U.S. patent application number 13/830167 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-08 for multipurpose utility structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to GLOBAL SOLAR WATER AND POWER SYSTEMS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is GLOBAL SOLAR WATER AND POWER SYSTEM, INC.. Invention is credited to Mark E. Snyder.
Application Number | 20130199516 13/830167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45832228 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130199516 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Snyder; Mark E. |
August 8, 2013 |
MULTIPURPOSE UTILITY STRUCTURE
Abstract
A system and method of creating and operating a utility
structure coupled to a second structure is provided. A utility
structure can include a renewable energy source, a control system,
water heating system, a communications system, and a solar hot air
module. In connection with these features, a utility structure can
provide utility access, heated and/or cooled water, and HVAC to the
connected structure. A utility structure can be free standing,
portable, or attached to another structure.
Inventors: |
Snyder; Mark E.; (Poway,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SYSTEM, INC.; GLOBAL SOLAR WATER AND POWER |
Poway |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GLOBAL SOLAR WATER AND POWER
SYSTEMS, INC.
Poway
CA
|
Family ID: |
45832228 |
Appl. No.: |
13/830167 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US2011/051652 |
Sep 14, 2011 |
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13830167 |
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61389624 |
Oct 4, 2010 |
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61382798 |
Sep 14, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
126/633 ;
126/628; 52/16; 52/79.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S 10/00 20180501;
Y02B 10/20 20130101; F24D 19/1045 20130101; F24D 3/08 20130101;
F24D 2200/08 20130101; F24S 25/10 20180501; F24D 5/12 20130101;
F24D 12/00 20130101; F24D 15/04 20130101; F24D 15/02 20130101; F24D
5/02 20130101; Y02E 10/44 20130101; F24D 2200/14 20130101; F24D
11/004 20130101; F24D 2200/02 20130101; E04H 1/00 20130101; F24H
2240/09 20130101; F24D 5/04 20130101; F24D 19/1078 20130101; Y02B
10/70 20130101; F24S 50/20 20180501; F24D 19/1093 20130101; F24D
2200/04 20130101; Y02B 30/13 20180501; F24D 2200/12 20130101; F24S
20/60 20180501; F24D 11/003 20130101; Y02E 10/47 20130101; F24H
2240/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/633 ;
52/79.1; 52/16; 126/628 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/00 20060101
E04H001/00; F24J 2/04 20060101 F24J002/04 |
Claims
1. A utility structure configured to provide at least one utility
capability to at least one other structure, the utility structure
comprising: a housing; an electric power generation system
configured to provide electric power; a control board disposed
within the housing and configured to receive electric power from
the electric power generation system; a first fluid storage tank
disposed within the housing; a fluid heating system configured to
receive fluid from the first fluid storage tank and add thermal
energy to the fluid; and a chase configured to connect the housing
to the at least one other structure.
2. The utility structure of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises
a shed.
3. The utility structure of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises
a floor configured to be mounted to a foundation and/or configured
to be mounted to a wheeled chassis.
4. The utility structure of claim 1, further comprising one or more
of a fluid capture system, an energy storage system configured to
receive electric power from the control board, a communication
system, a solar hot air module disposed at least partially within
the housing, a thermal hot air matrix configured to receive heated
fluid from the fluid heating system and to transfer thermal energy
from the heated fluid to air, a bathroom module.
5. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein the fluid capture
system comprises a gutter configured to receive precipitation from
a roof of the housing and a downspout configured to receive
precipitation from the gutter.
6. The utility structure of claim 5, wherein the downspout is
configured to direct precipitation away from the gutter, the
downspout is configured to direct precipitation to the fluid
storage tank, and/or the downspout is disposed outside of the
housing.
7. The utility structure of claim 5, further comprising a fluid
filtration system disposed between the downspout and the first
fluid storage tank and/or further comprising a second fluid storage
tank configured to receive precipitation from the downspout.
8. The utility structure of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of
the second fluid storage tank is disposed outside of the
housing.
9. The utility structure of claim 1, wherein the fluid heating
system comprises a heated fluid storage tank.
10. The utility structure of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of
the heated fluid storage tank is disposed within the housing.
11. The utility structure of claim 9, wherein the fluid heating
system comprises at least one solar hot water panel configured to
receive fluid from the heated fluid storage tank, receive thermal
energy from sunlight, transfer the received thermal energy to the
fluid received from the heated fluid storage tank to heat the
received fluid, and return the heated fluid to the heated fluid
storage tank.
12. The utility structure of claim 9, wherein the fluid heating
system comprises an electrical coil disposed at least partially
within the heated fluid storage tank.
13. The utility structure of claim 12, wherein the electrical coil
is configured to receive electric power from the control board to
add thermal energy to fluid disposed within the heated fluid
storage tank.
14. The utility structure of claim 1, wherein the electric power
generation system comprises at least one solar panel, at least one
wind turbine, a geothermal system and/or a hydroelectric
system.
15. The utility structure of claim 1, wherein the control board
comprises an inverter, a direct current disconnect, a high voltage
charge controller.
16. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein the energy storage
system comprises a battery or a plurality of batteries.
17. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein the communication
system comprises one or more of a satellite receiver, a Wi-Fi
transmitter, and a signal repeater.
18. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein the solar hot air
module comprises a solar module configured to receive thermal
energy from sunlight incident on the solar module and a solar panel
disposed over the solar module, wherein the solar panel is
configured to transfer the received thermal energy to air within
the panel.
19. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein the solar module is
disposed at least partially outside of the housing, wherein the
solar panel comprises a fan configured to draw air from outside the
panel into the panel, and/or wherein the solar panel comprises a
vent configured to exhaust air from the panel.
20. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein the thermal hot air
matrix is disposed at least partially within the housing.
21. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein the thermal hot air
matrix comprises a fan configured to direct the air in one or more
directions.
22. The utility structure of claim 1, further comprising.
23. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein the bathroom module
is disposed at least partially within the housing or is disposed
outside of the housing.
24. The utility structure of claim 4, wherein the bathroom module
comprises a sink and a shower.
25. The utility structure of claim 24, wherein the sink and shower
are configured to receive fluid from the first fluid storage tank
and/or wherein the sink and shower are configured to receive fluid
from the fluid heating system.
26. The utility structure of claim 1, wherein the chase comprises a
first conduit configured to fluidly couple the first fluid storage
tank to the at least one other structure.
27. The utility structure of claim 26, wherein the first conduit is
configured to fluidly couple the fluid heating system to the at
least one other structure.
28. The utility structure of claim 26, wherein the first conduit
comprises a pipe.
29. The utility structure of claim 1, wherein the chase comprises
an electrical connection configured to electrically couple the
control board to the at least one other structure.
30. The utility structure of claim 29, wherein the chase comprises
a second conduit configured to fluidly couple the housing to the at
least one other structure.
31. The utility structure of claim 30, wherein the second conduit
comprises a duct.
