AU2018282464A1 - Solar Panel Support Frames for Towers - Google Patents
Solar Panel Support Frames for Towers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2018282464A1 AU2018282464A1 AU2018282464A AU2018282464A AU2018282464A1 AU 2018282464 A1 AU2018282464 A1 AU 2018282464A1 AU 2018282464 A AU2018282464 A AU 2018282464A AU 2018282464 A AU2018282464 A AU 2018282464A AU 2018282464 A1 AU2018282464 A1 AU 2018282464A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- pair
- tower
- arms
- frame
- side bracing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000036561 sun exposure Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 27
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 27
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 2
- 244000144972 livestock Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009432 framing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/61—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures
- F24S25/613—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing to the ground or to building structures in the form of bent strips or assemblies of strips; Hook-like connectors; Connectors to be mounted between building-covering elements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/65—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for coupling adjacent supporting elements, e.g. for connecting profiles together
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/70—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surface; with means for compensating mounting tolerances
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
- Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
Abstract
A frame adapted to be mounted on a three-legged tower for supporting one or more solar panels, comprising: an apex bracket adapted to couple to a leg of the tower; a pair of side bracing arms, each side bracing arm having a first end adapted to secure to the apex bracket and a second end for securing to a respective one of the other tower legs by way of a securing arrangement; a pair of solar panel supporting arms having a first end coupled to the side bracing arms and a second end that extends away from the tower; and wherein the apex bracket comprises one or more pivot points allowing at least one of lateral and vertical movement of the side bracing arms. Figure 1 Figure 1
Description
Field of invention
The present invention relates to frames that are adapted to be mounted on a three or four-legged steel tower for supporting one or more solar panels.
Background of invention
Water pumping windmills, also commonly referred to as “windpumps”, convert the energy of wind into rotational energy by means of a wheel or fan comprising a number of sails or blades. Traditional Australian windmills typically comprise a tapered steel tower to support the windmill head and wheel. Windmills operate by the wind rotating the wheel in order to pump water from its supply (bores, dams etc).
There are currently a large number of ageing windmills throughout Australia. The two main types of windmills are three and four-legged tapered steel tower windmills. Whilst there is a shortage of expertise to maintain and repair these Traditional Australian windmills, there remains the need for a reliable, cost effective means to pump water.
Solar power is a growing industry in Australia. Solar power for pumping water is becoming increasingly cost effective and requires minimal expertise for installation and repair. In certain environments, such as Australia, solar power is also significantly more reliable than wind power due to the hot Australian climate. At times of greatest need (for watering stock), solar energy provides a reliable source of
2018282464 21 Dec 2018 power, i.e. on the hottest days, when wind may be minimal or absent, solar energy is plentiful.
Dedicated support structures have been proposed for supporting solar panels in regional areas. Such a dedicated support structure is disclosed in published US Patent Application No. 2011/0271608. The tower structure enables the solar panels to be tilted to facilitate maximum exposure to sunlight. However, the tower structure is particularly complex and comprises many moving parts. This results in a structure that is costly to both fabricate and install.
It would be advantageous if there was provided a cost-effective means for installing solar panels in regional and remote areas, making use of existing infrastructure.
Summary of invention
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a frame adapted to be mounted on a three-legged tower for supporting one or more solar panels, comprising, an apex bracket adapted to couple to a leg of the tower; a pair of side bracing arms, each side bracing arm having a first end adapted to secure to the apex bracket and a second end for securing to a respective one of the other tower legs by way of a securing arrangement; a pair of solar panel supporting arms having a first end coupled to the side bracing arms and a second end that extends away from the tower; and wherein the apex bracket is adapted to be located at a greater
2018282464 21 Dec 2018 height than the securing arrangement to enable the supporting arms to be set at a desired angle for maximising sun exposure.
In an embodiment the pair of side bracing arms are coupled to the apex bracket such that the pair of side bracing arms are adapted to pivot in one or more planes.
