The teachings herein relate to a solar panel apparatus. More specifically, various embodiments include an apparatus resembling a palm tree that is used to convert energy from the sun into electrical energy and a method for assembling that apparatus.
The mainstay of the solar energy industry has been the solar photovoltaic panel, which in its form and structure has come to symbolize solar energy systems, as we know them today. The physical characteristics of the conventional solar panel are determined by its form and structure. They are generally rectangular in shape measuring approximately 1.0 meters wide by 2.0 meters long by 3.5 centimeters thick (varies based on manufacturer).
Due to its form and technical limitations, the solar panel has acquired a quality that has taken it either far away from the city or along the city skyline, on roofs, hidden or camouflaged from view. It has become a technical appendage, where technical criteria outweigh all other considerations. The recognition of these limitations has unleashed a wave of new research focused on finding better ways to integrate the power-producing silicon chip into roof tiles or roof assemblies, to produce camouflaged rooftop panels, both of which address the needs of a residential aesthetic.
One new way to integrate solar panels in the urban habitat, which has witnessed limited development and application, is popularly known as the solar tree, which is a ground-mounted solar energy device, with a form inspired by a tree. This solar tree typically consists of a central post (trunk), which branches out as it rises upwards, with each branch supporting a flat rectangular or circular conventional solar panel. While each model differs in size, design, power rating, and efficiency, they are uniform in their industrial aesthetic and an inability to effectively mimic the qualities of a natural tree.
Due to their size, shape, power rating, and high unit cost, their usage has been limited to isolated exhibits within parks and institutions or as canopies for car parks and gas stations. Some solutions provide mobile energy platforms for use during emergencies and as mobile Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging facilities. The form and structure of a majority of alternatives do not allow for pedestrian or vehicular movement underneath. A few allow for pedestrian movement underneath, while none of them allow for vehicular movement underneath.
As a result, new apparatus and methods are needed to integrate solar panels into a solar tree in the urban habitat.
The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.
Before one or more embodiments of the invention are described in detail, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction, the arrangements of components, and the arrangement of steps set forth in the following detailed description or illustrated in the drawings and appendices. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.
Embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy the statutory requirements and convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Among other things, the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part as a system, as one or more methods, as one or more elements of a clean energy device or clean energy system, as one or more elements or functional modules of a clean energy control system or clean energy control system, or as one or more devices. Embodiments of the invention may take the form of a hardware-implemented embodiment, a software-implemented embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.
PeS comprises three integrated and interconnected components. First a Digital Platform (PalmHub); second a singular ground-mounted Small Footprint High Rise (PeS-SFHR) Solar Energy Device or a collection of multiple Small Footprint High Rise (PeS-SFHR) Solar Energy Devices; and third, a Base Station (Electronic Cabinet) containing an Array Control Module (ACM) and an Energy Control Module (ECM). The entire system is designed and engineered to operate on the basis of a specified device serial number, thereby imparting to the site evaluation, energy analysis, system design, installation, activation, operation, optimization, management, and monitoring process a high level of efficiency, economy, and simplicity.
Digital Platform (PalmHub) automated and semi-automated platform which, configures, controls and monitors the Palm-e SFHR solar energy device comprises of three interconnected components—first, a Device Configuration System (DCONS), second a Device Command System (DCS) and third an E-Commerce System (ECS). The three components are configured to operate independently, concurrently, simultaneously, and/or sequentially to execute a range of commands and/or issue a series of instructions based on a single primary input criteria—the GPS coordinates of the specified device/s/system. This input condition generates a device serial number (SN), which tags the device to PalmHub and serves as a “device signature” throughout its entire life cycle.
The Device Configuration System (DCONS) designs and configures the device/system and contains the device and System Database (SD), which is tagged to SN and comprises, system design data, site mapping data, and site geotechnical data.
The System Database (SD) links to external data stations through proprietary APIs to source data, correlate data in real-time with reference to benchmark/threshold data, and facilitate System Design. SD also interacts with DCS enabling it to execute operational commands to the device/system.
DCS comprises the SCADA and HMI command systems, which receive system data from SD, process commands, and transmits these to the base station. DCS also receives device/system performance data enabling system optimization, management, and monitoring through SCADA and HMI.
