Patent Application
20100065104
This invention generally relates to a system and method of reducing leeway drift of a sailboat as the sailboat reaches an upwind objective by adjusting the location and position of the foresail (i.e., headsail, jib, genoa, or spinnaker) and/or adjusting the depth of the keel and/or keel foil, and more particularly to a system and method of adjusting the location and position of the foresail (headsail, jib, genoa, or spinnaker) on a sailboat by moving the location or position of the foresail and the forestay relative to the bow of the sailboat and/or by adjusting the depth of the keel and/or keel foil.
Typically, a sailboat includes a hull that sits in the water, a mast extending upwardly from the hull, sails supported by the mast, and either a centerboard or fixed keel extending downwardly from the hull into the water. The sails catch the wind and cause the hull to move forwardly through the water. Although, a sailboat cannot sail directly into the wind, a sailboat can sail in a generally windward direction. It can be appreciated that with skill and a combination of maneuvers, a sailor can maneuver a sailboat in almost any desired direction.
Because of the design of the sails, a sailboat can sail to windward, which is typically in a direction no less than about 15 to 25 degrees from the wind, depending upon the design of the boat and the skill of the sailor. Headway directly upwind or windward is typically achieved in a series of sequential maneuvers called tacks, in which the boat is first sailed windward with the wind over one side of the bow, and then turned through the wind so that the wind comes over the other side of the bow. In each tack, some headway upwind is achieved even though the boat does not move directly into the wind, and eventually the sailboat reaches an upwind objective after sailing a zig-zag course covering a distance greater than the straight line distance from the initial position to the upwind objective.
When a sailboat sails to windward, the forces on the sails can be resolved into a thrust component that moves the sailboat forwardly through the water and a drift component that pushes the sailboat sideways in a downwind direction. The sailboat therefore moves in a net direction that is forward, but also is slight downwind opposite to the net intended direction of movement. The sideways drift is called leeway or “slide slipping.”
The downwardly projecting centerboard or keel of the sailboat offers resistance to the leeway produced by the sideways sail force, but at least some leeway remains. This leeway is being constantly accumulated, as there is a downwind movement as long as the sailboat is being sailed into the wind. The leeway significantly increases the time required for the sailboat to sail from its downwind starting position to the upwind objective, as it forces the sailboat to sail much further to make up for the accumulated sideways movement.
Attempts have been made to reduce the amount of leeway. For example, a movable centerboard or fixed keel extending into the water below the sailboat presents a broad surface to resist sideways drift. There have also been attempts to modify the shape of the centerboard or keel to provide a lifting force to counteract the sideways drift. These attempts have been based upon the observation that the centerboard or keel moving through the water is somewhat similar to the wing of an airplane that creates a lift as the wing is moved through the air. The lift of an airplane wing causes the airplane to move upward against the force of gravity, and the corresponding lift of a sailboat centerboard or keel that extends downwardly can cause the sailboat to be lifted in the upwind direction, thereby countering the sideways drift producing the leeway.
Fixed keels are typically used in larger sailboats. The keels are usually filled with lead or other dense material to act as ballast for the sailboat. For example, the keels of 12-meter sailboats may extend 10 feet below the surface of the water, and weigh 40,000 to 50,000 pounds.
It would be desirable to have a system or method of adjusting or changing the relative position of the fixed connection of the foresail, such that the angle of attack in the windward direction is slightly altered in the direction of the wind. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a system and/or method of changing the angle or direction of the boat in a windward direction and/or use of an extendable keel, which is capable of providing a lifting force to counteract leeway, and is sufficiently reliable to be acceptable for general and racing use.
In addition, it would be desirable to have a retractable solar panel system, which can provide a source of energy to the sailboat. The solar panel system can be attached to a nautical stay, wherein the stay is fixed at one end to a hull of the sailboat and at a second end to a mast of the sailboat. The solar panel system includes a plurality of solar panels, which are attached to a system for extending and retracting the plurality of solar panels, such that when not in use, the solar panels can be stacked.
In accordance with one embodiment, a solar panel system comprises: a plurality of solar panels; a support structure comprised of a track system adapted to receive a plurality of solar panels; and a controller for extending and retracting the plurality of solar panels
In accordance with another embodiment, a solar system, the system comprises: a plurality of solar panels; and a support structure adapted to fit over a peak of a roof, the support structure comprising a solar panel portion and a secondary panel portion, and wherein the solar panel portion has a plurality of horizontal support members, which are adapted to receive the plurality of solar panels.