In an embodiment the pair of side bracing arms pivot in two planes.
In an embodiment the securing arrangement comprises a knuckle joint that allows the pair of solar panel supporting arms to extend from the tower so that they are generally parallel to one another.
In an embodiment the pair of solar panel supporting arms extend parallel to one another at varying angles of incidence.
In an embodiment a pair of parallel solar panel mounting rails are transversely located on the pair of solar panel supporting arms.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a frame adapted to be mounted on a four-legged tower for supporting one or more solar panels, comprising: a pair of side bracing arms having a first end and a second end,
2018282464 21 Dec 2018 wherein the second end extends away from the tower and has a solar panel support portion; a pair of end bracing arms connecting the side bracing arms such that the pair of side bracing arms and the pair of end bracing arms surround the lattice tower; and a securing arrangement securing the pair of end bracing arms to the tower.
In an embodiment one of the pair of end bracing arms is secured to an upper transverse cross member of the lattice tower and the other pair of end bracing arms is secured to a lower transverse cross member.
In an embodiment the solar panel support portion is comprised of a solar panel support arm secured to the pair of side bracing arms.
In an embodiment a pair of parallel solar panel mounting rails are transversely located on the solar panel support portion.
In an embodiment the securing arrangement is comprised of a holding portion received by a backing plate, wherein the backing plate comprises a projection for bearing on an inner wall of a leg of the tower.
In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a fastening arrangement for fastening a first tubular member having a circular cross section to an upright having an L-shaped cross section, comprising: a U-bolt adapted to pass
2018282464 21 Dec 2018 over and receive both the first tubular member and upright and wherein, when so received, the first tubular member bears on a loop portion of the U-bolt; and a backing plate having a central projection extending from a bearing face and a pair of through holes located on either side of the central projection, wherein, in use, each hole is adapted to receive a respective threaded end of the U-bolt such that the projection bears on an inner wall of the L-shaped cross section.
In accordance with a fourth aspect there is provided a frame adapted to be mounted on a three-legged tower for supporting one or more solar panels, comprising: an apex bracket adapted to couple to a leg of the tower; a pair of side bracing arms, each side bracing arm having a first end adapted to secure to the apex bracket and a second end for securing to a respective one of the other tower legs by way of a securing arrangement; a pair of solar panel supporting arms having a first end coupled to the side bracing arms and a second end that extends away from the tower; and wherein the apex bracket comprises one or more pivot points allowing at least one of lateral and vertical movement of the side bracing arms.
In an embodiment the apex bracket allows for movement of the side bracing arms in both a lateral and vertical plane for setting both a height of the frame and an angle of descent for the side bracing arms.
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
Brief description of drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is front perspective view of a frame in use mounted to a three-legged lattice tower, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the frame of Figure 1 mounted to a three-legged tapered metal tower;
Figure 3a is a top view of a pivotable apex bracket for attaching to side bracing arms, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3b is a side perspective view of the pivotable apex bracket of Figure 3a;
Figure 3c is a side view of the pivotable apex bracket clamped to a rear tower leg, in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 4 is a top exploded view of the frame of Figure 1;
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a knuckle joint secured to a tower leg, in accordance with an embodiment;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a frame mounted to a four-legged lattice tower, in accordance with an alternative embodiment;
Figure 7 is an assembled top view of the frame of Figure 6 sans tower; and
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the securing means shown in Figures 6 and 7.
Detailed description
Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to frames for attaching solar panels to three or four-legged windmill towers. As will become evident from subsequent paragraphs, the frame provides various advantages, including allowing one or more solar panels to be positioned on an existing tapered steel tower at a height that allows for maintenance to be carried out safely, while keeping the panels out of reach of livestock and feral animals. The frames can be made from cheap and readily available materials and can be installed and ready for use in a short period of time. Further, minimal expertise is required for the frame and solar panel installation and maintenance.