PalmHub is linked to all installed PeS SEHR devices through the base station, which is in real-time or intermittent communication with PalmHub through WIFI, 3g/4g/5g, LAN or Satellite communication depending on the location of the specific device/system, and the communication infrastructure available at the specified location.
PalmHub is programmed and equipped to analyze location feasibility, design device layouts, configure device installation, provide device operational control instructions, and monitor device performance on the basis of a serial number, which is tagged to the GPS coordinates of a specified device. As such it is designed and engineered to evaluate, analyze, design, install, control, operate, manage, and monitor the entire global network of PeS SFHR devices simultaneously and concurrently, forming a central control system operated remotely and insulated from a range of potential site specific outages. Over time, PalmHub is expected to exponentially increase its intelligence quotient through intelligent learning, ai, and IoT and offer higher levels of control, analysis, system efficiency, optimization, and productivity.
The base station (SeeD) located onsite in close proximity to the PeS SFHR device, is location specific and contains two interconnected control modules—first, a Device Control Module (DCM) and second, an Energy Control Module (ECM).
DCM executes a first set of commands comprising a range of fixed operational commands followed by a second set of commands comprising variable operational commands through device motors controlling the rotational movement of the solar array of a PeS SFHR device.
Fixed commands are based on stored historical device/system values pertaining to sun angle—Azimuth and Elevation. Commands may include but are not limited to rotation start time, start angle, step distance, end angle, and end time.
Variable commands are issued in the event that stored historical values vary with respect to current or expected values, breach threshold conditions, and require DCM to override fixed commands on account of device performance and/or safety criteria.
Current/expected values are transmitted to DCM either from DCS, in the case of a networked system, or, from onboard sensors in the case of autonomous non-networked systems.
A breach of threshold value requires the device to assume a pre-designated “safe-lock” position in case the following conditions are satisfied: If the light intensity is below a threshold value (performance criteria); If the wind velocity is above a threshold value (safety criteria); or If precipitation is above a threshold value (safety and performance criteria).
“Safe-lock” is defined here as a pre-designated alignment condition wherein device motors are switched off, the device array assumes a locked position and the device achieves a maximum factor of safety and optimum factor of performance simultaneously. In safe-lock, the device either performs as a fixed (non-rotational) device or instructs the solar corolla to assume a safe position with respect to prevailing adverse weather conditions, such as wind, rain, sleet, hail, or snow. For example, in case of snowfall, the solar corolla would assume a maximum vertical alignment to prevent accumulation of snow on the surface of the solar corolla during the non-daylight hours. Alternatively in a high wind gust condition, the solar corolla would assume an alignment that facilitates the least surface area to wind resistance.
ECM comprises the electronic hardware and equipment and controls, executes and monitors energy performance commands.
The device in turn sends back operational and performance-related data to ECM, which is processed by ECM and relayed to DCS for performance analytics, monitoring, and reporting.
The Base Station (SeeD) may control a singular PeS SEHR device or a collection (micro-gid) of multiple PeS SFHR devices, depending on system design and configuration.
In various embodiments, the PeS-SFHR device further includes bench or seat 540 connected to central pillar 510. Bench 540 allows people to sit under the PeS-SEHR device and enjoy the shade provided by canopy 520.
The outer layer of the central pillar 510 consists of a molded, textured lightweight cover piece 612 which is affixed to the structural pole with brackets or clasps and plays a non-structural and decorative role by serving as an aesthetic covering to the structural pole. The outer layer is constructed out of molded UPVC, fiberglass, or such similar lightweight durable external grade material. The cavity between the structural pole and the outer layer houses electrical and electronic components, which connect canopy (solar array) 520 to the Base Station (not shown).
