CA3184019A1 - Systems and methods for solar power and voltage density - Google Patents
Systems and methods for solar power and voltage density Download PDFInfo
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- CA3184019A1 CA3184019A1 CA3184019A CA3184019A CA3184019A1 CA 3184019 A1 CA3184019 A1 CA 3184019A1 CA 3184019 A CA3184019 A CA 3184019A CA 3184019 A CA3184019 A CA 3184019A CA 3184019 A1 CA3184019 A1 CA 3184019A1
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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
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
-
- 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
- H02S40/20—Optical components
- H02S40/22—Light-reflecting or light-concentrating means
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- Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A bifacial solar panel tower, the tower comprising: a substantially vertical column of two or more rows of bifacial solar panels; wherein each of the rows of solar panels comprises a plurality of bifacial solar panels each having a first face and an opposing second face; the first face of each of the solar panels faces outwards from a center of the column; the first face of each of the solar panels in a one of the rows forms a side of a polygon about the column; and the polygon formed by the first faces of the solar panels in a first row is substantially similar to the polygon formed by the first faces of the solar panels in a second row.
Description
Detailed Description [0035] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.
[0036] The global climate change crisis requires the rapid decarbonization of all power and energy systems used by humans on Earth. This means that fossil fuels can no longer be burned to release thermal energy for the production of electricity or heat in buildings or vehicles. The size, scale and speed of the global energy transition required is unprecedented and requires fundamental improvements in terms of solar power plant density and high voltage DC power applications.
[0037] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof and which show, by way of illustration, examples of how the claimed subject matter may be implemented in a simplified manner. It is to be understood that other implementations can be made and used without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0038] The present invention provides for a solar panel tower geometry that can provide improved solar power density using bifacial solar panels. Bifacial solar panels are an improvement to monofacial solar panels as they may collect solar energy from both the front and back sides of a solar panel. Collecting solar energy from both the front and back sides of a solar panel can increase the electrical power yielded throughout the day.
Solar panels may be electrically connected in series, like household batteries, to increase DC circuit voltages. Higher circuit voltages can be used to transfer more electrical power with less resistance, utilizing smaller wire conductor sizes. The ability to vertically increase both solar power density and voltage density would be advantageous for a variety of DC
and AC
power and energy applications (Figs. 6 to 16).
[0039] The most basic photovoltaic system is a single monofacial panel 8 consisting of front side photovoltaic cells 6. The photovoltaic panel 8 may be laid flat on a terrestrial surface 4 such as earth or rooftop, FIG. la. Such a system is fixed in that the solar panel 8 is Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0036] The global climate change crisis requires the rapid decarbonization of all power and energy systems used by humans on Earth. This means that fossil fuels can no longer be burned to release thermal energy for the production of electricity or heat in buildings or vehicles. The size, scale and speed of the global energy transition required is unprecedented and requires fundamental improvements in terms of solar power plant density and high voltage DC power applications.
[0037] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof and which show, by way of illustration, examples of how the claimed subject matter may be implemented in a simplified manner. It is to be understood that other implementations can be made and used without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0038] The present invention provides for a solar panel tower geometry that can provide improved solar power density using bifacial solar panels. Bifacial solar panels are an improvement to monofacial solar panels as they may collect solar energy from both the front and back sides of a solar panel. Collecting solar energy from both the front and back sides of a solar panel can increase the electrical power yielded throughout the day.
Solar panels may be electrically connected in series, like household batteries, to increase DC circuit voltages. Higher circuit voltages can be used to transfer more electrical power with less resistance, utilizing smaller wire conductor sizes. The ability to vertically increase both solar power density and voltage density would be advantageous for a variety of DC
and AC
power and energy applications (Figs. 6 to 16).
[0039] The most basic photovoltaic system is a single monofacial panel 8 consisting of front side photovoltaic cells 6. The photovoltaic panel 8 may be laid flat on a terrestrial surface 4 such as earth or rooftop, FIG. la. Such a system is fixed in that the solar panel 8 is Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
2 stationary and the sun 2 moves overhead at a changing angle. The back side (not shown) of a monofacial solar panel 8 is completely opaque and does not collect any solar energy.
[0040] Monofacial solar panels 8 are often connected in series arrays as shown in Figs. lb and 1c. Connecting solar panels in series increases the voltage of the DC
circuit proportionally while maintaining the same current. In a flat surface installation, the amount of DC power and voltage that can be generated on a terrestrial surface 4 is limited to the front side photovoltaic cells 6. Examples of terrestrial surfaces 4 for solar panel 8 flat installation may include: rooftops, building walls, parking lots or floating structures.
[0041] In a monofacial solar panel 8 installation, the time available for direct solar power collection from the sun 2 may be further limited by morning and evening angles of solar incidence which results in less daily solar power production on the terrestrial surface 4.
[0042] Referring to Fig. 2a, tilting and directing the front side photovoltaic cells 6 towards the sun 2 can both improve the front side incidence angle and increase the amount of power generated by a solar panel 10 daily.
[0043] As an improvement to monofacial panels 8, a bifacial solar panel 10 can collect solar energy from both front side 6 and back side 12 areas. A bifacial solar panel 10 power output may be a continuous sum of the combined front side 6 power and back side 12 power.
[0044] Raising and tilting a solar panel 10 towards the sun may cast a shadow 14 onto a terrestrial surface 4. The shadow 14 created on a terrestrial surface 4 may reduce the amount of surface reflected light that can be collected on the backside 12 photovoltaic cells for conversion into power.
[0045] Bifacial solar panels 10 are typically installed in series arrays with front side 6 tilted towards the sun as shown in Figs. 2b and 2c. Shadows 14 may be compounded when solar panels 10 are installed in tilted series arrays as shown in Figs. 2b and 2c with continuous surface shadows 14 throughout the day. Continuous shadows 14 may result in reduced power output of a bifacial solar array as part of a DC circuit.
[0046] Referring to Fig. 3a, in some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may consist of bifacial solar panels 10 aligned vertically to collect solar energy directly and indirectly through passive reflection.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0040] Monofacial solar panels 8 are often connected in series arrays as shown in Figs. lb and 1c. Connecting solar panels in series increases the voltage of the DC
circuit proportionally while maintaining the same current. In a flat surface installation, the amount of DC power and voltage that can be generated on a terrestrial surface 4 is limited to the front side photovoltaic cells 6. Examples of terrestrial surfaces 4 for solar panel 8 flat installation may include: rooftops, building walls, parking lots or floating structures.
[0041] In a monofacial solar panel 8 installation, the time available for direct solar power collection from the sun 2 may be further limited by morning and evening angles of solar incidence which results in less daily solar power production on the terrestrial surface 4.
