AU2023202978B1 - Transportable stations - Google Patents

Abstract

TRANSPORTABLE STATIONS SA transportable station comprises a base element, at least one primary support element extending upwardly from the base element, and a first roof section coupled to the primary support element. A second roof section is hingedly coupled to a first side of the first roof section and a third roof section is hingedly coupled to a second side of the first roof section. The 10 second and third roof sections are foldable relative to the first roof section into a closed or folded configuration for transportation and into an open or unfolded configuration in which one of the second or third roof sections is at substantially the same angle as the first roof section and the other of the second or third roof sections is at a different angle to the first roof section. 15 One or more of the roof sections preferably comprises solar panels. The station may also comprise one or more batteries coupled to the solar panels and one or more charging stations coupled to the batteries.

Description

TITLE TRANSPORTABLE STATIONS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention is concerned with transportable or mobile stations, in particular, transportable or mobile stations comprising at least one or more of the following: one or more solar panels; one or more batteries; one or more charging stations.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There is an ever-increasing need to use renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuels in an effort to preserve the environment and to combat climate change.

There is also increasing demand to provide sources of power in remote or off-grid locations, such as rural or remote locations, mine sites, construction sites and new developments, to name but a few, where power sources are traditionally, or at least initially unavailable.

The proliferation of electric and hybrid vehicles has also increased demand for charging stations, particularly in view of the limited range of some electric and hybrid vehicles, and the scarcity of charging stations compared with conventional refueling stations.

Permanent power sources are typically costly, time-consuming and labour intensive to construct on-site.

Permanent structures comprising solar panels, for example, as part of the roof structure, and comprising one or more batteries and one or more charging stations, are known and help address the increasing need for renewable energy sources and charging stations for vehicles. However, such structures still have the drawbacks of being costly, time-consuming and labour-intensive to construct on site.

Portable solar generators are known and address these drawbacks at least to some extent by being transportable to the desired location and being less costly, time-consuming and labour-intensive to install on-site. One example is of a size transportable on a small trailer. Another example is transportable on a flatbed truck and comprises an array of solar panels, battery storage and a backup single phase diesel generator.

Nonetheless, improvements to known portable solar generators are required.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide an improved portable solar generator that addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems and/or provides a useful commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, embodiments of the present invention are directed to mobile or transportable stations comprising at least one or more of the following: one or more solar panels; one or more batteries; one or more charging stations; one or mor back up power supplies.

According to one aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a transportable station comprising:

a base element;

at least one primary support element extending upwardly from the base element;

a first roof section coupled to the at least one primary support element; a second roof section hingedly coupled to a first side of the first roof section; and a third roof section hingedly coupled to a second side of the first roof section; wherein the second and third roof sections are foldable relative to the first roof section into a closed or folded configuration for transportation; and wherein the second and third roof sections are foldable relative to the first roof section into an open or unfolded configuration in which one of the second or third roof sections is at substantially the same angle as the first roof section and the other of the second or third roof sections is at a different angle to the first roof section.

Suitably, the station is a transportable solar station wherein one or more of the first roof section, the second roof section and the third roof section comprises one or more solar panels. In a preferred embodiment, the first roof section, the second roof section and the third roof section comprise a plurality of solar panels.

Suitably, the second roof section and/or the third roof section comprises a plurality of foldable sub-sections. In a preferred embodiment, the second roof section and the third roof section each comprise a plurality of foldable sub sections. More preferably, each of the foldable sub-sections comprises one or more solar panels, and most preferably, a plurality of solar panels.

Suitably, the first roof section is fixedly coupled to the at least one primary support element such that a solar panel of the first roof section is at an angle of about 10 degrees relative to the base element and/or a horizontal surface upon which the transportable station is situated.

Preferably, the second roof section is at the same angle, or substantially the same angle as the first roof section in the open configuration.

Suitably, in the open configuration, the third roof section is at a different angle to the first and second roof section. Preferably, the third roof section is at an angle of about 10 degrees, but in the opposite direction, relative to the base element and/or the horizontal surface upon which the transportable station is situated. Hence, in this embodiment, there is an angle of 160 degrees between the solar panels of the third roof section and the solar panels of the first and second roof sections.

Suitably, the transportable station comprises at least one secondary support element. Preferably, the transportable station comprises at least one secondary support element extending between the at least one primary support element and the second roof section and/or between the at least one primary support element and the third roof section.