In accordance with a further embodiment, solar system, the solar system comprises: a solar hot water panel system, the solar hot water panel system comprising an inlet to receive a fluid from a fluid source, an outlet to return the fluid to the fluid source, and at least one solar thermal collector; and at least one solar panel.
In accordance with another embodiment, an inflatable solar panel support comprises: a lower section adapted to be filled with water to provide weight to the support; and an upper section adapted to be filled with air to shape the support, the upper section having a horizontal base, and a pair of angled sides, which join together forming an angled surface having at least one cavity, which is adapted to receive a solar panel.
As described above, because of the design of the sails, a sailboat (or boat) 10 can sail to windward, in a direction no less than about 15 to 25 degrees from the wind, depending upon the design of the boat and the skill of the sailor. Headway directly upwind is achieved in a series of sequential maneuvers called tacks, in which the boat is first sailed windward with the wind over one side of the bow, and then turned through the wind so that the wind comes over the other side of the bow. In each tack, some headway upwind is achieved even though the boat does not move directly into the wind, and eventually the sailboat reaches an upwind objective after sailing a zig-zag course covering a distance greater than the straight line distance from the initial position to the upwind objective.
In addition, when a sailboat 10 sails to windward, the forces on the sails can be resolved into a thrust component that moves the sailboat forwardly through the water and a drift component that pushes the sailboat sideways in a downwind direction. The sailboat 10 therefore moves in a net direction that is forward, but also is slight downwind opposite to the net intended direction of movement. The sideways drift is called leeway.
The downwardly projecting centerboard or keel of the boat offers resistance to the leeway produced by the sideways sail force, but at least some leeway remains. This leeway is being constantly accumulated, as there is a downwind movement as long as the sailboat is being sailed into the wind. It can be appreciated that the leeway can significantly increase the time required for the sailboat to sail from its downwind starting position to the upwind objective, as it forces the sailboat to sail much further to make up for the accumulated sideways movement.
It can be appreciated that the use of the term “sailboat” 10 has a broad meaning and can include yachts, (large sailboats) and smaller vessels of many configurations, which use wind as the primary means of propulsion. Typically, some of the variations other than size are hull configuration (monohull, catamaran, and trimaran), keel type (full, fin, wing, centerboard etc.), purpose (sport, racing, cruising), number and configuration of masts, and the sail plan. The most common sailboat 10 is the “sloop” which features one mast 50 and two sails, a mainsail 30 and a foresail 40 or jib, genoa, or spinnaker. This simple configuration has been proven over time to be very efficient for sailing into the wind. The mainsail 30 is attached to the mast 50 and the boom 60, which is a beam or spar capable of swinging across the sailboat 10, depending on the direction of the wind. Depending on the size and design of the foresail 40, the foresail 40 is called a jib, genoa, or spinnaker. Although not common, a sloop or sailboat 10 can include two foresails from a single forestay 48 at one time (wing on wing). The forestay 48 is a line or cable running from near the top of the mast 50 to a point near the bow 42 (or front of the sailboat 10). It can be appreciated that the forestay 48 is attached at either the top of the mast, or in fractional rigs between about ¼and ⅛ from the top of the mast 50. The other end of the forestay 48 is attached to the stern or bow 42 of the boat 10. The forestay 48 can be made from stainless steel wire, a solid stainless steel rod, a carbon rod, a galvanized wire or natural fibers.
As shown in
The foresail 40, which is also known as a headsail, jib, genoa, or spinnaker is secured to the top 46 of the mast 50 and is typically secured to the bow 42 of the sailboat 10. Typically, the foresail 40 is secured along its leading edge to a forestay 48 (strong wire) strung from the top 46 of the mast to the bowsprit 42 on the bow (nose) of the boat. Alternatively, the foresail 40 can be a genoa, which is a type of jib that is larger, and cut so that it is fuller than an ordinary jib. It can also be appreciated that fore-and-aft sails can be switched from one side of the sailboat 10 to the other, in order to alter the sailboat's course. When the sailboat's stern crosses the wind, this is called jibing; when the bow crosses the wind, it is called tacking. Tacking repeatedly from port to starboard and/or vice versa, called “beating”, is done in order to allow the boat to follow a course into the wind.
