Patent Application
20100033019
Solar panels are widely used today for collecting solar power. Some solar power systems contain an inverter that converts a direct current (DC) voltage from the solar cells making up the solar panels to an alternating current (AC) voltage, which is then coupled to a power distribution grid. Homes and businesses with such solar panel and inverter combinations provide some of their own power, with excess power being sold back to a power utility through the power grid.
Many further applications for solar panels involves their use with lower power DC devices, such as outdoor lighting, road side signs, calculators, sensors and many other devices that are wired to the solar panels. Such uses may or may not include an inverter depending on the power needs of the devices.
In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following description of example embodiments is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
Module 110 in one embodiment includes a solar collector 130, that is electrically coupled to the power collection rail 122 to provide current to the power collection rail 122 for collection. The voltage of the current provided by solar collector 130 may be boosted to a desired level by a boost converter 132. In one embodiment, the solar collector may have an output of 1.5 V, and the boost converter 132 may boost that voltage to approximately 4.5 V. Other voltages may be used in various embodiments.
An indicator 134 may be coupled to the solar collector 130 and boost converter 132. Indicator 134 may have a light, such as a light emitting diode, that indicates whether the solar collector 130 is operational. A set of light may be used to indicate operating efficiency in further embodiments. A multimeter may be used for indicator 134 if desired.
In one embodiment, module 110 also includes a rechargeable battery 138, and a controller 140 for controlling the charging and discharging of the rechargeable battery 138. The Controller 140 may be coupled to the power collection rail 122 to receive power from one or more modules having solar collectors, and provide a battery charge voltage on a line 142 to battery 138. Battery output voltage may also be provided on a line 144 back to the controller 140 for distribution at a desired voltage on power management rail 126 for use by devices in one or more further modules. In one embodiment, the battery operates as a voltage regulator to provide a fairly regulated DC voltage for use on the power management rail 126. Additional conditioning and adjustment of the voltage on power management rail 126 may be provided by controller 140 in further embodiments.
A second module 112, also includes a solar collector 148, boost converter 150 and indicator 152 in one embodiment. The solar collector 148 is coupled to the power collection rail 122 optionally via the boost converter to provide current, which may be stored in the battery 138 or used by various devices coupled to the power distributor 120. A device 154 may also be included in second module 112, and is coupled to the power management rail 126 in one embodiment, such as through a converter 156 to convert the power management rail 126 voltage to a voltage suitable for device 154. Device 154 may be integrated with the solar collector 148 in one embodiment, or may be separate from it, but contain suitable connectors for properly connecting the respective rails of power distributor 120.
A third module 114 contains a solar collector 160, boost converter 162 and indicator 164 in one embodiment. The solar collector 160 is coupled to the power collection rail 122 optionally via the boost converter 162 to provide current, which may be stored in the battery 138 or used by various devices coupled to the power distributor 120.
A fourth module 116 contains a stand alone device 168 coupled to power management rail 126 optionally via a converter 170. It contains a connector that ensures a proper connection to the power distributor 120, such as a keyed connector that ensures it is coupled to the power management rail 126 to draw power from the batter 138 and solar collectors coupled to the power distributor 120. Various components of each of the modules are also coupled to the common ground rail 124 to complete proper electrical contact to the power distributor 120. Each connector for the modules may be keyed to ensure proper connection of the components in each module to proper rails of the power distributor.
In one embodiment, power distributor 120 is formed in the shape of a track, similar to tracks used in AC track lighting systems. The modules may be plugged into the power distributor 120 at any point along its track, and has connectors designed to ensure proper electrical connection of the various components in the modules. While only four modules are show coupled to the power distributor 120, in further embodiments, many more of various kinds of modules may be attached. The power distributor may for example be routed around a building, such as a business or home, or outdoors. Devices may be integrated with the solar collector and other components in the modules, or may be separate from them in various embodiments. They may be implemented as PCB cards or individual PCBs. Typical devices that may be incorporated into modules include, but are not limited to illumination devices, communication devices, sensors, wireless devices, routers, entertainment devices, speakers, cameras, data collection devices and more. In further embodiments, a module may also contain an inverter, for powering AC devices, or even feeding power back into a utility power grid.
In one embodiment, a superstrate 250 may be provided over the solar cell 210 to provide a desired aesthetic to the module. Given the increase in solar power conversion ratios, the superstrate 250 may be designed more for a desired appearance than for optimal light energy transmission to the solar cell 210.
Module 320 is a solar collector in an approximately 8×10 inch form, with a superstrate that provides the ability to create an aesthetically pleasing look such that the solar collector does not appear to look like a solar collector. While the term aesthetically pleasing is used, it is meant to encompass the ability to provide a broad range of looks to the solar collector. In one embodiment, the superstrate may formed of a 0.015 inch or thicker sheet of normally opaque material, such as mica or other stone, which becomes translucent when sliced very thin. For some materials, thinner sheets may be used. The thin sheet of material may be heated or laminated onto the solar cell without significantly adversely affecting the energy conversion efficiency of solar cell. Many different materials may be used, including synthetic materials used for kitchen countertops in various embodiments to provide significant design freedom to create looks for every taste.
Each of the modules has an adapter as illustrated at 340 for use in physically and electrically coupling to the power distribution track. As previously indicated, such a connector may be similar to those used for AC track lighting, but in some embodiments, should be designed such that they may not be used with current AC track lighting to avoid confusion. Further, adapter 340 may couple with track 330 in a manner such that proper electrical connections are always made, and solar collectors are coupled to the power collection rail, while devices and devices integrated with solar collectors are coupled to the power management rail of the track 330.
In one embodiment, two connectors may be formed side by side, or at least partially orthogonal to each other and electrically connected to facilitate coupling of two tracks together to provide further modularity of the power distribution system. The connectors may be physically connected at a desired angle, or may be coupled by a flexible connector to allow a second track to run in any direction desired from a first track. In still further embodiments, the tracks may curve such that they need not run in a straight line.
In still further embodiments, additional slots may be formed in the “U” shaped track as indicated at 610 and 620 in
In still further embodiments, the protrusions and keying protrusions may be on the track, with corresponding slots and keying slots on the connector. The sides of the track may flex away from the connector to allow insertion and removal of the connector with a desired amount of force. In still further embodiments, further retentive force may be provided by the use of screws or other mechanical fasteners between the tracks and connectors, and many different shapes of tracks, rails, connectors, etc., may be used.
This patent application claims the benefit of priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/086,738, filed on Aug. 6, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61086738 | Aug 2008 | US |