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
Figure 1 depicts a front perspective view of a framing system in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The system of Figure 1 comprises a frame (1) that is adapted for securing to a tapered three-legged tower (2) having Lshaped, steel angle legs. As shown, the frame (1) comprises of a pair of side bracing arms (3a, 3b) taking the form of elongate lengths of rectangular hollow section (RHS) tube steel. The side bracing arms (3a, 3b) are secured to the tower (2) by way of a pair of securing arrangements (4) and a pivotable apex bracket (5).
The pivotable apex bracket (5) is securable to a first leg of the tower (2), preferably the leg opposite to the tower face exposed to maximum sun exposure. As is best shown in Figure 2, the frame (1) is adapted for carrying one or more solar panels (12) and is mounted to the tower (2) at a lower height than the blades, allowing for maintenance to be carried out safely, while keeping the solar panels (12) out of reach of livestock and feral animals.
With additional reference to Figures 3a, 3b and 3c, a first end of each side bracing arm (3a, 3b) is secured to a respective side of the pivotable apex bracket (5). A second end of each side bracing arm (3a, 3b) is secured to respective second and third legs of the tower (2), by way of a securing arrangement (4). A pair of parallel solar panel supporting arms (6a, 6b) extend outwardly from the tower (2) from the second ends of the side bracing arms (3a, 3b). As shown, the side bracing arms (3a, 3b) follow the outside of the tower (2) and descend at an adjustable angle, before attaching to the securing arrangement (4) for securing to the tower’s frontal legs.
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
In more detail, the pivotable apex bracket (5) comprises a clamping arrangement (7a) and a pivoting arrangement (7b). According to the illustrated embodiment, the clamping arrangement (7a) comprises a V-shaped length of steel angle (7c) having a longitudinal internal wall adapted to bear on a correspondingly shaped outer wall of the first tower leg. Flanges (7p) extend from either side of the length of steel angle (7c) at both ends. Through holes (7d) are located in each flange. Once suitably positioned on the rear tower leg, a first and second clamping plate (7e, 7f) of the clamping arrangement (7a) are located adjacent to an inner wall of the rear tower leg at opposite ends of the length of steel angle (7c). The clamping plates (7e, 7f) are located such that through holes (7d) at each end of each plate (7e, 7f) register with corresponding through holes (7d) in the flanges. Bolts are then passed through each set of through holes (7d) and nuts tightened over the bolt end for clamping the clamping arrangement (7a) to the rear tower leg. This is best shown in Figure 3c.
Returning to Figure 3a, the pivoting arrangement (7b) comprises a bracing arm receiving portion (7h) comprising an opposing pair of steel plates (7i, j) that are connected to an outer wall of the V-shaped angle (7c) via a pivotable coupling. Through holes (7d) are located at each end of the steel plates (7i, 7j). During installation, the first end of each side bracing arm (3a, 3b) locates between the steel plates (7i, 7j) at respective ends thereof, such that through holes (7d) located in the first end align with the though holes in the corresponding bracing arm receiving portion (7h). A bolt is then passed through each of the through holes (providing a pivot point), allowing the side bracing arms (3a, 3b) to pivot in a first plane, i.e. inwardly and outwardly with respect to the walls of the tower (2), thereby allowing the io
2018282464 21 Dec 2018 frame (1) to be fitted to three-legged towers of varying sizes, at any desired height, and set at any desired angle.
According to the illustrated embodiment, the pivotable coupling comprises two pairs of transverse members (7k, 7I and 7m, 7n) extending from the V-shaped angle (7c) and a bracing arm receiving portion (7h) that are pivotally coupled by way of a bolt passing through opposing holes at the end of each member. The pivotable coupling forms a second pivot point, advantageously allowing the side bracing arms (3a, 3b) to pivot in a second plane (i.e. upwardly and downwardly with respect to the tower) for allowing the bracing arms (3a, 3b) to descend at a desired angle, in turn setting a desired angle of incidence for the solar panel(s), i.e. to thereby achieve maximum sunlight exposure.