It can be appreciated that a primary feature of a properly designed sail is an amount of “draft”, caused by curvature of the surface of the sail. When the sail is oriented into the wind, this curvature induces lift, much like the wing of an airplane. Modern sails are manufactured with a combination of broadseaming and non-stretch fabric. The former adds draft, while the latter allows the sail to keep a constant shape as the wind pressure increases. The draft of the sail can be reduced in stronger winds by use of a Cunningham and outhaul, and also by increasing the downward pressure of the boom by use of a boom vang. A boom vang is a line or piston system on a sailboat used to exert downward force on the boom and thus control the shape of the sail. In British English, it is known as a “kicking strap”. The vang typically runs from the base of the mast 50 to a point about a third of the way out the boom 60. Due to the great force necessary to change the height of the boom 60 while a boat is under sail, a line based boom vang usually includes some sort of a pulley system. Hydraulic piston vangs are used on larger sailboats and controlled by manual or electric hydraulic pumps.
It can be appreciated that tacking typically describes the position of a sailboat's bow with respect to the wind. For example, if the vessel's bow is positioned so that the wind is blowing across the starboard (right) side of the vessel, then the vessel is said to be on a starboard tack. If the wind is blowing across the port (left) side of the vessel, then the vessel is said to be on a port tack. It can be appreciated that by definition, this is opposite to the side, which the boom is carried, since it can be difficult when a boat is sailing downwind or nearly downwind from which side the wind is coming. In addition, a sailing vessel on a starboard tack always has the right-of-way over another sailing vessel on “port tack” by both the rules of the road and racing rules.
The track system 100 preferably includes a moveable track fixture 110, upon which the forestay 48 is securely fixed or attached, a fixed track 120 configured to receive the track fixture 110, and a control system 130 for securing the location of the track fixture 110 within the track 120 relative to the bow 42 of the boat 10. In accordance with one embodiment, the control system 130 for securing the location of the track fixture 110 can include a winch 140, a flexible wire or rod 150 attached to the track fixture 110, and a guide system 160. The winch 140 is preferably a mechanical device that is used to wind up the flexible wire or rod 150 (also called “cable”). In its simplest form, it consists of a spool and attached crank. The spool can also be called the winch drum. It can be appreciated that the winch 140 can include suitable gear assemblies and can be powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives. In addition, the winch 150 can include a solenoid brake and/or a mechanical brake or ratchet (not shown) that prevents the winch 150 from unwinding.
It can be appreciated that the system as shown in
As shown in
In accordance with one embodiment, the winch system 360 can include a mechanical device that is used to control the relative position of the inner screw member 350 and the inner member 320 to the outer member 330, which in turn controls the depth of the foil member 310 of the keel 70. In accordance with one embodiment, the winch system 360 consists of a spool or drum and an attached crank. It can be appreciated that the winch 140 can also include suitable gear assemblies and/or can be powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives. The winch system 360 also preferably includes a solenoid brake and/or a mechanical brake that prevents the winch system 360 from unwinding and/or releasing from a fixed position. The winch system 360 can be positioned below the deck of the sailboat 10 as shown in
It can be appreciated that the extendable keel 300 can also be extendable telescopically, wherein the keel 300 comprises a plurality of inner members 320 having a core containing a plurality of sealed air chambers, which are pressurized when the keel 300 is fully extended. An air compressor, which can be powered by the boat engine or other suitable systems, can be utilized to supply pressurized air to extend or retract the inner members 320. Valves can control the pressure release for extension or refraction. The keel 300 can also be operated hydraulically, by stored or generated pressurized gas, or mechanically through a suitable mechanical system.
As shown in
In accordance with one embodiment, the control system 410 can include a mechanical device that is used to control the relative position of the inner screw member 430, which in turn controls the depth of the weight system 400 within the inner chamber 420 of the keel 70. In accordance with one embodiment, the control system 410 consists of a spool or drum and an attached crank. It can be appreciated that the control system 410 can also include suitable gear assemblies and/or can be powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives. The control system 410 also preferably includes a solenoid brake and/or a mechanical brake that prevents the system from unwinding and/or releasing from a fixed position.
As shown in
The solar panels 510 are preferably any suitable panel or array of smaller panels, which converts sunlight into an energy source. It can be appreciated that any solar panel 510 can be used including flat solar thermal collector, such as a solar hot water or air panel used to heat water, air, or otherwise collect solar thermal energy, or any photovoltaic module, which is an assembly of solar cells used to generate electricity. The solar panels 510 are preferably flat, and can be various heights and widths. It can be appreciated, however, that the solar panels 510 can be slightly curved or of a suitable flexible design. In addition, each solar panel 510 can be comprised of an array of solar-thermal panels or photovoltaic (PV) modules, which are be connected either in parallel or series depending upon the design objective.
