U.S. patent application number 12/845696 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-03 for solar collector support system for efficient storage, transport, and deployment of an expandable array of rotatable solar collectors.
Invention is credited to Micah F. Andretich.
Application Number | 20110023864 12/845696 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43525811 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110023864 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andretich; Micah F. |
February 3, 2011 |
SOLAR COLLECTOR SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENT STORAGE, TRANSPORT,
AND DEPLOYMENT OF AN EXPANDABLE ARRAY OF ROTATABLE SOLAR
COLLECTORS
Abstract
Compact solar collector arrays with multiple axis adjustability
for use with mobile structures, such as trailers, RVs, etc., and
temporary support structures and associated methods of use are
disclosed that provide significant power generation capacity per
roof area, easy deployment, optimum orientation regardless of
underlying vehicle or structure orientation, and protection for
solar collector arrays during transport. Some embodiments include a
plurality of solar collector mounts coupled to a support surface,
the plurality of solar collector mounts being capable of changing
relative spatial arrangement of each solar collector with respect
to at least a neighboring solar collector.
Inventors: |
Andretich; Micah F.; (Santa
Rosa, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Russ Weinzimmer
614 Nashua Street, Suite 53
Milford
NH
03055
US
|
Family ID: |
43525811 |
Appl. No.: |
12/845696 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61271925 |
Jul 28, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/570 ;
126/601; 126/680; 126/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02S 30/20 20141201;
Y02B 10/20 20130101; Y02E 10/50 20130101; B62D 25/06 20130101; B62D
63/08 20130101; F24S 30/425 20180501; H02S 20/10 20141201; Y02E
10/47 20130101; B60P 3/00 20130101; F24S 25/70 20180501; H02S 10/40
20141201; B62D 21/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/570 ;
126/680; 126/601; 126/714 |
International
Class: |
F24J 2/46 20060101
F24J002/46; F24J 2/02 20060101 F24J002/02; F24J 2/38 20060101
F24J002/38; F24J 2/00 20060101 F24J002/00; F24J 2/40 20060101
F24J002/40 |
Claims
1. A solar collector support system for an expandable array of
rotatable solar collectors, the solar collector support system
comprising: a plurality of solar collector mounts coupled to a
support surface, the plurality of solar collector mounts being
capable of changing relative spatial arrangement of each solar
collector with respect to at least a neighboring solar collector,
each solar collector mount including: a collector support, the
collector support being capable of securing and supporting a solar
collector; a rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism being
attached to the collector support, the rotating mechanism providing
rotation of the collector support and the solar collector; and a
sliding mechanism being attached to the rotating mechanism, the
sliding mechanism being supported by the support surface, the
sliding mechanism being capable of moving the collector support
with respect to the supporting surface.
2. The solar collector support system of claim 1, further
comprising a controller, the controller being cooperative with the
plurality of solar collector mounts, wherein the controller is
capable of changing the relative spatial arrangement of the
collector supports, so that each collector support is capable of
unobstructed rotation.
3. The solar collector support system of claim 2, wherein each
solar collector mount further includes a tilt mechanism cooperative
with at least one of the collector support, the rotating mechanism,
and the sliding mechanism, and wherein each tilt mechanism can be
operated by the controller so as to tilt each solar collector.
4. The solar collector support system of claim 1, wherein movement
of the collector support with respect to the supporting surface
includes at least one of: movement parallel to a front edge of the
supporting surface; movement parallel to a side edge of the
supporting surface; and movement perpendicular to the supporting
surface.
5. The solar collector support system of claim 1, wherein the
sliding mechanism includes, at least one rail coupled to the
support surface, the at least one rail having a slot extending
along the length of the at least one rail, and a sliding frame
engaged in the slot and configured to slide along the length of the
rail.
6. The solar collector support system of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of solar collector mounts are movable between a
consolidated configuration and a deployed configuration.
7. The solar collector support system of claim 6, further
comprising retractable panels for covering the plurality of solar
collector mounts when in the consolidated configuration.
8. The solar collector support system of claim 7, wherein the
retractable panels protect the solar collector mounts from road
debris and theft.
9. The solar collector support system of claim 6, wherein the
plurality of solar collector mounts is positionable for maximum
solar energy exposure when in the deployed configuration regardless
of the orientation of the support surface.
10. The solar collector support system of claim 9, wherein the
support surface is a roof of a mobile structure.
