AU2022229176B2

AU2022229176B2 - Photovoltaic panel deployment apparatus, arrangement and method

Info

Publication number: AU2022229176B2
Application number: AU2022229176A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lichen ZHAO
Original assignee: NBR Holdings Pty Ltd
Current assignee: NBR Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-01
Filing date: 2022-03-01
Publication date: 2023-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2042-03-01
Also published as: AU2022229176A1; WO2022183240A1

Abstract

Provided is a photovoltaic or solar panel deployment apparatus (10) comprising an elongate beam (12) and at least two carriages (14) hingedly arranged along opposed lateral sides along said beam (12). Each carriage (14) is configured to support a solar panel (8). Apparatus (10) also includes an anchor assembly (18) mounted at each end (20) of the beam (12) and defining an engagement structure (22) for complementarily engaging a similar anchor assembly (18) and an aperture (24) through which a suitable ground-engaging anchor (26) is passable. In this manner, the beam (12) is positionable on a surface with solar panels (8) hingedly supported by the carriages 14 and the anchor assemblies (18) are arrangeable to engage similar apparatus (10) and for anchoring to the surface.

Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL DEPLOYMENT APPARATUS, ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of photovoltaic or solar energy harvesting, and more specifically to a photovoltaic panel deployment apparatus, an associated photovoltaic panel arrangement, a photovoltaic panel array and an associated method of photovoltaic panel deployment.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] As is known in the art, solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaics (PV), indirectly using concentrated solar power, or a combination. Concentrated solar power systems use lenses or mirrors and solar tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. Photovoltaic cells convert light into an electric current using the photovoltaic effect.

[0004] Solar panels, making use of the photovoltaic effect, has seen a dramatic increase in use, as increasing numbers of companies and people move to solar panels as a source of clean and renewable energy. Accordingly, solar panels are being increasingly used as a replacement for fossil fuels.

[0005] However, solar panels are not always an ideal

energy source as a replacement for fossil fuel energy

sources. For example, in industrial projects such as mining, the inherent nature of an operation places limitations on

simply replacing established fossil fuel practices with solar

panel installations. Capital constraints on mining companies can also mean a preference for higher operating expenses,

rather than increased capital expenses.

[0006] In light hereof, to operate profitably, mining

companies typically procure energy on short- to medium-term

contracts because of the flexibility, where a mine can be

shut down if commodity prices fall, for example.

Historically, fossil fuel generators can be easily relocated

and reused in this scenario, whereas solar panel

installations are traditionally static and present a large

initial capital expenditure when opening a new mine. A diesel

generator is inexpensive and uses fuel over time, whereas a

solar panel installation or solar farm is more expensive up

front, but requires little ongoing cost over the long term.

As such, the operating characteristics of mining and

renewable energy historically have not matched particularly

well.

[0007] In seeking to ameliorate this situation,

particularly in industrial operations such as mining where it

would be ideal to 'rent' a solar installation rather than

incur the capital expense of building a new installation, modular and portable solar systems have been developed for exactly this reason.

[0008] One example of such portable solar system generally

comprises so-called ballast mounted solar arrays, where

concrete bases are used in combination with various frame

structures to support an array of solar panels on a surface,

such as the ground. Such installations are generally semi

permanent in nature and can be removed and repurposed

elsewhere when required.

[0009] However, a major consideration of any portable or

relocatable solar installation is logistical and concerns

cost and ease of transport (often to remote locations, such

as mine sites) as well as ease of installation, which also

determines installations costs, i.e. labour costs, etc. As

conventional systems generally require concrete bases and

frames to support panels, this increases transport weight and

requires space in, for example, intermodal or shipping

containers when shipped to a remote location.

[0010] Accordingly, the Applicant has identified a

shortcoming in the art of portable or relocatable solar panel

installations and the current invention was conceived with

this shortcoming in mind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to the term 'solar panel' generally refers

to established colloquial use and refers inclusively to a

photovoltaic (PV) module, generally being an assembly of

photovoltaic cells arranged and mounted in a framework for installation as part of a solar installation or multiple such solar panels in a solar array for harvesting electromagnetic solar radiation energy.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a photovoltaic or solar panel deployment apparatus comprising: an elongate beam; at least two carriages hingedly arranged along opposed lateral sides along said beam, each carriage configured to support a solar panel; and an anchor assembly mounted at each end of said beam and defining an engagement structure for complementarily engaging a similar anchor assembly and an aperture through which a suitable ground-engaging anchor is passable; wherein the beam is positionable on a surface with solar panels hingedly supported by the carriages and the anchor assemblies are arrangeable to engage similar apparatus and for anchoring to said surface.

