AU2014274557B2 - An apparatus for collecting solar radiation - Google Patents

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR COLLECTING SOLAR RADIATION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for collecting solar radiation. Background

Existing solar systems suffer from several disadvantages.

Specifically, existing solar systems generally require a large horizontal surface, such as a rooftop or the like for deployment. Such large horizontal surfaces are not always available, especially in built-up urban environments.

Furthermore, existing solar systems are prone to damage during inclement weather.

Furthermore, existing solar systems are generally static in nature and therefore not adapted for maximising the collection of solar radiation as the sun tracks across the sky.

Specifically, publication US 4028893 discloses the prior art apparatus substantially shown in Fig.l. The disclosure of this publication relates to capturing the movement of moving gas using cups. However, the apparatus according to this publication suffers from the above- mentioned disadvantages including of being prone to damage during inclement weather. For example, the apparatus according to this publication cannot be stowed during high winds other than arranging the solar collectors horizontally, resulting in the apparatus and especially the solar collectors being prone to damage.

Furthermore, publication US 2010/0282315 discloses the prior art apparatus as substantially shown in Fig. 2. The apparatus according to this publication seeks to maximise solar collection by way of a V-beam mouth. However, such apparatus similarly suffers from disadvantages of being prone to damage during inclement weather. Specifically, the large cross-section of the apparatus renders the apparatus prone to forces from high wind velocity. Furthermore, the apparatus is not particular suited for maximising the collection of solar radiation of the sun tracks across the sky. Specifically, the entire solar collector of the apparatus according to this publication can only be orientated according to one orientation, whereas it would be advantages to be able to capture light emanating from different directions, such as from cloud reflection building reflection and the like. Furthermore, the solar collector is prone to damage such as during hailstorms and the like. Furthermore, publication WO2007109901 discloses a support structure for solar collectors having pivotal mountings for each solar collector. However the apparatus according to this publication similarly suffers from disadvantages in being prone to wind shear and the like and furthermore not being stowable during inclement weather.

The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for collecting solar radiation, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary

According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for collecting solar radiation, the apparatus comprising at least one solar collector, wherein, in use, the apparatus is configurable in a deployed configuration for substantially maximising the collection of solar radiation by the at least one solar collector; and a stowed configuration.

Advantageously, the apparatus offers the flexibility of being configurable in a deployed and stowed configuration.

Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a substantially upright support structure.

Advantageously, the upright support structure may provide support in the deployed configuration.

Preferably, the substantially upright support structure may be collapsible.

Preferably, the substantially upright support structure may be vertically collapsible.

Advantageously, the upright support structure may be collapsed to reduce weather damage.

Preferably, the substantially upright support structure comprises a scissor mechanism.

Advantageously, the scissor mechanism provides a stable support for the substantially upright support structure in both the deployed and stowed configuration.

Preferably, the substantially upright support structure is telescopic.

Advantageously, the length of the substantially upright support structure can be adjusted.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a base coupled to the support structure, and wherein the base is rotatably coupled to the support structure. Preferably, the apparatus is configurable to rotate the support structure to substantially maximise the collection of solar radiation by the at least one solar collector.

Advantageously, the apparatus may rotate to track the sun for maximum solar radiation collection.

Preferably, the base comprises an interior adapted for storing electronic componentry therein in use.

Advantageously, electronic componentry can be safely and conveniently stored for use.

Preferably, the base comprises an interior adapted for storing one or more energy storage devices therein in use.

Advantageously, one or more energy storage devices can be safely and conveniently stored for use.

Preferably, the base comprises at least one connection for connecting at least one support arm.

Advantageously, the at least one connection allows for more solar collectors to be connected to the apparatus for the collection of solar radiation.

Preferably, the at least one solar collector comprises at least two panels.

Advantageously, the surface area for the collection of solar radiation can be increased.

Preferably, the angle between the at least two panels is configurable in use.