In preferred embodiments, at least one secondary support element extends between each primary support element and the second roof section and at least one secondary support element extends between each primary support element and the third roof section.

Suitably, the transportable station comprises a plurality of spaced apart primary support elements extending upwardly substantially centrally from the base element.

Suitably, the transportable station comprises a waterproof seal between the first roof section and the second roof section and/or between the first roof section and the third roof section. Preferably, a waterproof seal is provided between the foldable sub-sections of the second roof section and/or between the foldable sub sections of the third roof section.

Suitably, the second roof section is hingedly coupled to the first side of the first roof section via a hinge such that the second roof section is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position in which the second roof section is substantially perpendicular and/or substantially parallel with the at least one primary support element with an underside of the second roof section facing inwardly.

Suitably, the third roof section is hingedly coupled to the second side of the first roof section via a hinge such that the third roof section is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position in which the third roof section is substantially perpendicular and/or substantially parallel with the at least one primary support element with an underside of the third roof section facing inwardly.

Suitably, a rigid tie coupled between the second roof section and the at least one primary support element securely retains the second roof section in the closed or folded position for transportation.

Suitably, a rigid tie coupled between the third roof section and the at least one primary support element securely retains the third roof section in the closed or folded position for transportation.

Suitably, where the second roof section and/or the third roof section comprises a plurality of foldable sub-sections, at least one of the sub-sections is foldable to face an adjacent sub-section and the folded combination of sub sections is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position.

Preferably, the sub-sections are foldable such that the one or more solar panels of the folded sub-sections face each other such that they are not exposed, and thus protected in the transportation configuration.

Preferably, in the folded configuration, adjacent subsections are coupled together via coupling element, for example, via a plate bolted to both sub-sections, to prevent unfolding during transportation.

Preferably, the base element comprises settable material, such as concrete, which is pre-cast before transportation.

Suitably, the base element comprises one or more sockets about a perimeter of the base, in particular one or more shipping container sockets.

Suitably, the base element comprises one or more anchors depending therefrom. Preferably, the base element comprises a plurality of anchors, each anchor comprising a shipping container twist lock bracket, a rod coupled to the bracket at a first end thereof and an earth anchor head with a clevis coupled to a second end thereof.

Suitably, the transportable station further comprises one or more batteries coupled to the one or more solar panels and optionally one or more charging stations coupled to the one or more batteries.

The transportable station may further comprise one or more backup power supplies for off-grid use, such as a generator, for example, a diesel generator, a hydrogen fuel cell or other form of power supply.

According to another aspect, the present invention resides in a method of installing a transportable station, the transportable station comprising:

a base element;

at least one primary support element extending upwardly from the base element;

a first roof section coupled to the at least one primary support element;

a second roof section hingedly coupled to a first side of the first roof section; and

a third roof section hingedly coupled to a second side of the first roof section;

the method comprising:

placing the transportable station in a desired position in a closed configuration in which the second and third roof sections are folded relative to the first roof section; and

unfolding the second and third roof sections relative to the first roof section into an open configuration in which one of the second or third roof sections is at substantially the same angle as the first roof section and the other of the second or third roof sections is at a different angle to the first roof section.

Further features and/or aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of example only and in which like reference numerals refer to like features. In the drawings:

FIG 1 is a perspective view of a transportable station in an unfolded or deployed configuration according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG 2 is a perspective view of a structure of the transportable station shown in FIG 1 with elements of the transportable station shown in FIG 1 removed to clearly show the structure;

FIG 3 is an enlarged view of portion I of the structure shown in FIG 2;

FIG 3B is an enlarged view of portion J of the structure shown in FIG 2;

FIG 4 is a side view of the structure shown in FIG 2;

FIG 5 is an enlarged view of portion E of the structure shown in FIG 4;

FIG 6 is an enlarged view of portion F of the structure shown in FIG 4;

FIG 7 is an enlarged view of portion G of the structure shown in FIG 4;

FIG 8 is a side view of the transportable station shown in FIG 1 in a folded configuration for transport;

FIG 9 is a front view of the transportable station shown in FIG 8;

FIG 10 an enlarged view of portion A of the transportable station shown in FIG 9;

FIG 11 an enlarged view of portion B of the transportable station shown in FIG 8;

FIG 11B an enlarged view of portion C of the transportable station shown in FIG 9;

FIG 12 is a side view of the transportable station shown in FIG 1 in a partially unfolded configuration;

FIG 13 is a front view of the transportable station shown in FIG 12;

FIG 14 an enlarged view of portion D of the transportable station shown in FIG 13; and

FIG 15 an enlarged view of portion C of the transportable station shown in FIG 12.