In various alternative embodiments, pole 611 is a steel tube that can be cylindrical or conical and a plastic (ABS) or composite material (glass fiber+resin) sheath. Cover piece 612 can be attached to the pole by bolting, screwing, or riveting and serves an aesthetical purpose as well as providing an irregular and conical surface ensuring that vortices in the air caused by the wind around the pole do not infer resonant frequency oscillations to the pole. The power cables for the light and from PV array 520 to the electronic cabinet and the electric motors for the rotations systems are either contained inside pole 611 or placed between pole 611 and cover piece 612. Cover piece 612 can be painted or colored to offer advertising or communication purposes. Pole 611 can be welded or bolted to a steel plate (not shown) at the bottom. The plate contains holes for threaded steel bars and bolts. Pole 611 is attached to a base plate which is affixed to a concrete anchor poured in the ground, through four or more threaded bars, which are integrated into the base plate and protrude upwards to be aligned with the holes in the baseplate of pole 611.
In various embodiments, PeS-SFHR “solar corolla” (canopy or PV array) 520 includes two components: solar petals 621, a plurality of double or triple-curved solar energy generating large span membranes, and a joining piece 622. Each petal of plurality of solar petals 621 is arranged radially around a central point in a generally circular arrangement. Each of the solar petals is individually fixed to common central joining piece 622, which connects each petal of plurality of solar petals 621 to fulcrum 530.
Each petal of plurality of solar petals 621, in turn, is multi-layered in its construction and comprises three layers-first, an upper polymer-based transparent durable lightweight protective layer, second, a central layer consisting of an array of monocrystalline solar photovoltaic cells encapsulated in polymer film, and, third, a lower high strength structural layer cum back sheet formed out of carbon fiber composites. These three layers together form the double-curved composite solar petal of plurality of solar petals 621.
In various embodiments, plurality of solar petals 621 are made of individual curved multi-layer surfaces arranged radially and attached to the center of the arrangement. The surfaces are attached only to the center or also to each other along the adjoining edges or also at the tip of the adjoining edge or at several points along the edge. The central point of the array is where the dual-axis rotation system is located and the pole is directly below this rotation system. This dual-axis rotation system is also referred to as the fulcrum. The pole is fixed to the ground and anchored.
The sections of the PV arrays on individual surfaces are called “petals”. The petals are composed of a layer of PV cells sandwiched between a transparent layer on the top and a structural surface on the bottom. The structure of the bottom surface is itself multi-layered and is manufactured in various ways.
Upper layer 710 on the top can be made of one or a combination of several materials, such as but not limited to, Acrylic, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polycarbonate, Polyamide-Imide (PAI) or Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF). The main characteristic of this layer is to provide transparency to the largest spectrum of sunlight while being UV-resistant, weatherproof, and scratch resistant. It can be shaped in three dimensions to conform to the curvature of the supporting layer. This layer can be coated with a dust repellent or manufactured in a manner that will repel dust. This layer can be glued, bolted, screwed, or clamped to the supporting surface. It may also be slid under a lip created in the supporting surface.
Central layer 720 can be mono-crystalline or polycrystalline silicon cells that are soldered together or attached using purpose-made clips from the cell manufacturer. Other types of PV cells can be used, such as thin film solar cells, Perovskite solar cells, multi-junction solar cells. The cells can be glued or clamped to the supporting surface. The electric current generated by the cells is collected by a pair of cables that are attached to the supporting surface. The cables terminate with an MC4 plug to allow connection to another set of cables running down inside the pole to the ground and onwards to the electronic cabinet.
Lower layer 730, the supporting surface, can be bi or tri-dimensionally curved and can be made as a single surface or as a three-dimensional object composed of several materials and several layers. If it is a single surface, it can be made of carbon fiber or glass fiber bonded with epoxy resin.
In various embodiments, the surface may also be made as a three-dimensional multi-part object including two separate surfaces sandwiching a structural element.
In various embodiments, the structural element may also comprise a set of multiple cross-sections arranged parallel to each other and made of aluminum, steel, plastic, or wood.
In various embodiments, the required structural strength may also be attained through a network of metal tubes (steel, aluminum, or composite) welded to each other to form a skeleton-like frame structure between the two surfaces. This metal frame structure can be either entirely contained between the two surfaces or be visible from the outside.
In various embodiments, the two surfaces are attached to the structural element by gluing, bolting, screwing, or riveting. Inserts can be used for this purpose in both the structural element and the surfaces. The whole three-dimensional object can be attached to the fulcrum by means of bolts or clamps. Use of rubber or other compliant materials or springs can be made between the petal and the fulcrum with the purpose of dampening the vibrations and movements of the petal, thus preventing movements of the petal from generating resonant vibration in the fulcrum, the pole, and the adjoining petals.