32. A method of transferring air from a first structure to a second
structure, the method comprising: disposing a fluid storage tank in
the first structure; fluidly coupling the heated fluid storage tank
to a fluid heating system, wherein the fluid heating system
comprises at least one solar hot water panel configured to receive
thermal energy from sunlight; transferring received thermal energy
from the solar hot water panel to fluid received from the fluid
storage tank to heat the fluid; directing the heated fluid to a
heated fluid storage tank; directing fluid from the heated fluid
storage tank to a thermal hot air matrix; directing air over the
thermal hot air matrix to transfer thermal energy from the fluid
within the thermal hot air matrix to the air to heat the air;
transferring the heated air from the first structure to the second
structure.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: providing a solar
hot air module configured to transfer thermal energy from sunlight
to air disposed within a panel of the solar hot air module; and
directing air from the panel to the second structure.
34. A vehicle or portable structure comprising a utility structure
according to claim 1.
35. The vehicle or portable structure of claim 34, wherein the
vehicle or portable structure is selected from the group consisting
of a trailer, a truck, a semi truck, a tractor trailer, a
recreational vehicle selected from a fifth wheel or a motorhome, a
houseboat, a ship, and an aircraft.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application No.
PCT/US2011/051652, filed Sep. 14, 2011, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Patent Application No. 61/389,624, filed Oct. 4, 2010 and U.S.
Patent Application No. 61/382,798, filed Sep. 14, 2010, the
entirety of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to utility structures.
More specifically, certain embodiments concern self contained
utility structures that are configured to provide, for example, one
or more of heating ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC"), hot
water, wireless communication capabilities, and/or electric power
to one or more structures.
SUMMARY
[0003] In some embodiments, a utility structure can be configured
to provide at least one utility capability to at least one other
structure. The utility structure can include, for example, one or
more of a housing, an electric power generation system that
provides electric power, a control board disposed within the
housing that receives electric power from the electric power
generation system, a first fluid storage tank disposed within the
housing, a fluid heating system that receives fluid from the first
fluid storage tank and adds thermal energy to the fluid, and a
chase that connects the housing to the at least one other
structure.
[0004] In some embodiments, the housing can be a shed, for example.
In some embodiments, the housing can be a floor that is mountable
to a foundation, for example. In some embodiments, the housing can
be, for example, a floor that is mountable to a wheeled chassis. In
some embodiments, the housing can include, for example, at least
one vent. In some embodiments, the vent can be a bi-metal vent, for
example.
[0005] In some embodiments, the utility structure can further
include, for example, a fluid capture system. In some embodiments,
the fluid capture system can include, for example, a gutter that
receives precipitation from a roof of the housing. In some
embodiments, the fluid capture system can include, for example, a
downspout that receives precipitation from the gutter. In some
embodiments, the downspout can direct precipitation away from the
gutter, for example. In some embodiments, the downspout can direct
precipitation, for example, to the fluid storage tank. In some
embodiments, at least a portion of the downspout may be disposed
outside of the housing, for example.
[0006] In some embodiments, the utility structure can include, for
example, a fluid filtration system disposed between the downspout
and the first fluid storage tank. In some embodiments, the utility
structure can further include a second fluid storage tank
configured to receive precipitation from the downspout, for
example. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second
fluid storage tank can be, for example, disposed outside of the
housing.
[0007] In some embodiments, the fluid heating system can include,
for example, a heated fluid storage tank. In some embodiments, at
least a portion of the heated fluid storage tank can be disposed
within the housing, for example. In some embodiments, the fluid
heating system can include, for example, at least one solar hot
water panel that receives fluid from the heated fluid storage tank.
In some embodiments, the fluid heating system can include, for
example, at least one solar hot water panel that receives thermal
energy from sunlight. In some embodiments, the fluid heating system
can include, for example, at least one solar hot water panel that
transfers the received thermal energy to the fluid received from
the heated fluid storage tank to heat the received fluid. In some
embodiments, the fluid heating system can include at least one
solar hot water panel that returns the heated fluid to the heated
fluid storage tank, for example.
[0008] In some embodiments, the fluid heating system can include,
for example, an electrical coil disposed at least partially within
the heated fluid storage tank. In some embodiments, the electrical
coil can receive, for example, electric power from the control
board to add thermal energy to fluid disposed within the heated
fluid storage tank. In some embodiments, the electric power
generation system can include, for example, at least one solar
panel. In some embodiments, the at least one solar panel can be
located outside of the housing, for example. In some embodiments,
the at least one solar panel can be electrically coupled to the
control board, for example. In some embodiments, the at least one
solar panel can be disposed, for example, on a mast configured to
offset the at least one solar panel from a ground surface. In some
embodiments, the electric power generation system can include, for
example, at least one wind turbine. In some embodiments, the
electric power generation system can include, for example, a
geothermal system. In some embodiments, the electric power
generation system can include, for example, a hydroelectric system.
In some embodiments, the hydroelectric system can include a
mini-hydroelectric system, for example.
[0009] In some embodiments, the control board can include, for
example, one or more of an inverter, a direct current disconnect, a
high voltage charge controller, and the like.
[0010] In some embodiments, the utility structure can include, for
example, an energy storage system that can receive electric power
from the control board. For example, in some embodiments, the
energy storage system can include a battery, a plurality of
batteries, etc.
[0011] In some embodiments, the utility structure can include, for
example, a communication system. In some embodiments, the
communication system can include, for example, one or more of a
satellite receiver a Wi-Fi transmitter, a signal repeater, and the
like.
[0012] In some embodiments, the utility structure can include, for
example, a solar hot air module disposed at least partially within
the housing. In some embodiments, the solar hot air module can
include, for example, a solar module that can receive thermal
energy from sunlight incident on the solar module and a solar panel
disposed over the solar module, wherein the solar panel can
transfer the received thermal energy to air within the panel. In
some embodiments, the solar module can be disposed, for example, at
least partially outside of the housing. In some embodiments, the
solar panel can include, for example, a fan configured to draw air
from outside the panel into the panel. In some embodiments, the
solar panel can include, for example, a vent configured to exhaust
air from the panel.
[0013] In some embodiments, the utility structure can include, for
example, a thermal hot air matrix that can receive heated fluid
from the fluid heating system. The matrix can transfer thermal
energy from the heated fluid to air, for example. In some
embodiments, the thermal hot air matrix can be disposed at least
partially within the housing, for example. In some embodiments, the
thermal hot air matrix can include, for example, a fan configured
to direct the air in one or more directions.
[0014] In some embodiments, the utility structure can include a
bathroom module, for example. In some embodiments, the bathroom
module can be, for example, disposed at least partially within the
housing, at least partially outside of the housing, etc. In some
embodiments, the bathroom module can include, for example, a sink
and a shower, and in some aspects, the sink and shower can receive
fluid from the first fluid storage tank, for example. In some
embodiments, the sink and shower can, for example, receive fluid
from the fluid heating system.
[0015] In some embodiments, the chase can include a first conduit
that, for example, can fluidly couple the first fluid storage tank
to the at least one other structure. In some embodiments, the first
conduit, for example, can fluidly couple the fluid heating system
to the at least one other structure. In some embodiments, the first
conduit can include, for example, a pipe. In some embodiments, the
chase can include, for example, an electrical connection that can
electrically couple the control board to the at least one other
structure. In some embodiments, the chase can include a second
conduit that can fluidly couple the housing to the at least one
other structure. In some embodiments, the second conduit can
include a duct, for example.