Preferably, the at least one solar collector further comprises a hinge between the at least two panels.

Advantageously, the angle of solar panels may be adjusted according to the location of the sun.

Preferably, the hinge is an active hinge.

Advantageously, the rotation of the solar panel about the hinge can be controlled automatically.

Preferably, the active hinge comprises an electric actuator.

Advantageously, the rotation of the solar panel about the hinge can be electrically controlled.

Preferably, the active hinge comprises a control interface for receiving control signals for the electric actuator. Advantageously, the control interface allows for easy installation.

Preferably, the hinge is able to angle the panels with respect to each other by greater than 180°.

Advantageously, the solar panels may be rotated to arbitrary angles for maximum solar radiation collection.

Preferably, the active hinge is adapted for positioning each panel independently.

Advantageously, the solar collector may be positioned with flexibility to collect solar radiation.

Preferably, the at least one solar collector comprises at least one panel and wherein the panel is freely pivotable within a pivot range about a pivot axis.

Advantageously, the panels of the solar collector may be rotatable about the pivot axis.

Preferably, the pivot axis is parallel with an elongate axis of the at least one panel.

Advantageously, the panels of the solar collector may be rotatable about the elongate axis of the at least one panel.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises at least one support arm adapted for supporting the at least one solar collector.

Advantageously, solar collector can be readily disuibuted for maximum solar radiation collection.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a connection between the at least one support arm and at least one solar collector.

Advantageously, the at least one solar collector can be well supported to at least one support arm.

Preferably, the connection is located substantially at a terminal end of the at least one support arm.

Preferably, the connection is located substantially midway the support arm.

Preferably, the connection is selectively releasable in use.

Advantageously, the solar panels can be configurable.

Preferably, the connection is adapted to allow the configuration of the rotation of the at least one solar collector. Preferably, the connection is adapted to allow for the configuration of the angle of the at least one solar collector.

Advantageously, the at least one solar collector may be rotated about the connection to maximise solar radiation collection.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figs. 1 to 3 show prior art arrangements;

Fig. 4 shows an apparatus for collecting solar radiation in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 5 shows the apparatus for collecting solar radiation in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a system comprising a plurality of the apparatuses of Fig. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 7 shows a solar collector of the apparatus of Fig. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention ;

Fig. 8 shows a solar collector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 shows the solar collector of Fig. 9 without the solar collectors;

Fig. 10 shows a support arm and associated solar collector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 11 shows the support of Fig. 10 wherein the solar collector is rotated about the connection point in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 12 and 13 show a hinge between the panels of the solar collector and the arrangement of the panels less than 180° and greater than 180° with respect to each other in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 shows the support arm of Fig. 10 comprising three solar collectors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 15 shows the panels of the solar collector being freely rotatable about a pivot point so as to be resistant against wind shear;

Fig. 16 shows a collapsible apparatus for collecting solar radiation in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 17 shows a collapsible apparatus of Fig. 16 in the collapsed configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 18 shows two hinges between the panels of the solar collector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 shows the frame design to accommodate any arbitrary size of the panels. Description of Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. Apparatus for collecting solar radiation

Turning to Fig. 4, there is shown an apparatus 100 for collecting solar radiation. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a substantially upright base 105. Generally, the upright base 105 is about 5 m in height. However, it should be noted that the base 105 may be of any suitable height depending on the application.

Referring to Fig. 4, the upright base 105 comprises abutting semi-cylinders, being not only aesthetically pleasing but also providing a recess for the stowing of a plurality of solar collectors 110 in an embodiment as will be described in further details below. It should be noted that the upright base 105 may comprise apertures for reducing wind shear.

The apparatus 100 provides advantages in energy absorption and weather resilience including resilience to wind shear wind shear and weather damage. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 provides additional aesthetic advantages in collecting solar radiation. The apparatus 100 in general can be adapted to retrofit within the building environment, such as atop roofs, streetlight poles and the like. Moreover, the apparatus 100 may be deployed in other environments not limited to outer space vehicles to deliver a greater power with sufficient robustness against damage while requiring less maintenance.