With further reference to Figure 4, the frame (1) is illustrated in greater detail in an un-assembled state. As previously described, the first end of each of the side bracing arms (3a, 3b) are received by the apex bracket (5), while the second end of each of the side bracing arms (3a, 3b) are respectively received by a knuckle joint, forming part of the securing arrangement (4).
In more detail, and with additional reference to Figure 5, the knuckle joint of each securing arrangement (4) takes the form of a pair of arm receiving portions (4a, 4b). Arm receiving portion (4a) is adapted to slidingly receive and fixedly secure to a corresponding one of the side bracing arms (3a, 3b). Accordingly, an inner cavity of the receiving portion (4a) has the same profile as the outer profile of the side bracing
2018282464 21 Dec 2018 arm (3a) and is slightly larger in size for achieving a close sliding fit.
Correspondingly, the receiving portion (4b) is adapted to slidingly receive a corresponding one of the solar panel supporting arms (6a, 6b). However, the inner cavity of the receiving portion (4b) has a larger horizontal dimension than the outer profile of the supporting arms, allowing movement in the lateral plane whilst maintaining a close sliding fit in the vertical plane. According to the illustrated embodiment, the receiving portion (4a) is formed of RHS tubular steel, while the receiving portion (4b) is formed of square hollow section SHS tubular steel. The receiving portion (4b) is welded on top of the receiving portion (4a) at an offset that allows for the solar panel supporting arms (6a, 6b) to extend away from the tower with enough lateral movement to be positioned and fastened parallel to one another regardless of the angle chosen. One or more threaded cavities extend into each receiving portion (4a, 4b) for receiving bolt ends that, in use, can be screwed into the portions (4a, 4b) for fixing the arms (3a, 3b, 6a, 6b) in place.
A transverse threaded bolt projection (4c) extends from both a top and bottom wall of the securing arrangement (4). In use, the securing arrangement (4) is located adjacent the desired tower leg, such that a side face bears on an outer wall of the tower leg and such that the tower leg is received between the two threaded bolt projections (4c). A backing plate (10) having through holes at each end is subsequently passed over the bolt ends, as is best shown in Figure 5. The backing plate (10) further comprises a projection (11) taking the form of a solid round bar having an end which, in use, bears on an internal wall of the corresponding tower leg, eliminating distortion of the tower leg when nuts are tightened behind the backing plate.
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
As previously mentioned, the solar panel supporting arms (6a, 6b) extend generally parallel to each other from each knuckle joint securing arrangement (4) to support one or more solar panels (12) mounted thereon. This is best shown in Figure 4. The solar panels (12) may be mounted via a pair of parallel solar panel mounting rails attached across the supporting arms.
Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a frame (1a) in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention. The frame (1a) depicted in Figure 6 is particularly configured for use with a four-legged tapered steel tower (13) having Lshaped steel angle legs. The frame (1a) comprises a pair of end bracing arms (14a, 14b) and a pair of side bracing arms (15a, 15b). The end bracing arms (14a, 14b) are coupled to the side bracing arms so as to surround the tapered steel tower (13). The end bracing arms (14a, 14b) each comprise a central metal shaft (in this instance taking the form of a tubular length of steel having a circular cross section) that is welded at either end to a side wall of a length of SHS tubular steel (31). The SHS steel lengths are adapted to slidingly receive the side bracing arms (15a, 15b), i.e. which are also formed of SHS tube steel of a smaller diameter. As for the previous embodiment, threaded holes are located in each of the SHS tube steel lengths for receiving fastening screws to prevent longitudinal movement of the arms when in the desired location. The afore-described slidable configuration advantageously allows the frame (1a) to be fitted to tapered steel towers (13) of varied sizes.
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
In the illustrated embodiment, each end bracing arm (14a) secures to a respective rear or front pair of tower legs. The pair of end bracing arms (14a, 14b) are secured to the four-legged lattice tower (13) at different heights so that the side bracing arms (15a, 15b) extending therebetween descend at an angle of between 10 are 40 degrees. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the side bracing arms (15a, 15b) may descend or ascend at any desired angle.