[0042] Referring to Fig. 2a, tilting and directing the front side photovoltaic cells 6 towards the sun 2 can both improve the front side incidence angle and increase the amount of power generated by a solar panel 10 daily.
[0043] As an improvement to monofacial panels 8, a bifacial solar panel 10 can collect solar energy from both front side 6 and back side 12 areas. A bifacial solar panel 10 power output may be a continuous sum of the combined front side 6 power and back side 12 power.
[0044] Raising and tilting a solar panel 10 towards the sun may cast a shadow 14 onto a terrestrial surface 4. The shadow 14 created on a terrestrial surface 4 may reduce the amount of surface reflected light that can be collected on the backside 12 photovoltaic cells for conversion into power.
[0045] Bifacial solar panels 10 are typically installed in series arrays with front side 6 tilted towards the sun as shown in Figs. 2b and 2c. Shadows 14 may be compounded when solar panels 10 are installed in tilted series arrays as shown in Figs. 2b and 2c with continuous surface shadows 14 throughout the day. Continuous shadows 14 may result in reduced power output of a bifacial solar array as part of a DC circuit.
[0046] Referring to Fig. 3a, in some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may consist of bifacial solar panels 10 aligned vertically to collect solar energy directly and indirectly through passive reflection.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
3 [0047] A solar panel tower 16 (Fig. 3a) may contain: bifacial solar panels 10 aligned to form a 3-dimensional polygon geometry with three or more vertical sides 18 and two or more horizontal tower rows 20. The solar panel tower rows 20 may be supported by structural legs 24 and/or row spacing 22 supports.
[0048] Referring to Fig.3a, in some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 may have an orthogonal tower height 26, tower width 28 and tower length 30. The tower terrestrial surface area 32 may be a multiple of the tower width 28 and tower length 30.
The tower width 30 may be a multiple one or more solar panel 10 dimensions, like height or width. The tower length 30 may be a multiple of one or more solar panel 10 dimensions, like height or width. In some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 may have a tower volume 34 that is a multiple of an orthogonal tower width 28, tower length 30 and tower height 26.
[0049] In some embodiments of solar panel tower 16, the tower volume 34 may be hollow to enable direct and indirect light to reach the back sides 12 of solar panels 10. In some embodiments, the tower volume 34 may be formed by one or more polygon geometry with two or more open sides.
[0050] In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 can incorporate additional solar panels 10 by adding additional tower rows 20 vertically. Increasing the quantity of connected solar panel rows 20 vertically may increase the tower surface power density, surface voltage density and tower height 26. Adding one or more tower rows 20 vertically may not require an increase in the terrestrial surface area 4 utilized by the tower area 32.
[0051] In some embodiments, the tower height 26 is only limited by the structural integrity of the tower and the authority having jurisdiction. In some embodiments, the tower height 26 is below a standard power or telecom utility pole height above grade, for example below 10 meters (32 feet). In some embodiments,the tower height 26 is less than the height where aviation safety visibility measures are required, for example below 61 meters (Figs.17 a,b).
In some embodiments, the tower height 26 is below 609 meters (2000 feet) which is the height limit for a telecom radio tower in the United States.
[0052] In some embodiments, one or more solar panels 10 may be connected together by electrical cables (not shown) to form one or more series or parallel DC
circuits with a solar tower 16. The DC power and voltage circuit outputs of solar panel tower 16 can be adjusted without the use of alternating current (AC) transformers. Bypassing the limitations of AC
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0048] Referring to Fig.3a, in some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 may have an orthogonal tower height 26, tower width 28 and tower length 30. The tower terrestrial surface area 32 may be a multiple of the tower width 28 and tower length 30.
The tower width 30 may be a multiple one or more solar panel 10 dimensions, like height or width. The tower length 30 may be a multiple of one or more solar panel 10 dimensions, like height or width. In some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 may have a tower volume 34 that is a multiple of an orthogonal tower width 28, tower length 30 and tower height 26.
[0049] In some embodiments of solar panel tower 16, the tower volume 34 may be hollow to enable direct and indirect light to reach the back sides 12 of solar panels 10. In some embodiments, the tower volume 34 may be formed by one or more polygon geometry with two or more open sides.
[0050] In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 can incorporate additional solar panels 10 by adding additional tower rows 20 vertically. Increasing the quantity of connected solar panel rows 20 vertically may increase the tower surface power density, surface voltage density and tower height 26. Adding one or more tower rows 20 vertically may not require an increase in the terrestrial surface area 4 utilized by the tower area 32.
[0051] In some embodiments, the tower height 26 is only limited by the structural integrity of the tower and the authority having jurisdiction. In some embodiments, the tower height 26 is below a standard power or telecom utility pole height above grade, for example below 10 meters (32 feet). In some embodiments,the tower height 26 is less than the height where aviation safety visibility measures are required, for example below 61 meters (Figs.17 a,b).
In some embodiments, the tower height 26 is below 609 meters (2000 feet) which is the height limit for a telecom radio tower in the United States.
[0052] In some embodiments, one or more solar panels 10 may be connected together by electrical cables (not shown) to form one or more series or parallel DC
circuits with a solar tower 16. The DC power and voltage circuit outputs of solar panel tower 16 can be adjusted without the use of alternating current (AC) transformers. Bypassing the limitations of AC
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
4 power generation and transmission systems (not shown) with vertically adjustable DC
power and voltage circuits is one advantage of the solar panel tower 16 over conventional power plants.
[0053] In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 circuit voltage may not exceed the DC
voltage rating of a solar panel 10. In some embodiments, when one or more tower rows 20 are added, a new DC circuit can be added on the solar panel tower 16 to balance and reduce the DC circuit voltage to not exceed the solar panel 10 voltage rating.
[0054] In some embodiments, the DC circuit voltage of the solar panel tower 16 may be adjusted to match current and future electric vehicle DC Fast Charging and battery standards. In some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 output circuit voltages may include one or more combinations of: 400, 800, 1000 and 1500 DC Volt and above.
[0055] In some embodiments, the solar panel tower 16 power, voltage and current output may be uncontrolled as DC circuits with direct wiring between solar panels 10.
[0056] In some embodiments, the solar panel tower 16 power, voltage and current output may be controlled as DC circuits with semiconductor power transistors (not shown) between solar panels 10, like MOSFET.
[0057] In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may have one or more tower axes (not shown). In some embodiments, a tower axis may be perpendicular from the tower base 32 to the top of a tower. In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may be rotated or tilted to different axis angles relative to the terrestrial ground 4. In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may include a step geometry (not shown) where the vertical axis of a tower row 20 is offset horizontally from a tower row 20 above or below. In some embodiments, each tower row 20 may have a separate axis that may be offset or rotated relative to a base tower area 34 axis.
[0058] In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may include a support structure 24 (shown as dashed lines) to which bifacial solar panels 10 may be secured.