[0016] Some embodiments include a method of transferring a gas or
fluid such as, for example, air from a first structure to a second
structure. This method can include, for example, disposing a fluid
storage tank in the first structure and fluidly coupling the heated
fluid storage tank to a fluid heating system. In some embodiments,
the fluid heating system can include, for example, at least one
solar hot water panel that can receive thermal energy from
sunlight. The method of transferring air from a first structure to
a second structure can include, for example, one or more of
transferring received thermal energy from the solar hot water panel
to fluid received from the fluid storage tank to heat the fluid,
directing the heated fluid to a heated fluid storage tank,
directing fluid from the heated fluid storage tank to a thermal hot
air matrix, directing air over the thermal hot air matrix to
transfer thermal energy from the fluid within the thermal hot air
matrix to the air to heat the air, and transferring the heated air
from the first structure to the second structure.
[0017] In some embodiments, the method of transferring air from a
first structure to a second structure can include, for example, one
or more of providing a solar hot air module that can transfer
thermal energy from sunlight to air disposed within a panel of the
solar hot air module, and directing air from the panel to the
second structure.
[0018] The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity,
simplifications, generalization, and omissions of detail;
consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the
apparatuses, devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter
described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth
herein. The summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure
will become more fully apparent from the following description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding
that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance
with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its
scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity
and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.
[0020] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a top view of a non
limiting example of a utility structure coupled to another
structure.
[0021] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a front perspective view of
a non limiting example of the utility structure of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a rear perspective view of
a non limiting example of the utility structure of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4A schematically illustrates a floor plan of one
embodiment of a non limiting example of a utility structure.
[0024] FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a floor plan of one
embodiment of a non limiting example of a utility structure.
[0025] FIG. 4C schematically illustrates a floor plan of one
embodiment of a non limiting example of a utility structure.
[0026] FIG. 4D schematically illustrates a floor plan of one
embodiment of a non limiting example of a bathroom module that may
be incorporated in, or coupled to, a utility structure.
[0027] FIG. 4E schematically illustrates a floor plan of one
embodiment of a utility structure.
[0028] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a top view of an embodiment
of a non limiting example of a floor frame for a utility
structure.
[0029] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a partial cross-section of
a non limiting example of the utility structure of FIG. 3.
[0030] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a non
limiting example of a solar hot water system that may be
incorporated in a utility structure.
[0031] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a non
limiting example of a water tank that may be incorporated in a
utility structure to feed water into a hot water tank.
[0032] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a non
limiting example of a solar tracker assembly that may be
electrically coupled to a utility structure.
[0033] FIGS. 10A and 10B schematically illustrate an embodiment of
a non limiting example of a solar hot air module.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a non
limiting example of how electric power may be distributed through a
utility structure.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a non
limiting example of a system for distributing water through a
utility structure and/or additional structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description and drawings are not meant to
be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes
may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the
subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that
the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described
herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged,
substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different
configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make
part of this disclosure.
[0037] Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to utility
structures that may be coupled to one or more other structures to
provide utility access and/or HVAC amenities to the structure(s)
coupled thereto. These utility structures may be particularly
useful to individuals who live in areas of the world that are not
connected to conventional electric grids that provide access to
electric power, for example, remote areas on Native American
reservations in the United States. Additionally, these structures
may be coupled to temporary structures that require utilities, for
example, in military, disaster relief, and/or seasonal agricultural
applications. Further, these structures may be useful for
individuals who desire to consume primarily renewable energy
instead of fossil fuel or nuclear based energy. Also, the utility
structures disclosed herein may be useful for individuals who may
abandon homes for various reasons including, for example, Native
Americans who move after a family member passes away at home,
and/or for nomadic individuals.
[0038] In some of the embodiments, a utility structure may include
at least one renewable source of electric power (e.g., a solar
panel, a wind turbine, a geothermal system, and/or a hydroelectric
system), a control board or electric panel configured to control
and distribute the generated electric power, a solar hot water
system, a communications system (e.g., a satellite receiver and
optional Wi-Fi signal repeater), and/or a solar hot air module to
provide hot air to the utility structure and/or to another
structure fluidly coupled thereto. In this way, the utility
structure can provide electric power, HVAC, and/or communications
capabilities to additional structures that are coupled to the
utility structure. Also, the utility structure may be used as a
stand alone structure with the same capabilities. For example, the
structure can be used to provide electric power, HVAC, and/or
communications capabilities to the utility structure itself.
Moreover, the utility structures disclosed herein can be
constructed to be portable such that they may be easily transported
from location to location. A utility structure may also include
vents, dampers, and/or fans configured to exchange air within the
utility structure with the air from the outside environment and/or
with one or more fluidly coupled structures in order to take
advantage of diurnal temperature swings. Thus, the ventilation and
air exchange systems can be implemented to regulate the temperature
of the utility structures and/or other structures fluidly coupled
thereto.
[0039] Several non-limiting examples of embodiments will now be
described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like
numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in
the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted
in any limited or restrictive manner, simply because it is being
utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain
specific embodiments. Furthermore, embodiments can include several
novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for
its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the
technology herein described.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a utility
structure 100 that is fluidly coupled to another structure 105 by
chase 103. Chase 103 may define a conduit or passageway configured
to receive plumbing, wiring, or other conduits to transfer fluids,
communication signals, and/or electric power there through.
Although the term "chase" is used, it should be understood that the
structure 103 should not be limited, but can be any space, conduit,
groove, hollow, etc., that connects or connect to the two
structures. The utility structure 100 is also electrically coupled
to an energy source, which within the depicted example is a solar
panel 107 that includes a plurality of solar cells or photovoltaic
cells 109. The solar panel 107 may be a tracking solar panel
configured to orient the solar cells toward the sun to increase the
efficiency of the solar panel 107 (e.g., to expose the solar panel
107 a maximum amount of sun as the earth rotates relative to the
sun). In some embodiments, the solar panel 107 is mounted on a mast
such that the panel 107 is elevated from the ground. In such
embodiments, the panel 107 and mast may cast a shadow toward the
utility structure. Thus, panel 107 may be offset from the utility
structure 107 by a distance D.sub.1 to avoid shading of the
structure 107. In some embodiments, distance D.sub.1 may be
determined, at least in part, by the height of the mast. It can be
determined by the location and the need to avoid blocking or shade
from structures, trees, hills, etc. In one embodiment, distance
D.sub.1 can be, for example, between 10 and 150 feet. As a more
specific example, D.sub.1 can be greater than about 20 feet, for
example, about 40 feet.
[0041] The solar panel 107 may be electrically coupled to the
utility structure 100 by an electrical umbilical (not shown) to
transmit electric power from the solar tracker 107 to the utility
structure 100. The transmitted electric power may then be stored
within the utility structure 100 by batteries and/or redistributed
to one or more additional structures, for example, structure 105.
