CA2497375C - Solar powered heat trace system - Google Patents
Solar powered heat trace system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2497375C CA2497375C CA 2497375 CA2497375A CA2497375C CA 2497375 C CA2497375 C CA 2497375C CA 2497375 CA2497375 CA 2497375 CA 2497375 A CA2497375 A CA 2497375A CA 2497375 C CA2497375 C CA 2497375C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- heat
- trace system
- heat trace
- specified
- direct current
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- H02S40/00—Components or accessories in combination with PV modules, not provided for in groups H02S10/00 - H02S30/00
- H02S40/30—Electrical components
- H02S40/38—Energy storage means, e.g. batteries, structurally associated with PV modules
-
- 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
- H02S20/10—Supporting structures directly fixed to the ground
-
- 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
-
- 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
- Y02E70/00—Other energy conversion or management systems reducing GHG emissions
- Y02E70/30—Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin
Landscapes
- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
- Control Of Electrical Variables (AREA)
Abstract
A solar powered heat trace system includes a heat trace system and a photovoltaic panel. The heat trace system is rated for use with alternating current at a specified alternating current voltage with a specified watts per foot of heat output. The photovoltaic panel is capable of converting sunlight into direct current electric power. Direct current is supplied from the photovoltaic panel to the heat trace system at a direct current voltage which is substantially equivalent to the specified alternative current voltage and produces heat within the specified watts per foot heat output for which the heat trace system is rated.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Solar Powered Heat Trace System FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a solar powered heat trace system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is a need for heat trace systems at remote locations, such as well sites, to prevent pipes from freezing. Heat trace systems are made for use with alternating current.
Solar power generating systems produce direct current. In order to use heat trace systems with solar power, the direct current produced must be converted to alternating current.
Unfortunately, the use of inverters which change direct current to alternating current produce unacceptable losses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a solar powered heat trace system which includes a heat trace system and a photovoltaic panel. The heat trace system is rated for use with alternating current at a specified alternating current voltage with a specified watts per foot of heat output. The photovoltaic panel is capable of converting sunlight into direct 2 0 current electric power. Direct current is supplied from the photovoltaic panel to the heat trace system at a direct current voltage, which is substantially equivalent to the specified alternative current voltage and produces heat within the specified watts per foot heat output for which the heat trace system is rated.
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
30 FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a solar powered heat trace system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the solar powered heat trace system illustrated in FIG.1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a solar powered heat trace system generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.
2.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown solar powered heat trace system 10 including a heat trace system indicated generally by reference numeral 12 rated for use with alternating 1 o current at a specified alternating current voltage with a specified watts per foot of heat output.
For example, heat trace system 12 may be rated for 120 volts alternating current (VAC) with a heat output of 20 watts per foot. Heat trace system 12 is powered by a photovoltaic panels 14 capable of converting sunlight into direct current electric power. As shown, a bank of four photovoltaic panels 14 are shown connected in series, and are used to charge a bank of four batteries 16 connected in series, such as 120 Amp/Hour batteries. Batteries 16 are charged via a charge regulator 18. Direct current is then supplied from photovoltaic panel 14 to heat trace system 12 at a direct current voltage (VDC) that is substantially equivalent to the specified alternative current voltage and produces heat within the specifted watts per foot heat output for which the heat trace system is rated. In the example heat trace system 12 described 2 0 above, the equivalent direct current voltage would be approximately 48 VDC. This is done using a multi-function timing relay 20, such as a 48 VDC timing relay, that will oscillate the load to maintain a fifty percent duty cycle. The 48 VDC is then carried to heat trace system 12 by conductor 22, such as a # 14 gauge, 2 conductor teck cable. Conductors 22 are connected to the power connection kit 32 of heat trace system 12 by connectors 30 that 2 5 provide a grounded, dust-free and water-tight connection. A water-tight foam and foil insulated enclosure 24 is used to guarantee a secure atmosphere for the components within.
Enclosure 24 and photovoltaic panels 14 are supported by a stand 26, which includes stakes 28 to stabilize the unit against adverse conditions such as wind.
Solar Powered Heat Trace System FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a solar powered heat trace system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There is a need for heat trace systems at remote locations, such as well sites, to prevent pipes from freezing. Heat trace systems are made for use with alternating current.
Solar power generating systems produce direct current. In order to use heat trace systems with solar power, the direct current produced must be converted to alternating current.