[0013] Typically, the elongate beam comprises an extruded I-beam.

[0014] In an embodiment, the elongate beam is manufactured from a lightweight material, such as metal, polymer, or the like.

[0015] Typically, the carriage is configured to support a solar panel by receiving an edge of said panel which is securable or fastenable to said carriage.

[0016] Typically, the carriage comprises a bracket on which an edge of the solar panel is securable.

[0017] Typically, the carriage comprises a hinge or pivot

hingedly arranging the carriage to the beam.

[0018] Typically, the carriages are arranged on opposed

lateral sides along the beam to allow the supported solar

panels to define an intersecting angle of between 0° and

1800.

[0019] Typically, the anchor assemblies are hingedly

mounted at respective ends of said beam and downwardly hingeable to engage similar apparatus and for anchoring to

the surface.

[0020] Typically, the engagement structure comprises at

least one projecting flange shaped and dimensioned to sit

over and/or about a portion of another anchor assembly and/or

engagement structure of a similar apparatus.

[0021] Typically, the engagement structure is configured

so that the aperture aligns with a similar aperture of

another engagement structure of a similar apparatus when

engaging said structure.

[0022] Typically, the ground-engaging anchor comprises a

pin, a peg, a ground screw, or the like.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention there

is provided a photovoltaic panel arrangement comprising:

a plurality of solar panel deployment apparatuses in

accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

a plurality of solar panels each supported at respective

bottom portions by respective apparatuses and adjacent panels hingedly coupled at upper portions to form a concertina-like arrangement of solar panels; wherein said panels are deployable and securable on a surface from a transport position (where respective adjacent panels define an intersecting angle of between 0° and 20°) to a deployed position (where respective adjacent panels define an intersecting angle of between 21° and 1800).

[0024] According to a third aspect of the invention there

is provided a photovoltaic panel array comprising at least

two of the photovoltaic panel arrangements in accordance with the second aspect of the invention arranged adjacent to each

other so that anchor assemblies of deployment apparatuses

align.

[0025] Typically, the photovoltaic panel array comprises

respective engagement structure apertures of adjacent

apparatuses aligning with a ground-engaging anchor passed

therethrough to secure said array to a surface.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there

is provided a method of photovoltaic panel deployment

comprising the steps of:

providing at least one photovoltaic panel arrangement in

accordance with the second aspect of the invention; and

deploying the solar panels from a transport position

(where respective adjacent panels define an intersecting

angle of between 0° and 20°) to a deployed position (where

respective adjacent panels define an intersecting angle of

between 21° and 1800).

[0027] Typically, the method comprises the step of

securing the arrangement by passing ground engaging anchors through respective engagement structure apertures of adjacent aligning apparatuses.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention

there is provided a photovoltaic panel deployment apparatus,

a photovoltaic panel arrangement, a photovoltaic panel array

and a method of photovoltaic panel deployment, substantially

as herein described and/or illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the

accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic front-view representation of

an example of a photovoltaic or solar panel deployment

apparatus, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic left-side perspective-view

representation of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic right-side perspective-view

representation of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective-view

representation of two apparatuses with aligned anchor

assemblies secured with one anchor passed through aligned

apertures;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side perspective view

representation of two aligned apparatuses;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic perspective-view

representation of an example of a photovoltaic panel array,

in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic top-view representation of

the photovoltaic panel array of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Further features of the present invention are more

fully described in the following description of several non limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included

solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention

to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a

restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description

of the invention as set out above.

[0030] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features

of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference

numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

Additionally, features, mechanisms and aspects well-known and

understood in the art will not be described in detail, as

such features, mechanisms and aspects will be within the

understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0031] With reference now to the accompanying figures,

there is shown one embodiment of a photovoltaic or solar

panel deployment apparatus 10. Such apparatus 10 generally

comprises an elongate beam 12, at least two carriages 14 each

for operatively supporting a solar panel 8 thereon, and an

anchor assembly 18.