In accordance with one embodiment, the retractable solar panel system 500 preferably includes a plurality of solar panels 510, which are attached to the stay 502 via a connector 520 such as a connecting rod or hook. The system 500 also includes a system for the unfolding the plurality of solar panels 510 and extending the connector 520 (i.e., connecting rod or hook) upward towards the top portion 46 of the mast 50 when in use. It can be appreciated that when not in use, the solar panels 510 can be retracted and stored on the deck of the sailboat 10. The system for extension and retraction of the solar panels 510 is preferably a winch (e.g., 140) or other suitable mechanical device that is used to wind up a rope, or cable. The winch preferably includes a spool (or winch drum) and attached crank. It can be appreciated that the mechanical device or winch can be powered by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion drives, and includes a solenoid brake and/or a mechanical brake or ratchet that prevents it from unwinding.
A protective cover is preferably placed over the stack of solar panels 510 during storage thereof or when the solar panels 510 are not in use. As shown in
In accordance with one embodiment, the solar panels 610 in the form of photovoltaic cells or modules (or a group of cells electrically connected and packaged in one frame), which convert sunlight directly into electricity. The photovoltaic (PV) cells can be made of a semiconductor material such as silicon, such that when light strikes the cell, a certain portion of it is absorbed within the semiconductor material. The energy of the absorbed light is transferred to the semiconductor, and knocks the electrons loose, allowing them to flow freely. In addition, photovoltaic (PV) cells also all have one or more electric fields that act to force electrons freed by light absorption to flow in a certain direction. The flow of electrons is a current, which can be used externally by placing metal contacts on the top and bottom of the PV cell. This current, together with the cell's voltage (which is a result of its built-in electric field or fields), defines the power (or wattage) that the solar cell produces.
The panel system 500 includes a pair of solar panels 522, 524 having a hinge 526, 528 between to allow the plurality of panels 510 to be stacked when not in use. It can be appreciated that the use of the solar panel system 500 and telescoping and/or retractable mast is not limited to sailboats 10, and that the solar panel system 500 and telescoping and/or retractable mast 550 can be placed on any suitable structure including residential and commercial buildings, windmills, water towers, billboards, support structures such as bridges, radio masts, antennas, and towers, and natural landforms, including hills, cliffs, fields, berms, mounds and valleys.
In accordance with one embodiment, the solar panels 720 can be attached to the support member 710 by any suitable means, which allows the solar panels 720 to rotate. For example, as shown in
As shown in
The upper support member and the lower support member 810, 840 preferably have a rectangular cross-section, however, it can be appreciated that the support members 810, 840 can have a triangular, a circular, an elliptical or other suitable cross-sections. In addition, it can be appreciated that the upper and lower support members 810, 840 can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to wood, steel, plastic or other suitable composite materials.
The system 800 also includes a gear assembly 850 comprised of an upper assembly 852 having a portion of a circular member 854 with a plurality of teeth 855, which engages an upper wheel assembly 858. The upper wheel assembly 858 has a circular base member 857 with a plurality of teeth 859. As shown in
The gear assembly 850 also includes a pair of lower wheel assemblies 862, 864, each of which includes a plurality of teeth 863, 865, which are configured to engage one another. The lower wheel assemblies 862, 864 also include a shaft 872 attached to a handle 860. The rotation of the handle 860 in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise manner results in the rotation of the lower support member 840 around an axis (or central point) from 10 to 360 degrees, such that the system 800 can be adjustable for the different seasons and the relative positions of the sun in the sky during the year.
In accordance with one embodiment, the base 866 of the lower support member 840 is preferably positioned within a bearing system 870, which permits constrained relative motion between the base unit and the base 866 of the lower support member 840. It can be appreciated, that any suitable system 870, which allows rotation of the lower support member 840 can be used.
The system 800 also preferably includes at least one storage device 868, which is configured to store energy generated by the solar panels 900. It can be appreciated the at least one storage device 868 is preferably a battery or other suitable storage device, which converts a chemical or other stored energy directly to electrical energy.
It can also be appreciated that the storage devices 868 can also be used to power the gear assembly 850. In accordance with an embodiment, the system 800 can include sensors (not shown), which are connected to a computer or other suitable computing device having a printed circuit board, a microprocessor or a central processing unit (CPU), wherein based on the readings from the sensor or other relevant data stored within or on the printed circuit board, the microprocessor or the central processing unit, such that the system 800 rotates and/or adjust the relative position of the solar panel system 900 to address the sun at a desired angle of reception.