For redundancy, PeS-SFHR Solar Petals are swappable and can be upgraded during the lifespan of the device. Considering the pace of technological advancements in solar PV cell performance and efficiency, swappable solar petals would keep PeS technologically relevant.
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In various embodiments, fulcrum 530 is one of the two following types-a fixed fulcrum or a sun-tracking fulcrum.
In various embodiments, a fixed fulcrum is fitted to the upper end of pole 611 and to the lower end of central joining piece 622. It is designed and engineered to facilitate a manually operated rotational movement of the fulcrum with respect to structural pole 611, at the time of device installation, to select and fix an optimum position of canopy 520 with respect to the diurnal movement of the sun along the horizontal plane.
The fulcrum is designed and engineered to facilitate a manually operated pivotal movement to canopy 520 to fix an optimum vertical tilt alignment with respect to the optimum annual alignment of the sun. Once the optimum horizontal and vertical alignments have been obtained and fixed at the time of installation, the device operates as a fixed PeS-SFHR solar energy device with no operational moving parts.
Sun tracking increases the efficiency of a solar array up to 30%-40% by facilitating a reorienting solar array, which at all times during the sun's path across the sky, ensures that the solar array is aligned perpendicular to the angle of incidence of the sun.
In various embodiments, the PeS-SFHR sun-tracking fulcrum facilitates horizontal rotational movement about the structural pole and a pivotal vertical movement of the canopy during the operational period and lifespan of the device. Rotational and pivotal movement is implemented through a combination of bearings, gears, axels, levers, and a set of motors, which generate specified pulses of energy, when required, to rotate and pivot canopy 520 to the optimum sun angle required at a specified time of the day.
The fulcrum is composed of a vertical axis rotation system, and horizontal axis rotation system, a fixation system to attach it to the petals, and a lighting system. The whole is covered by a plastic or metal molded element that makes the visual transition between the petal and the pole. This element will move with the petals. This element is attached by bolting or riveting to the fulcrum on the part that is fixed to the petals.
The vertical axis rotation system has its axis aligned with the pole. Both rotation movements can be performed similarly to the waist and shoulder of an industrial robotic arm. Variations of the types of different articulations possible are described below in reference to different types of axis rotation systems.
In various embodiments, another way that the vertical axis articulation can be undertaken is with three or more pairs of steel wheels similar to train wheels with the flange on the outside arranged radially across the pole, linked by an axle and interfacing between a horizontal plate welded to the pole and another plate fixed to the fulcrum element. The alignment of both plates is ensured by circular tracks in the plates and flanges on the wheels or a cylindrical casing around the top plate (attached to the fulcrum). This alignment can also be made by having the wheel axis not horizontal, arranged radially in a cone-like structure.
In various embodiments, another way that this rotation can be made possible is with the use of three or more conical steel rods arranged radially inside tracks. This ensures both the rotation and the alignment of the two elements. The axis of the cones is horizontal. The rotation of the two elements is powered by an electric motor (can be a stepper motor, servo motor, or hybrid). The motor is fixed to the pole and interfaces with the fulcrum by means of steel gears.
In all possible arrangements, impulses are given periodically by the motors to move the fulcrum by one or several degrees every minute or every few minutes.
Instead of gears for all rotations, the motions could be powered with the use of a ratchet being pushed in contact with the fulcrum at regular intervals and generating the motion. The ratchet arm is powered by an electric motor.
In various embodiments, another way that the horizontal axis movement can be undertaken is through the use of gears or a ratchet system, similar to the vertical axis system but arranged horizontally. For this to function correctly and support the load of the petals, the rotating axle might be a large steel tube and could contain the motor and gears/ratchet.
In various embodiments, power for the motors for both vertical and horizontal movements is provided by the battery storage situated in the electronic cabinet or the AC grid connected to the device. It is not provided directly by the PV array. This ensures the possibility to power the rotation at all times and is independent of power generated by the solar array.