As mentioned above, in some embodiments, chase 103 may include
wiring to electrically couple utility structure 100 to structure
105. In this way, utility structure 100 may provide electric power
and/or exchange hot and/or cold air with the structure 105. Thus,
the utility structure 100 may be a "stand alone" unit or "self
contained" meaning that the utility structure 100 may be a separate
or distinct structure from the coupled structure 105. In some
embodiments, the utility structure 100 may provide all of the
primary utility needs of the coupled structure 105. In some
aspects, it can be part of the structure 105. In some embodiments,
chase 103 includes one or more latching or connecting elements to
removably couple the chase 103 to either of the structure 105
and/or utility structure 100.
[0042] Utility structure 100 may include, for example, various
structures capable of at least partially containing or housing
electric, HVAC, plumbing, and/or communication elements. In some
embodiments, utility structure 100 may include, for example, one or
more of a portable shed or building that can be transported from
one location to another. For example, utility structure 100 can
comprise one or more of a shed, trailer, recreational vehicle, bus,
motor coach, box car, shipping container, or any other suitable
structure. The utility structure 100 can be formed from various
materials including, for example, ceramics (e.g., bricks),
composites (e.g., concrete), organic materials (e.g., wood),
polymers, and/or metals. In some embodiments, the utility structure
100 may be manufactured using one or more methods that have been
adopted from the home industry. A utility structure 100 may be
built, for example, on a removable axle or frame at a factory and
the structure may be hauled to a particular site or location with a
light vehicle, for example, a four wheel drive pick-up truck. Once
at the site, the utility structure 100 may be removed from the
frame with one or more jacks (e.g., hydraulic jacks) and placed on
piers (e.g., stationary piers and/or adjustable piers) or a
foundation to situate the utility structure at the site. The frame
may then be reused for the transport of another utility structure.
Such a method may prevent the need for heavy equipment and reduce
equipment and personnel costs. Additionally, should the need arise
to relocate a utility structure 100, the utility structure may be
lifted from the piers and/or foundation using one or more jacks,
disposed on a removable frame, and transported to a subsequent
location by a light vehicle. In some aspects the structures can be
lifted and lowered using inflatable devices that upon inflation and
deflation act to raise and lower the devices.
[0043] The utility structure 100 can also include insulation in the
walls, floor, and/or ceiling to insulate the interior from the
environmental conditions outside the utility structure 100. For
example, the walls and/or floor can be insulated with R-38
insulation. Also, a ceramic radiant barrier can optionally be
applied to the walls, floor, and/or ceiling to insulate the utility
structure 100. The utility structure 100 as depicted also includes
an entrance 104 for entry into or exit out of the structure 100.
Furthermore, the depicted utility structure 100 includes a door
101.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 2, a front perspective view of the
utility structure 100 of FIG. 1 is schematically illustrated. The
utility structure 100 includes a roof 119. As depicted in the non
limiting example, the roof 119 is slanted downward from north to
south. One of skill in the art will understand that the slant of
the roof may be configured differently, for example, to maximize
sun exposure to solar hot water panels 117 mounted thereon. For
example, the roof may be oriented differently in the southern and
northern hemispheres (e.g., from south to north). The directional
orientation (e.g., north, south, east and west) shown in the
Figures is not meant to be limiting as the structure can be
oriented in any direction (north, south, east west, northeast,
northwest, southeast, southwest, etc.). Also, although the roof is
depicted and described in some Figures and in the description as
slanted, in other embodiments the roof is not slanted. Solar hot
water panels 117 may cycle a working fluid, for example, water,
there through to expose the working fluid to sunlight thus heating
the working fluid. As discussed in more detail below, the heated
fluid may pass through a heat exchanger that transfers the thermal
energy from the heated fluid to another liquid, for example, to
potable water for use or consumption by humans. In this way, the
solar hot water panels 117 can collect thermal energy from the sun
and redistribute the thermal energy within the utility structure
100. Utility structure 100 may also include a rafter 115 that
extends over entrance 104 to shade the entrance from incident
sunlight. As shown, utility structure 100 may also include a
receiver 121 configured to receive signals and/or communications
transmissions such as a wireless signal, for example, a Wi-Fi
signal, and optionally transmit a signal, for example, a Wi-Fi
signal, to the surrounding area. In some embodiments, the receiver
121 can be coupled to a repeater (not shown) to extend the range of
a local wireless network. In one embodiment, the receiver 121 can
transmit a signal via one or more wires or cables to other
components. The receiver/transmitter 121 can be any suitable device
for receiving or transmitting information, such as for example, a
satellite dish, a radio frequency antenna, a wireless telephone
technology receiver/transmitter, and the like. FIG. 2 also depicts
an entrance 104, a slanted roof 119, and a floor 106. The depicted
dimensions are merely non-limiting examples of possible
dimensions.
[0045] The structure can be of any desired size and dimension. In
some non-limiting embodiments, the structure can have a length and
width to permit transportation of the structure, for example,
behind a vehicle as a trailer that can be towed behind a vehicle,
in an aircraft such as a helicopter or airplane, on a ship or boat,
on a train, or in a trailer such as a tractor trailer, etc. Some
embodiments relate to trailers, aircraft, trains, ships, boats,
trucks, tractor trailers, motor homes, houseboats, etc. that
comprise, include or a structure as described herein. Examples of
lengths are from 3 feet to 150 feet, for example, 6 feet, 8 feet,
10 feet, 12 feet, 20 feet, 28 feet, 45 feet, 53 feet, and 102 feet,
or any value there between. Examples of widths include 3 feet to
about 150 feet, including, for example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100 feet or any value there
between. Examples of heights include 3 to about 50 feet, for
example, 3 feet, 6 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, 20 feet, 28
feet, 45 feet or any value there between.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the utility
structure 100 of FIG. 2. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3,
utility structure 100 may further include a solar hot air module
141 disposed on or in the south facing wall 142 of the utility
structure 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the south facing wall
is assumed to receive the most amount of sun throughout the year.
However, one having skill in the art will understand that the solar
hot air module 141 can be disposed to face various other directions
to take advantage of optimal sun exposure. The solar hot air module
141 can include a solar module 145 configured to absorb and collect
thermal energy from sunlight incident thereon and transfer the
collected thermal energy to a solar panel 143. The solar panel 143
may include an inlet fan and an outlet damper to cycle air from the
utility shed through the solar panel 143. The fan and outlet damper
may control the flow rate of air therethrough depending on the heat
transfer from the solar module 145. For example, on a particularly
sunny day the solar panel 143 may cycle air therethrough at a
higher flow rate than on a less sunny day as the solar module 145
will transfer more heat to the panel 143 on sunnier days. As
discussed in more detail below, the solar hot air module 141 may be
used to provide hot air to the utility structure 100 and/or to a
structure that is fluidly coupled to the utility structure 100, for
example, structure 105 in FIG. 1. The depicted dimensions are
merely non-limiting examples of possible dimensions. Example, non
limiting dimensions are discussed herein.
[0047] Still referring to FIG. 3, the utility structure 100 may
optionally include a water capture system including a gutter 131
and a downspout 133. Gutter 131 may be positioned near the downward
side of slanted roof 119 to receive rain water or other
condensation that is biased by gravity toward the downward side.
