U.S. patent application number 14/840706 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for method for powering a liftgate with solar energy.
This patent application is currently assigned to GREEN SOLAR TRANSPORTATION LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Green Solar Transportation LLC. Invention is credited to Gerald G. Glass, Christopher J. Reichart.
Application Number | 20150372533 14/840706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42980063 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150372533 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reichart; Christopher J. ;
et al. |
December 24, 2015 |
METHOD FOR POWERING A LIFTGATE WITH SOLAR ENERGY
Abstract
A method for generating electricity from solar power to a
liftgate, relying on a photovoltaic panels (1) circuit interruption
device (3,9); charge controller (4); batteries (5); liftgate (7);
electrical wires, and fuses. The photovoltaic panel(s) will
generate electrical power that will provide sufficient power to run
the liftgate.
Inventors: |
Reichart; Christopher J.;
(Miramar, FL) ; Glass; Gerald G.; (Miramar,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Green Solar Transportation LLC |
Miramar |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GREEN SOLAR TRANSPORTATION
LLC
Miramar
FL
|
Family ID: |
42980063 |
Appl. No.: |
14/840706 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12795009 |
Jun 7, 2010 |
9120364 |
|
|
14840706 |
|
|
|
|
12426927 |
Apr 20, 2009 |
|
|
|
12795009 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
307/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25B 27/002 20130101;
B60H 1/00364 20130101; H01M 10/465 20130101; Y02E 60/10 20130101;
B60L 2200/28 20130101; B60H 1/00014 20130101; B60R 16/033 20130101;
H01M 10/44 20130101; Y02T 10/88 20130101; Y02T 10/7072 20130101;
H02J 1/00 20130101; B60H 1/00428 20130101; B60L 8/003 20130101;
B60L 1/00 20130101; Y02A 30/272 20180101; Y02B 10/20 20130101; Y02B
10/10 20130101; H02J 7/35 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/35 20060101
H02J007/35; H01M 10/46 20060101 H01M010/46; H02J 1/00 20060101
H02J001/00; H01M 10/44 20060101 H01M010/44 |
Claims
1. A method of operating a trailer lift gate with a solar power
system, the method comprising: arranging a charge controller
between at least one trailer-mounted photovoltaic solar panel, at
least one vehicle-mounted battery and at least one trailer lift
gate; automatically detecting solar panel power generation, trailer
lift gate electrical power consumption, and battery charge with the
charge controller; and selectively routing power between the at
least one solar panel, the at least one trailer lift gate, and the
at least one battery using the charge controller, dependent on the
detected power generation, power consumption and battery
charge.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising isolating the at least
one solar panel from the charge controller, the at least one
vehicle-mounted battery and the at least one trailer lift gate
using a DC disconnect.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising isolating the at least
one battery from the charge controller, the at least one
vehicle-mounted solar panel and the at least one trailer lift gate
using a DC disconnect.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the isolating the
charge controller and the at least one trailer lift gate from the
at least one vehicle-mounted solar panel and the at least one
battery using respective DC disconnects.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/795,009 filed Jun7, 2010, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/426,927 filed
on Apr. 20, 2009, the contents of which applications are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of solar
electricity generated by photovoltaic panels and the application to
run a liftgate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This method relates to the solar power used to charge
batteries specifically designed and dedicated to the operation of a
lift gate.
[0004] Examples of solar-power generators for vehicles are
described in the following documents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,062,
which was issued to Froneck on Mar. 10, 1998 described a vehicle
top solar power generator, where the solar panel is mounted on the
top of the vehicle.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,694, which was issued to Weldin on Jul.
29, 1986, was limited to a detailed combination of a motor, a
generator, a traction wheel and other devices. U.S. Pat. No.
5,148,736 which was issued to Juang on Sep. 22, 1992, described an
automatic solar-powered car ventilator.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,907, which was issued to Weihe on Oct.
28, 1997, described an auxiliary solar-power automobile drive
system which would be an alternative source of power for the
primary source of fossil fuel energy. This provided the logic but
not a solution to provide enough solar power to a liftgate.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,481 which was issued to Muller on Apr.
30, 2002, involved solar panels which were used but they were
retractable and the system was designed to run with the assistance
of kinetic energy.
[0008] Our method involves a unit that is permanently affixed to
the vehicle. It is designed to provide a specific service, which is
an alternate power source for the operation of a liftgate otherwise
require the costly operation of the main drive engine while the
vehicle is parked or while it remains stationary for any
significant period of time. Our method will greatly reduce the
unnecessary idling of such vehicle or equipment, which will
increase compliance with State and Federal Idling Laws. In a 1987
article, McCosh, D. "Racing with the Sun", Popular Science
Magazine, November 1987, McCosh noted that solar energy was a great
source of electricity.
[0009] Back in 1987 McCosh was hoping for a technical breakthrough
which would reduce the cost of solar panels, and now 22 years later
we have the method to generate electricity for the purpose of
running a liftgate for a fraction of the cost, as sought in
1987.