In various embodiments, the fulcrum also contains irradiation, wind, humidity, and temperature sensors to serve as a miniature weather station. The purpose of the sensors is to provide data that is used in the prediction of power production but they also alert the system of adverse weather conditions that will trigger the safe mode of the devices and lock the dual-axis rotation systems in the safe position. The sensors may also be integrated into the electronic cabinet instead of into the solar devices.
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The SEHR device communicates with the Array Control Module (ACM) and the Energy Control Module (ECM).
The SeeD is a weatherproof; secure modular unit located in proximity to the PeS-SFHR device or a network of multiple SFHR devices. It contains a collection of power electronics, an onboard computer, and microcontrollers, more specifically defined as the Array Control Module (ACM) and the Energy Control Module (ECM). ACM controls the mechanical operation of the device, while ECM controls the electrical operation of the device. ECM receives DC electrical power output generated by the solar petals of a PeS-SFHR device and processes and converts this into AC electrical power for onward distribution to users. The ECM contains electronic equipment such as a PV combiner box, solar charge controllers, DC load center, inverters, batteries, battery monitor, AC load center, and a communication box (COMM Box). The ECM may support a single Pes-SFHR device or multiple Pes-SFHR devices depending on network configuration. It may further support a single autonomous battery-supported device, multiple networked autonomous battery-supported devices, a single grid-tie device, or multiple networked grid-tie devices depending on network configuration and User Requirements. The ECM is designed and engineered as a modular, expandable module, which can be configured to suit differing network configurations and situations.
The ECM sends device-related performance data to the EMS on the onboard computer, which in turn processes the data and relays it to the central server (DCS) to enable performance analytics, optimization, and reporting.
The electronics cabinet is called the “seed” and is situated in the vicinity of the solar device. One cabinet can be connected to one or several solar devices. The cabinet is made of steel or aluminum sheets for the top, back, and sides. It is placed on a concrete base and bolted to it. Slits are made in some of the panels to provide ventilation but are made in a way that prevents rainwater from entering. Alternatively, a downward curved pipe might be added on the concrete base with tubing inside the concrete connecting to the inside of the cabinet and including fans to provide sufficient ventilation. The sides of the cabinet can be integrating advertisement panels that are composed of a safety glass sheet and a steel or aluminum box with LED lighting. The glass panel is hinged and can be opened to replace the poster fixed inside.
The sides of the cabinet can also contain an LCD or a LED text display to display the production of power by the system or the use of power by EV chargers or advertisements or communication about the site. The front or back or both can be containing a user interface element. This element is a touch screen or screen +keyboard interface with a credit/debit card reader to allow the user to start a charge of an electric vehicle. The panel will also have one or two plugs to connect a charging cable for EV cars or have integrated cables with standard EV charging plugs (according to the market where it is installed). The cables can be fixed with slots to accommodate the plug when not in use or retractable, with the plugs protruding from the cabinet when retracted.
The cabinet includes several electronic devices according to the scenario of the use of the solar device.
If the device is off-grid and serves for EV charging only, it will contain Lithium-ion batteries, a charge controller for the battery, an EV charger, and an onboard computer controlling the vertical and horizontal axis rotations of the PV array and the user interface. The computer also controls the lighting of the device.
If the device is on-grid with no power backup, the seed will contain a DC to AC solar inverter, an onboard computer controlling the vertical and horizontal axis rotations of the PV array and the user interface. The computer will also control the lighting of the device.
If the device is on-grid with no power backup and EV charging, the seed will contain a DC to AC solar inverter, an EV charger powered from AC, and an onboard computer controlling the vertical and horizontal axis rotations of the PV array and the user interface. The computer will also control the lighting of the device.
If the device is on-grid with power backup and EV charging, the seed will contain a lithium-ion battery, a charge controller for the battery, an automatic transfer switch, a DC to AC solar inverter, an EV charger powered from AC, an onboard computer controlling the vertical and horizontal axis rotations of the PV array and the user interface. The computer will also control the lighting of the device.