Solar panel tower rows 20 may be supported or suspended by one or more legs 24. The legs 24 may extend from the terrestrial surface area 32 to the tower height 26 or above.
In some embodiments, the geometry of legs 24 may be adjusted to minimize or eliminate disruptive impact to terrestrial surface area 4. In some embodiments, tower legs 24 may be tall enough to allow unimpeded passage underneath a solar panel row 20. In some Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
power and voltage circuits is one advantage of the solar panel tower 16 over conventional power plants.
[0053] In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 circuit voltage may not exceed the DC
voltage rating of a solar panel 10. In some embodiments, when one or more tower rows 20 are added, a new DC circuit can be added on the solar panel tower 16 to balance and reduce the DC circuit voltage to not exceed the solar panel 10 voltage rating.
[0054] In some embodiments, the DC circuit voltage of the solar panel tower 16 may be adjusted to match current and future electric vehicle DC Fast Charging and battery standards. In some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 output circuit voltages may include one or more combinations of: 400, 800, 1000 and 1500 DC Volt and above.
[0055] In some embodiments, the solar panel tower 16 power, voltage and current output may be uncontrolled as DC circuits with direct wiring between solar panels 10.
[0056] In some embodiments, the solar panel tower 16 power, voltage and current output may be controlled as DC circuits with semiconductor power transistors (not shown) between solar panels 10, like MOSFET.
[0057] In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may have one or more tower axes (not shown). In some embodiments, a tower axis may be perpendicular from the tower base 32 to the top of a tower. In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may be rotated or tilted to different axis angles relative to the terrestrial ground 4. In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may include a step geometry (not shown) where the vertical axis of a tower row 20 is offset horizontally from a tower row 20 above or below. In some embodiments, each tower row 20 may have a separate axis that may be offset or rotated relative to a base tower area 34 axis.
[0058] In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 may include a support structure 24 (shown as dashed lines) to which bifacial solar panels 10 may be secured.
Solar panel tower rows 20 may be supported or suspended by one or more legs 24. The legs 24 may extend from the terrestrial surface area 32 to the tower height 26 or above.
In some embodiments, the geometry of legs 24 may be adjusted to minimize or eliminate disruptive impact to terrestrial surface area 4. In some embodiments, tower legs 24 may be tall enough to allow unimpeded passage underneath a solar panel row 20. In some Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
5 embodiments, the legs 24 may also minimize the quantity of contact points between the solar panel tower 16 and the terrestrial surface area 4. In some embodiments, the minimal fixed contact points of the legs 24 may make vertical installation much easier and faster compared to horizontal flat (Figs. la, lb, 1c) and tilted (Figs. 2a, 2b, 2c) installation methods.
[0059] In some embodiments, solar tower rows 20 may be supported such that solar tower legs 24 do not make contact with a terrestrial surface area 4 below. In some embodiments, cantilevered or suspended solar tower legs 24 may reduce the requirement for solar tower 16 structural measures such as guy wires (not shown). In some embodiments, the side of a building facing towards the sun may be an installation location that is suitable for tower legs 24.
[0060] In some embodiments, the legs 24 may connect the solar panel tower 16 to one or more artificial and natural support structures: ground, earth, buildings, rooftops, pavement, roadways, walls, vehicles, vessels, ice and the like.
[0061] In some embodiments, the legs 24 may be made of one or more material of:
recycled metal like aluminum, sustainable and/or circular wood products and the like. In some embodiments, the volume of the legs 24 should be minimized to minimize blocking of direct 36 and indirect solar ray pathways (Fig. 3b) from entering the tower volume 34.
[0062] Referring to Fig. 3b perspective view, in some embodiments a solar panel tower 16 can collect solar energy directly 36 from the sun 2 and indirectly 38 from reflection. The internal volume of the tower 34 may be hollow and open for passing solar direct 36 and reflected 38 energies within. Increasing the volume of direct 36 and reflected 38 light that enters the tower volume 38 may increase the amount of electricity generated from the back side 12 of one or more solar panels 10.
[0063] Referring to Fig.3b, in some embodiments, the volume of direct sunlight 36 entering the solar tower volume 34 may be adjusted based on the height of the row spacing 22 between solar tower rows 20. In some embodiments, the tower row spacing 22 can also be adjusted to reduce internal shading 23 created by solar panels 10 above onto solar panels below. In some embodiments, with zero row spacing 22, direct sunlight 38 cannot enter between solar tower rows 2 which results in much more internal 23 shading. In some embodiments, the row spacing 22 is standardized at repeating intervals over the height of Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0059] In some embodiments, solar tower rows 20 may be supported such that solar tower legs 24 do not make contact with a terrestrial surface area 4 below. In some embodiments, cantilevered or suspended solar tower legs 24 may reduce the requirement for solar tower 16 structural measures such as guy wires (not shown). In some embodiments, the side of a building facing towards the sun may be an installation location that is suitable for tower legs 24.
[0060] In some embodiments, the legs 24 may connect the solar panel tower 16 to one or more artificial and natural support structures: ground, earth, buildings, rooftops, pavement, roadways, walls, vehicles, vessels, ice and the like.
[0061] In some embodiments, the legs 24 may be made of one or more material of:
recycled metal like aluminum, sustainable and/or circular wood products and the like. In some embodiments, the volume of the legs 24 should be minimized to minimize blocking of direct 36 and indirect solar ray pathways (Fig. 3b) from entering the tower volume 34.
[0062] Referring to Fig. 3b perspective view, in some embodiments a solar panel tower 16 can collect solar energy directly 36 from the sun 2 and indirectly 38 from reflection. The internal volume of the tower 34 may be hollow and open for passing solar direct 36 and reflected 38 energies within. Increasing the volume of direct 36 and reflected 38 light that enters the tower volume 38 may increase the amount of electricity generated from the back side 12 of one or more solar panels 10.
[0063] Referring to Fig.3b, in some embodiments, the volume of direct sunlight 36 entering the solar tower volume 34 may be adjusted based on the height of the row spacing 22 between solar tower rows 20. In some embodiments, the tower row spacing 22 can also be adjusted to reduce internal shading 23 created by solar panels 10 above onto solar panels below. In some embodiments, with zero row spacing 22, direct sunlight 38 cannot enter between solar tower rows 2 which results in much more internal 23 shading. In some embodiments, the row spacing 22 is standardized at repeating intervals over the height of Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
6 the solar panel tower 26. In some embodiments, increasing the row spacing 22 increases the height of the solar panel tower 26 proportionally.
[0064] Referring to Fig. 3c, in some embodiments, a solar tower 16 be viewed as an orthogonal rectangular shape from a plan view above. In some embodiments, a rectangular plan shape with standardized tower dimensions like length 28, width 30, area 32 and volume 34 may make 2-dimensional planning simpler with building plan or engineering construction drawings which may result in power and energy planning efficiencies. In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 plan symbol may include 3-dimensional calculated shadow 14 geometries for simplified planning of terrestrial surface 4 shading applications.