It will be appreciated that the accompanying drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale and not all features are shown in all drawings. Some features may have been omitted from some of the drawings for the sake of clarity or brevity or to avoid repetition. Some drawings may be schematic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Generally, embodiments of the present invention are directed to mobile or transportable stations comprising at least one or more of the following: one or more solar panels; one or more batteries; one or more charging stations. Embodiments of the transportable stations comprising a plurality of solar panels, a plurality of batteries and a plurality of electric charging stations will be described, but it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to this particular configuration. It will be recognised that at least some aspects of the present invention have other applications that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the accompanying claims.

According to one aspect of the present invention, and with reference to FIG 1, an embodiment of a transportable station 10 comprises a base element 12 and at least one primary support element 14 extending upwardly from the base element 12. A first roof section 16 is fixedly coupled to the at least one primary support element 14. A second roof section 18 is hingedly coupled to a first side 20 of the first roof section 16. A third roof section 22 is hingedly coupled to a second side 24 of the first roof section 16. The second and third roof sections 18, 22 are foldable relative to the first roof section 16 into a closed or folded configuration for transportation, as shown in FIG 8. The second and third roof sections 18, 22 are foldable relative to the first roof section 16 into an open or unfolded configuration, as shown in FIG 1, in which one of the second or third roof sections 18, 22 is at substantially the same angle as the first roof section 16 and the other of the second or third roof sections 18, 22 is at a different angle to the first roof section 16.

According to some embodiments, the station 10 is a transportable solar station wherein one or more of the first roof section 16, the second roof section 18 and the third roof section 22 comprises one or more solar panels 24. In preferred embodiments, the first roof section 16, the second roof section 18 and the third roof section 22 comprise a plurality of solar panels 24. The number, type, size and power of solar panels 24 can be selected according to the particular application, use or purpose of the transportable solar station.

According to some embodiments, the second roof section 18 and/or the third roof section 22 comprises a plurality of foldable sub-sections 26. In preferred embodiments, the second roof section 18 and the third roof section 22 each comprise a plurality of foldable sub-sections 26. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the second roof section 18 comprises two foldable sub sections 26A, 26B, and the third roof section 22 comprises two foldable sub sections 26C, 26D. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the number, size or shape of the sub-sections 26 shown in the accompanying drawings.

In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, each of the foldable sub-sections 26A-26D comprises one or more solar panels 24, and most preferably, a plurality of solar panels 24.

In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, and with particular reference to FIG 4, the first roof section 16 is fixedly coupled to the at least one primary support element 14 such that a solar panel 24 of the first roof section 16 is at an angle of about 10 degrees relative to the base element 12 and/or a horizontal surface, such as the ground, upon which the transportable station is situated. The angle of about 10 degrees is particularly suited to solar applications in terms of solar efficiency and results in a self-cleaning roof that is not too high, and thus easier to maintain.

However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the first roof section 16 being at an angle of about 10 degrees and the first roof section can be inclined at other angles depending on the particular application or purpose of the transportable station 10, its intended location of use, its situation, site and orientation. The skilled addressee will be able to select the angle of inclination of the first roof section 16 according to these and other factors.

In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the second roof section 18 is at the same angle, or substantially the same angle as the first roof section 16 in the open configuration.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the second roof section 18 is in the same plane, or substantially the same plane as the first roof section 16 in the open configuration.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, in the open configuration, the third roof section 22 is at a different angle to the first and second roof sections 16, 18. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the third roof section 22 is at an angle of about 10 degrees, relative to the base element and/or the horizontal surface upon which the transportable station is situated, but in the opposite direction to the angle of the first and second roof sections 16, 18. Hence, in this embodiment, there is an angle of about 160 degrees between the solar panels 24 of the third roof section 22 and the solar panels 24 of the first and second roof sections 16, 18, as shown in FIG 6, and the third roof section 22 is in a different plane to the plane of the first and second roof sections 16, 18.