Downspout 133 may receive the collected condensation from the
gutter 131 and direct the fluid toward one or more receptacles or
reservoirs (not shown). The collected condensation can then be
stored and/or directed by plumbing to the utility structure 100
and/or to another structure that is fluidly coupled to the utility
structure 100. In some embodiments, the collected condensation can
be filtered using various methods, for example, the methods
disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 61/370,807
which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0048] As discussed above, utility structure 100 may be constructed
to be portable such that it can be transported from location to
location. The floor 106 can be constructed with various floor
joists and bearers such that the utility structure 100 may be
mounted on piers 153 by supports 151. The floor 106 can also be
constructed to be "foundation ready" such that is may be secured to
an existing foundation, for example, a concrete foundation, by
fasteners or other coupling members. In some embodiments, floor 106
can be mounted to a chassis (not shown) with wheels or to a chassis
that may be coupled with wheels in order to permit wheeled movement
of the utility structure 100 from one location to another. In one
embodiment, floor 106 may be constructed to form a skid system or
package such that the utility structure 100 can be conveyed using
various means of transport. The depicted dimensions are merely
non-limiting examples of possible dimensions.
[0049] It should be noted that any of the features depicted or
described in FIGS. 1-3 (e.g., features 101-145) can be specifically
excluded from some embodiments. Also, some features can be combined
in any combination of features 101-145 even though not shown in the
figures.
[0050] Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4D, floor plans of various
embodiments of utility structures 400 are schematically
illustrated. FIG. 4A shows the floor plan of one example of a
utility structure 400a that includes battery boxes 467a, a hot
water tank 463a, two cold water tanks 461, and a control board
479a. The utility structure 400a includes an 8' by 14' floor and a
door 401a that allows a user to access the interior of the utility
structure 400a through an entrance 404a. The depicted dimensions of
FIGS. 4A-4D are merely non-limiting examples of possible
dimensions.
[0051] Cold water tanks 461a may be configured to store and hold
potable water or water that is to be purified for use in the
utility structure 400a or for use in more or more structures that
are fluidly coupled to structure 400a (e.g., structure 105 in FIG.
1). Tanks 461a may be periodically filled by a water source, for
example, a fill truck or attached plumbing, as the stored water is
used or otherwise disposed of. Tanks 461a can comprise various
shapes and sizes. In one non-limiting embodiment, tanks 461a each
may be configured to store about 250 gallons and are similarly
shaped and sized. In another embodiment, tanks 461a may be
different from one another. Utility structure 400 may also include
any number of tanks 461a, for example, a single tank or more than
two tanks. An example of a suitable storage tank is discussed in
more detail below with reference to FIG. 8.
[0052] Tanks 461a may be fluidly coupled to hot water tank 463a to
direct water therefrom to the hot water tank for heating. In some
non-limiting embodiments, the hot water tank 463a comprises a 30''
diameter tank and may be heated by a solar hot water system (e.g.,
the system discussed with reference to FIG. 2 or 7) and/or by
electricity provided, for example, by a source of renewable
electric power that is coupled to the utility structure 400a (e.g.,
solar panel 107 discussed with reference to FIG. 1). In other
embodiments, hot water tank 463 may be heated using electricity or
fuel provided by other means.
[0053] Batteries 467a are configured to receive and store electric
power provided by a source of renewable electric power that is
coupled to the utility structure 400a (not shown). In some
embodiments, the batteries can be configured to receive electric
power from a solar tracker (not shown) and transmit the stored
electric power to one or more circuits or loads. In this way, a
solar tracker can be configured to provide power to the utility
structure 400a during the day and a portion of the provided power
can be transmitted to a load or circuit while another portion can
be stored by the batteries 467a to be consumed at a later time, for
example, at night. Control board 479a can be configured to include
various structures including, for example, a high voltage charge
controller, an inverter, a direct current ("DC") disconnect, a
satellite receiver, and/or a power panel. In this way, the control
board 479a can control the distribution of electric power received
by a source of renewable power to a load or circuit. Although two
batteries are shown in the depicted example, any suitable number
can be used, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more batteries.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 4B, a floor plan of another embodiment
of a utility structure 400b is schematically illustrated. Utility
structure 400b includes a chase 403b configured to couple plumbing
and/or wiring from the utility structure 400b to another structure
405b. In some embodiments, utility structure 400b is configured to
provide electric power and/or air (e.g., warm or hot air) to
structure 405b. Utility structure 400b can also be configured to
receive hot air and/or electric power from structure 405b. Electric
power may be provided through the chase 403b from one or more
batteries 467b and/or from electric panel 473b. Electric panel 473b
can be configured to receive electric power from a source of energy
such as renewable electric energy, for example, from a solar
tracker, wind turbine, geothermal system, or hydroelectric system
that is coupled to our housed within the utility structure 400b.
Electric panel 473b can include an inverter, charge controller,
and/or DC disconnect and can provide electric power directly to a
load or circuit and/or to batteries 467b for storage. The
conditions of the utility structure 400b may be monitored remotely
by wirelessly connecting to a receiver such as receiver 121 of FIG.
3. Additionally, various components of the utility structure 400b
can be controlled remotely by sending a signal to receiver 121. The
utility structure 400b can include any number of batteries 467b,
for example, one or more. In one embodiment, utility structure 400b
includes vents 468b disposed near the batteries 467b to vent gasses
exhausted by the battery from the interior of the utility structure
400b. Vents 468b can include backflow preventers to prevent outside
air from passing therethrough into the utility structure 400b.
[0055] Still referring to FIG. 4B, utility structure 400b also can
include a water storage tank 461b fluidly coupled to a hot water
tank 463b. It should be noted that the listed capacities and
dimensions are non-limiting and are provided as examples. Storage
tank 461b can be configured to direct stored water from the tank
461b to the hot water tank 463b. Hot water tank 463b can be heated
by a solar hot water heating system that includes solar hot water
panels disposed on the roof of the utility structure 400b. In some
embodiments, the electric panel 473b may distribute electric power
to a coil in the hot water tank 463b to heat the water contained
therein.
[0056] The hot water tank 463b may be fluidly coupled to a heat
exchanger element 469b that is configured to receive hot water from
tank 463b. The heat exchanger element 469b can be configured in a
variety of shapes and sizes. The heat exchanger element 469b can
have a variety of different designs and be configured for the
transfer of different amounts of heat. The heat exchanger element
469b can be an off-the-shelf component, or can be task specific. In
some embodiments, the heat exchanger element 469b can, for example,
be a thermo matrix heat exchanger. The heat exchanger element 469b
may include a fan or air distribution means configured to direct
air over the received hot water to transfer thermal energy from the
hot water to air. The heat exchanger element 469b may then be
configured to direct the heated air through one or more conduits or
ducts to heat the utility structure 400b and/or to heat another
structured coupled thereto. Similarly, the utility structure 400b
can also optionally include a solar hot air module 443b similar to
solar hot air module 143 in FIG. 1 to transfer solar energy to air
from the utility structure 400b. The heated air may then be
directed through one or more conduits or ducts to heat the utility
structure 400b and/or to heat another structured coupled
thereto.