[0065] In some embodiments, one or more solar panel tower 16 may physically support fiber optic cabling (not shown), radio antennas (not shown) and the like.
[0066] In some embodiments, one or more solar panel tower 16 may act as a mast radiator in which the metal structure itself is energized and functions as a radio antenna as part of a radio communication system (not shown).
[0067] Referring to Fig. 4a, in some embodiments, one or more solar panel towers 16 may be grouped to form a geometric solar tower array 40. The terrestrial surface 4 used by the array is only the sum of the individual tower areas 32. A solar tower array 40 can generate multiples of power per solar tower 16 over that which can be harvested by flat surface (Figs.
1a,b,c) and tilted surface (Figs. 2a,b,c) solar installations.
[0068] In some embodiments, a solar tower array 40 may be oriented so that the direct and passive properties of light are maximized for the production of electrical power based on the solar angles, location and season of the terrestrial surface 4. The solar tower array 40 allows for minimal land use with increased solar yield with adaptable solar tower array 40 geometries.
[0069] The height of one or more solar tower arrays 40 may be the same as a solar tower height 26. In some embodiments, multiple array 40 geometrical configurations and tower heights 26 can be adapted based on the amount of terrestrial surface area 4 and sky volume available.
[0070] In some embodiments, one or more solar towers 16 may be electrically connected by cables (not shown) to form one more DC circuit within or between one or more array 40.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0064] Referring to Fig. 3c, in some embodiments, a solar tower 16 be viewed as an orthogonal rectangular shape from a plan view above. In some embodiments, a rectangular plan shape with standardized tower dimensions like length 28, width 30, area 32 and volume 34 may make 2-dimensional planning simpler with building plan or engineering construction drawings which may result in power and energy planning efficiencies. In some embodiments, a solar panel tower 16 plan symbol may include 3-dimensional calculated shadow 14 geometries for simplified planning of terrestrial surface 4 shading applications.
[0065] In some embodiments, one or more solar panel tower 16 may physically support fiber optic cabling (not shown), radio antennas (not shown) and the like.
[0066] In some embodiments, one or more solar panel tower 16 may act as a mast radiator in which the metal structure itself is energized and functions as a radio antenna as part of a radio communication system (not shown).
[0067] Referring to Fig. 4a, in some embodiments, one or more solar panel towers 16 may be grouped to form a geometric solar tower array 40. The terrestrial surface 4 used by the array is only the sum of the individual tower areas 32. A solar tower array 40 can generate multiples of power per solar tower 16 over that which can be harvested by flat surface (Figs.
1a,b,c) and tilted surface (Figs. 2a,b,c) solar installations.
[0068] In some embodiments, a solar tower array 40 may be oriented so that the direct and passive properties of light are maximized for the production of electrical power based on the solar angles, location and season of the terrestrial surface 4. The solar tower array 40 allows for minimal land use with increased solar yield with adaptable solar tower array 40 geometries.
[0069] The height of one or more solar tower arrays 40 may be the same as a solar tower height 26. In some embodiments, multiple array 40 geometrical configurations and tower heights 26 can be adapted based on the amount of terrestrial surface area 4 and sky volume available.
[0070] In some embodiments, one or more solar towers 16 may be electrically connected by cables (not shown) to form one more DC circuit within or between one or more array 40.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
7 [0071] Referring to Fig. 4b, in some embodiments, a solar tower array 40 can be improved by adding one or more vertical mirror surfaces A42 to reflect 38 solar energy back onto a solar panel tower 16. In some embodiments in the northern hemisphere, mirror A42 may be on the northern side of the solar tower array 40. In some embodiments in the southern hemisphere, mirror A42 may be on the southern side of the solar tower array 40. In some embodiments, the width of mirror A 42 may repeat horizontally within a solar tower array 40 as a multiple of the tower width 28 to minimize horizontal shading between solar panel towers 16. In some embodiments, one or more mirror surfaces A42 may be installed on a vertical wall structure 5. In some embodiments, the solar panel tower may be positioned one or more tower lengths 28 or tower widths 30 in front of vertical mirrors A42 to minimize mirror shading (not shown). In some embodiments, the height of mirrors A42 may be greater than the solar panel tower height 26 to reflect light downwards towards the solar panel towers 16. In some embodiments, one or more mirror surfaces A44 may be a flat or curved surface made from circular and economical recycled materials like aluminium and glass.
[0072] Referring to Fig. 4b, in some embodiments, a solar array 40 may be further improved by adding one or more horizontal mirror surfaces B 44 to reflect 38 solar energy back onto a solar panel tower 16. In some embodiments, one or more mirror surfaces B 44 may be installed underneath a solar panel tower 16. In some embodiments, one or more mirror surfaces B 44 may be a flat or curved reflective surface made from circular and economical recycled materials like aluminium and glass.
[0073] Referring to Fig. 4c, in some embodiments, a solar array 40 may be further improved by adding one or more radial mirror surfaces C 46 to reflect 38 solar energy back onto a solar panel tower 16. In some embodiments, mirror surface C 46 may be installed adjacent to mirrors A 42 and/or B 44 to provide additional area and degrees of radial reflection for the solar tower array 40 based on the changing sun position throughout the day. In some embodiments, one or more mirror surfaces C 46 may be a flat or curved reflective surface made from circular and economical recycled materials like aluminium and glass.
[0074] Referring to Fig. 5, in some embodiments, the sun 2 and mirror surfaces 42, 44 and 46 may provide combinations of solar direct and indirect reflection relationships between each other and one or more solar panel towers 16 within one or more solar tower array 40.
In some embodiments, mirror 42, 44, 46 reflection relationships may be passively or actively Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0072] Referring to Fig. 4b, in some embodiments, a solar array 40 may be further improved by adding one or more horizontal mirror surfaces B 44 to reflect 38 solar energy back onto a solar panel tower 16. In some embodiments, one or more mirror surfaces B 44 may be installed underneath a solar panel tower 16. In some embodiments, one or more mirror surfaces B 44 may be a flat or curved reflective surface made from circular and economical recycled materials like aluminium and glass.
[0073] Referring to Fig. 4c, in some embodiments, a solar array 40 may be further improved by adding one or more radial mirror surfaces C 46 to reflect 38 solar energy back onto a solar panel tower 16. In some embodiments, mirror surface C 46 may be installed adjacent to mirrors A 42 and/or B 44 to provide additional area and degrees of radial reflection for the solar tower array 40 based on the changing sun position throughout the day. In some embodiments, one or more mirror surfaces C 46 may be a flat or curved reflective surface made from circular and economical recycled materials like aluminium and glass.