11. A method of using a solar array, comprising: providing a
plurality of solar collectors in a consolidated position, the
plurality of solar collectors operably connected to form a solar
collector array, the plurality of solar collectors being coupled to
a support surface; spatially separating the plurality of solar
collectors, so as to permit unobstructed rotation of each solar
collector; and rotating the plurality of solar collectors to
increase solar power generation of the solar panel array.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the spatially separating
includes: moving at least one of the plurality of solar collectors
with respect to the supporting by at least one of: movement
parallel to a front edge of the supporting surface; movement
parallel to a side edge of the supporting surface; and movement
perpendicular to the supporting surface.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising uncovering the
plurality of solar collectors prior to the spatially
separating.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising, returning the
plurality of solar collectors to the consolidated position.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the spatially separating
includes moving at least one of the plurality of solar collectors
along a rail.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the spatially separating
includes moving each of the plurality of solar collectors along one
or more rails.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the support surface is roof of
a mobile structure.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application no. 61/271,925, entitled Sustainable, Mobile,
Expandable Structure, filed Jul. 28, 2009, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This application relates generally to solar collectors, and
particularly to solar collector arrays.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Solar power is becoming increasingly desirable and necessary
as other fuel sources become harder to find and more expensive.
Solar power provides the advantage that the energy source (the Sun)
is freely available throughout the planet, requiring only solar
collectors to harvest the power. Solar collectors are getting
thinner, lighter, and more efficient as time goes on, making them
more viable for more applications.
[0004] However, solar collector applications have been limited for
vehicles and for low-surface area structures because of the
relatively low power output per area and the necessity of heavy
batteries for utilizing solar power at night or when the Sun is
otherwise obstructed. Because of the required surface area of solar
collectors to provide more than a trivial amount of power, solar
collectors have been generally impractical for vehicles such as
cars, trucks, campers, RV's, trailers, etc. and other small
structures such as mobile homes, sheds, etc.
[0005] Additionally, the lack of surface area for placing solar
collectors can limit the desirability and practicability of using
solar collectors on vehicles and small structures, particularly
temporarily situated structures such as trailer homes, RV's, frame
tents, travel trailers, work trailers, etc. The lack of surface
area is compounded by the lack of positioning options for
traditional solar collectors, requiring that the vehicle or
temporarily situated structures be placed in a certain orientation
to assure power generation by solar collectors.
SUMMARY
[0006] Compact solar collector arrays with multiple axis
adjustability for use with mobile structures, such as trailers,
RVs, etc., and temporary support structures and associated methods
of use are disclosed that provide significant power generation
capacity per roof area, easy deployment, optimum orientation
regardless of underlying vehicle or structure orientation, and
protection for solar collector arrays during transport. Some
embodiments include a plurality of solar collector mounts coupled
to a support surface, the plurality of solar collector mounts being
capable of changing relative spatial arrangement of each solar
collector with respect to at least a neighboring solar
collector.
[0007] Each solar collector mount can include: a collector support,
the collector support being capable of securing and supporting a
solar collector; a rotating mechanism, the rotating mechanism being
attached to the collector support, the rotating mechanism providing
rotation of the collector support and the solar collector; and a
sliding mechanism being attached to the rotating mechanism, the
sliding mechanism being supported by the support surface, the
sliding mechanism being capable of moving the collector support
with respect to the supporting surface.
[0008] The solar collector support system can also include a
controller cooperative with the plurality of solar collector
mounts, wherein the controller is capable of changing the relative
spatial arrangement of the collector supports so that each
collector support is capable of unobstructed rotation. In some
embodiments, each solar collector mount can further include a tilt
mechanism cooperative with at least one of the tray, the rotator,
and the translator, and wherein the tilt mechanism can tilt each
solar collector.
[0009] Movement of the collector support with respect to the
supporting surface can include movement parallel to a front edge of
the supporting surface, movement parallel to a side edge of the
supporting surface, movement perpendicular to the supporting
surface, or any combination of these movements. In some
embodiments, the sliding mechanism can include at least one rail
coupled to the support surface, the at least one rail having a slot
extending along the length of the at least one rail, and a sliding
frame engaged in the slot and configured to slide along the length
of the rail.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the plurality of solar collector
mounts can be movable between a consolidated configuration and a
deployed configuration. Retractable panels for covering the
plurality of solar collector mounts can be used when in the
consolidated configuration. The retractable panels can protect the
solar collector mounts from road debris and theft.
