member.
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 2-10, in a preferred embodiment,
second axis drive mechanism 24 is preferably provided. In one
embodiment, second axis drive mechanism 24 preferably includes
shaft 26, which is preferably attached to end support 12 such that
shaft 26 resides at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect
to the long axis of cable 16 (see FIG. 20B).
[0036] Adjustment mechanism 38 is preferably disposed on a terminal
portion of shaft 26 and permits crossbar 30 to be rotationally
adjustable with respect to shaft 26. Linkages 32 preferably
translate rotational movement of crossbar 30 to each of panels 18
via crossbar arm 34 and panel mount arms 36. In this embodiment,
when crossbar 30 rotates about a first axis (i.e. the long axis of
system 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1), panels 18 also rotate. As
best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, because of the angular
relationship between shaft 26 with respect to crossbar 30, when
crossbar 30 attempts to rotate about the first axis, a rotational
force is imparted to crossbar 30 by shaft 26. This rotational force
is transferred to crossbar arm 34 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). Because
linkages 32 are movably connected to crossbar arm 34 the rotational
force of crossbar 30 is thus translated into a rotational force of
panels 18 about a second axis.
[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, second axis
drive mechanism 24 optionally comprises an angular adjustment 38,
such that an angle of interaction between shaft 26 and crossbar 30
is adjustable. Angular adjustment 38 can include a variety of known
angular adjustment configurations, including but not limited to a
curved slot plate and one or more locking mechanisms. Shaft 26 is
preferably adjustable at a terminal portion of shaft 26 via
adjustment mechanism 38. When in motion, second drive axis
mechanism 24 functions in a manner similar to Cardan joint.
[0038] As best illustrated in FIG. 6, in a further embodiment of
the present invention, crossbar 30 and panels 18 are mounted onto
cables 16 via cable clamps 20 which are incorporated or otherwise
attached to rotational bracket 40. Because crossbar 30 and panels
18 preferably rotate in a second axis with respect to cable 16,
rotational bracket 40 permits such rotation with rotational shaft
42, thereby preventing cable 16 from binding and inhibiting such
second axis rotation. Like rotational bracket 40, crossbar arm 34
and panel mount arms 36 (see also FIGS. 9 and 10) also preferably
comprise one or more cable clamps 20 and a rotational shaft to
prevent cable 16 from binding while panels 18 and crossbar 30
rotate about a second axis.
[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, linkages 32
are preferably adjustable and can comprise a single cable that
pulls against the force of the downward hanging panels. In this
embodiment, the cable is connected to center crossbar 44 at the
opposite end of the tracker with sufficient slack to prevent the
panels from flipping backwards in high winds. In an alternative
embodiment, linkages 32 can comprise a cable. In this embodiment, a
second axis drive mechanism is positioned at each end of system 10
such that the drive mechanism at one end of system 10 removes slack
from cable linkages 32 which is introduced by the drive mechanism
at the other end of system 10. In an alternative embodiment,
linkages 32 can comprise individual members, which can optionally
have an adjustment mechanism disposed on one or both ends thereof,
including but not limited to a male and female threaded member
which adjusts the length of the linkage by rotating one with
respect to the other in manner similar to that encountered in a
turnbuckle device.
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
wherein a fluid-containing tank, such as a
chlorofluorocarbon-containing tank, is attached to an end of center
crossbar 44, and wherein line 45 preferably links the illustrated
tank of drive mechanism 22 to a second tank disposed at the
opposite end of center crossbar 44.
[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, an embodiment of the present
invention also relates to balancing adjustment mechanism 46.
Adjustment mechanism 46 addresses the shortcomings of prior art
systems which were plagued with difficulty in balancing a
fully-constructed system. Because such balancing often took a
considerable amount of time and some degree of sheer luck,
adjustment mechanism 46 thus provides the ability for a user to
quickly balance system 10. Balancing adjustment mechanism 46
provides a user with the ability to rapidly and easily balance the
system. In a preferred embodiment, slot plate 48 or other
adjustment mechanisms are preferably provided such that cable mount
50 is movably positionable with respect to center crossbar 44,
thereby permitting the height of cable 16 with respect to center
crossbar 44 to be adjusted. As illustrated in the figures, in one
embodiment, slide grooves in slot plate 48 are preferably
adjustable via rotation of threaded member 52 which urges slot
plate 48 up and down while under the weight of the cables 16 and
panels 18.
