U.S. patent application number 15/070548 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-07 for method for generating electricity from solar panels.
The applicant listed for this patent is Green Solar Transportation LLC. Invention is credited to Gerald Gilbert Glass, Chris John Reichart.
Application Number | 20160193975 15/070548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42980063 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160193975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reichart; Chris John ; et
al. |
July 7, 2016 |
Method for Generating Electricity from Solar Panels
Abstract
A method for generating electricity from solar power to an air
handling unit or an electrical system for a tractor/trailer,
relying on a photovoltaic panels (1) DC disconnects (2,3); charge
controller (4); batteries (5); air handling unit or an electrical
system (7); electrical wires, and fuses. The photovoltaic panel(s)
will generate electrical power that will provide sufficient power
to run the air handling unit or an electrical system.
Inventors: |
Reichart; Chris John;
(Miramar, FL) ; Glass; Gerald Gilbert; (Miramar,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Green Solar Transportation LLC |
Miramar |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42980063 |
Appl. No.: |
15/070548 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12426927 |
Apr 20, 2009 |
9315088 |
|
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15070548 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
307/9.1 ; 62/236;
62/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 2200/28 20130101;
H02J 7/35 20130101; B60H 1/00364 20130101; H02J 1/00 20130101; B60R
16/033 20130101; Y02T 10/88 20130101; Y02T 10/7072 20130101; Y02B
10/10 20130101; Y02E 60/10 20130101; H01M 10/465 20130101; H01M
10/44 20130101; F25B 27/002 20130101; B60L 1/00 20130101; B60L
8/003 20130101; B60H 1/00014 20130101; Y02B 10/20 20130101; Y02A
30/272 20180101; B60H 1/00428 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 16/033 20060101
B60R016/033; B60H 1/00 20060101 B60H001/00 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A system for generating electricity from sunlight sufficient to
power an electrical load of greater than 12 volts of a vehicle
without reliance on the vehicle's main drive engine or battery, the
system comprising: a vehicle comprising an electric load; at least
one photovoltaic panel (PVP) mounted on an exterior surface of the
vehicle; a charge controller comprising logic for allocating and
directing energy generated from the PVP; at least one system
battery distinct from the vehicle's main drive engine or battery
for receiving and storing energy from the charge controller and for
providing energy to the electric load and configured to meet a
greater than 12 volt draw; a first current disconnect from the at
least one PVP; and a second current disconnect from the at least
one system battery; wherein the system may power the electrical
load directly, store excess energy from the PVP in the at least one
battery, or power the electrical load from the battery, depending
on an amount of sunlight.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the electrical load
comprises an air-handling unit.
17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the vehicle comprises
a tractor-trailer.
18. The system according to claim 15, wherein the system generates
electricity sufficient to power an electric load of between 24
volts and 33 volts.
19. The system according to claim 15, wherein the system battery is
capable of generating at least 24 volts and at least about about 25
amperes current in the absence of sunlight.
20. The system according to claim 17, wherein the PVP is mounted to
a roof of the tractor trailer.
21. The system of claim 15, wherein the first current disconnect,
and optionally, the second current disconnect, are located within
reach of a vehicle operator.
22. The system of claim 15, wherein charge controller logic:
detects PVP energy generation; detects electrical load energy
consumption; detects system battery charge; and selectively routes
power between the PVP, the electrical load, and the system battery
based on the detected generation, consumption and charge.
23. The system of claim 20, wherein the PVP is mounted to the roof
of the tractor trailer by an adhesive.
24. The system of claim 22, wherein the charge controller logic
further maintains a charge on the system battery necessary to
extend system battery life.
25. The system of claim 15, wherein the charge controller comprises
short-circuit condition protection, overload condition protection,
overtemperature protection, and surge protection.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the charge controller is
further configured to automatically recover following a protective
action.
27. A method for providing energy sufficient to power an electrical
load of a vehicle without reliance on the vehicle's main drive
engine or battery, wherein the electric load is greater than 12
volts, the method comprising: integrating the system according to
claim 1 into a vehicle.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the electrical load
comprises an air handling unit and the vehicle is a
tractor-trailer.
29. The method according to claim 28, wherein when the
tractor-trailer main drive engine is off, the air handling unit may
be powered by the PVP, or by the system battery depending on an
amount of sunlight.
30. The method according to claim 29, wherein there is no or
diminished sunlight and the air handling unit is powered by the
system battery.
31. The method according to claim 29, wherein the amount of
sunlight varies and the charge controller logic operates to keep
power to the air handling unit consistent with demand.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is filed as a continuation of application
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/426,927, filed on Apr. 20,
2009.
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Field
[0004] This application relates to solar electricity generated by
photovoltaic panels and the application to run an air handling unit
or an electrical system for a semi tractor/trailer truck,
recreational vehicle, and mobile homes (collectively referred to as
tractor/trailer.)
[0005] 2. Prior Art
[0006] This method relates to the solar power used to charge
batteries specifically designed and dedicated to the operation of
an air conditioning air handler or an electrical system for
vehicles, such as tractor trailers, recreational vehicles and
mobile homes (collectively referred to as "Vehicle" or
"Tractor/trailer"). Solar power inventions have been around for a
while, but no invention was ever created specifically to run the
air conditioner (AC) handling unit or an electrical system of a
vehicle described herein. The average amount of power output
generated by our method and unit is specifically designed to power
the vehicle's air conditioner handling unit but it could be used to
supply energy to an electrical system.