[0010] In his book, Tertzakian, P. "A Thousand Barrels a Second:
The Coming Oil Break Point and the Challenges Facing an Energy
Dependent World", McGraw-Hill Professional, 2006, 8,23,79,
Tertzakian explained the importance of getting away from the "oil
only world" we live in and start to build a portfolio of energy
sources. Solar power is mentioned in his book as an important part
of such an energy portfolio. This method fits Tertzakian's
description perfectly as we are not replacing the power source of
the vehicle, but we are providing an additional power source that
will be added to the overall power use and efficiency of the
vehicle, specifically in the liftgate. If the liftgate is ran with
some or all of his power consumption coming from solar energy the
overall fuel use by the vehicle will drop, and therefore a saving
will start to be realized immediately by the consumer.
[0011] Finding a replacement for oil fuels is the main purpose of
several books and authors in the recent years. In his book
Campbell, C. J. "Oil Crisis," multi-science publishing, 2005, 303,
also brought up the necessity of finding alternative energy
sources.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In light of the publicly perceived need for solar energy for
transportation vehicles and/or at minimum the supplementation of
the power source for the vehicle, the object of our method is to
provide a solar supplemental power source to the liftgate. This
document will describe the construction of a device capable of
providing a solar energy power source to operate a liftgate. This
method is powered by solar power and is designed using readily
available products. The solar output of this device is
approximately 816 Watts, 33 Volts and 24.6 Amperes. The system can
be configured for different levels of desired power, current and/or
voltages, but our system is optimized for usage at this
configuration. The batteries used for this project are
approximately 12 Volts, 290 amperes per hour, but can be configured
to meet the 24 Volts at 870 amperes per hour, desired application.
Power from the solar power system and battery backup is regulated
by means of a "charge controller." This device provides optimal
power usage from the panels while regulating the amount of charge
going to the batteries and liftgate. The Direct Current (DC)
disconnect in this system provides an extra layer of safety and
facilitate efficient interconnection of the unit with
tractor/trailer.
[0013] All of the energy generated by the solar panels is stored in
batteries which have the following characteristics: [0014]
Completely sealed valve regulated; [0015] Flame arresting pressure
regulated safety sealing valves; [0016] Operating pressure
management and protection against atmospheric contamination; [0017]
Computer-aided 99.994% pure heavy-duty lead calcium grid designs;
Tank formed plates, which guarantees evenly formed and capacity
matched plates; [0018] Anchored plate groups, to guard against
vibration; [0019] Double insulating micro porous glass fiber
separators; [0020] Measured and immobilized electrolyte, for a wide
range of operating temperatures, and low self discharge rates
[0021] High impact reinforced strength copolymer polypropylene
cases with flat top designed covers that are rugged and vibration
resistant; [0022] Thermally welded case to cover bonds that
eliminate leakage; Copper and stainless steel alloy terminals and
hardware; [0023] Multi-terminal options; [0024] Terminal
protectors; [0025] Removable carry handles; [0026] and [0027]
Classified as "NON-SPILLABLE BATTERY" Not restricted for Air
(IATA/ICAO) Provision 67, Surface (DOT-CFR-HMR49) or Water
(Classified as non-hazardous per IMDG amendment 27) transportation,
compatible with sensitive electronic equipment, Quality Assurance
processes with ISO (4400/992579), QS and TUV Certification EMC
tested, CE, ETTS Germany (G4M19906-9202-E-16), Tellcordia and
Bellcore compliant, UL recognized and approved components
(MH29050).
[0028] The method utilizes electrical connections with heavy duty
cables with a zinc die-cast plug housing. Which is reinforced for
durability, good recoil memory, chemical resistance and abrasion
resistance. A temperature rating of -90.degree. F. to 125.degree. o
F (-68.degree. C. to 52.degree. C.), unbreakable PERMAPLUGS.TM.
featuring Dupont.RTM. patented material, which meets SAE J560.
Large finger grips for coupling/uncoupling, even with gloves on.
Extended plug interior for easy maintenance, protected with
anti-corrosive non- conductive, dielectric lithium grease. All
cable assemblies are rated for 12 volt systems. All electrical
wires connect with the STA-DRY.RTM. Wire Insertion Socket, 7-Way
#16-720D, with split brass pins along with Anti-Corrosive Dupont
Super-Tuff Nylon.RTM. housing & lid and stainless steel hinge
pin & spring, with inner cavity sealed to prevent contaminants
from passing to the wire harness. Extended front barrels for
additional cable support, slanted 5.degree. for moisture drain, and
elongated holes for mounting adaptability.
[0029] All electricity is generated by photovoltaic laminate solar
panels. Each solar panel has the following characteristics: rated
power (Pmax) 144 Watts, production tolerance .+-.5%;, by-pass
Diodes connected across every solar cell to protect the solar cell
from power loss in case of partial shading or damage of individual
solar cells while other cells are exposed to full sunlight.