[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, an embodiment of the
present invention comprises first and/or second shock absorbers 54
and 54' and, which can be hydraulic or pneumatic. As illustrated
therein, when center crossbar 44 attempts to rotate with respect to
center support 14, first shock absorber 54 is compressed and second
shock absorber 54' is extended, or vice-a-versa depending on the
direction of rotation of crossbar 44 with respect to center support
14. Accordingly center crossbar 44 is permitted to rotate slowly
with respect to center support 14, thereby preventing the system 10
from rapidly thrashing back and forth during windy conditions. In
an alternative embodiment, system 10 can be actively-driven by
replacing one or both of shock absorbers 54 and 54' with an active
drive mechanism, such as a fluid-activated piston, or a linear
actuator, including but not limited to a screw-drive mechanism. Of
course if such an active drive mechanism is provided, drive
mechanism 22 is thus no longer needed.
[0043] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an embodiment of the present
invention with second axis drive mechanism 24, wherein panels 18
are in exaggerated first and second positions to illustrate their
motion about the second axis.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, an embodiment of the
present invention comprises first and second pistons 58 and 58',
which can be hydraulic or pneumatic. As illustrated therein, when
crossbar 30 rotates with respect to end support 12, first piston 58
is compressed, thereby forcing fluid into second piston 58', and
thus extending or retracting (depending upon the particular
configuration) second piston 58'. Extension and/or retraction of
second piston 58' moves linkage 32 and thus causes panel 18 to
rotate about a second axis. Transfer box 60 in FIG. 19 can be a
geared configuration, a belt or chain-driven configuration, or a
combination thereof. As illustrated therein, rotation of panel 18
about a first axis induces a rotational force on input shaft 62
which is translated into a rotational force about output shaft 64,
thereby causing linear displacement of linkage 32, which thus
causes panel 18 to rotate about a second axis.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, a single drive
mechanism induces rotation about a first and a second axis. In an
embodiment of the present invention movement about a first axis
induces movement about a second axis via a passive second axis
drive mechanism. In an embodiment of the present invention,
movement about a first axis induces movement about a second axis
based on a predetermined ratio of a passive second axis drive
mechanism.
[0046] Although desirable results are achieved when system 10 is
orientated such that its primary axis lies parallel with the
Earth's polar axis, embodiments of the present invention easily
accommodate orientations of system 10 wherein system 10 is not
orientated such that its primary axis lies parallel with the
Earth's polar axis (for example if a geographic feature prevents
such orientation). As illustrated in FIG. 20A, In this embodiment,
the lower end of shaft 26 is preferably positioned to one side or
another of the center of the primary axis of system 10, such that,
when viewed from above, the primary axis of shaft 26 does not lie
in a parallel orientation with the primary axis of system 10, but
rather most preferably lies at least substantially parallel with
the Earth's polar axis.
[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, shaft 26 is
preferably positioned such that it forms an angle with respect to
the primary axis of cable 16 which is substantially equal with the
north-south latitude at which system 10 is disposed. For example,
if system 10 is disposed somewhere near Albuquerque, N. Mex., which
has a latitude of roughly 35 degrees North, then shaft 26 is
preferably positioned such that it forms an angle of about 35
degrees with respect to the primary axis of cable 16 as is
illustrated in FIG. 20B.
[0048] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a
support for solar panels, and in particular to a lightweight
support which minimizes the use of heavy structural steel or
otherwise costly materials while also providing a dual axis
tracking mechanism.
[0049] The space frame embodiments of the present invention also
reduce excess heat created by panels which would otherwise be
trapped by a solid-backing applied to a panel.
[0050] Some of the embodiments of the present invention comprise a
lightweight pyramidal or hexagonal (a six-sided structure having a
hexagonal base) space frame. The space frame also optionally
attaches at intermediate points (such as quarter points) which best
support the rigid panel without interfering with air flow or
radiations.
[0051] FIGS. 21 and 22 respectively illustrate embodiments of the
present invention wherein solar panel 120 is attached to space
frame 138 and 148. Space frame 138 preferably comprises a plurality
of frame members 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, and 167. Optionally,
several of the frame members, including but not limited to 161, 162
and 167, can optionally be formed from one or more continuous
pieces. Non-continuous frame members are preferably fastened to one
another through a manner known in the art, including but not
limited to welding, an adhesive, and/or one or more fasteners.