It should be noted that the base 105 may take on different configurations as opposed to that given in Fig. 4. Specifically, referring to Fig. 5, there is shown an alternative embodiment wherein the base 105 comprises a substantially upright base 105 comprising shaped and intertwining tubes. The base 105 in this embodiment comprises advantages in low cross- section, thereby reducing wind shear.

However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the base 105 need not necessarily be upright and may take on other configurations, such as a horizontally extending base 105 so as to, for example, be suited for extending edgeways from building structures. The base 105 could also be a collapsible framework.

Coupled to the substantially upright base 105 is at least one solar collector 110, the at least one solar collector 110 adapted for collecting solar radiation.

Different solar collectors 110 may be employed as the case may be. In one embodiment, the solar collectors 110 may comprise photovoltaic junctions adapted for converting solar radiation into electricity. In this regard, the apparatus 100 may comprise requisite inverters for converting the electrical power into usable electrical power. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 may comprise appropriate electrical wiring for conveying the electrical power from the solar collectors 110 through the base 105. In one embodiment, as will be described in further details below, the solar collectors 110 may be pivotable and/or the base 105 may be rotatable so as to allow for the repositioning of the at least one solar collector 110 in accordance with the position of the sun. In this regard, the apparatus 100 may be adapted such that the electrical wiring is adapted for bridging the pivot and rotation points of the apparatus 100. In this regard, either the electrical wiring may be flexible, so as to, for example, be able to bridge the pivot point of each solar collector 110. Yet further, the apparatus 100 may comprise a rotatable electrical connector so as to allow the free rotation of the base 105 without compromising the electrical connection to the solar collectors 110.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one solar collector 110 comprises a solar collector conduit (not shown), wherein in use, the solar collector conduit is adapted for transporting an energy absorption fluid.

In this manner, the apparatus 100 is adapted for heating a fluid, such as water or other appropriate solvent, including for the purposes of warming hot water tanks and the like. In this manner, the base 105 comprises an energy absorption fluid conduit (also not shown) in fluid communication with the solar collector conduit of the solar collector 110. In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises a pump, such as an electrical pump, for pumping the energy absorption fluid through the solar collector conduit and the energy absorption fluid conduit. In other embodiments, the apparatus 100 need not necessarily comprise the pump, relying instead on convection. In a similar manner as described above with reference to the photovoltaic embodiment, the solar collector conduit and energy absorption fluid conduit may be adapted so as to not impede the pivotability of the solar collectors 100 attached to the base 105.

Now, there will be described a preferred embodiment wherein the apparatus 100 is configurable in accordance with the position of the sun so as to increase the solar collecting capabilities of the at least one solar collector 110.

In one embodiment, the base 105 is rotatable. In this manner, as the sun tracks across the sky, the base 105 rotates so as to position the solar collectors 110 in a favourable position for solar collection.

Additionally, or alternatively, each solar collector may be coupled to the base 105 along at least one axis. Specifically, making reference to Fig. 7, there is shown the solar collector 110 comprising a pivot 405. Preferably, the pivot 405 is adapted for allowing the solar collector 110 to be positioned along both a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. In the embodiment given in Fig. 7, there is shown the pivot 405 located substantially at the solar collector 110. However, the pivot 405 may be located substantially at the base 105 of the apparatus 100 wherein the collector 110 is coupled to the pivot 405 by way of stem 410.

Now, so as to configure the apparatus 100 in accordance with the position of the sun, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a position actuator.

In one embodiment, the position actuator (not shown) is adapted to simply position the apparatus 100 in accordance with a solar almanac. For example, the position actuator may position the solar collectors 110 and/or the base 105 in accordance with the known position of the sun. In this regard, the position actuator may be electric, such as controlled by an electronic controller (not shown), or the position actuator may be mechanical, such as by being driven by a clockwork apparatus or the like.