[0057] Utility structure 400b may also include a passive cooling
system (not shown), for example, an evaporative or "swamp" cooling
system, configured to cool air by transferring energy from hot air
to water provided by the water tank 461b. In some embodiments, the
utility structure 400b may include a diurnal swing night
ventilation and cooling system. Such a system may include a
pressure input to pressurize the interior of the utility structure
400b and one or more vents disposed above the floor of the
structure 400b (e.g., ceiling vents). The pressure input may
pressurize the utility structure 400b such that colder air drops to
the floor of the structure while warmer air is forced out of the
structure 400b through the one or more vents. As a result, colder
air may be drawn into the utility structure 400b and warmer air may
be exhausted from the utility structure to cool the interior.
[0058] In this way, utility structure 400b can provide hot and/or
cold air HVAC capabilities to the utility structure itself and/or
one or more other structures coupled thereto. Similarly, utility
structure 471b may also include bi-metal vents 471b that are
triggered by external sensors 475b to open or close depending on
various outside conditions. For example, the vents 400b can be
configured to open in the summer at night when the outside
temperature is below a certain threshold, for example, a threshold
of 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and above a
certain threshold, for example, 40, 45, 50, 60, or 65 degrees
Fahrenheit. In the winter, vents 471b can be configured to remain
closed when the temperature is below a certain threshold to
maintain a temperature within the utility structure 400b to
preserve the batteries 467b. As many remote residences can be
efficiently heated during winter months by wood burning stoves or
fires, the utility structure 400b can be configured to receive heat
from another structure fluidly coupled thereto. However, if a
structure coupled to the utility structure 400b does not have its
own heating capabilities, the utility structure 400b may transfer
warm or hot air to the coupled structure, even at night, by the
heat exchanger 469b. The depicted dimensions and capacities are
merely non-limiting examples.
[0059] FIG. 4C schematically illustrates a floor plan of another
embodiment of a utility structure 400c including a door 401c that
allows a user to access the interior of the utility structure 400c
through an entrance 404c. Similar to utility structure 400b
discussed with reference to FIG. 4B, utility structure 400c
includes a hot water tank 463c, cold water tank 461c, a heat
exchanger element 469c that is configured to receive hot water from
hot water tank 463c, control board 479c, solar hot air module 443c,
bi-metal vents 471c, and battery box 467c. Additionally, utility
structure 400c includes a workspace and a pump 477c is illustrated.
Pump 477c may be configured to pump hot water from tank 463c to an
adjoining structure through chase 403c. As indicated, chase 403c
may also optionally include a reversing fan to prevent a back flow
of air from an adjoining structure into the utility structure 403c.
This reversing fan can be turned off to allow the flow of hot air
through the chase 403c into utility structure 403c when necessary,
for example, in the winter to maintain a temperature within utility
structure 403c in order to preserve the batteries 467c. The control
board 479c can optionally include a high voltage charge controller,
an inverter, a DC disconnect, a Wi-Fi satellite receiver, and/or a
power panel. The depicted dimensions and capacities are merely
non-limiting examples.
[0060] Turning now to FIG. 4D, a floor plan of an embodiment of a
bathroom module 400d is schematically illustrated. Bathroom module
400d may be incorporated in, or coupled to, any of the utility
structures disclosed herein, for example, utility structure 400c of
FIG. 4C. As illustrated, bathroom module 400d is disposed adjacent
to a utility structure 402d housing a water tank 461d. Bathroom
module 400d may receive hot and/or cold water from utility shed
402d for the shower 481d, sink 483d, and/or toilet 485d. In some
non-limiting embodiments, toilet 485d may comprise a composting
toilet including an aerobic processing system. In other
non-limiting embodiments, toilet 485d may be connected to a septic
system. Bathroom module 400d may be heated by a solar hot air
module 443d and/or may be heated by utility structure 402d. In
embodiments where the bathroom module 400d is separate from a
utility structure, bathroom module 400d may include a door 401d to
provide ingress and egress. In embodiments where the bathroom
module 400d is disposed within a utility structure, bathroom module
400d may optionally include a partition or door to provide privacy
for the bathroom module portion of the utility structure. In some
embodiments, a utility structure or bathroom module may further
include a sleeping area for one or more persons. In one embodiment,
a sleeping area is disposed on an elevated bunk or in a loft above
an area of a utility structure, for example, above a water tank.
The depicted dimensions and capacities are merely non-limiting
examples.
[0061] FIG. 4E depicts a floor plan of one embodiment of a utility
structure 400e attached to an existing structure 402e via a common
wall 404e. In some embodiments, the utility structure 400e can be
attached to a north wall, a west wall, a south wall, an east wall,
or any other wall of the existing structure 402e. The utility
structure 400e, also referred to as the "bump out version" can have
all of the same functionalities and features described in
connection with other embodiments of a utility structure. In some
embodiments, the utility structure 400e may be configured to
receive electric power from the structure 402e, from batteries, or
from a power generation source, such as, for example, a
photovoltaic panel, a wind turbine, a geothermal system, a
hydroelectric system, a motor/engine driven generator, or any other
power source. FIG. 4E depicts an embodiment in which one power
source is batteries 467e. In some embodiments, the batteries 467e
and other power sources and consuming device are connected via a
sub panel 408e. The sub panel 408e can include, for example,
electrical connection, monitoring devices configured to, for
example, monitor temperature, current, resistance, or any other
desired attribute, safety features, such as, for example, a fuse or
a circuit breaker, and any other desired feature. In some
embodiment of a utility structure 400e, the current of electricity
provided may be different than the current of electricity required
by power consuming devices. Thus, in some embodiments, electricity
may be converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current
(AC) or from AC to DC. Some embodiments of a utility structure
include an inverter 410e configured to convert electric current.
Some embodiments of a utility structure can additionally include
features such as a charge controller, and/or DC disconnect to
assist in power management with multiple power sources and power
consuming devices and can be configured to provide electric power
directly to a load or circuit and/or to batteries 467e for storage.
In some embodiments, the utility structure 400e can include a
control panel 424e. The control panel can allow control of all or
some of the components and systems of the utility structure 400e.
In some embodiments, the conditions of the utility structure 400e
may be monitored remotely by wirelessly connecting to a receiver
such as receiver 121 of FIG. 3. Additionally, various components of
the utility structure 400e can be controlled remotely by sending a
signal to receiver 121. The utility structure 400e can include any
number of batteries 467e, for example, one or more. In one
embodiment, utility structure 400e may include vents 468e to vent
gasses exhausted by, for example, the battery 467e from the
interior of the utility structure 400e. Vents 468e can include
backflow preventers to prevent outside air from passing
therethrough into the utility structure 400e.
[0062] Still referring to FIG. 4E, utility structure 400e also can
include a water storage tank 461b fluidly coupled to a hot water
tank 463e. Storage tank 461e can be configured to direct stored
water from the tank 461e to the hot water tank. Hot water tank 463e
can be heated by a solar hot water heating system that includes
solar hot water panels disposed on the roof of the utility
structure 400e. In some embodiments, the sub panel 408e may
distribute electric power to a coil in the hot water tank 463e to
heat the water contained therein.
[0063] The hot water tank 463e may be fluidly coupled to a heat
exchanger element that is configured to receive hot water from tank
463e as discussed in greater detail above as relating to FIG. 4B.