[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of solar collector mounts
can positionable for maximum solar energy exposure when in the
deployed configuration regardless of the orientation of the support
surface. The support surface can be a roof of a mobile
structure.
[0012] Methods of using a solar array can include providing a
plurality of solar collectors in a consolidated position, the
plurality of solar collectors operably connected to form a solar
collector array, the plurality of solar collectors being coupled to
a support surface; spatially separating the plurality of solar
collectors, so as to permit unobstructed rotation of each solar
collector; and rotating the plurality of solar collectors to
increase solar power generation of the solar panel array. The
spatially separating can include moving at least one of the
plurality of solar collectors with respect to the supporting by
movement parallel to a front edge of the supporting surface,
movement parallel to a side edge of the supporting surface,
movement perpendicular to the supporting surface, or any
combination of these movements.
[0013] Some methods can include uncovering the plurality of solar
collectors prior to the spatially separating. Similarly, some
methods can also include returning the plurality of solar
collectors to the consolidated position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The following description can be better understood in light
of Figures, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1A is a perspective drawing of an exemplary solar
collector with a multiple axis adjustable solar collector mount for
use in a solar collector array;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a sectional drawing along section B-B of FIG.
1A;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the solar collector with
multiple axis adjustable solar collector mount in FIG. 1A;
[0018] FIGS. 3-7A are perspective drawings of an exemplary solar
collector array being deployed through movement of multiple axis
solar collector mounts;
[0019] FIGS. 8-11 are perspective drawings of an exemplary solar
collector array being deployed through movement of multiple axis
solar collector mounts;
[0020] FIGS. 12-15 are perspective drawings of an exemplary solar
collector array being deployed through movement of multiple axis
solar collector mounts;
[0021] FIGS. 16-19 are perspective drawings of an exemplary solar
collector array being deployed through movement of multiple axis
solar collector mounts; and
[0022] FIG. 20 is a perspective drawing of an exemplary solar
collector array deployed on a structure;
[0023] FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic diagram of a control system
for an exemplary solar collector array.
[0024] Together with the following description, the Figures
demonstrate and explain the principles of deployable solar
collector array support structures for vehicles and associated
methods of use. In the Figures, the size, number and configuration
of components may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference
numerals in different Figures represent the same component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following description supplies specific details in order
to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled
artisan would understand that embodiments of compact solar
collector arrays with multiple axis adjustable solar collector
mounts and associated methods of using them can be implemented and
used without employing these specific details. Indeed, exemplary
embodiments and associated methods can be placed into practice by
modifying the illustrated units and associated methods and can be
used in conjunction with any other devices and techniques
conventionally used in the industry. For example, while the
description below generally focuses on embodiments of deployable
solar collector arrays for trailers, similar support structures can
be used with motorhomes, travel trailers, campers, mobile homes,
boats, or other applications where a it would be advantageous to
have a deployable solar collector array with multi axis adjustable
solar collector mounts.
[0026] FIGS. 1A-2 illustrate an embodiment of solar collector 110
with multi axis solar collector mount 115 attached to rails 122.
Solar collector 110 can be any solar collector or collection of
solar cells. Solar collector mount 115 can include collector base
140 and rail base 150. Solar collector 110 can be connected to
collector base 140 through tilting mechanism 144 to allow solar
collector 110 to tilt with respect to collector base 140. Collector
base 140 can include rotating mechanism 146 to rotate collector
base and thereby solar collector 110. Collector base 140 can be
connected to rail base 150 through lifting mechanism 142 to extend
collector base 140 away from rail base 150 and rails 122.
[0027] All adjustment mechanisms, such as tilting mechanism 144,
lifting mechanism 142 rotating mechanism 146, etc., can be actuated
using any practical method. For example, actuators, such as servo
motors, stepper motors, linear actuators, solenoids, etc, can be
used, depending on the application and design preference can be
implemented readily. Similarly, the adjustment mechanisms may be
positioned by hand. Accounting from the plane formed by the bottom
of rail base 150 as the x-y plane, the various adjustment
mechanisms of collector mount 115 attached to rails 122 can
together allow for x or y translation, z translation, z rotation,
and an x-y rotation (depending on the z rotation position) of solar
collector 110 attached to collector mount 115.