Wherein the position actuator positions in accordance with a solar almanac, the apparatus 100 would be installed in accordance in a particular configuration. However, in an alternative embodiment, the apparatus 100 further comprises a solar tracker (not shown) comprising a solar sensor adapted for sensing the position of the sun. In this manner, the apparatus 100 need not specifically be configured in any particular configuration, wherein the solar tracker would automate the tracking of the sun no matter the actual position of the sun. Again, in this manner, the solar tracker may be electric and controlled by way of electronic controller (not shown). In this regard, the solar tracker may comprise a sun sensor to sense the position of the sun. Such a sun sensor may be realised by way of differential photo sensor (such as photodiode, phototransistor or the like) either side of a shield wherein a current imbalance between each differential photo sensor is amplified for the purposes of controlling a motor or the like so as to correct the imbalance. Typically, a pair of differential photo sensors are used for each axis, wherein four photo senses apart two shields (in x configuration) are adapted for allowing the tracking of the sun both vertically and horizontally.

Alternatively, the solar tracker may be a mechanical solar tracker comprising a mechanical irradiated differential pressure actuator. Specifically, the apparatus 100 may comprise differential pressure actuator is comprising fluid adapted to expand in accordance with temperature. Such differential pressure actuators would similarly be spaced about a shield. In this manner, should the shield cast a shadow on one of the differential pressure actuators, the other would be irradiated and rise in temperature. Such would cause a differential pressure between the differential pressure actuators so as to allow the mechanical adjustment (such as by way of hydraulic actuator) of the apparatus 100.

Referring again to Fig. 4, the solar collector 110 may be substantially concave, and in particular have a substantially V shaped cross-section. In this manner, the solar collector 110 is adapted to collect reflected sunlight also reflected from the adjacent solar collector 110 portion. The solar collector 110 can be adjusted to accommodate any size of solar panel(s). To further accommodate for any arbitrary size of the panel for increased surface area of solar radiation exposure, Fig. 19 shows a possible frame design.

Referring again to Fig. 4, there is shown the apparatus 100 comprising the plurality of solar collectors 110. In this regard, each solar collector 110 may be positioned so as to minimise the casting shadows on the other of the plurality of solar collectors 110. Such a positioning may be fixed position, or dynamic positioning wherein, typically the lower solar collectors 110 would extend further outward as opposed to the upper solar collectors 110 such that each of the plurality of solar collectors 1 10 receives the same amount of solar radiation. In this regard, each solar collector stem 410 may similarly be extendable, weather by being fixed in extension, or being able to dynamically extend, such as by way of suitable extension actuator. In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 may be configurable in a collecting configuration wherein the at least one solar collector 1 10 is deployed for collecting solar radiation and also configurable in a stowed configuration, wherein the at least one solar collector 1 10 is stowed. In this manner, the apparatus 100 may be stowed during inclement weather, such as weather comprising high wind velocity, low sunlight levels and the like.

The apparatus may be manually collapsible, such as by way of comprising a suitable lever (not shown) or the like. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 may be collapsed in an automated manner, wherein the apparatus 100 comprises a weather sensor (such as a wind vane or solar radiation level meter) operably coupled to an extension actuator (also not shown) so as to automate the configuration of the apparatus 100.

In the stowed configuration, the solar collectors 110 may be stowed. Alternatively, or additionally, the base 105 may be collapsed.

As alluded to above, and referring to the embodiment given in Fig. 1 where the base 105 comprises co-located semi-cylinders, in the stowed configuration, the at least one solar collector 100 may be stowed within each semi-cylinder. Of course, other stowed configurations may be applicable as the case may be. For example, and referring to the embodiments described above where the solar collector 110 is substantially V shaped, the solar collector 110 may be adapted for folding together in the stowed configuration, much like a Venus flytrap.