Similarly, the utility structure 400e can also optionally include a
solar hot air module 443e similar to solar hot air module 143 in
FIG. 1 to transfer solar energy to air from the utility structure
400e. The heated air may then be directed through one or more
conduits or ducts to heat the utility structure 400e and/or to heat
another structured coupled thereto.
[0064] Utility structure 400e may also include a passive cooling
system (not shown), for example, an evaporative or "swamp" cooling
system, configured to cool air by transferring energy from hot air
to water provided by the water tank 461e. In some embodiments, the
utility structure 400e may include a diurnal swing night
ventilation and cooling system as discussed above in relation to
the embodiment of FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the door 420e can
provide access to a hot water tank 461e, which can, in some
embodiments, be separated from other portions of the utility
structure 400e by, for example, a wall. The door 420e can be, for
example, insulated. Advantageously, this separation can limit
heating of air surrounding the hot water tank 461e to the area
immediately surrounding the hot water tank 461e. Further, in some
embodiments, door 420e can be automatically opened and closed
according to air temperatures measured around the hot water tank
461e and inside the remaining portions of the utility structure
400e. When additional heating is required in the utility structure
400e, door 420e can open to allow flow of warm air from the area
around the water tank 420 to the other portions of the utility
structure 400e. In some embodiments, the utility structure 400e can
include an overhang 422e. The overhang can provide full or partial
shade to portions of the utility structure 400e, including, for
example, the hot air panel 443e.
[0065] It should be noted that in FIGS. 4A-4E, one or more of the
features listed above can specifically be excluded from some
embodiments or combined together in some embodiments. Thus, any of
the structures 400-499 can be excluded or combined in any
combination.
[0066] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of a top view of
an embodiment of a floor frame 506 for a utility structure. Floor
frame 506 may include bearers 511 disposed perpendicularly to
joists 509. Floor frame 506 can be configured to support an
overlying utility structure, for example, utility structure 100 of
FIGS. 1-3, over a variety of underlying structures. For example,
frame 506 may be disposed on piers, disposed on a foundation,
disposed on a chassis, and/or disposed directly on a ground
surface. The depicted dimensions are provided as non-limiting
examples.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, a frame 606 including bearers 611 and
joists 609 can support a utility structure frame 618 over concrete
piers 653. Supports 651 can be disposed between the floor frame 606
and concrete piers and the piers 653 can be set in a sand filled
volume 616 overlying a ground surface 633. Piers 653 can be
disposed intermittently underneath the frame 606, for example,
under corner regions of frame 606. In some embodiments, piers 653
can be disposed under the center of frame 606 as well to provide
additional support thereto.
[0068] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates one example of an
embodiment of a solar hot water system 700 that may be incorporated
in a utility structure to heat water within a tank 763. In some
embodiments the tank 763 can have a diameter of 31 inches and a
height of 37 inches. System 700 can include at least one solar
panel 701 configured to transfer thermal energy received from
sunlight to a working fluid, for example, water, that passes
therethrough, a conduit 703 configured to provide a cycle path for
the working fluid from a heat exchanger 764 within tank 763 through
the panel 701, a pump 707 configured to pump the working fluid
through conduit 703, and a controller 705 configured to control the
flow rate of the working fluid through system 700. Tank 763 also
includes a heated water outlet 709 and a cold water intake 711.
Heated water that passes through outlet 709 may be distributed to a
structure fluidly coupled to a utility structure and/or may be
utilized by a thermal matrix heating element to provide hot air to
the coupled structure.
[0069] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates one example of an
embodiment of a cold water tank 800 that includes an inlet 801 and
a reservoir. In some embodiments, tank 800 can be a horizontal
tank. In one exemplary embodiment, the tank 800 can be, for
example, a horizontal tank enclosing a volume of 500 gallons. In
some embodiments, the tank can be, for example, 79 inches long, 48
inches wide, and 43 inches tall. An example of a suitable tank 800
is the "Flat Bottom Utility Tank" available from plastic-mart.com
(part number "Energy525-DSP").
[0070] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates one example of an
embodiment of a solar tracker assembly 909 that may be used to
convert sunlight to electric power. Solar tracker assembly 909 can
include a plurality of solar panels 901 each configured to convert
incident sunlight into electric power and transmit the electric
power to a junction box 907. Junction box 907 can be configured to
consolidate the production of the different solar panels and
transmit the resultant electric power to a utility structure, for
example, any of the utility structures disclosed herein. Solar
panels 901 may be supported within a canister 903 by a support
structure 905. Support structure 905 can include various suitable
elements including, for example, axels, rails, and/or truss tubes,
configured to couple the solar panels 901 to the canister 903.
Canister 903 may be elevated from the ground by a mast 909 such
that shading of the canister 903 is minimized. The junction box 907
may be disposed on a side of mast 909 and mast 909 may be supported
in an upright position by one or more outriggers or trusses 911.
Trusses 911 may be disposed on the ground surface and optionally
coupled to barrels 913. Barrels 913 can be filled with sand or
another material to increase the weight of the barrels 913 in order
to provide stability to the trusses 911 and mast 909. As discussed
above with reference to FIG. 1, solar tracker assembly 909 may be
offset from a utility structure to limit shading of the utility
structure by the assembly 909 and the tracker assembly may be
electrically coupled to the utility structure, for example, by an
umbilical connection. The depicted dimensions are provided as
non-limiting examples of dimensions.
[0071] FIGS. 10A and 10B schematically illustrate examples of an
embodiment of a solar hot air module 1041 including a solar module
1045 and a solar hot air panel 1043. Solar module 1045 can be
configured to receive and absorb thermal energy from sunlight in
order to transfer the thermal energy to air within the hot air
panel 1043. Hot air panel 1043 can include a fan 1003 to draw air
into the hot air panel and a damper or control element 1001
configured to allow hot air to exhaust from the hot air panel 1043.
In this way, air may be drawn into the hot air panel 1043 by fan
1003, heated by solar module 1045, and exhausted from the panel
1043 by damper 1001. The exhausted hot air may be directed through
one or more ducts or conduits to distribute the hot air to a
utility structure and/or to a structure fluidly coupled thereto.
For example, solar hot air module 1041 can be disposed in a utility
structure and configured to exhaust hot air in the winter time into
a structure, for example, a house, fluidly coupled to the utility
structure. The operation, including the flow rate, of the hot air
module 1041 can be automatically controlled by sensor elements
1005, 1007 and/or can be manually controlled remotely by sending
signals to a receiver within a utility structure (not shown).
[0072] FIG. 11 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one
non-limiting example of how electric power may be distributed
through a utility structure. The process of distributing electric
power begins by generating electric power using at least one of a
solar photovoltaic module, wind generator, hydroelectric system,
and/or geothermal system as indicated by block 1101. The generated
electric power is then distributed to a high voltage charge
controller as indicated by block 1103. The electric power may then
be transmitted to DC disconnect and over current protection
elements and through an inverter as indicated by blocks 1105 and
1107, respectively. From there, electric power may be distributed
to a standby generator as indicated by block 1108, to one or more
batteries or energy storage elements as indicated by block 1109,
and/or to a power protection panel as indicated by block 1111.