[0030] The adhesive to secure the unit to the vehicle's roof is an
ethylene propylene copolymer adhesive-sealant, with microbial
inhibitor, high temperature and low light performance. The adhesive
is flexible and lightweight, weighting approximately one pound per
square foot, compared to five pounds per square foot for standard
adhesives. The unit is adhered directly to the roof without
penetrations or perforations which is approved by state revenue
departments for tax incentives and rebates.
[0031] The logical center for this method is a charge controller.
The charge controller we selected has the following
characteristics: PWM series battery charging (not shunt);
3-position battery select (gel, sealed or flooded); very accurate
control and measurement jumper to eliminate telecom noise; parallel
for up to 300 Amperes temperature compensation; tropicalization:
conformal coating, stainless-steel fasteners & anodized
aluminum heat sink, no switching or measurement in the grounded
leg, 100% solid state, very low voltage drops, current compensated
low voltage disconnect, leads for battery status and faults
indication, capable of 25% overloads, remote battery voltage sense
terminals. The charge controller has the following electronic
protections: short-circuit for solar and load, overload for solar
and load, reverse polarity, reverse current at night, high voltage
disconnect, high temperature disconnect, lightning and transient
surge protection, loads protected from voltage spikes, automatic
recovery with all protections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] The method for generating electricity from solar panels to
run a liftgate is described by the appended claims in relation to
the description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the
following drawings which are described briefly as follows:
[0033] FIG. 1 is the electrical diagram of the method;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway top view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Reference is made first to FIG. 1. Photovoltaic (PV) panels
1 that receive solar energy. The electricity generated by the PV
panels 1 is transmitted via a wire 2, to a Circuit Interruption
Device 3 (CID). If the CID circuit 3 is closed, the electricity
generated by the PV panels 1 is transmitted via a wire 4 to a
charge controller 5. The charge controller 5 is designed to direct
the electrical current from the PV panels 1 to a primary load 7 in
this embodiment a liftgate 7 via a wire 6. If the primary load 7 is
not receiving the electricity generated by the PV panels 1 the
charge controller 5 sends the electricity via a wire 8 to a second
Circuit Interruption Device (CID) 9. If the CID circuit 9 is
closed, the electricity sent by the charge controller 5 is
transmitted via a wire 10, to the batteries 11. The batteries 11
store the electricity generated by the PV panels 1. When there is
no electricity generated by the PV panels 1 the charge controller 5
allows the electricity stored in the batteries 11 to be transmitted
via wire 10, then via CID 9 and wire 8, to the primary load 7. The
charge controller 5 has the capability to be programmed to
understand what is the circuit's current needs. This is based on
the program set in the charger controller 5 memory. The unit will
be able to make logical decisions (based on the charger programmed
data). If the load 7 needs power, the charge controller 5 sends
electrical power to the load. If the batteries 11 are low in
charge, the charge controller 5 sends power to the batteries
11.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the batteries 11 will be assembled and
installed under the (vehicle's) truck trailer carriage The wire 2
makes an approximately 90.degree. bend and comes down to the side
of the trailer where it is going to be connected with the CID 3,
which is assembled and installed on the front of the trailer 12.
From the CID 3, the wire 4 brings the electricity generated by the
PV panels 1 to the charge controller 5 which is also mounted to the
front of the trailer 12. The CID 9 is also assembled on the front
of the trailer 12. Safety is of great concern of this invention. As
such, both CID 3 and 9 are in installed in this manner and method
to provide an extra layer of safety and to facilitate an efficient
interconnection of method for generating electricity from solar
panels with its liftgate. The vehicle operator can safely reach the
controls for the CID 3 or the CID 9 which are placed on the side of
the trailer 12, and disconnect the PV panels 1 for any necessary
service, without risk of getting an electric shock, since the PV
panels 1 are always generating electricity when exposed to light.
The same principle is applied to the CID 9 if service needs to be
performed to the batteries 11, the operator can safely close the
switch in the CID 9 and work on the batteries without the risk of
an electrical shock.
[0037] This method was conceived to work as two separate systems
with one point of interconnection being the charge controller 5.
The first system will be comprised of the PV panels 1, the CID 3
and the charge controller 5. The second system will be comprised by
the batteries 11, the CID 9 and the charge controller 5.
[0038] After our method is completed and attached to the trailer
12, our method will generate enough power to provide the liftgate
14. Although the foregoing invention has being described in some
detail by way of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity
and understanding, it is obvious that certain changes and
modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended
claims.
[0039] As described in the first embodiment the load 7 can be an
electrical equipment that is not a liftgate. The application of the
method will be the same, and the technical specifications will
remain the same, but the electrical equipment or load will of a
different kind, the system can be reconfigured to generate less
electricity if necessary, and based on today's technology. Also if
future technologies arise that would require more electricity this
machine's capabilities can be extended by adding more solar panels
1 and more batteries 11.
* * * * *