With particular reference to FIGS 1, 2, 4 and 12, the transportable station 10 comprises at least one secondary support element 28. Preferably, the transportable station 10 comprises at least one secondary support element 28 extending between the at least one primary support element 14 and the second roof section 18 and/or between the at least one primary support element 14 and the third roof section 22.

In preferred embodiments, at least one secondary support element 28 extends between each primary support element 14 and the second roof section 18 and at least one secondary support element 28 extends between each primary support element 14 and the third roof section 22, as most clearly shown in FIG 2.

As most clearly shown in FIGS 2, 9 and 13, embodiments of the transportable station 10 comprise a plurality of spaced apart primary support elements 14 extending upwardly substantially centrally from the base element 12. As will be appreciated by the skilled addressee, the number and spacing of the primary support elements 14 will depend on the overall size, shape and configuration of the transportable station. For example, for a transportable station 10 of approximately 6.2m (20 feet) in length and approximately 2.3m (7 feet, 5 inches) in width as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the transportable station 10 comprises three primary support elements 14 substantially equally spaced along a central line of the base element 12, with a primary support element 14 at or towards each end and a primary support element 14 substantially in the centre of the base element 12. For example, for a transportable station 10 of approximately 12.4m (40 feet) in length and approximately 4.6m (14 feet, 10 inches) in width, the transportable station 10 comprises five or six primary support elements 14 substantially equally spaced along a central line of the base element 12. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes and sizes of the transportable station 10 can be provided and the number and type of batteries, charging stations and/or other features may influence the number and/or position of the primary support elements 14.

With particular reference to FIGS 5-7, embodiments of the transportable station 10 comprise a waterproof seal 30 between the first roof section 16 and the second roof section 18 and/or between the first roof section 16 and the third roof section 22. Preferably, a waterproof seal 30 is provided between the foldable sub sections 26 of the second roof section 18 and/or between the foldable sub sections 26 of the third roof section 22.

With particular reference to FIGS 5-7 and 10, in some embodiments of the transportable station 10, the second roof section 18 is hingedly coupled to the first side 20 of the first roof section 16 via a hinge 32 such that the second roof section 18 is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position in which the second roof section 18 is substantially perpendicular and/or substantially parallel with the at least one primary support element 14 with an underside 34 of the second roof section 18 facing inwardly.

In some embodiments of the transportable station 10, the third roof section 22 is hingedly coupled to the second side 24 of the first roof section via a hinge 36 such that the third roof section 22 is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position in which the third roof section 22 is substantially perpendicular and/or substantially parallel with the at least one primary support element 14 with an underside 38 of the third roof section 22 facing inwardly.

In some embodiments, where the second and/or third roof sections 18, 22 comprise sub-sections 26, the subsections are hingedly coupled together via a hinge 39.

With reference to FIG 8, in some embodiments of the transportable station 10, a rigid tie 40 coupled between the second roof section 18 and the at least one primary support element 14 securely retains the second roof section 18 in the closed or folded position for transportation.

With reference to FIG 8, in some embodiments of the transportable station 10, a rigid tie 42 coupled between the third roof section 22 and the at least one primary support element 14 securely retains the third roof section 22 in the closed or folded position for transportation.

According to some embodiments of the transportable station 10, and with reference to FIGS 8 and 12, where the second roof section 18 and/or the third roof section 22 comprises a plurality of foldable sub-sections 26, at least one of the sub-sections 26 is foldable onto an adjacent sub-section 26 and the folded combination of sub-sections is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position.

FIG 12 shows the transportable station 10 in a partially folded, or partially open configuration. This may also be referred to as a stage one deployed configuration. In this configuration, sub-section 26B of the second roof section 18 has been folded to face adjacent sub-section 26A of the second roof section 18 and the folded combination of sub-sections 26A, 26B is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position, as shown in FIG 8. Similarly, FIG 12 shows sub-section 26D of the third roof section 22 folded to face adjacent sub-section 26C of the third roof section 22 and the folded combination of sub-sections 26C, 26D is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position, as shown in FIG 8.

It will be noted that in the embodiments described with particular reference to FIGS 8 and 12, the sub-sections 26A-26D are folded such that the one or more solar panels 24 of the folded sub-sections face each other such that they are not exposed, and thus protected in the transportation configuration.