Also, in the stowed configuration the base 105 may be collapsed. In this embodiment, the base 105 may be telescopic or may comprise a scissor mechanism.

Solar collector system

Referring to Fig. 6, there is shown a solar collector system 300 comprising a plurality of co- located apparatuses 100. Such a system 300 would be adapted for use in applications requiring increased solar radiation absorption, or applications in greater real estate for the deployment of the system 300. In the system 300, each apparatus 100 may be separately rotatable depending on the position of the sun. Alternatively, or additionally, a base 310 of the system 300 may also be configured for rotation. Also, in one embodiment, as is apparent from the embodiment given in Fig. 3, each of the apparatuses 100 may be deployed atop an extension 305 so as to allow for the deployment of each apparatus at a different height so as to maximise solar collection. Such extension 305 may be fixed in extension, or dynamic in extension. Preferred embodiments

Now, referring to Fig. 8 onwards, there will be described preferred embodiments. It should be noted that these embodiments described herein are preferable embodiments only and that no technical limitations should necessarily be imputed to the scope of the claimed invention. Specifically, referring to Fig. 8, there is described in apparatus 800 according to a first preferred embodiment. A second preferred embodiment is presented in Fig. 16 having collapsibility characteristics and will be described in further details below.

As is apparent, the apparatus 800 comprises a plurality of solar collectors 110. In the embodiment given in Fig. 8, the apparatus 800 shown in the deployed configuration wherein the solar collectors 110 are deployed so as to maximise the collection of solar radiation and to minimise the effect of wind shear. The apparatus 800 would take on the deployed configuration during fine weather conditions so as to maximise the capture of the available sunlight wherein the solar collectors 110 are located and positioned so as to face the sun, avoid casting shadows on adjacent solar collectors 110 and the like. During inclement weather such as during high wind and the like, the apparatus 800 may take on a stowed configuration to be described in further details below.

The apparatus 800 comprises a plurality of support aims 805 which will be described in further details below. The support arms 805 are adapted to support at least one solar collector. As will be described in further details below, the support arms 805 are adapted to support more than one solar collector, and, in a preferred embodiment, comprise a plurality of connection points to which solar collectors 110 may be connected as the case may be. The support aims 805 are configurable in use so as to configure the position and orientation of the respective solar collector 110.

The apparatus 800 further comprises a support structure 810 or "backbone" to provide rigidity and strength to the apparatus 800. In the embodiment given, the support structure 810 comprises a spiralled structure, providing not only structural and also aesthetic properties.

The apparatus 800 further comprises a base 815. In the embodiment given, the base 815 as substantially cylindrical. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure 810 is able to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the base 815 by an appropriate mechanical couplings, such as upper and lower cylindrical bearings. As is apparent, the upper and lower cylindrical bearings supported by inwardly projecting braces. The base 815 and the support arms 805 are adapted to allow for the storage of attendant electronic equipment such as inverters, controllers, batteries and the like.

Referring to Fig.9, there is shown the apparatus with the solar collectors 110 removed for visual clarity. As is apparent, the apparatus 800 comprises the plurality of support arms 805 configured in the deployed configuration.

Each support arm 805 may comprise a terminal connector 825 for connection with a terminal solar collector 110. Furthermore, each support arm 805 may comprise a universal coupling 835 which may be used to configure the orientation of the terminal coupling 825. It should be noted that while the universal coupling 835 is shown proximate to the terminal connector 825, the universal coupling 835 may be located at different locations of the support arm 805. In certain embodiments, each support arm 805 may comprise more than one universal coupling 835.

Furthermore, each support arm 805 comprises a plurality of intermediate connectors 830. As will be described in further details below, the intermediate connectors 830 are adapted for supporting intermediate solar collectors 110 (not shown), these being solar collectors 110 located on the support on 805 at any point other than the terminal connector 825.