[0074] Referring to Fig. 5, in some embodiments, the sun 2 and mirror surfaces 42, 44 and 46 may provide combinations of solar direct and indirect reflection relationships between each other and one or more solar panel towers 16 within one or more solar tower array 40.
In some embodiments, mirror 42, 44, 46 reflection relationships may be passively or actively Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
8 adjusted to maximize the solar panel tower 16 power output. In some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 DC power output may be the combined sum of one or more DC
circuits. In some embodiments, the sum of the solar panel tower 16 includes one or more solar panels and the combined DC power sum of their respective front side 6 and back side 12 light collection geometries. In some embodiments, mirror surfaces 42, 44, 46 may be geometrically aligned with a solar tower array 40 to further increase the reflective solar power output gain of the combined DC power sum. In some embodiments, mirror surfaces 42, 44, 46 may be one or more flat or curved reflective surfaces made from circular and economical recycled materials like aluminium and glass.
[0075] In some embodiments, the mirrors surfaces 42, 44, 46 may also provide radiative solar cooling from reflected solar energy that misses a solar panel tower 16 which may be reflected out toward the exosphere (not shown). In some embodiments, the mirror reflectors 42, 44, 46 may serve a dual purpose of amplifying solar tower 16 power yield and also radiative infrared cooling. Refer to MEER.org for applied sciences behind mirror reflectors for global solar thermal cooling applications.
[0076] In some embodiments, future improvements in bifacial solar panel 10 technology at the optical and electrical level can be incorporated more effectively into a solar panel tower 16 allowing for still greater improvements in solar power yield. In some embodiments, the front side 6 and back side 12 photovoltaic collector cells can be one or more semiconductor, silicon, perovskite, thin film, sheet, fabric or combination photovoltaic material (not shown).
In some embodiments, the front 6 and back 12 side collection geometries may comprise one or more separate photovoltaic cell materials. In some embodiments, one or more front 6 or back 12 side photovoltaic cells may be replaced without replacing the entire solar panel frame.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel towers 16 in an array 40 powering an AC load 52. In some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 may contain one or more bifacial solar panels 10 with front 6 and back 12 collection surfaces harvesting combinations of direct 36 and reflected 38 solar power throughout the day. In some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 may physically support one or more DC microgrids 60 installed on the tower structure that share the same terrestrial tower area 3201 tower volume 34, like wind and/or thermoelectric generators (not shown). In some embodiments, the AC power Source 48 may be an AC
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
circuits. In some embodiments, the sum of the solar panel tower 16 includes one or more solar panels and the combined DC power sum of their respective front side 6 and back side 12 light collection geometries. In some embodiments, mirror surfaces 42, 44, 46 may be geometrically aligned with a solar tower array 40 to further increase the reflective solar power output gain of the combined DC power sum. In some embodiments, mirror surfaces 42, 44, 46 may be one or more flat or curved reflective surfaces made from circular and economical recycled materials like aluminium and glass.
[0075] In some embodiments, the mirrors surfaces 42, 44, 46 may also provide radiative solar cooling from reflected solar energy that misses a solar panel tower 16 which may be reflected out toward the exosphere (not shown). In some embodiments, the mirror reflectors 42, 44, 46 may serve a dual purpose of amplifying solar tower 16 power yield and also radiative infrared cooling. Refer to MEER.org for applied sciences behind mirror reflectors for global solar thermal cooling applications.
[0076] In some embodiments, future improvements in bifacial solar panel 10 technology at the optical and electrical level can be incorporated more effectively into a solar panel tower 16 allowing for still greater improvements in solar power yield. In some embodiments, the front side 6 and back side 12 photovoltaic collector cells can be one or more semiconductor, silicon, perovskite, thin film, sheet, fabric or combination photovoltaic material (not shown).
In some embodiments, the front 6 and back 12 side collection geometries may comprise one or more separate photovoltaic cell materials. In some embodiments, one or more front 6 or back 12 side photovoltaic cells may be replaced without replacing the entire solar panel frame.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel towers 16 in an array 40 powering an AC load 52. In some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 may contain one or more bifacial solar panels 10 with front 6 and back 12 collection surfaces harvesting combinations of direct 36 and reflected 38 solar power throughout the day. In some embodiments, solar panel tower 16 may physically support one or more DC microgrids 60 installed on the tower structure that share the same terrestrial tower area 3201 tower volume 34, like wind and/or thermoelectric generators (not shown). In some embodiments, the AC power Source 48 may be an AC
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
9 utility power source, like a utility AC power plant or AC transmission line.
In some embodiments, the AC load 52 may be one or more combinations of resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes or transistor nodes within an AC power network. In some embodiments, the DC-AC inverter 54 transforms the solar panel tower 16 DC power into AC to directly power one or more AC load 52. In some embodiments, an AC automatic transfer switch 50 may instantaneously transfer power to the AC load 52 from more than one AC
input. In some embodiments, an AC transfer switch 50 switches instantaneously between AC
inputs in the event of power failure from either AC input source. In some embodiments, the addition of an AC transfer switch 50 improves the overall reliability of the power network supporting the AC load 52. In some embodiments, when a DC-AC inverter 54 is unable to convert enough power for the AC load 52, the inverter 54 shuts off and the automatic transfer switch 50 instantaneously shifts the input source to an AC utility power source 48.
In one embodiment, the AC power source 48 may be powered from one or more of:
a fossil fuel generator, hydroelectric generator, nuclear power generator, renewable energy generator or the like (not shown).
[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel towers 16 in an array 40 powering an AC load 52 with DC
chemical battery 56 and DC charger 58. In some embodiments, the addition of a DC
battery 56 and DC charger 58 improves the overall reliability of the power network supporting the AC load 52. In some embodiments, the DC charger 58 is able to adjust the output voltage and current to power one or more DC chemical battery 56. In some embodiments, a DC
charger 58 is a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) device. In some embodiments, a DC
charger 58 consists of one or more DC power transistors, such as MOSFET and the like.
In some embodiments, a DC chemical battery 56 stores chemical energy which may be converted back to DC electricity. DC electricity may be converted to AC electricity by the DC-AC
inverter 54 to directly power one or more AC load 52. In some embodiments, the DC
chemical battery 56 has DC fast charging capabilities and may not require an external DC
charger 58. In some embodiments, one or more DC charger 58 powers one or more inverter 54 directly in one or more series and/or parallel combinations (not shown).