In accordance with one embodiment, the system 800 can include a table of the altitude and azimuth of the sun during a specific period of time and/or day, and upon certain desired parameters, the system 800 can be programmed to change the relative positions of the upper and lower support members 810, 840 to compensate for the changing positions of the sun. It can be appreciated that in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the solar panels 910 (
It can also be appreciated that the system 800 is preferably self-powered, to adjust the upper and lower support members 810, 840 and solar panel system 900 and solar panels relative to the sun during the various seasons and relative positions of the sun in the sky during such change of seasons. It can be also be appreciated that the system 800 can include other sources of power to adjust the upper and lower support members 810, 840, including electrical, hydraulic or other suitable power sources.
In accordance with an embodiment, the solar panels 910 are attached to a surface, which is configured to face the sun, of the upper support member 810. The upper support member 810 can be permanently fixed to plurality of solar panels 910, or attachable in a manner in which the solar panels 910 can be removed or interchanged with a snap fit or other means of removal and/or replacement of the plurality of solar panels 910.
The solar panels 910 are preferably attached in module or arrays of solar panels 910, if individual solar panels 910 are used or in an alternative embodiment, a single roll of solar panels 910 can be used. Although a single adjustable solar system 800 and solar panel system 900 are shown in
In accordance with one embodiment, the solar panels 910 can include a plurality of photovoltaic modules or as known, a photovoltaic array. The installation of the photovoltaic cells will preferably include an array of photovoltaic modules, connected electrically, and include an inverter (for grid connected arrays) or batteries (for off grid).
In accordance with one embodiment, the photovoltaic arrays or solar panels 910 can be constructed from a rigid thin film. In a rigid thin film module, the cells are preferably created directly on a glass substrate or superstrate, and the electrical connections are created in situ, forming a monolithic integration. The substrate or superstrate is laminated with an encapsulant to a front or back sheet. In an alternative embodiment, the photovoltaic array can be comprised of flexible thin film cells are created by depositing the photoactive layer and other necessary layers on a flexible substrate.
Alternatively, the solar panel system 900 and solar panels 910 can be comprised of a solar thermal collector is a solar collector specifically intended to collect heat and/or absorb sunlight to provide heat, including solar parabolic, solar trough and solar towers. In accordance with one embodiment, solar collectors can be used in a solar power plant where solar heat is used to generate electricity by heating water to produce steam and driving a turbine connected to the electrical generator.
In another embodiment, the solar panel system 900 and solar panels 910 can be comprised of a plurality of solar hot water panels, which uses the sun's energy to heat a fluid, which is used to transfer the heat to a heat storage vessel. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, potable water would be heated and then stored in a hot water tank on a sailboat. Solar hot water panels typically include a flat-plate solar-thermal collector, which includes an absorber plate to which fluid circulation tubes are attached. The absorber, usually coated with a dark selective surface, assures the conversion of the sun's radiation into heat, while fluid circulating through the tubes carries the heat away where it can be used or stored. The heated fluid is pumped to a heat exchanger, which is a coil in the storage vessel or an external heat exchanger where it gives off its heat and is then circulated back to the panel to be reheated. Fluid circulation can be assisted by means of a mechanical pump (which itself could be powered by photovoltaic cell), or (where mounting conditions allow) by allowing convection to circulate the fluid to the storage vessel mounted higher in the circuit.
In accordance with one embodiment, the solar panels 910 include a plurality of solar panels 910 having a front side 912 and a back side 914. Each of the individual solar panels 910 are preferably attached to a rod 940, which is configured to adjust the relative position of the front side 912 (and back side 914) of the solar panels 910 relative to the position of the sun in the horizon during the various seasons. The rod 940 is preferably attached to an exterior handle or lever 960, which adjusts the relative positions of the solar panels 910 to the sun, or alternatively an internal switch or lever (not shown) which is attached to a printed circuit board or other suitable microprocessor. The printed circuit board and/or microprocessor can be manually operated to change the relative positions of the solar panels 910 or alternatively, the printed circuit board and/or microprocessor can be programmed for the various positions of the sun during the changing seasons.
In accordance with one embodiment, the solar panels 910 are attached to a solar panel member 930 which includes a pair of support members 950, 952. The solar panel member 930 and preferably extend from the upper end 812 to the lower end 814 of the upper support member 810. The solar panel member 930 includes an upper solar portion 952, wherein the solar panels 910 are attached thereto, and an angled portion 950 at the upper end 812 of the upper support member 810. During use, the solar panels 910 can be adjusted by moving the rod 940 via the handle or lever 960 or an internal switch or lever (not shown).
The system also includes a pair of lower wheel assemblies 862, 864, each of which includes a plurality of teeth 863, 865, which are configured to engage one another. The lower wheel assemblies 862, 864 also include a shaft 872 attached to a handle 860. The rotation of the handle 860 in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise manner results in the rotation of the lower support member 840 around a 360 degree axis, such that the system 800 can be adjustable for the different seasons and the relative positions of the sun in the sky.