According to some embodiments, and with particular reference to FIGS 8, 12 and 14, in the folded configuration, adjacent subsections 26 are coupled together via a coupling element, for example, via a plate 44 bolted to both subsections 26, to prevent unfolding during transportation. In the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, plate 44 is bolted to both subsections 26 such that the subsections are retained in a spaced apart relationship in the folded configuration such that there is a space 46 between solar panels 24 and they are not in contact with each other, thus affording further protection during transportation. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments a protective layer (not shown), such as a cushioning layer, can be inserted between the solar panels 24 of the folded subsections 26 during transportation to provide yet further protection.

According to some embodiments, the base element 12 comprises settable material 47, such as concrete, which is pre-cast before transportation. According to some embodiments, the base element 12 comprises an external steel frame 49 around the perimeter.

According to some embodiments, the base element 12 comprises one or more feet or sockets 48 about the perimeter of the steel frame 49 of the base, in particular one or more shipping container sockets. As shown in the embodiments of the accompanying drawings, the steel frame 49 of the base element 12 comprises a shipping container socket 48 at each corner. Some embodiments of the transportable station 10 can comprise apertures (not shown) in the base element 12 to enable the transportable station 10 to be moved with a forklift.

According to some embodiments, the base element 12 comprises one or more anchors 50 depending therefrom to secure the transportable station 10 in the ground once in position. As shown in the embodiments of the accompanying drawings, the base element 12 comprises a plurality of anchors 50. Each anchor 50 is positioned and retained in place with the aid of a locator plate 51 shown most clearly in FIG 3B. With additional reference to FIG 15, each anchor 50 comprises a rod 54 which passes through a slot 53 adjacent the locator plate 51 and the rod 54 is retained in the desired position at or towards a first end thereof with a load plate 52 and nut 55 and optionally with a washer 57 therebetween. The anchor 50 comprises an earth anchor head 56 with a clevis 58 coupled to a second end of the rod 54. In other embodiments, each anchor 50 comprises a shipping container twist lock bracket (not shown) to attach the anchor 50 to the shipping container sockets 48.

Some further details of the structure of the transportable station 10 will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

With reference to FIGS 2-4, the transportable station 10 comprises a frame or framework which can be constructed from, for example, a plurality of steel members. For example, first, second and third roof sections 16, 18, 22 can be formed of spaced apart steel rafters 70, such as steel universal beams coupled together with cross members 72 in the form of parallel flange channels (PFC) bolted together as shown in FIG 3.

FIG 10 shows details of the lynch pin of the hinges 32, 36 according to some embodiments which enable the second and third roof sections to folded and unfolded relative to the first roof section 16.

FIG 11 shows details of coupling the primary support elements 14 at or towards each end of the base element 12 to the base element 12 according to some embodiments. In this example, the primary support elements are bolted to the steel frame 49 around the perimeter of the base element 12.

FIG 11B shows details of coupling the primary support element 14 at or towards the centre of the base element 12 to the base element 12 according to some embodiments. In this example, the primary support element 14 is coupled to the base element 12 via steel rods cast in the settable material 47 of the base element 12.

As stated herein, the transportable station 10 can be suited to a wide range of applications. However, the transportable station 10 shown in the accompanying drawings is directed to a transportable electric vehicle charging station. As such, the transportable station 10 further comprises one or more batteries 60 coupled to the one or more solar panels 24 and one or more EV charging stations 62 coupled to the one or more batteries 60. In the embodiments shown, the transportable station 10 comprises three banks of batteries 60 arranged substantially along a central line of the base element 12 and two EV charging stations 62 situated towards opposite sides of the base element 12. It will be appreciated that the coupling of the one or more solar panels 24, the one or more EV charging stations 62 and the one or more batteries 60 is known in the art.

According to some embodiments, the transportable station 10 can comprise one or more backup power supplies for off-grid use. For example, the backup power supply can be in the form of a generator, such as a diesel generator, a hydrogen fuel cell or other form of power supply.

According to another aspect, embodiments of the present invention reside in a method of installing the transportable station 10. The transportable station 10 comprises the base element 12 and at least one primary support element 14 extending upwardly from the base element 12. The first roof section 16 is coupled to the at least one primary support element 14. The second roof section 18 is hingedly coupled to the first side 20 of the first roof section 16. A third roof section 22 is hingedly coupled to the second side 24 of the first roof section 16.

The method comprises placing the transportable station 10 in a desired position in the closed configuration in which the second and third roof sections 18, 22 are folded relative to the first roof section 16.