In a preferred embodiment, each support on 805 is modular, so as to allow for the configuration of each support arm 805 according to a desired configuration. In this manner, the length of the support arm 805 may be configured. Furthermore, the number of intermediate connectors 830 may be configured.

The apparatus 800 may further comprise a base plate 820. As is apparent, the base plate 820 as substantially circular, so as to allow for the rotation of the support structure 810. In this regard, the support structure 810 is fastened to the base plate 820 such that the two rotate simultaneously. In other embodiments, it should be noted that the base plate 820 may take on other shapes and may be fixed in place, as opposed to being rotatable.

In one embodiment, the base plate 820 may comprise a plurality of connection points to which various support arms 805 and the like may be attached.

Referring now to Fig. 10, there is shown a support arm 805 in further details. As is apparent, the support aim 805 attached to the solar collector 110 at the terminal connector 825. As is also apparent, the support arm 805 comprises two intermediate connectors 830. Also, in one embodiment, the support arm 805 provided in Fig. 10 is fastened in the manner substantially shown on Fig. 9. However, in other embodiments, the support arm 805 may be fixed to a support structure, such as a roof apex by way of fasteners 845. Fasteners 845 can be permanently fixed or slidingly attached to the support arm 805.

In the embodiment shown, there is shown an active hinge 850 connected between the terminal connection 825 and the solar collector 110. The active hinge 850 allows the folding of the panels of the solar collector 110. As such, in the stowed configuration, the active hinge 850 is configured such that the panels of the solar collector 110 substantially configured against each other. Conversely, in the deployed configuration, the active hinge 850 is configured such that the panels of the solar collector 110 are located away from each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the active hinge 850 comprises an electric motor and appropriate gearing so as to allow for the active opening and closing of the panels of the solar collector 110. As alluded to above, in addition to the opening and closing of the panels of the solar collector 110, the terminal connector 825 allows the angle and rotation of the solar collector 110 to be configured as well. In this manner, the solar collector 110 may be positioned in the most appropriate suitable position for maximising the collection of solar radiation.

Similarly, for the intermediate connectors 830, one or active connector 850 and associated solar collectors 110 may be connected to the intermediate connectors 830. In a similar manner, the intermediate connectors 830 may be adapted to allow for the controlling of the rotation and also angle of the solar collector 110.

Specifically, referring to Fig. 11, there is shown the rotation of the solar collector 110 about the terminal connector 825. In this manner, as the sun tracks across the sky, the solar collector 110 may be appropriately angled and rotated so as to capture the maximum amount of sunlight from the sun. At any time, or during inclement weather, the panels of the solar collector 110 may be drawn together by the active hinge 850 so as to minimise potential for damage.

In one embodiment, the active hinge 850 is configured such that the panels move simultaneously. However, in other embodiments, the active hinge 850 may be configured such that each panel is adapted to move independently of the associated panel, so as to provide advantages in positionability of the panels of the solar collectors 110.

Referring to Fig. 12, there is shown in an embodiment where it is apparent that the single active hinge 850 is able to locate the panels of the solar collector 1 10 greater than 180° apart. Similarly, referring to f Fig.13, there is shown the singe active hinge 850 locate in the panels less than 180° apart. Both solar collectors 110 can be rotated at an angle relative to each other. For even greater flexibility and control, dual hinges shown in Fig. 18 as the alternative embodiment can be used to independently control the panels of the solar collector 110.

Referring to Fig. 14, there is shown in an embodiment where the solar collectors 110 are located not only at the terminal connector 825 of the support arm 805, but also at the intermediate connectors 830. As is apparent, in this configuration, the solar collectors 110 are substantially adjacent. So as to rotate the solar collectors 110 without adjacent solar collectors 110 making contact, each active hinge 850 of each solar collector 110 may be adjusted to position the panels of adjacent solar collectors 110 at different elevations, so as to allow the rotation.