The end bracing arms (14a, 14b) are secured to the legs of the tower (13) using securing arrangements (16) as depicted in greater detail in Figures 7 and 8. As will become evident from subsequent paragraphs, the securing arrangements (16) are advantageously operable to secure the round tubular bracing arm to the tower leg at any desired location there along. Each securing arrangement (16) comprises a U-bolt (17) adapted to pass over both the round end bracing arm (14a, 14b) and corresponding tower leg for attachment to a backing plate (10). The backing plate (10) comprises a pair of through holes to receive threaded ends of the U-bolt (17). A projection (11) extends from a bearing face of the backing plate for bearing on an inner wall of L-shaped tower leg. According to the illustrated embodiment, the projection (11) comprises a solid round bar welded to the bearing surface of the backing plate (10).
While not evident in Figures 6 or 7, in an embodiment of the invention the Ubolts (17) pass over both the round end bracing arms (14a, 14b) and corresponding tower L shaped leg such that a first leg of the “L” bears on the end bracing arm and a second leg of the “L” bears on a portion of the U-bolt (17).
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
In an alternative embodiment to that described above, one or both of the end bracing arms (14a, 14b) could secure to a transverse cross member (which, like the tower legs, is formed of L-shaped roll formed steel angle) that extends between legs of the tower.
The side bracing arms (15a, 15b) are of sufficient length such that they extend away from the tapered steel tower (13) so as to define a solar panel support portion adapted to support one of more solar panels (12) as depicted in Figure 7.
In an embodiment of the invention, the solar panel support portion may be comprised of one or more solar panel support rails that are secured to the side bracing arms (15a, 15b).
The frame members could be formed of aluminium, steel or any other suitable material that is resistant to weather.
A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the tower (2) may have Lshaped, steel angle legs wherein the legs of the “L” can be equal or unequal in length.
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
In an alternative embodiment to that described above, the apex bracket clamping arrangement (7a) is directly and fixedly secured to the bracing arm supporting portion (7h).
It will be understood that U-bolts of various sizes may be used to accommodate for different sized end bracing arms and tower legs.
In this specification, the word comprising is to be understood in its open sense, that is, in the sense of including, and thus not limited to its closed sense, that is the sense of consisting only of. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words comprise, comprised and comprises where they appear.
The preceding description is provided in relation to several embodiments which may share common characteristics and features. It is to be understood that one or more features of any one embodiment may be combinable with one or more features of the other embodiments. In addition, any single feature or combination of features in any of the embodiments may constitute additional embodiments.
In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the inventions, and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
Furthermore, the inventions have described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the inventions. Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet other embodiments.
Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.
Claims (14)
1. A frame adapted to be mounted on a three-legged tower for supporting one or more solar panels, comprising:
an apex bracket adapted to couple to a leg of the tower;
a pair of side bracing arms, each side bracing arm having a first end adapted to secure to the apex bracket and a second end for securing to a respective one of the other tower legs by way of a securing arrangement;
a pair of solar panel supporting arms having a first end coupled to the side bracing arms and a second end that extends away from the tower; and wherein the apex bracket is adapted to be located at a greater height than the securing arrangement to enable the supporting arms to be set at a desired angle for maximising sun exposure.
2. The frame of claim 1, wherein the pair of side bracing arms are coupled to the apex bracket such that the pair of side bracing arms are adapted to pivot in one or more planes.
3. The frame of claim 2, wherein the pair of side bracing arms pivot in two planes.
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
4. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein the securing arrangement comprises a knuckle joint that allows the pair of solar panel supporting arms to extend from the tower so that they are generally parallel to one another.
5. The frame claim 4, wherein the pair of solar panel supporting arms extend parallel to one another at varying angles of incidence.
6. The frame of any preceding claim, wherein a pair of parallel solar panel mounting rails are transversely located on the pair of solar panel supporting arms.