The power rating of the Solar inverter, batteries, and EV chargers will depend on the number of solar devices connected and the number of cars to be charged every day. The solar inverter should have at least one Maximum Power Point (Mpp) tracker for each solar device to ensure the continuous operation of the system in the case of failure of one solar device. The cabinet also contains a local and external communication system. The local communication system can be wired or wireless and is used for bi-directional communication between the solar devices and the central computer. Data from the sensors is sent to the central computing system in the seed. Instructions and feedback to and from the motors controlling the dual-axis rotation are transmitted to and from the central computer in the seed.
The external communication is wireless or wired and is used to communicate to and from the cloud portal. Data regarding the production and use of power is sent to the cloud portal as well as the status of all devices. Instructions for the rotation system and the power management systems and their feedback is sent and received to and from the cloud portal.
The installation and operations procedure of PeS removes many of the complexities currently associated with the installation of conventional solar energy systems and consequently reduces the proportionately high Balance of Services (BOS) costs associated with rooftop and utility solar panel installation. It also reduces installation time.
First, owing to the PeS SEHR device being an integrated device, the number of agencies involved with supply, transport, logistics, installation and commissioning is limited to one entity. This eases coordination, logistics and installation procedures. Secondly, owing to its small footprint, interventions to the existing urban habitat are limited to a small radius of influence. Thirdly, installation is a simple three-step process-first aligning the base of the central shaft to a North-South direction, second fixing in place the device components—fulcrum (North-South alignment), canopy, outer layer and connecting the device to the Energy Command System (ECS), and third switching on the on-board computer to connect the system to the Device Command System (DCS) and initiate device configuration, operation, and monitoring.
Typically, the process would commence with an in-depth analysis of the proposed location of the PeS SFHR device or network of PeS SEHR devices by the central server. This task is accomplished by creating layers of interrelated information and data such as topographic maps, satellite maps, shadow maps, urban habitat layout maps, built-form maps, transportation system maps, meteorological data, geological data, and weather data. Once these layers are created, the overlay map and data are analyzed and the most efficient device location points, device configuration, and network configuration are determined.
The obtained configuration settings and database are then assigned a specified serial number, which is linked to the GPS coordinates of a specified device. The serial number is then allocated to a device, which when activated, draws its configuration and operational settings from the central server.
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In various embodiments, each petal of plurality of solar panel petals 520 is an isosceles trapezoid that is curved from the shorter base to the longer base and is connected to fulcrum 530 at the shorter base.
In various embodiments, each petal of plurality of solar panel petals 520 can be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid.
In various embodiments, each petal of plurality of solar panel petals 520 includes a top transparent and protective layer, a central solar photovoltaic layer, and a lower structural layer.
In various embodiments, the lower structural layer is a single surface.
In various embodiments, the lower structural layer includes two surfaces sandwiching a structural element.
In various embodiments, the structural element includes a set of multiple cross-sections arranged parallel to each other.
In various embodiments, the structural element includes a network of metal tubes welded together.
In various embodiments, plurality of solar panel petals 520 is connected to fulcrum 530 through a central joining piece.
In various embodiments, fulcrum 530 includes an axis rotation system where both vertical and horizontal axis rotations are done by means of slewing drives.
In various embodiments, fulcrum 530 includes an axis rotation system where vertical axis rotation is undertaken using two double or single ball or roller bearings.
In various embodiments, fulcrum 530 includes an axis rotation system where horizontal axis rotation occurs in fulcrum 530 between an element connecting to a petal of plurality of solar panel petals 520 and an element connecting to a vertical axis system.
In various embodiments, fulcrum 530 includes a ring housing that encloses the axis rotation system.
In various embodiments, the ring housing includes a top ring of lights to illuminate the bottom of plurality of solar panel petals 520.
In various embodiments, thee ring housing includes a bottom ring of lights to illuminate central pole 510.
In step 1710 of method 1700, a sun-tracking fulcrum is connected to a central pole.
In step 1720, a plurality of solar panel petals is connected to the fulcrum. The fulcrum both rotates and tilts the plurality of solar panel pedals with respect to a location of the sun.
While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as is appreciated by those of skill in the art.
Further, in describing various embodiments, the specification may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments.
The present application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/268,710, filed on Mar. 1, 2022, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US23/63387 | 2/28/2023 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63268710 | Mar 2022 | US |