[0028] Tilting mechanism 144 can be a scissor mechanism. Solar
collector 110 can be hingedly attached to collector base 140 on one
side and with the scissor mechanism of tilting mechanism 144 or an
opposite side. When tilting mechanism 144 is activated, an end of
solar collector 110 attached to collector base 140 with the scissor
mechanism can be lifted and the opposite end can rotate with
respect to collector base 140 resulting in collector 110 tilting
with respect to collector base 140. Tilting mechanism 144 can
adjustably position solar collector 110 with respect to collector
base 140 between 0.degree. and 90.degree., as required for maximum
solar exposure when deployed.
[0029] Rotating mechanism 146 can include a sealed slewing ring or
other rotational bearing to allow 360.degree. rotation with respect
to collector base 140. Lifting mechanism 142 can include scissor
mechanisms on two or more sides, depending on the weight of load
supported, selected scissor mechanisms, and desired stability. For
example, illustrated lifting mechanism 142 in the various figures
shows four scissor mechanisms, one for each side of the four-sided
rail base 150.
[0030] Rails 122 can provide linear adjustment to solar panel mount
115 using a sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism can include
rail base 150 with slide tabs 152 that engage with slots 124 of
rails 122, allowing for linear translation along the length of
rails 122. In some embodiments, this linear translation can be
adjusted and held at a desired position using cables 156. Cables
156 can also allow for selective individual movement or uniform
movement of some or all solar collectors 110 in each solar array
100. Rails 122 may also include slot 128 to accommodate a sliding
cover to protect solar collector 100 when not in use.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3-7A, solar collector array 100 can
include several solar collectors 110 each mounted on a pair of
rails 122. Rails 122 can be attached to support surface 130.
Support surface 130 can be any area desired to accommodate solar
collector array 100. Solar collector array 100 can be moved between
a storage and/or transportation configuration, FIG. 3, and a
deployed configuration, FIG. 7 (FIG. 7A shows FIG. 7 without solar
collectors 110). FIGS. 3-7A generally illustrate a sequence for
moving solar collector array 100 into a deployed configuration.
[0032] Beginning with FIG. 3 showing solar collector array 100 in
the storage and/or transportation configuration, each adjustment
mechanism of solar collector mount 115 can be adjusted to position
solar collectors 110 parallel to and adjacent to support surface
130 and below the top surface of rails 122. FIG. 3A is solar
collector array 100 of FIG. 3 without solar collectors 110. From
the storage and/or transportation configuration, alternate solar
collectors 110 may be raised using lifting mechanism 142 as shown
in FIG. 4. Each solar collector 110 can then be tilted to a desired
angle using tilting mechanism 144 as shown in FIG. 5 and
alternatively translated along rails 122 as shown in FIG. 6. For
final positioning, solar collectors 110 can be rotated using
rotating mechanism 146 to the desired rotational angle.
[0033] Thus, through the adjustment of collector mount 115, solar
collectors 110 of solar collector array 100 can maximize solar
collection based from support surface 130. Additionally, where
support surface 130 is part of a mobile structure, the collector
mount 115 and rails 122 allow for protective, compact storage of
solar collectors 110 and efficient solar power collection
regardless of the rotational orientation of support surface 130.
Spatially separating solar collectors 110 from each other using the
various adjustment mechanisms can allow for minimal shadowing from
adjacent collectors and rotational positioning and tracking for
increased solar collection efficiency. For example, if support
surface 130 is the roof of an RV, the RV may park pointing in any
direction and easily deploy solar collector array 100 to achieve an
efficient solar power collection from a relatively small surface
area while still being able to protectively transport solar array
100.
[0034] In other embodiments with more limited surface area, such as
the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-11, solar collector array
200, can include several solar collectors 210 mounted to support
surface 230. Solar collector array 200 can be moved between a
storage and/or transportation configuration, FIG. 8, and a deployed
configuration, FIG. 11. FIGS. 8-11 generally illustrate a sequence
for moving solar collector array 200 into a deployed configuration.
Solar collector mount 215 includes similar components of collector
mount 115 described above, but modified for the smaller solar
collectors 210 shown in FIGS. 8-11.
[0035] Beginning with FIG. 8 showing solar collector array 200 in
the storage and/or transportation configuration, each adjustment
mechanism of solar collector mount 215 can be adjusted to position
solar collectors 210 parallel to and adjacent to support surface
230. From the storage and/or transportation configuration,
alternate solar collectors 210 may be raised using lifting
mechanism 242. Each solar collector 110 can then be tilted to a
desired angle using tilting mechanism 244 and rotated using
rotating mechanism 246 to the desired rotational angle.