[0079] Referring to Fig. 8, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC load 62. In some embodiments, a DC load 62 may be one or more of resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes or transistor Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
In some embodiments, the AC load 52 may be one or more combinations of resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes or transistor nodes within an AC power network. In some embodiments, the DC-AC inverter 54 transforms the solar panel tower 16 DC power into AC to directly power one or more AC load 52. In some embodiments, an AC automatic transfer switch 50 may instantaneously transfer power to the AC load 52 from more than one AC
input. In some embodiments, an AC transfer switch 50 switches instantaneously between AC
inputs in the event of power failure from either AC input source. In some embodiments, the addition of an AC transfer switch 50 improves the overall reliability of the power network supporting the AC load 52. In some embodiments, when a DC-AC inverter 54 is unable to convert enough power for the AC load 52, the inverter 54 shuts off and the automatic transfer switch 50 instantaneously shifts the input source to an AC utility power source 48.
In one embodiment, the AC power source 48 may be powered from one or more of:
a fossil fuel generator, hydroelectric generator, nuclear power generator, renewable energy generator or the like (not shown).
[0078] Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel towers 16 in an array 40 powering an AC load 52 with DC
chemical battery 56 and DC charger 58. In some embodiments, the addition of a DC
battery 56 and DC charger 58 improves the overall reliability of the power network supporting the AC load 52. In some embodiments, the DC charger 58 is able to adjust the output voltage and current to power one or more DC chemical battery 56. In some embodiments, a DC
charger 58 is a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) device. In some embodiments, a DC
charger 58 consists of one or more DC power transistors, such as MOSFET and the like.
In some embodiments, a DC chemical battery 56 stores chemical energy which may be converted back to DC electricity. DC electricity may be converted to AC electricity by the DC-AC
inverter 54 to directly power one or more AC load 52. In some embodiments, the DC
chemical battery 56 has DC fast charging capabilities and may not require an external DC
charger 58. In some embodiments, one or more DC charger 58 powers one or more inverter 54 directly in one or more series and/or parallel combinations (not shown).
[0079] Referring to Fig. 8, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC load 62. In some embodiments, a DC load 62 may be one or more of resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes or transistor Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
10 nodes within a DC power network. In some embodiments, one or more DC load 62 may be powered directly by a solar panel tower 16.
[0080] Referring to Fig. 9, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC Load 62 supported by a DC
chemical battery 56 and a DC Charger 58. In some embodiments, the addition of a DC
battery 56 and DC charger 58 improves the overall reliability of the power network supporting the DC load 62. In some embodiments, the DC charger 58 is able to adjust the output voltage and current to power one or more DC chemical battery 56. In some embodiments, a DC charger 58 is a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) device.
In some embodiments, a DC charger 58 consists of one or more DC power transistors, such as MOSFET and the like. In some embodiments, a DC chemical battery 56 stores chemical energy which may be converted back to DC electricity to directly power one or more DC
load 62. In some embodiments, the DC chemical battery 56 has DC fast charging capabilities and may bypass the need for a DC charger 58. In some embodiments, the DC
chemical battery 56 requires an external DC charger 58 for fast charging performance. In some embodiments, the DC chemical battery 56 has DC fast charging capabilities and may not require an external DC charger 58. In some embodiments, one or more DC
charger 58 powers one or more inverter 54 directly in one or more series and/or parallel combinations (not shown).
[0081] Referring to Fig. 10, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a resistor 72 which may output hot thermal energy into one or more hot thermal battery 70 connected to one or more heat pump system 68. In some embodiments, the resistor 72 can be any type of electrical circuit conductor that converts electrical power to thermal energy. In some embodiments, the thermal hot battery 70 may be an insulated container (not shown) that encloses a volume of material with a high specific heat, such as sand or water in thermal isolation. In some embodiments, solar electricity may be stored as thermal energy in the form of heated sand or water for longer duration storage. In some embodiments, the thermal hot battery 70 can be connected to a heat pump system 68 which may circulate a fluid or gas medium (not shown) to transfer thermal heat energy into other systems (not shown).
[0082] Referring to Fig. 11, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel towers 16 in an array 40 powering a resistor 72 which may output Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0080] Referring to Fig. 9, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC Load 62 supported by a DC
chemical battery 56 and a DC Charger 58. In some embodiments, the addition of a DC
battery 56 and DC charger 58 improves the overall reliability of the power network supporting the DC load 62. In some embodiments, the DC charger 58 is able to adjust the output voltage and current to power one or more DC chemical battery 56. In some embodiments, a DC charger 58 is a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) device.
In some embodiments, a DC charger 58 consists of one or more DC power transistors, such as MOSFET and the like. In some embodiments, a DC chemical battery 56 stores chemical energy which may be converted back to DC electricity to directly power one or more DC
load 62. In some embodiments, the DC chemical battery 56 has DC fast charging capabilities and may bypass the need for a DC charger 58. In some embodiments, the DC
chemical battery 56 requires an external DC charger 58 for fast charging performance. In some embodiments, the DC chemical battery 56 has DC fast charging capabilities and may not require an external DC charger 58. In some embodiments, one or more DC
charger 58 powers one or more inverter 54 directly in one or more series and/or parallel combinations (not shown).
[0081] Referring to Fig. 10, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a resistor 72 which may output hot thermal energy into one or more hot thermal battery 70 connected to one or more heat pump system 68. In some embodiments, the resistor 72 can be any type of electrical circuit conductor that converts electrical power to thermal energy. In some embodiments, the thermal hot battery 70 may be an insulated container (not shown) that encloses a volume of material with a high specific heat, such as sand or water in thermal isolation. In some embodiments, solar electricity may be stored as thermal energy in the form of heated sand or water for longer duration storage. In some embodiments, the thermal hot battery 70 can be connected to a heat pump system 68 which may circulate a fluid or gas medium (not shown) to transfer thermal heat energy into other systems (not shown).
[0082] Referring to Fig. 11, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel towers 16 in an array 40 powering a resistor 72 which may output Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
11 thermal energy into a thermal hot battery 70 connected to one or more steam engine 76 and one or more Rankine cycle 80 to generate electricity 74 from water 78. In some embodiments, liquid water 78 can be evaporated with energy from the thermal hot battery 70 to generate electricity using a steam engine 76. In some embodiments, a Rankine Cycle 80 may recover the water 78 used to generate electricity 74 as a circular byproduct.
[0083] Referring to Fig. 12, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC Thermoelectric system 90 which may exchange thermal energy with one or more hot thermal battery 70 and one or more cold thermal battery 88. In some embodiments, a DC Thermoelectric system 90 can change from thermal heating to thermal absorption (cooling) by means of reversing the DC polarity within the circuit. In some embodiments, thermal hot batteries 70 and cold batteries 88 may be connected as a Carnot engine 86 to produce thermodynamic work. In some embodiments, one or more thermal hot battery 70 may transfer thermal energy to a geothermal storage 82 system for long term thermal underground storage. In some embodiments, one or more thermal cold battery 88 may absorb thermal energy from a hydrocarbon storage 84 for long term frozen underground storage.