Electric power can be distributed from the power protection panel
to a utility structure subpanel and/or to a structure that is
electrically coupled to the utility structure as indicated by block
1113.
[0073] In certain conditions, the system may generate more electric
power than is required by the electric loads of the utility
structure and any other connected structures. In these situations,
excess power may be shunted off as indicated by process line 1116.
The excess power can then be distributed to one or more auxiliary
batteries as indicated by block 1117 and/or used to heat water in a
water tank as indicated by block 1115. In certain situations, a
utility structure can be located in an area that has access to an
existing power grid. In this case, the system can be optionally
tied to the power grid to distribute excess power thereto and/or to
draw electric power from the grid when the power generated at block
1101 is insufficient. In some embodiments, a utility structure may
include an electric coil within a hot water tank to heat and/or
provide supplemental heating to water stored therein. Further,
thermal energy from the heated water can be transferred by an
element or heat exchanger to air to provide hot air to a utility
structure and/or a structure fluidly coupled thereto. Thus, the
excess power can be stored, used to heat water, and/or used to heat
water to heat air.
[0074] FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an
example of a system 1200 for distributing water through a utility
structure and/or additional structure. System 1200 includes a
source of water 1201, for example, a fill truck or plumbing
connection, configured to provide water to a water tank 1203. In
some embodiments, source of water 1201 may comprise a natural
source of water, for example, a well, creek, river, wash, spring,
etc. Water may be pumped from water tank 1203 to a hot water tank
1207 and/or directly to a cold water output, for example, a sink,
in a utility structure or another structure. Water pumped into hot
water tank 1207 may be heated by a DC element 1211 and/or by a
solar hot water heating system 1209. DC element 1211 may receive
electric power from a source of renewable electric power (not
shown), for example, from one of the solar tracker systems
discussed herein. Heated water from tank 1207 may be directed from
tank 1207 for use in a utility structure and/or in a structure that
is fluidly connected to the utility structure. Additionally, hot
water may be bled from the hot water tank 1207 to a element 1213
configured to transfer thermal energy from the hot water to air to
provide heating to a utility structure and/or to a structure that
is fluidly connected to the utility structure. In one embodiment,
heated air may be directed from a utility structure through a chase
to a residence in order to heat the residence. In some embodiments,
heated air may be directed over one or more batteries contained
within a utility structure to preserve the batteries in cold
conditions. Similarly, in some embodiments, a structure fluidly
coupled to a utility structure may have independent heating
capabilities, for example, a wood burning stove, and may include a
heat exchanger 1225 configured to direct heated air to the utility
structure (e.g., to heat batteries housed therein).
[0075] One of skill in the art will understand that the self
contained capabilities of the utility structures disclosed herein
can be used in various circumstances to heat, cool, provide
electric power, and/or provide communications capabilities to a
utility structure and/or to one or more structures coupled
thereto.
[0076] The technology is operational with numerous other general
purpose or special purpose computing system environments or
configurations. Examples of well known computing systems,
environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use
with the invention include, but are not limited to, personal
computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices,
multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, programmable
consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe
computers, distributed computing environments that include any of
the above systems or devices, and the like.
[0077] As used herein, instructions refer to computer-implemented
steps for processing information in the system. Instructions can be
implemented in software, firmware or hardware and include any type
of programmed step undertaken by components of the system.
[0078] A Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN) may be
a corporate computing network, including access to the Internet, to
which computers and computing devices comprising the system are
connected. In one embodiment, the LAN conforms to the Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) industry standard.
[0079] As used herein, media refers to images, sounds, video or any
other multimedia type data that is entered into the system.
[0080] A microprocessor may be any conventional general purpose
single- or multi-chip microprocessor such as a Pentium.RTM.
processor, a Pentium.RTM. Pro processor, a 8051 processor, a
MIPS.RTM. processor, a Power PC.RTM. processor, or an Alpha.RTM.
processor. In addition, the microprocessor may be any conventional
special purpose microprocessor such as a digital signal processor
or a graphics processor. The microprocessor typically has
conventional address lines, conventional data lines, and one or
more conventional control lines.
[0081] The system is comprised of various modules as discussed in
detail. As can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art,
each of the modules comprises various sub-routines, procedures,
definitional statements and macros. Each of the modules are
typically separately compiled and linked into a single executable
program. Therefore, the description of each of the modules is used
for convenience to describe the functionality of the preferred
system. Thus, the processes that are undergone by each of the
modules may be arbitrarily redistributed to one of the other
modules, combined together in a single module, or made available
in, for example, a shareable dynamic link library.
[0082] The system may be used in connection with various operating
systems such as Linux.RTM., UNIX.RTM. or Microsoft
Windows.RTM..
[0083] The system may be written in any conventional programming
language such as C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, or Java, and ran under a
conventional operating system. C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, Java, and
FORTRAN are industry standard programming languages for which many
commercial compilers can be used to create executable code. The
system may also be written using interpreted languages such as
Perl, Python or Ruby.
[0084] A web browser comprising a web browser user interface may be
used to display information (such as textual and graphical
information) to a user. The web browser may comprise any type of
visual display capable of displaying information received via a
network. Examples of web browsers include Microsoft's Internet
Explorer browser, Netscape's Navigator browser, Mozilla's Firefox
browser, PalmSource's Web Browser, Apple's Safari, or any other
browsing or other application software capable of communicating
with a network.
[0085] Those of skill will further appreciate that the various
illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps
described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may
be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or
combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability
of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks,
modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in
terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is
implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular
application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.
Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in
varying ways for each particular application, but such
implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a
departure from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0086] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and
circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed
herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or
transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination
thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A
general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the
alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0087] In one or more example embodiments, the functions and
methods described may be implemented in hardware, software, or
firmware executed on a processor, or any combination thereof. If
implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or
transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a
computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both
computer storage media and communication media including any medium
that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to
another. A storage media may be any available media that can be
accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or
store desired program code in the form of instructions or data
structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any
connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For
example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or
other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable,
twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless
technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in
the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes
compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc
(DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce
data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with
lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within
the scope of computer-readable media.
[0088] Appendix A includes additional and/or supplemental
disclosure relating to one non-limiting embodiment of utility
structures and components thereof.
[0089] The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the
systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be
appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing
appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced
in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the
use of particular terminology when describing certain features or
aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the
terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to
including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects
of the technology with which that terminology is associated.
[0090] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various modifications and changes may be made without departing
from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and
changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments.
It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts
included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other
embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can be
included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For
example, any of the various components described herein and/or
depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded
from other embodiments.
[0091] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or
singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate
from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the
plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The
various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0092] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein are generally intended as "open" terms
(e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but
not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having
at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes
but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced
claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly
recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such
intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the
following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory
phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be
construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by
the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim
containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments
containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim
includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one"
and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an"
should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used
to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should
typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g.,
the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers,
typically means at least two recitations, or two or more
recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in
general such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system
having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to
"at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,
B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that virtually any
disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
[0093] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting.
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