7. A frame adapted to be mounted on a four-legged tower for supporting one or more solar panels, comprising:
a pair of side bracing arms having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end extends away from the tower and has a solar panel support portion;
a pair of end bracing arms connecting the side bracing arms such that the pair of side bracing arms and the pair of end bracing arms surround the lattice tower; and a securing arrangement securing the pair of end bracing arms to the tower.
2018282464 21 Dec 2018
8. The frame of claim 7, wherein one of the pair of end bracing arms is secured to an upper transverse cross member of the lattice tower and the other pair of end bracing arms is secured to a lower transverse cross member.
9. The frame of claims 7 or 8, wherein the solar panel support portion is comprised of a solar panel support arm secured to the pair of side bracing arms.
10. The frame of claims 7 to 9, wherein a pair of parallel solar panel mounting rails are transversely located on the solar panel support portion.
11. The frame of claims 1 or 7, wherein the securing arrangement is comprised of a holding portion received by a backing plate, wherein the backing plate comprises a projection for bearing on an inner wall of a leg of the tower.
12. A fastening arrangement for fastening a first tubular member having a circular cross section to an upright having an L-shaped cross section, comprising:
a U-bolt adapted to pass over and receive both the first tubular member and upright and wherein, when so received, the first tubular member bears on a loop portion of the U-bolt; and a backing plate having a central projection extending from a bearing face and a pair of through holes located on either side of the central projection,
2018282464 21 Dec 2018 wherein, in use, each hole is adapted to receive a respective threaded end of the Ubolt such that the projection bears on an inner wall of the L-shaped upright.
13. A frame adapted to be mounted on a three-legged tower for supporting one or more solar panels, comprising:
an apex bracket adapted to couple to a leg of the tower;
a pair of side bracing arms, each side bracing arm having a first end adapted to secure to the apex bracket and a second end for securing to a respective one of the other tower legs by way of a securing arrangement;
a pair of solar panel supporting arms having a first end coupled to the side bracing arms and a second end that extends away from the tower; and wherein the apex bracket comprises one or more pivot points allowing at least one of lateral and vertical movement of the side bracing arms.
14. A frame in accordance with claim 13, wherein the apex bracket allows for movement of the side bracing arms in both a lateral and vertical plane for setting both a height of the frame and an angle of descent for the side bracing arms.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2019216676A AU2019216676B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2019-08-15 | Solar panel mounting system for towers |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2017905114 | 2017-12-21 | ||
| AU2017905114A AU2017905114A0 (en) | 2017-12-21 | Solar Panel mounting systems for steel towers |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2019216676A Division AU2019216676B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2019-08-15 | Solar panel mounting system for towers |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2018282464A1 true AU2018282464A1 (en) | 2019-07-11 |
Family
ID=67148289
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018282464A Abandoned AU2018282464A1 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2018-12-21 | Solar Panel Support Frames for Towers |
| AU2019216676A Active AU2019216676B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2019-08-15 | Solar panel mounting system for towers |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2019216676A Active AU2019216676B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2019-08-15 | Solar panel mounting system for towers |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (2) | AU2018282464A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111707871A (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2020-09-25 | 贵州电网有限责任公司 | Utilize feeder tester to detect and use signal tower |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN203402807U (en) * | 2013-08-21 | 2014-01-22 | 国家电网公司 | Angle steel clamp for integral hoisting of iron tower |
-
2018
- 2018-12-21 AU AU2018282464A patent/AU2018282464A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2019
- 2019-08-15 AU AU2019216676A patent/AU2019216676B2/en active Active
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111707871A (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2020-09-25 | 贵州电网有限责任公司 | Utilize feeder tester to detect and use signal tower |
| CN111707871B (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2023-08-18 | 贵州电网有限责任公司 | Signal tower for detection by feeder tester |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2019216676B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 |
| AU2019216676A1 (en) | 2019-09-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MK1 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(a) - no request for examination in relevant period |