[0032] The elongate beam 12 typically comprises an

extruded I-beam, as shown, to provide structural strength

whilst minimising weight. However, the skilled addressee is

to appreciate that variations hereon are possible, expected

and within the scope of the present invention. The elongate

beam 12 may be manufactured from a lightweight material, such

as a metal, a polymer, or the like.

[0033] The solar panel deployment apparatus 10 generally

includes at least two carriages 14 that are hingedly arranged

along opposed lateral sides along the beam 12, as shown. Each carriage 14 is configured to support a solar panel 8. In a

typical embodiment, each carriage 14 is configured to support

a solar panel 8 by receiving an edge of a panel 8 which is

securable or fastenable to said carriage by any suitable

fastening means. For example, screws, rivets, nuts and bolts,

adhesive, etc. may be used as required in order to secure an

edge of a solar panel 8 to the carriage 14.

[0034] In the exemplified embodiment, the carriage 14

comprises a bracket on which an edge of the solar panel 8 is

securable, but variations hereon are possible and expected.

In a typical example, the carriage 14 comprises a hinge or

pivot 16 hingedly arranging the carriage 14 on the beam 12,

as shown. Importantly, the carriages 14 are arranged on

opposed lateral sides along the beam 12 to allow the

supported solar panels 8 to define an intersecting angle 28

of between 0° and 1800, i.e. the panels 8 are substantially

parallel or lie flat to form a flat plane.

[0035] Solar panel deployment apparatus 10 also includes

an anchor assembly 18 which is generally mounted at each end

of the beam 12. The anchor assembly 18 defines an engagement structure 22 for complementarily engaging a similar anchor assembly 18 and an aperture 24 through which a suitable ground-engaging anchor 26 is passable.

[0036] In an embodiment, the anchor assemblies 18 are

hingedly mounted at respective ends 20 of the beam 12 and

downwardly hingeable to engage similar apparatus 10 and for

anchoring to the surface. In a typical embodiment, the

engagement structure 22 comprises at least one projecting

flange 30 which is shaped and dimensioned to sit over and/or

about a portion of another anchor assembly 18 of a similar apparatus 10. Typically, the engagement structure 22 is

configured so that the aperture 24 aligns with a similar

aperture 24 of another engagement structure 22 of a similar

apparatus 10 when engaging said structure 22.

[0037] In this manner, each beam is positionable on a

surface with solar panels 8 hingedly supported by the

carriages 14 and the anchor assemblies 18 are arrangeable to

engage similar apparatuses 10 and for anchoring to said

surface. The ground-engaging anchor 26 comprises a pin, a

peg, a ground screw, or the like in order to secure apparatus

to the surface.

[0038] Accordingly, the skilled addressee will appreciate

that a photovoltaic panel arrangement 32 can be formed which

comprises a plurality of solar panel deployment apparatuses

10, as described. Such an arrangement 32 includes a plurality

of solar panels 8 each supported at respective bottom

portions by respective apparatuses 10 and adjacent panels 8

hingedly coupled via suitable hinges 36 at upper portions

thereof, as shown, to form a concertina-like arrangement 32

of solar panels 8.

[0039] In this manner, the solar panels 8 are deployable and securable on a surface from a transport position (where respective adjacent panels 8 define an intersecting angle 28 of between 0° and 200) to a deployed position (where

respective adjacent panels 8 define an intersecting angle 28 of between 210 and 1800).

[0040] Similarly, a photovoltaic panel array 34 can further be formed which comprises at least two of the photovoltaic panel arrangements 32, as described, arranged adjacent to each other so that anchor assemblies 18 of the respective deployment apparatuses 10 align. Typically, the photovoltaic panel array 34 comprises respective engagement structure apertures 24 of adjacent apparatuses 10 aligning with a ground-engaging anchor 26 passed therethrough to secure said array 34 to a surface.

[0041] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the present invention includes an associated method of photovoltaic panel deployment. Such a method broadly comprises the steps of providing at least one photovoltaic panel arrangement 32 and deploying the solar panels 8 from a transport position (where respective adjacent panels 8 define an intersecting angle 28 of between 0° and 200) to a deployed position (where respective adjacent panels 8 define an intersecting angle 28 of between 210 and 1800). Such deployment may be done of a shipping pallet using a forklift, or the like. Again, variations hereon are possible, anticipated and expressly included herein.

[0042] Typically, the method comprises the step of securing the arrangements 32 by passing ground engaging anchors 26 through respective engagement structure apertures

24 of adjacent aligning apparatuses 10, as shown.