In one embodiment, a solar tracking device (not shown) may be located at least one edge of at least one panel of each solar collector 110. In this manner, the measurement from the solar tracking device may be utilised for the purposes of positioning the solar collector 110 appropriately. In this manner, each solar collector 110 may be controlled independently from data received from a respective solar tracking device associated with each solar collector 110.

So as to overcome forces from buffeting, windshear and the like, in one embodiment as substantially shown in Fig. 15, the panels are pivotably movable. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, each panel of each solar collector 110 is about a pivot point 855 so as to allow each panel to withstand windshear force. In this manner, the wind tolerance of the entire apparatus 800 is increased.

Now, referring to figures 16 and 17, there is shown a further embodiment showing a collapsible apparatus 1600. Now, the collapsible apparatus 1600 provides advantages in being able to be stowed when not in use, during inclement weather and the like. Specifically, Fig.16 shows the apparatus 1600 in the deployed configuration wherein the solar collectors 110 are open so as to receive sunlight. The apparatus 1600 would be configured in the deployed configuration shown during sunny weather conditions.

As is apparent, the apparatus 1600 comprises a scissor-type support frame 810. It should be noted that while a scissor type support frame 810 is provided as a preferred embodiment, other types of collapsible support frames may be employed depending on the application, such as telescopic support frames and the like. When not in use, or during inclement weather and the like the scissor type support frame is collapsed as substantially shown in Fig. 17. In this manner, the height and cross-section of the apparatus 1600 is reduced so as to advantageously allow the apparatus 1600 to take up less space, present less cross-section for windshear and the like. As is also apparent from the embodiment shown, the solar collectors 110 are also in the closed configuration.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 1600 may comprise weather sensors such as light meters, wind veins and the like so as to be utilised for determining when to collapse the apparatus 1600 into the stowed configuration. In this manner, the deployment and collapsing of the apparatus 1600 may be performed in a substantially automated manner depending on the prevailing weather conditions.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word

"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the solar energy industries.

Claims (28)

Claims

1. An apparatus for collecting solar radiation, the apparatus comprising at least one solar collector, wherein, in use, the apparatus is configurable in:

a deployed configuration for substantially maximising the collection of solar radiation by the at least one solar collector; and

a stowed configuration.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a substantially upright support structure.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the substantially upright support structure is collapsible.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the substantially upright support structure is vertically collapsible.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the substantially upright support structure comprises a scissor mechanism.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the substantially upright support structure is telescopic.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the apparatus further comprises a base coupled to the support structure, and wherein the base is rotatably coupled to the support structure.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein in use, the apparatus is configurable to rotate the support structure to substantially maximise the collection of solar radiation by the at least one solar collector.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the base comprises an interior adapted for storing electronic componentry therein in use.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the base comprises an interior adapted for storing one or more energy storage devices therein in use.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the base comprises at least one connection for connecting at least one support arm.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one solar collector comprises at least two panels.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the angle between the at least two panels is configurable in use.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one solar collector further comprises a hinge between the at least two panels.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the hinge is an active hinge.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the active hinge comprises an electric actuator.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the active hinge comprises a control interface for receiving control signals for the electric actuator.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the hinge is able to angle the panels with respect to each other by greater than 180°.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the active hinge is adapted for positioning each panel independently.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one solar collector comprises at least one panel and wherein the panel is freely pivotable within a pivot range about a pivot axis.

21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pivot axis is parallel with an elongate axis of the at least one panel.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one support aim adapted for supporting the at least one solar collector.

23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, further comprising a connection between the at least one support arm and at least one solar collector.

24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the connection is located substantially at a terminal end of the at least one support arm.

25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the connection is located substantially midway the support arm.

26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the connection is selectively releasable in use.

27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the connection is adapted to allow the configuration of the rotation of the at least one solar collector.

28. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the connection is adapted to allow for the configuration of the angle of the at least one solar collector.