In accordance with one embodiment, the base 866 of the lower support member 840 is preferably positioned within a bearing system 870, which permits constrained relative motion between the base unit and the base 866 of the lower support member 840. It can be appreciated, that any suitable system 870, which allows rotation of the lower support member 840 around an axis can be used. In accordance with one embodiment, the lower support member 840 preferably rotates around an axis from about 10 to 360 degrees.
The system 800 also preferably includes at least one storage device 868, which is configured to store energy generated by the solar panels 900. It can be appreciated the at least one storage device 868 is preferably a battery or other suitable storage device, which converts a chemical or other stored energy directly to electrical energy.
In accordance with one embodiment, the solar panel support member 1010 is interchangeable with the lower support member 840 of the adjustable solar system 800. In addition, the optional support members 1020, 1030 can house the gear assembly 850 as shown in
It can be appreciated that any of the solar panel systems, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 can be attached to any suitable structure on corners and/or edges of the structure with suitable connectors. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, the adjustable solar system 800 as shown in
In accordance with another embodiment, the solar panel systems 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 can be sold as kits comprised of a plurality of solar panels 510, 610, 720, 910 with a system for extending and retracting the plurality of solar panels 510, 610, 720 or an adjustable solar system 800 with or without a solar panel unit 1000. It can be appreciated that the kits are preferably modular in nature, and that a plurality of individual kits can be combined to provide a plurality of solar panel systems 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 for larger areas. The kits also preferably include at least one storage device 668 and any necessary electrical connectors and cables or wires.
In accordance with one embodiment, each of the adjustable support rods 1122, 1124, 1142, 1144, is preferably comprised of a pair of telescoping rods, each having an upper rod and a lower rod, which fit and slide within one another and includes an adjustable clamp 1126, 1128, 1170, 1172, which is adapted to adjust the length, height and angle of each of the adjustable support rods 1122, 1124, 1172, 1174.
In addition, each of the support rods 1122, 1124, 1142, 1144 are preferably attached to a caster or other suitable wheel 1150, which includes an offset steering pivot such that the wheel will automatically swivel to align itself to the direction from which it is pushed. In accordance with one embodiment, the adjustable solar system 1100 can be manually rotated and positioned into the direction of the sun during the various season. In addition, the solar panel system 1100 is preferably configured to fit within a container or box 1180 for transportation to remote locations and/or sites.
The plurality of solar panels 1110, which can include photovoltaic cells (such as a photovoltaic module comprised of a packaged interconnected assembly of photovoltaic cells), solar thermal collector panels, solar hot water panels or other solar panels, which convert sun light and/or the heat from the sun into an energy source, and which can either be stored and/or used to power a system attached to the system 1100. The plurality of solar panels 1110 can be attached to an upper portion of adjustable support rods 1122, 1124, 1172, 1174, by hooks or other suitable connectors.
In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the adjustable solar system 1100 includes a plurality of solar panels 1110 having a front side 1112 and a back side 1114. Each of the individual solar panels 1110 are preferably attached to a front support member 1120, which is configured to adjust the relative position of the front side 1112 (and back side 1114) of the solar panels 1110 relative to the position of the sun in the horizon during the various seasons. The support structure 1120 is preferably comprised of a pair of solar panel support rods 1122, 1124, an upper support rod 1130, and an adjustable back support member 1140 comprised of a pair of adjustable support members 1142, 1144. Instead of each of the support rods 1122, 1124, 1142, 1144 being comprised of a pair of telescoping rods, each of the support rods 1122, 1124, 1142, 1144 have a fixed length and the angle of inclination is adjusted with a pair of angular support members 1160. The angular support members 1160 include a pair of support rods 1162, 1164 having a plurality of pins or rods extending from a lower portion thereof, which are configured to be received by a pair of rods or pins 1168, which are fixed to the adjustable support members 1142, 1144.
The solar panels 1210 are preferably any suitable panel or array of smaller panels, which converts sunlight into an energy source. The solar panels 1210 preferably are attached to one another. However, it can be appreciated that any solar panel 1210 can be used including flat solar thermal collector, such as a solar hot water or air panel used to heat water, air, or otherwise collect solar thermal energy, or any photovoltaic module, which is an assembly of solar cells used to generate electricity. The solar panels 1210 are preferably flat, and can be various heights and widths. It can be appreciated, however, that the solar panels 1210 can be slightly curved or of a suitable flexible design. In addition, each solar panel 1210 can be comprised of an array of solar-thermal panels or photovoltaic (PV) modules, which are be connected either in parallel or series depending upon the design objective.