[0084] Referring to Fig. 13, in some embodiments an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel towers 16 in an array 40 powering a DC electrolysis system 96 which may input one or more chemical compounds 94 and output one or more chemical elements 92.
[0085] Referring to Fig. 14, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC electrolysis system 96 which may input chemical compounds 94, like water 102, and output chemical elements 92, like oxygen 100 and hydrogen 104. In some embodiments, the extracted oxygen 100 and hydrogen 102 elements can be combined within a fuel cell 98 to generate electricity 74 and thermal heat 101 with water 102 as a byproduct. The byproduct water 102 can be reused as input compound 94 within a circular DC electrolysis 96 system.
[0086] Referring to Fig. 15, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC electrolysis 96 system which may input one or more chemical compounds 94 and output one or more chemical compounds 106. In some embodiments, a DC Electrolysis 82 system may take one or more Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0083] Referring to Fig. 12, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC Thermoelectric system 90 which may exchange thermal energy with one or more hot thermal battery 70 and one or more cold thermal battery 88. In some embodiments, a DC Thermoelectric system 90 can change from thermal heating to thermal absorption (cooling) by means of reversing the DC polarity within the circuit. In some embodiments, thermal hot batteries 70 and cold batteries 88 may be connected as a Carnot engine 86 to produce thermodynamic work. In some embodiments, one or more thermal hot battery 70 may transfer thermal energy to a geothermal storage 82 system for long term thermal underground storage. In some embodiments, one or more thermal cold battery 88 may absorb thermal energy from a hydrocarbon storage 84 for long term frozen underground storage.
[0084] Referring to Fig. 13, in some embodiments an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel towers 16 in an array 40 powering a DC electrolysis system 96 which may input one or more chemical compounds 94 and output one or more chemical elements 92.
[0085] Referring to Fig. 14, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC electrolysis system 96 which may input chemical compounds 94, like water 102, and output chemical elements 92, like oxygen 100 and hydrogen 104. In some embodiments, the extracted oxygen 100 and hydrogen 102 elements can be combined within a fuel cell 98 to generate electricity 74 and thermal heat 101 with water 102 as a byproduct. The byproduct water 102 can be reused as input compound 94 within a circular DC electrolysis 96 system.
[0086] Referring to Fig. 15, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC electrolysis 96 system which may input one or more chemical compounds 94 and output one or more chemical compounds 106. In some embodiments, a DC Electrolysis 82 system may take one or more Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
12 hydrocarbons as input compounds 94 and output one or more compound 106 and/or one or more element 92 (not shown).
[0087] Referring to Fig. 16, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC Electrolysis system 96 which may input one or more chemical elements 108 and output one or more chemical compounds 106. In some embodiments, Oxygen 100 and Hydrogen 104 may be input elements 108 and water 102 may be an output compound 106.
[0088] Referring to Fig. 17a, in some embodiments, a perspective computer rendered view that shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 with direct lighting contrast only.
The array 40 shown consists of ten solar panel towers 16 under 61m in height with multiple reflector surfaces arranged in a power plant configuration.
[0089] Referring to Fig. 17b, in some embodiments, a perspective computer rendered view that shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 with reflected lighting now visible. The array 40 shown consists of ten solar panel towers 16 under 61m in height with multiple reflector surfaces arranged in a power plant configuration.
[0090] The volumetric building block simplicity of the solar panel tower 16 encourages the general public to use this invention to realize DC clean electricity and energy abundance.
[0091] While several embodiments of the invention, together with modifications thereof, have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Some embodiment [0092] Some embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be developed independently for one or more DC or AC power networks, and later integrated together.
Such an approach may enable parallel, dynamic and scalable implementation of the system for one or more buildings or vehicles and the like.
[0093] Some embodiments of the invention may be directly connected with one or more electric vehicle charging systems.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0087] Referring to Fig. 16, in some embodiments, an electrical energy diagram shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 powering a DC Electrolysis system 96 which may input one or more chemical elements 108 and output one or more chemical compounds 106. In some embodiments, Oxygen 100 and Hydrogen 104 may be input elements 108 and water 102 may be an output compound 106.
[0088] Referring to Fig. 17a, in some embodiments, a perspective computer rendered view that shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 with direct lighting contrast only.
The array 40 shown consists of ten solar panel towers 16 under 61m in height with multiple reflector surfaces arranged in a power plant configuration.
[0089] Referring to Fig. 17b, in some embodiments, a perspective computer rendered view that shows one or more solar panel tower 16 in an array 40 with reflected lighting now visible. The array 40 shown consists of ten solar panel towers 16 under 61m in height with multiple reflector surfaces arranged in a power plant configuration.
[0090] The volumetric building block simplicity of the solar panel tower 16 encourages the general public to use this invention to realize DC clean electricity and energy abundance.
[0091] While several embodiments of the invention, together with modifications thereof, have been described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various further modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Some embodiment [0092] Some embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be developed independently for one or more DC or AC power networks, and later integrated together.
Such an approach may enable parallel, dynamic and scalable implementation of the system for one or more buildings or vehicles and the like.
[0093] Some embodiments of the invention may be directly connected with one or more electric vehicle charging systems.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
13 [0094] Some embodiments of the invention may be augmented with DC renewable power sources 60 like wind and thermoelectric generators (not shown) to generate additional electricity using the shared vertical structure tower area 32 and tower volume 34.
[0095] Some embodiments of the invention may power mechanical engineering systems and electrical engineering systems within buildings and/or vehicles and the like.
[0096] Some embodiments of the invention may be interconnected to create an adaptable DC power distribution mesh using combinations of wired and/or wireless relationships between towers, buildings, vehicles and devices (not shown).
[0097] Some embodiments of the present invention may be used for one or more of the following solar power and/or energy applications:
a. vehicle charging electrification;
b. existing building electrification;
c. construction electrification;
d. new building electrification;
e. fossil fuel power plant thermal electrification;
f. nuclear power plant thermal electrification and g. hydro power thermal electrification.
[0098] Some embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are described using bifacial solar panels 10 within a solar panel tower 16. Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise one or monofacial solar panels 8.
[0099] Some embodiments of the present solar panel towers 16 are described in the context of an appurtenance "building". In one or more embodiments, a "building" may include one or more physically separate solar panel towers, wherein an electrical power network is shared between the separate structures with or without wires.
Interpretation of Terms [0100] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:
= "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to";
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0095] Some embodiments of the invention may power mechanical engineering systems and electrical engineering systems within buildings and/or vehicles and the like.
[0096] Some embodiments of the invention may be interconnected to create an adaptable DC power distribution mesh using combinations of wired and/or wireless relationships between towers, buildings, vehicles and devices (not shown).