The method comprises unfolding the second and third roof sections 18, 22 relative to the first roof section 16 into an open or unfolded configuration in which one of the second or third roof sections 18, 22 is at substantially the same angle as the first roof section 16 and the other of the second or third roof sections 18, 22 is at a different angle to the first roof section 16.

Prior to unfolding the second and third roof sections 18, 22, the method can comprise decoupling the rigid tie 42 from between the second roof section 18 and the at least one primary support element 14, and/or decoupling the rigid tie 42 from between the third roof section 22 and the at least one primary support element 14.

The method can comprise coupling at least one secondary support element 28 between the at least one primary support element 14 and the second roof section 18 and/or coupling at least one secondary support element 28 between the at least one primary support element 14 and the third roof section 22.

For embodiments of the transportable station 10 in which the second roof section 18 and/or the third roof section 22 comprises at least one sub-section 26, the aforementioned step of coupling the at least one secondary support element 28 between the at least one primary support element 14 and the second and/or third roof sections 18, 22 is performed before the sub-sections 26 are unfolded to provide adequate support for the unfolded second and/or third roof sections 18, 22.

Hence, the transportable station 10 according to embodiments of the present invention addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. For example, the transportable station 10 is less costly, less time-consuming and less labour-intensive to manufacture and to construct on-site compared with at least some of the prior art options. The transportable station 10 can be easily transported to virtually any location to enable the provision of power through the capture of solar energy. The base element 12 comprising a precast base avoids the need for the base to be cast on site or in the desired location for the station.

The foldable configuration of the second and third roof sections 18, 22 improves the transportable nature of the station compared with at least some of the prior art. The foldable subsections 26 of the second and/or third roof sections 18, 22 according to some embodiments enable a larger roof area to be achieved from a compact, transportable station, thus increasing the power generation capability. The foldable nature of the subsections 26 provides protection for the solar panels during transportation. Coupling of the foldable subsections 26 together via the coupling element and coupling the folded subsections 26 to the primary support element 14 via rigid ties 40, 42 ensure protection and security during transportation.

It will be appreciated that at least some of the features of at least some of the embodiments described herein can be combined in various combinations with at least some of the features of at least some of the other embodiments described herein within the scope of the present invention.

In this specification, the terms, "first", "second", "third" etc. are intended to differentiate between different features of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to a particular order of implementation unless the context indicates otherwise.

In this specification, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely but may well include other elements not listed.

It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Skilled addressees will identify variations from the specific embodiments described herein that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the present invention, which is determined by the following provisional claims.

Claims (20)

1. A transportable solar station comprising: a base element; at least one primary support element extending upwardly substantially centrally from the base element; a first roof section coupled to the at least one primary support element at or towards a top of the primary support element, the first roof section comprising one or more solar panels; .0 a second roof section hingedly coupled to a first side of the first roof section, the second roof section comprising one or more solar panels; and a third roof section hingedly coupled to a second side of the first roof section, the third roof section comprising one or more solar panels; wherein the second and third roof sections are foldable relative to and .5 at least partially underneath the first roof section into a closed or folded configuration for transportation; and wherein the second and third roof sections are foldable relative to the first roof section into an open or unfolded configuration in which one of the second or third roof sections is at substantially the same angle as the first roof section and the other of the second or third roof sections is at a different angle to the first roof section.

2. The transportable station of claim 1, wherein the first roof section, the second roof section and the third roof section comprise a plurality of solar panels.

3. The transportable station of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second roof section and/or the third roof section comprises a plurality of foldable sub-sections, in particular, wherein each of the foldable sub-sections comprises one or more solar panels.

4. The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein the first roof section is fixedly coupled to the at least one primary support element such that a solar panel of the first roof section is at an angle of about 10 degrees relative to the base element and/or a horizontal surface upon which the transportable station is situated.

5. The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein the second roof section is at the same angle, or substantially the same angle as the first roof section in the open configuration.

6. The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein in the open configuration, the third roof section is at an angle of about 10 degrees relative .0 to the base element and/or the horizontal surface upon which the transportable station is situated, and there is an angle of about 160 degrees between the solar panels of the third roof section and the solar panels of the first and second roof sections.

.5

7. The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein the transportable station comprises at least one secondary support element, in particular, at least one secondary support element extending between the at least one primary support element and the second roof section and/or between the at least one primary support element and the third roof section. -o

8. The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein at least one secondary support element extends between each primary support element and the second roof section and at least one secondary support element extends between each primary support element and the third roof section.