In accordance with one embodiment, the retractable solar panel system 1200 preferably includes a plurality of solar panels 1210, which are attached to the track system 1240 via a connector 1220 such as a connecting rod or hook, which separates the plurality of solar panels 1210 into pairs 1212, 1214. The control box and controller 1244 also includes a system for the unfolding the plurality of solar panels 1210 and extending the connector 1220 (i.e., connecting rod or hook) upward towards the roof 1252 of the building or structure 1250.
The solar panel portion 1330 extends to the peak of the roof 1252 with the secondary panel portion 1340 extending down the other side of the roof 1252. The solar panel portion 1330 preferably faces in the direction or predominant direction of the sun for at least a portion of the season with the secondary panel portion 1340 being on the opposite or shade side of the roof 1252 for a portion or majority of the season. It can be appreciated that each of the solar panels 1310 as described herein can be used as a roofing material or shingle, such that roofing material or shingles are not needed.
The support structure or frame 1320 preferably is made of a light weight material, such as a plastic or similar material. In accordance with one embodiment, the support structure or frame 1320 is hollow, such that the support structure or frame 1320 is adapted to receive water and/or air to provide stability to the structure or frame 1320. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, the solar panel portion 1330 is air filled with the secondary solar panel portion 1340 being water filled. The water filled secondary solar panel portion 1340 provides ballast to the support structure or frame 1320. It can be appreciated that in accordance with one embodiment, the support structure 1320 is preferably a solar water panel or other suitable panel system, which includes a circulating water supply. The support structure or frame 1320 can be attached to the roof 1252 with a brace or other suitable device, such as a metal hook brace (not shown).
In accordance with an embodiment, the plurality of solar collectors 1412 are preferably solar hot water panels that use the sun's energy to heat a fluid, which is used to transfer the heat to a heat storage vessel. In accordance with one embodiment, for example, in the home, potable water would be heated and then stored in a hot water tank. The solar collectors 1412 can include an absorber plate 1414 (
In accordance with an embodiment, fluid circulation can be assisted by means of a mechanical pump (not shown), which itself could be powered by photovoltaic cell, or where mounting conditions allow and by allowing convection to circulate the fluid to the storage vessel mounted higher in the circuit, also known as a thermosiphon.
In accordance with another embodiment, a weatherproofed, insulated box containing a black metal absorber sheet with built in pipes is placed in the path of sunlight. Solar energy heats up water in the pipes causing it to circulate through the system by natural convection. The water is usually passed to a storage tank located above the collector. It can be appreciated, that such a passive solar water heating system is generally used in hotels and homes in sunny climates. It can be appreciated that for these purposes, the general practice is to use flat-plate solar energy or evacuated tube collectors with a fixed orientation (position). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the highest efficiency with a fixed flat-plate collector or evacuated tube collector can be obtained by facing the collectors toward the sun and sloping the collectors at an angle to the horizon equal to the latitude plus about 10 degrees. It can be appreciated that solar collectors typically fall into two general categories: non-concentrating and concentrating.
In the non-concentrating type, the collector area (i.e. the area that intercepts the solar radiation) is the same as the absorber area (i.e., the area absorbing the radiation). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the collector is preferably a flat-plate collector, however, the collector preferably includes: (1) a flat-plate absorber, which intercepts and absorbs the solar energy, (2) a transparent cover(s) that allows solar energy to pass through but reduces heat loss from the absorber, (3) a heat-transport fluid (air or water) flowing through tubes to remove heat from the absorber, and (4) a heat insulating backing In accordance with one embodiment, a flat plate collector can be evacuated, to prevent heat loss.
In addition, it can be appreciated that typically, the most effective use of collectors is with a sealed heat exchange system, rather than having the potable water flow through the collectors. In accordance with one embodiment, a mixture of water and propylene glycol can be used as a heat exchange fluid to protect against freeze damage, up to a temperature that depends on the proportion of propylene glycol in the mixture.
In accordance with another embodiment, the collectors can have multiple evacuated glass tubes which heat up solar absorbers and, ultimately, solar working fluid (water or an antifreeze mix-typically propylene glycol) in order to heat domestic hot water, or for hydronic space heating. The evacuated tubes minimize the re-radiation of infrared energy from the collectors, allowing them to reach considerably higher temperatures than most flat-plate collectors. It can be appreciated that an evacuated tube has a constant profile that is typically perpendicular to the sun's rays and therefore the energy absorbed is approximately constant over the course of a day.