[0036] Similarly, for long, narrow surfaces, some embodiments, such
as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-15, solar collector array
300, can include several solar collectors 310 mounted on a pair of
rails 322. Rails 322 can be attached to support surface 330. Solar
collector array 300 can be moved between a storage and/or
transportation configuration, FIG. 12, and a deployed
configuration, FIG. 14. Solar collector mount 315 includes similar
components of collector mount 115 described above, but modified for
the smaller solar collectors 310 shown in FIGS. 12-15. FIGS. 12-15
generally illustrate a sequence for moving solar collector array
300 into a deployed configuration.
[0037] Beginning with FIG. 12 showing solar collector array 300 in
the storage and/or transportation configuration, each adjustment
mechanism of solar collector mount 315 can be adjusted to position
solar collectors 310 parallel to and adjacent to support surface
330 and below the top surface of rails 322. From the storage and/or
transportation configuration, each solar collector 310 can then be
tilted to a desired angle using tilting mechanism 344. The solar
collectors can be separated from each other by translation along
slots 324 of rails 322 as shown in FIG. 14 to minimize shadowing
from one collector to the next. For final positioning, solar
collectors 310 can be rotated using rotating mechanism 346 to the
desired rotational angle.
[0038] FIGS. 16-19 illustrate solar collector arrays 400 with
adjustable mounts 415 deployed on trailer 470 with expandable
sections 472, 474. Support surface 430 can be attached to trailer
470 with a hinge (not shown) at a top exterior corner on the side
of trailer 470. Rails 422 can extend from support surface 430
providing support and pathways for protective cover 460 to be
deployed and retracted along slots 248 of rails 422. Protective
cover 460 can include one or more individual metal sectional doors
that can be rolled into a generally cylindrical shape, similar to
the retractable doors on a beverage truck. Protective cover 460 can
be stored in the rolled form when retracted inside of eaves
464.
[0039] In some embodiments, protective cover 460 may be formed of
any material and configuration sufficiently strong to prevent
damage to solar collectors 410 by road debris. Additionally,
protective covers 460 may also provide a theft deterrent similar to
the protective covers of beverage trucks. Solar collectors 410 may
be hidden during transport and storage, covered with protective
cover 460, as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 shows protective cover 460
retracted into eaves 464, revealing individual solar collectors
410.
[0040] Solar collector array 400 may be deployed using the steps,
or similar steps, as discussed above, resulting in solar collectors
410 in the configuration shown in FIG. 18. Support surface 430 can
then be rotated up to a generally horizontal position as shown in
FIG. 19, with expandable sections 472, 474 under support surfaces
430.
[0041] FIG. 20 illustrates connected trailers 570, such as is used
in mobile homes, mobile clinics, mobile classrooms, mobile work
trailers (such as those commonly used at construction sites), etc.,
with solar arrays 500 formed from solar collectors 510 and
connected to support surface 530, which are the roofs of trailers
570. Solar arrays 500 can include similar attachment and adjustment
mechanisms as described above with other embodiments.
[0042] In some embodiments, as generally illustrated in FIG. 21,
the deployment of the solar collector arrays can be automatic, with
controller 640 driving actuators connected to each of the
adjustment mechanisms and deployment mechanisms such as those
discussed above. For example, lifting actuator 642 can move lifting
mechanism 142, tilting actuator 644 can move tilting mechanism 144,
rotating actuator can move rotating mechanism 646, sliding actuator
656 can move rail base 150 to affect translation of collector mount
115, as discussed above, and sliding cover actuator 662 can open
and close the sliding covers. In some embodiments, sensors 648,
such as a GPS unit and compass, can be used to automatically adjust
the solar collector arrays for maximum efficiency in collecting
solar power. Similarly, the actuators can be periodically adjusted
to follow the course of the sun through the sky for improved solar
power collection efficiency. The actuators can be any type of
actuators capable of moving and adjusting the mechanisms in the
ways discussed above to deploy a solar collector array.
[0043] In addition to any previously indicated modification,
numerous other variations and alternative arrangements can be
devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are
intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while
the information has been described above with particularity and
detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most
practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including,
but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use can
be made without departing from the principles and concepts set
forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant to be
illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any
manner.
* * * * *