Terminal ends of one or more of frame members of space frame 138
are preferably attached a back side of solar panel 120. Although
numerous manners of attachment of the members to the back of panel
120 are known and will provide desirable results, in one
embodiment, an adhesive is optionally used.
[0052] In an alternative embodiment, pads 122 can be adhesively
attached to panel 120 on a first side of pad 122 and mechanically
attached to a frame member on another side of pad 122.
[0053] As with space frame 138, space frame 148, which comprises a
pyramidal shape, instead of the hexamidal shape of space frame 138,
can also comprise numerous frame members 131, 132, 133, and 134,
two or more of which can optionally be formed from one or more
continuous pieces. And, as with space frame 138, non-continuous
frame members of frame 148 are also preferably fastened to one
another through a manner known in the art, including but not
limited to welding, an adhesive, and/or one or more fasteners.
Terminal ends of one or more of members of space frame 148 are
preferably attached a back side of photovoltaic panel 120 in a
manner which is consistent with that taught for space frame
138.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, space frame 138 is
attached directly to frame 126 of panel 120 instead of to the back
of panel 120 as was illustrated in FIG. 21. In this embodiment,
space frame 138 is the same as previously illustrated, except that
instead of connecting to a back of panel 120 via pads 122, it
instead connects to frame 126, which surrounds panel 120, via
connection brackets 128. While brackets 128 can include any device
capable of attaching a frame member end to a panel frame, brackets
128 most preferably comprise a length of right angle beam, which is
most preferably welded to a terminal end of a space frame member.
Brackets 128 can optionally be fastened to frame 126 via one or
more screws. While the particular shape of space frame 138 is
illustrated as being attached to panel frame 126, any space frame
shape, including but not limited to pyramidal (such as that
illustrated in FIG. 22) can be used as long as panel frame 126 is
attached to the space frame at a plurality of points. While
desirable results can be obtained from a space frame design which
attaches to panel frame 126 at points along only two sides of panel
120, more desirable results can be produced by attaching the space
frame at points along all sides (i.e. 4 sides for a
rectangular-shaped panel) of panel 120.
[0055] The members of space frames 138 and 148 can optionally be
constructed from any material capable of supporting the weight of a
photovoltaic panel, including but not limited to, rods, pipes,
tubes, beams, and the like. Although space frames 138 and 148 are
illustrated as comprising pyramidal and hexamidal shapes, other
space frame shapes can of course be used in accordance with the
teachings illustrated above. This is particularly true for other
shapes which stiffen and evenly distribute stress throughout the
panel.
[0056] In one embodiment, space frame attachment mechanisms 124 can
optionally be disposed at alternate ends of space frames 138 and/or
148. While numerous methods, devices, apparatuses, and systems are
known for mounting a structure, such as a space frame and will
provide desirable results, in one embodiment, attachment mechanisms
124 can optionally comprise a pin which can be received by a
pin-holding member, thereby providing the ability for space frames
138 and 148 to optionally be pivotally attached to a rotational
bracket.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 25A-D, in one embodiment of the present
invention bracket 40 can be used to suspend space frame 138 and/or
148 from cable 16 of a solar panel support structure, similar to
that previously discussed in reference to FIG. 6. In this
embodiment, attachment mechanisms 124 are preferably received into
opening 170 of bracket 40. Optionally, bracket 40 can comprise a
plurality of openings such that attachment mechanisms 124 can be
selectively installed into one of the plurality of openings 170 of
bracket 40, which can assist a user in balancing panel 120.
Receiver preferably comprises one or more clamps 20 which secure
bracket 40 to cable 16 of a solar panel support structure. Fastener
172 is preferably used to secure attachment mechanism 124 to
bracket 40. Fastener 172 can optionally comprise a pin, clip,
clamp, bolt, or other known fastening device which is capable of
securing attachment mechanism 124 to bracket 40. Of course, upon
studying this application, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that other designs and configurations of bracket 40 can
be constructed and will provide desirable results. The particular
shape and configuration of receiver is not important, so long as
receiver permits space frames 138 and/or 148 to be mounted to a
support structure. For example, FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative
configuration of bracket 40 wherein cable 16 is secured to bracket
40 via clamp 20 and wherein fastener 172 secures attachment
mechanism 124 to receiver 40.
[0058] Variations and modifications of the present invention will
be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover
all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of
all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above
and/or in the attachments, and of the corresponding application(s),
are hereby incorporated by reference.
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