[0043] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous

that the present invention provides for apparatus 10,

arrangement 32 and array 34 capable of addressing the

logistical considerations for portable or relocatable solar

panel installations around cost, ease of transport as well as

ease of installation. In particular, apparatus 10,

arrangement 32 and array 34 allows the transport and

deployment of solar panels without requiring heavy concrete ballast or support frames. Apparatus 10, arrangement 32 and

array 34 is also transportable by means of intermodal

containers to allow transport to remote locations, as

required.

[0044] Optional embodiments of the present invention may

also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and

features referred to or indicated herein, individually or

collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of

the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific

integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in

the art to which the invention relates, such known

equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if

individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well

known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known

technologies are not described in detail, as such will be

readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0045] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the",

and/or similar referents in the context of describing various

embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject

matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising, " "having,

" "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open

ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")

unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or"

includes any and all combinations of one or more of the

associated listed items. No language in the specification

should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject

matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject

matter.

[0046] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner,! "outer,!"

"beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like,

may be used herein for ease of description to describe one

element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or

feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative

terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of

the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation

depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the

figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or

"beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example

term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and

below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90

degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative

descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0047] It is to be appreciated that reference to "!one

example" or !an example" of the invention, or similar

exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in

an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically

practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0048] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0049] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

1. A photovoltaic or solar panel deployment apparatus

comprising:

an elongate beam;

at least two carriages hingedly arranged along opposed

lateral sides along said beam, each carriage configured to

support a solar panel; and

an anchor assembly hingedly mounted at each respective

end of said beam and defining an engagement structure for

complementarily engaging a similar anchor assembly and an

aperture through which a suitable ground-engaging anchor is

passable;

wherein the beam is positionable on a surface with solar panels

hingedly supported by the carriages and the anchor assemblies

are arrangeable and downwardly hingeable to engage similar

apparatus and for anchoring to said surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate beam

comprises an extruded I-beam.

3. The apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the

elongate beam is manufactured from a lightweight material,

such as metal, polymer, or the like.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the

carriage is configured to support a solar panel by receiving

an edge of said panel which is securable or fastenable to said

carriage.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the carriage comprises

a bracket on which an edge of the solar panel is securable.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the

carriage comprises a hinge or pivot hingedly arranging the

carriage to the beam.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the

carriages are arranged on opposed lateral sides along the beam

to allow the supported solar panels to define an intersecting

angle of between 0° and 1800.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the

engagement structure comprises at least one projecting flange

shaped and dimensioned to sit over and/or about a portion of

another anchor assembly and/or engagement structure of a

similar apparatus.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the

engagement structure is configured so that the aperture aligns

with a similar aperture of another engagement structure of a

similar apparatus when engaging said structure.

10. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ground

engaging anchor comprises a pin, a peg, a ground screw, or the

like.

11. A photovoltaic panel arrangement comprising:

a plurality of solar panel deployment apparatuses in

accordance with any of claims 1 to 10;

a plurality of solar panels each supported at respective

bottom portions by respective apparatuses and adjacent panels

hingedly coupled at upper portions to form a concertina-like

arrangement of solar panels;

wherein said panels are deployable and securable on a surface

from a transport position (where respective adjacent panels

define an intersecting angle of between 0° and 200) to a deployed position (where respective adjacent panels define an intersecting angle of between 210 and 1800).

12. A photovoltaic panel array which comprises at least

two of the photovoltaic panel arrangements of claim 11,

arranged adjacent to each other so that anchor assemblies of

deployment apparatuses align.

13. The photovoltaic panel array of claim 12, which comprises

respective engagement structure apertures of adjacent

apparatuses aligning with a ground-engaging anchor passed

therethrough to secure said array to a surface.

14. A method of photovoltaic panel deployment comprising

the steps of:

providing at least one photovoltaic panel arrangement in

accordance with claim 11; and

deploying the solar panels from a transport position

(where respective adjacent panels define an intersecting angle

of between 0° and 20°) to a deployed position (where respective

adjacent panels define an intersecting angle of between 21°

and 1800).

15. The method of claim 14, which comprises the step of

securing the arrangement by passing ground engaging anchors

through respective engagement structure apertures of adjacent

aligning apparatuses.