In accordance with one embodiment, the solar collector 1412 can include an absorber plate 1414 to which fluid circulation tubes 1480 are attached. The absorber 1414, usually coated with a dark selective surface, assures the conversion of the sun's radiation into heat, while fluid (not shown) circulating through the tubes 1480 carries the heat away where it can be used or stored. The heated fluid is pumped to a heat exchanger, which is a coil in the storage vessel or an external heat exchanger where it gives off its heat and is then circulated back to the panel to be reheated.
In accordance with an embodiment, fluid circulation can be assisted by means of a mechanical pump (not shown), which itself could be powered by photovoltaic cell, or where mounting conditions allow and by allowing convection to circulate the fluid to the storage vessel mounted higher in the circuit, also known as a thermosiphon. It can be appreciated that for these purposes, the general practice is to use flat-plate solar energy or evacuated tube collectors with a fixed orientation (position). Typically, the highest efficiency with a fixed flat-plate collector or evacuated tube collector is obtained if it faces toward the sun and slopes at an angle to the horizon equal to the latitude plus about 10 degrees. It can be appreciated that the solar collector 1412 can be either a non-concentrating or a concentrating collector as described above.
In accordance with one embodiment, the solar and solar hot water panel 1470 is a roofing material in the form of a shingle. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that a plurality of panels 1470 can be used to form an array or grid of solar panels, which act a roofing material in place of shingles or other roofing materials. Alternatively, the panel 1470 can be in the form of a roll, which can be rolled out for use on roofs or attached to a side of a building or other structure.
In accordance with one embodiment, the lower section 1512 is preferably water fillable and normally holds water to weight the support 1500. The upper section 1514 is preferably air fillable and normally holds air to shape the support structure 1510. The upper section 1514 preferably has a horizontal base 1520, and a pair of angled sides 1516, 1518, which join together forming an angled surface 1522 having at least one cavity 1530, which receives a solar panel 1538 (
It can be appreciated that the solar panel support 1500 is preferably portable and compresses and folds for easy transport. To set up the support 1500, each section 1512, 1514 inflates. In accordance with an embodiment, handles (not shown) can be provided on the lower and/or upper sections 1512, 1514. Lifting the handles lifts the upper section 1514 and pre-inflates both the upper section 1514 and the lower section 1512 with air.
In accordance with an embodiment, water fills at least a portion of the lower section 1512. It can be appreciated that filling the lower section 1512 with water increases the air pressure within the upper section 1514. This increased air pressure helps to shape the upper section 1514. In accordance with one embodiment, the lower section 1512 has vents (not shown) in fluid communication with the upper section 1514. The vents release excess pressure from the lower section. The vents also guide air from the lower section 1512 into the upper section 1514 as water fills the pre-shaped lower section 1512. This increases the air pressure in the upper section 1514 and enables the upper section 1514 to become rigid to shape and support the lower section 1512. Air pressure also shapes the upper section 1514 to inhibit the solar panels (not shown) from being displaced from the support 1500.
The solar panels 1720 are preferably any suitable panel or array of smaller panels, which converts sunlight into an energy source. The solar panels 1720 preferably are attached to one another. It can be appreciated that any solar panel 1720 can be used including flat solar thermal collector, such as a solar hot water or air panel used to heat water, air, or otherwise collect solar thermal energy, or any photovoltaic module, which is an assembly of solar cells used to generate electricity. The solar panels 1720 are preferably flat, and can be various heights and widths. It can be appreciated, however, that the solar panels 1720 can be slightly curved or of a suitable flexible design. In addition, each solar panel 1720 can be comprised of an array of solar-thermal panels or photovoltaic (PV) modules, which are be connected either in parallel or series depending upon the design objective.
In accordance with one embodiment, the retractable solar panel system 1700 preferably includes a plurality of solar panels 1720, which are attached to the track system 1710 via a connector 1716 such as a connecting rod or hook, which separates the plurality of solar panels 1720 into pairs 1712, 1714. The control box and controller 1730 also includes a system for the unfolding the plurality of solar panels 1720 and extending the connector 1716 (i.e., connecting rod or hook) along the roof of the truck 1750.
It will be understood that the foregoing description is of the preferred embodiments, and is, therefore, merely representative of the article and methods of manufacturing the same. It can be appreciated that many variations and modifications of the different embodiments in light of the above teachings will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the articles and methods as set forth in the attached claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/821,315 filed on Jun. 22, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/788,785 filed on Apr. 19, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/900,549 filed on Feb. 8, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/920,957 filed on Mar. 30, 2007, the contents, which are incorporated herein their entirety.