[0097] Some embodiments of the present invention may be used for one or more of the following solar power and/or energy applications:
a. vehicle charging electrification;
b. existing building electrification;
c. construction electrification;
d. new building electrification;
e. fossil fuel power plant thermal electrification;
f. nuclear power plant thermal electrification and g. hydro power thermal electrification.
[0098] Some embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are described using bifacial solar panels 10 within a solar panel tower 16. Some embodiments of the present invention may comprise one or monofacial solar panels 8.
[0099] Some embodiments of the present solar panel towers 16 are described in the context of an appurtenance "building". In one or more embodiments, a "building" may include one or more physically separate solar panel towers, wherein an electrical power network is shared between the separate structures with or without wires.
Interpretation of Terms [0100] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:
= "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to";
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
14 = "connected", "coupled", or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof;
= "herein", "above", "below", and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;
= "or', in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;
= the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms.
[0101] Words that indicate directions such as "vertical", "transverse", "horizontal", "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward", "inward", "outward", "vertical", "transverse", "left", "right", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "below", "above", "under', and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.
[0102] For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or sub-combinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times.
[0103] In addition, while elements are at times shown as being performed sequentially as an illustration, they may instead be performed simultaneously or in different sequences. It is therefore intended that the following claims are interpreted to include all such variations as are within their intended scope.
[0104] In some embodiments, the invention may be implemented in software as a database model. For greater clarity, "software" includes any instructions executed on a processor, and Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
= "herein", "above", "below", and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;
= "or', in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;
= the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms.
[0101] Words that indicate directions such as "vertical", "transverse", "horizontal", "upward", "downward", "forward", "backward", "inward", "outward", "vertical", "transverse", "left", "right", "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "below", "above", "under', and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly.
[0102] For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative examples may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or sub-combinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times.
[0103] In addition, while elements are at times shown as being performed sequentially as an illustration, they may instead be performed simultaneously or in different sequences. It is therefore intended that the following claims are interpreted to include all such variations as are within their intended scope.
[0104] In some embodiments, the invention may be implemented in software as a database model. For greater clarity, "software" includes any instructions executed on a processor, and Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
15 may include (but is not limited to) firmware, resident software, microcode, and the like. Both processing hardware and software may be centralized or distributed (or a combination thereof), in whole or in part, as known to those skilled in the art. For example, software and other modules may be accessible via local memory, via a network, via a browser or other application in a distributed computing context, or via other means suitable for the purposes described above.
[0105] Where a component (e.g. a model, a software module, processor, assembly, device, circuit, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a "means") should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0106] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.
[0107] Various features are described herein as being present in "some embodiments".
Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments.
Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that "some embodiments"
possess feature A and "some embodiments" possess feature B should be interpreted as an express Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0105] Where a component (e.g. a model, a software module, processor, assembly, device, circuit, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a "means") should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.
[0106] Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments.
[0107] Various features are described herein as being present in "some embodiments".
Such features are not mandatory and may not be present in all embodiments.
Embodiments of the invention may include zero, any one or any combination of two or more of such features. This is limited only to the extent that certain ones of such features are incompatible with other ones of such features in the sense that it would be impossible for a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct a practical embodiment that combines such incompatible features. Consequently, the description that "some embodiments"
possess feature A and "some embodiments" possess feature B should be interpreted as an express Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
16 indication that the inventors also contemplate embodiments which combine features A and B (unless the description states otherwise or features A and B are fundamentally incompatible).
[0108] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
[0108] It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
Claims (10)
1. A bifacial solar panel tower, the tower comprising:
a substantially vertical column of two or more rows of bifacial solar panels;
wherein each of the rows of solar panels comprises a plurality of bifacial solar panels each having a first face and an opposing second face;
the first face of each of the solar panels faces outwards from a center of the column;
the first face of each of the solar panels in a one of the rows forms a side of a polygon about the column; and the polygon formed by the first faces of the solar panels in a first row is substantially similar to the polygon formed by the first faces of the solar panels in a second row.
a substantially vertical column of two or more rows of bifacial solar panels;
wherein each of the rows of solar panels comprises a plurality of bifacial solar panels each having a first face and an opposing second face;
the first face of each of the solar panels faces outwards from a center of the column;
the first face of each of the solar panels in a one of the rows forms a side of a polygon about the column; and the polygon formed by the first faces of the solar panels in a first row is substantially similar to the polygon formed by the first faces of the solar panels in a second row.
2. The bifacial solar panel tower of claim 1, wherein the polygon is a regular polygon.
3. The bifacial solar panel tower of either of claims 1 and 2, wherein the rows of solar panels are vertically spaced apart by a row gap.
4. The bifacial solar panel tower of claim 3, wherein the first face of each of the solar panels has a panel height, and the row gap is greater than the panel height.
5. The bifacial solar panel tower of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising one or more reflectors configured to reflect sunlight on to one or more second faces of one or more of the solar panels.
6. The bifacial solar panel tower of claim 5, wherein one or more of the reflectors have a surface substantially perpendicular to the second faces of the solar panels.
7. The bifacial solar panel tower of either of claims 5 and 6, wherein one or more of the reflectors have a surface substantially parallel to the second faces of the solar panels.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
8. The bifacial solar panel tower of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a support structure connected to the solar panels and supporting the solar panels in the tower.
9. The bifacial solar panel tower of claim 8, wherein the support structure extends only along the periphery of the solar panel tower.
9. The bifacial solar panel tower of claim 8, wherein the support structure extends only along the periphery of the solar panel tower.
9. Two or more bifacial solar panel towers, each of the towers according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. A bifacial solar panel tower, the tower comprising:
a plurality of bifacial solar panels; and a plurality of supports attached to the solar panels;
wherein the solar panels are supported by the supports in a 3-dimansional polygon geometry with three or more vertical sides and two or more horizontal tower rows.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
a plurality of bifacial solar panels; and a plurality of supports attached to the solar panels;
wherein the solar panels are supported by the supports in a 3-dimansional polygon geometry with three or more vertical sides and two or more horizontal tower rows.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-03-30
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3184019A CA3184019A1 (en) | 2022-12-14 | 2022-12-14 | Systems and methods for solar power and voltage density |
| PCT/CA2023/051654 WO2024124344A1 (en) | 2022-12-14 | 2023-12-13 | Systems and methods for solar power and voltage density |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3184019A CA3184019A1 (en) | 2022-12-14 | 2022-12-14 | Systems and methods for solar power and voltage density |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3184019A1 true CA3184019A1 (en) | 2024-06-14 |
Family
ID=91433454
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3184019A Pending CA3184019A1 (en) | 2022-12-14 | 2022-12-14 | Systems and methods for solar power and voltage density |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3184019A1 (en) |
-
2022
- 2022-12-14 CA CA3184019A patent/CA3184019A1/en active Pending
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