9. The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein the transportable station comprises a plurality of spaced apart primary support elements extending upwardly substantially centrally from the base element.

10.The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein the transportable station comprises a waterproof seal between the first roof section and the second roof section and/or between the first roof section and the third roof section.

11.The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein the second roof section is hingedly coupled to the first side of the first roof section via a hinge such that the second roof section is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position in which the second roof section is substantially perpendicular and/or substantially parallel with the at least one primary support element with an underside of the second roof section facing inwardly.

12.The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein the third roof section is hingedly coupled to the second side of the first roof section via a .0 hinge such that the third roof section is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position in which the third roof section is substantially perpendicular and/or substantially parallel with the at least one primary support element with an underside of the third roof section facing inwardly.

.5 13.The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein a rigid tie is coupled between the second roof section and the at least one primary support element, and/or a rigid tie is coupled between the third roof section and the at least one primary support element securely to securely retain the second roof section and/or the third roof section in the closed or folded position for transportation.

14.The transportable station of any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein at least one of the sub-sections of the second roof section and/or the third roof section is foldable to face an adjacent sub-section and the folded combination of the sub-sections is rotatable downwardly into the transportation position.

15.The transportable station of claim 14, wherein the sub-sections are foldable such that the one or more solar panels of the folded sub-sections face each other such that they are not exposed in the transportation configuration.

16.The transportable station of any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein in the folded configuration, adjacent sub-sections are coupled together via a coupling element, for example, via a plate bolted to both sub-sections, to prevent unfolding during transportation, wherein the plate optionally maintains the sub-sections in a spaced apart arrangement.

17.The transportable station of any preceding claim, wherein the base element comprises one or more of the following:

settable material, such as concrete, which is pre-cast before transportation; and/or

one or more sockets about a perimeter of the base, in particular, one or more shipping container sockets; and/or

.0 one or more anchors depending therefrom.

18.The transportable station of claim 17, wherein each anchor comprises a shipping container twist lock bracket, a rod coupled to the bracket at a first end thereof and an earth anchor head with a clevis coupled to a second end .5 thereof.

19.The transportable station of any one of claims 2 to 18, further comprising one or more batteries coupled to the one or more solar panels and optionally one or more charging stations coupled to the one or more batteries. -0 20.The transportable station of any preceding claim, further comprising a backup power supply for off grid use, such as a generator, such as a diesel generator, a hydrogen fuel cell or other form of power supply.

21.A method of installing a transportable solar station, the transportable solar station comprising:

a base element;

at least one primary support element extending upwardly substantially centrally from the base element; a first roof section coupled to the at least one primary support element at or towards a top of the primary support element, the first roof section comprising one or more solar panels; a second roof section hingedly coupled to a first side of the first roof section, the second roof section comprising one or more solar panels; and a third roof section hingedly coupled to a second side of the first roof section, the third roof section comprising one or more solar panels; the method comprising: placing the transportable station in a desired position in a closed .0 configuration in which the second and third roof sections are folded relative to and at least partially underneath the first roof section; and unfolding the second and third roof sections relative to the first roof section into an open configuration in which one of the second or third roof sections is at substantially the same angle as the first roof section and the .5 other of the second or third roof sections is at a different angle to the first roof section.

22.The method of claim 21, wherein the transportable station comprises the features of any of claims 2 to 20.

2023202978 12 May 2023

1/12

26B 26B 24

24

26A 26A 2023202978

14 14

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12 12 18

18 20

20 16

16 24

24 26C

26C 22

22 FIG 1

FIG 1 26D

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2023202978 12 May 2023

8.8 - WASHER FLAT STRUCTURAL - HDG - M16 8.8 - WASHER FLAT STRUCTURAL - HDG - M12 70 70 8.8 - BOLT - HDG - M12x40 8 - NUT HEX - HDG - M16 8.8 - NUT - HDG - M12 8.8 - BOLT - HDG - M16x50 200UB25.4 PL - 12mm PL - 12mm PL - 12mm 75 PFC - STEEL 3/12

72

72

PL - 16mm HOLE MANAGEMENT CABLE ENDS BRACE RAFTER ON TYP. DETAIL I CONNECTION BRACE RAFTER TYPICAL SCALE 1 : 10 FIG 3

FIG 3