Unfortunately, the use of inverters which change direct current to alternating current produce unacceptable losses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention there is provided a solar powered heat trace system which includes a heat trace system and a photovoltaic panel. The heat trace system is rated for use with alternating current at a specified alternating current voltage with a specified watts per foot of heat output. The photovoltaic panel is capable of converting sunlight into direct 2 0 current electric power. Direct current is supplied from the photovoltaic panel to the heat trace system at a direct current voltage, which is substantially equivalent to the specified alternative current voltage and produces heat within the specified watts per foot heat output for which the heat trace system is rated.
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
30 FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a solar powered heat trace system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the solar powered heat trace system illustrated in FIG.1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a solar powered heat trace system generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG.1 and FIG.
2.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown solar powered heat trace system 10 including a heat trace system indicated generally by reference numeral 12 rated for use with alternating 1 o current at a specified alternating current voltage with a specified watts per foot of heat output.
For example, heat trace system 12 may be rated for 120 volts alternating current (VAC) with a heat output of 20 watts per foot. Heat trace system 12 is powered by a photovoltaic panels 14 capable of converting sunlight into direct current electric power. As shown, a bank of four photovoltaic panels 14 are shown connected in series, and are used to charge a bank of four batteries 16 connected in series, such as 120 Amp/Hour batteries. Batteries 16 are charged via a charge regulator 18. Direct current is then supplied from photovoltaic panel 14 to heat trace system 12 at a direct current voltage (VDC) that is substantially equivalent to the specified alternative current voltage and produces heat within the specifted watts per foot heat output for which the heat trace system is rated. In the example heat trace system 12 described 2 0 above, the equivalent direct current voltage would be approximately 48 VDC. This is done using a multi-function timing relay 20, such as a 48 VDC timing relay, that will oscillate the load to maintain a fifty percent duty cycle. The 48 VDC is then carried to heat trace system 12 by conductor 22, such as a # 14 gauge, 2 conductor teck cable. Conductors 22 are connected to the power connection kit 32 of heat trace system 12 by connectors 30 that 2 5 provide a grounded, dust-free and water-tight connection. A water-tight foam and foil insulated enclosure 24 is used to guarantee a secure atmosphere for the components within.
Enclosure 24 and photovoltaic panels 14 are supported by a stand 26, which includes stakes 28 to stabilize the unit against adverse conditions such as wind.
3 0 Heat trace system 12 includes power connection kit 32 and a heat trace 34.
An example is a 120 VAC 20 watts/foot heat trace that produces approximately 7 watts/foot of heat when connected to 48 VDC without insulation. In addition, there is a terminal end kit 36 that insulates heat trace 34 from ground and the weather. As depicted, there are two heat traces 32, two power connection kits 32, and another conductor 22 connecting power connection kits 32 via connectors 30.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a sample circuit diagram of solar powered heat trace system 10. Other components, such as fuses 33 may be included.
Using the example specifications given above, it has been found that the maximum heat trace that can be connected is a 5' length, or two separate lengths that equal 5'. Loading beyond this limit causes the system to fail after about 14 short, cold winter days. It will be understood that larger systems may be constructed to support greater loads as necessary, however, it is believed that the apparatus described above is adequate for common uses.
Operation:
The use and operation of solar powered heat trace system 10 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The various parts are arranged as shown in FIG. 1 and connected as shown in FIG. 2. Referring now to FIG. 1, photovoltaic panels 14 are used to charge batteries 16 via charge regulator 18. Timing relay 20 oscillates the load to maintain a fifty percent duty cycle, and conductor 22 carries the current to heat trace system 12.
2 0 Connectors 30 are used to connect conductors 22 to power connection kit 32. Heat trace 34 is used to prevent freezing of gas field components 38, such as valves located just below the flowline.
There has been reference in the description to a duty cycle. It will be apparent to one 2 5 skilled in the art that the use of a duty cycle is not required. It could be run 24 hours a day on direct current. The use of a duty cycle reduces the size requirements for the battery pack and the solar panel. For a heat tracing application, 24 hour operation would far exceed the needs for the application. The duty cycle selected can vary. Beneficial results have been obtained with a duty cycle that involves one hour on and one hour off. It will be appreciated that this 3 0 duty cycle has been arbitrarily selected and that the time interval can be either increased or shortened.