[0007] Examples of solar-power generators for vehicles are
described in the following documents:
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,736 which was issued to Juang on Sep.
22, 1992, described an automatic solar-powered car ventilator.
[0011] 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 an air handling
unit or an electrical system for a tractor/trailer.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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 an air conditioning
system's handler unit or an electrical system that would 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.
[0014] 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. There was no additional mention was
made about powering the AC units or an electrical system. 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 an AC
unit or an electrical system for a vehicle for a fraction of the
cost, as sought in 1987.
[0015] 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 AC handling or an electrical system
power usage. If the AC handling unit or an electrical system 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.
[0016] 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
[0017] 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 vehicle AC
handling unit or an electrical system. This document will describe
the construction of a device capable of providing a solar energy
power source to operate a vehicle's AC handling unit or an
electrical system. 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 air handling unit is powered by DC power
and is designed to move approximately 9000 BTU's (British thermal
unit). It requires approximately 24 Volts and 25 Amperes for proper
and efficient operation, which is well within the capabilities of
our system. Backup power is provided through the use of batteries.
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 air handling unit. The Direct Current (DC) disconnect in this
system provides an extra layer of safety and facilitate efficient
interconnection of the unit with tractor/trailer.
[0018] All of the energy generated by the solar panels is stored in
batteries which have the following characteristics:
[0019] Completely sealed valve regulated;
[0020] Flame arresting pressure regulated safety sealing
valves;
[0021] Operating pressure management and protection against
atmospheric contamination;
[0022] Computer-aided 99.994% pure heavy-duty lead calcium grid
designs;
[0023] Tank formed plates, which guarantees evenly formed and
capacity matched plates;
[0024] Anchored plate groups, to guard against vibration;
[0025] Double insulating micro porous glass fiber separators;
[0026] Measured and immobilized electrolyte, for a wide range of
operating temperatures, and low self discharge rates;
[0027] High impact reinforced strength copolymer polypropylene
cases with flat top designed covers that are rugged and vibration
resistant;
[0028] Thermally welded case to cover bonds that eliminate
leakage;
[0029] Copper and stainless steel alloy terminals and hardware;
[0030] Multi-terminal options;
[0031] Terminal protectors;
[0032] Removable carry handles; and
[0033] 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).
[0034] 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.
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.
[0035] All electricity is generated by photovoltaic laminate solar
panels. Each solar panel has the following characteristics: rated
power (Pmax) 136 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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, leds 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.
[0038] This method is designed to provide for approximately 34
hours of operation, with a requirement of approximately 4 hours of
sunlight for a full charge. The photovoltaic panels used in this
method are amorphous silicon. By the properties of its construction
the panels are capable of using different spectrums of light in
which to operate and allow for a broader range of usable
sunlight.
[0039] The average AC handling unit requires 600 Watts for
operation. Our method generates approximately 800 Watts, which is
sufficient to provide power to the AC handling unit or an
electrical system. The surplus provides enough power for the charge
controller to maintain the necessary charge on the battery to
extend battery life. Our method operates for approximately 34 hours
with no sunlight.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
[0040] The method for generating electricity from solar panels to
run an air conditioning unit or an electrical system 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:
[0041] FIG. 1 is the electrical diagram of the method;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway top view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1 AND 2--FIRST EMBODIMENT
[0043] Reference is made first to FIG. 1. Photovoltaic (PV) panels
1 that receives solar energy. The electricity generated by the PV
panels 1 is transmitted via a wire 2, to a DC Disconnect 3 (DCD).
If the DCD 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 an AC
Handling Unit 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 DC
Disconnect (DCD) 9. If the DCD 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 DCD 9 and
wire 8, to the primary load 7. The charge controller 5 has the
capability to be programmed to understand what are the circuit's
the 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.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the batteries 11 will be assembled and
installed under the (vehicle's) truck trailer carriage. Following
the transportation regulations with a weight of approximately 1,000
pounds, the PV panels 1 will be assembled and installed on the top
of the trailer. 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 DCD 3, which is assembled and installed on the
front of the trailer 12. From the DCD 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 DCD 9 is
also assembled on the front of the trailer 12. Safety is of great
concern of this invention. As such, both DC Disconnects 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 air conditioning
unit. The vehicle operator can safely reach the controls for the
DCD 3 or the DCD 4 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 DC disconnect 9 if service needs to be performed to
the batteries 11, the operator can safely close the switch in the
DCD 9 and work on the batteries without the risk of an electrical
shock.
[0045] 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 DCD 3
and the charge controller 5. The second system will be comprised by
the batteries 11, the DCD 9 and the charge controller 5.
[0046] After our method is completed and attached to the trailer
12, our method will generate enough power to provide the load,
which could be an AC handling unit. 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.
Other Embodiments
[0047] As described in the first embodiment the load 7 can be an
electrical equipment that is not an air handling unit. 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, only an air handling unit will have the need for the
amount of electrical current our method generates. Also if future
technologies arise that would require more electricity this machine
capabilities can be extended by adding more solar panels 1 and more
batteries 11.
* * * * *