An example is a 120 VAC 20 watts/foot heat trace that produces approximately 7 watts/foot of heat when connected to 48 VDC without insulation. In addition, there is a terminal end kit 36 that insulates heat trace 34 from ground and the weather. As depicted, there are two heat traces 32, two power connection kits 32, and another conductor 22 connecting power connection kits 32 via connectors 30.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a sample circuit diagram of solar powered heat trace system 10. Other components, such as fuses 33 may be included.
Using the example specifications given above, it has been found that the maximum heat trace that can be connected is a 5' length, or two separate lengths that equal 5'. Loading beyond this limit causes the system to fail after about 14 short, cold winter days. It will be understood that larger systems may be constructed to support greater loads as necessary, however, it is believed that the apparatus described above is adequate for common uses.
Operation:
The use and operation of solar powered heat trace system 10 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The various parts are arranged as shown in FIG. 1 and connected as shown in FIG. 2. Referring now to FIG. 1, photovoltaic panels 14 are used to charge batteries 16 via charge regulator 18. Timing relay 20 oscillates the load to maintain a fifty percent duty cycle, and conductor 22 carries the current to heat trace system 12.
2 0 Connectors 30 are used to connect conductors 22 to power connection kit 32. Heat trace 34 is used to prevent freezing of gas field components 38, such as valves located just below the flowline.
There has been reference in the description to a duty cycle. It will be apparent to one 2 5 skilled in the art that the use of a duty cycle is not required. It could be run 24 hours a day on direct current. The use of a duty cycle reduces the size requirements for the battery pack and the solar panel. For a heat tracing application, 24 hour operation would far exceed the needs for the application. The duty cycle selected can vary. Beneficial results have been obtained with a duty cycle that involves one hour on and one hour off. It will be appreciated that this 3 0 duty cycle has been arbitrarily selected and that the time interval can be either increased or shortened.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (3)
1. A solar powered heat trace system, comprising:
a heat trace system rated for use with alternating current at a specified alternating current voltage with a specified watts per foot of heat output;
a photovoltaic panel capable of converting sunlight into direct current electric power;
and a battery that is charged by the photovoltaic panel and that supplies direct current to the heat trace system at a direct current voltage which is substantially equivalent to the specified alternative current voltage and produces heat within the specified watts per foot heat output for which the heat trace system is rated.
a heat trace system rated for use with alternating current at a specified alternating current voltage with a specified watts per foot of heat output;
a photovoltaic panel capable of converting sunlight into direct current electric power;
and a battery that is charged by the photovoltaic panel and that supplies direct current to the heat trace system at a direct current voltage which is substantially equivalent to the specified alternative current voltage and produces heat within the specified watts per foot heat output for which the heat trace system is rated.
2. The solar powered heat trace system as defined in Claim 1, wherein the heat trace system is rated for 120 volts alternating current with a heat output of 20 watts per foot and the equivalent direct current voltage is approximately 48 volts, producing about 7 watts per foot.
3. A method comprising the steps of:
providing a battery that is charged by a photovoltaic panel; and using the battery to provide direct current to a heat trace system rated for use with alternating current at a specified alternating current voltage with a specified watts per foot of heat output, the direct current being supplied at a direct current voltage which is substantially equivalent to the specified alternative current voltage and produces heat within the specified watts per foot heat output for which the heat trace system is rated.
providing a battery that is charged by a photovoltaic panel; and using the battery to provide direct current to a heat trace system rated for use with alternating current at a specified alternating current voltage with a specified watts per foot of heat output, the direct current being supplied at a direct current voltage which is substantially equivalent to the specified alternative current voltage and produces heat within the specified watts per foot heat output for which the heat trace system is rated.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2497375 CA2497375C (en) | 2005-02-17 | 2005-02-17 | Solar powered heat trace system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2497375 CA2497375C (en) | 2005-02-17 | 2005-02-17 | Solar powered heat trace system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2497375A1 CA2497375A1 (en) | 2006-08-17 |
| CA2497375C true CA2497375C (en) | 2014-02-04 |
Family
ID=36889345
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2497375 Active CA2497375C (en) | 2005-02-17 | 2005-02-17 | Solar powered heat trace system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2497375C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9774198B2 (en) | 2010-11-08 | 2017-09-26 | Brandon Culver | Wind and solar powered heat trace with homeostatic control |
-
2005
- 2005-02-17 CA CA 2497375 patent/CA2497375C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2497375A1 (en) | 2006-08-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |