GB2528742A

GB2528742A - An electrical energy generator

Info

Publication number: GB2528742A
Application number: GB1507572.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Wakefield
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-01
Filing date: 2015-05-01
Publication date: 2016-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-01
Also published as: GB201407699D0; GB201507572D0; GB2528742B; GB2525853A

Abstract

An energy generating device comprising: a solar array 2 and a turbine 10. The electrical energy generator comprises a substantially curved solar array 2, the solar array includes at least one photovoltaic module; at least one light directing means 3 arranged about the solar array, the light directing means is arranged to focus and/or refract sunlight onto the at least one photovoltaic module; and a rotor assembly surrounds the solar array and comprises at least one blade 11 that is arranged rotate about the solar array and to drive a dynamo. The turbine may be part of the dome that encloses the solar cell. The light directing means may comprise at least one lens supported remotely from the photovoltaic module; these lenses may be arranged and supported by a spherical support surface. The rotor blades may be transparent. The device may also comprise a solar water heating means, wherein water is passed over a potion of the photovoltaic module and heated via conductive heat transfer.

Description

An electrical energy generator

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an energy generating device comprising a solar array and a turbine. More particularly, the present invention relates to a substantially spherical electrical energy generator that can generate energy from the solar array and turbine simultaneously or in isolation.

Background

The use of solar arrays and turbines for the provision of power is becoming increasingly common.

Solar arrays generally consist of a number of individual cells or panels arranged in a flat planar array, mounted on a support structure so that the array is held angled towards the sky. Generally, solar arrays are mounted in a fixed orientation. For example, in the northern hemisphere, the sun rises (in the east, and sets in the west) and tracks through the south in the middle of the day.

Solar arrays in the northern hemisphere are therefore generally arranged facing southwards so that the maximum amount of ambient sunlight shines on them over the course of a day. Solar arrays can be mounted on a support framework, or can use existing features, such as angled roofs, to provide support.

One issue with the use of fixed planar arrays is that light from the sun tends to impinge directly onto the array (that is, substantially perpendicular to the panels of the array) over certain limited periods of the day and year. At all other times, the light impinges at an angle, which does not provide maximum efficiency of energy conversion.

Mounting the array in a fixed position is a compromise between increased efficiency (by angling the array directly towards the sun at all times), and increased complexity (by including a moving or movable mount and a means to move this to the most efficient angles for any given location of the sun). Generally, for the sake of simplicity and reliability, arrays are fixed rather than moving or movable.

Furthermore a solar array is only active during daylight hours. Therefore for a period of each day a solar array is non-generating.

Wind turbines also only generate electrical energy under certain conditions.

Therefore often during periods of low wind speeds, the turbine may be non-generating.

Devices and systems have been developed to use multiple energy sources in close proximity. However, such devices and systems typically utilise two separate devices arranged in close proximity one to another, or they rely on expensive materials that are not suitable for prolonged use.

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and provides a means of efficiently generating energy from both solar and wind energy in a single integrated unit.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Japanese Patent Application JP-A-2011181540 (Kichinosuke) describes and shows a spherical rotating body having a solar cell as part of the surface. The cell has a rotary shaft at the surface on an axis passing through the centre of the spherical body from the surface of the spherical body, and has a curved reflecting plate covering at least a part of the spherical body. The axis of the spherical body is combined with the shaft of a motor to rotate. The motor is supported by a supporting member.

Korean Patent Application KR-A-20120029870 (Ho) describes and shows a solar cell module that includes a spherical surface, a spherical transparent outer part, and a spherical transparent inner part. The inner part includes a receiving groove corresponding to a shape of a solar cell panel. The solar cell panel is electrically connected in series or parallel.

Japanese Patent Application JP-A-2009170749 (Yutaka etal) describes and shows a spherical power generating system comprising solar cells arranged side by side in a frame of a spherical body. The system provides a power generation system comprising solar cells arranged side by side in a frame of a polyhedron such as for example a spherical body, a trigonal pyramid, or a hexahedron. The system is mounted at the upper end of one bracing strut via a joint, a circular cone, and a cylindrical body.

Japanese Patent Application JP-A-2009231315 (Noritsugu) discloses a solar power generator with a solar cell panel body formed in a spherical shape and a holding arm.

US Patent US6372979 (Streetman) discloses an apparatus for generating electrical energy having a housing, spherical surface, a natural gas light for generating radiation and a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

US Patent Application US2003/0213514A1 (Ortabasi) discloses a concentrating photovoltaic module that can be combined with other devices in order to form a power plant.

US Patent Application U52010/0122721 Al (Liu) discloses an array of concentrating solar cells wherein a plurality of transparent spheres are used as concentrating means.

US Patent Application US2O1O/0132763 Al (Dutta) discloses an array of photovoltaic cells arranged along an elongated strip and one or more optical elements to divert and optically concentrate sunlight.

US Patent Application US201110005565A1 (Flores) discloses a solar sphere with a tracking system.

US Patent Application US2014/0048117A1 (Yu) discloses a concentrating photovoltaic system that includes a condenser system and a quasi-Fresnel concave lens.

The disclosure at the internet address: http://www.tuvie.com/aard-is-an-efficient-and functional-combination-of-a-wind-turbine-and-solar-energy-plant/ discloses flexible photovoltaic modules arranged in a sphere and capable of rotation.

In contrast the present invention provides a solar power array that is better configured so that sunlight falls effectively onto the array for all positions of the sun throughout the day and year.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical generator comprising a substantially curved solar array, the solar array includes at least one photovoltaic module; at least one light directing means arranged about the solar array, the light directing means is arranged in use to focus and/or refract sunlight onto the at least one photovoltaic module; and a rotor assembly surrounds the solar array and comprises at least one blade that is arranged in use to rotate about the solar array and to drive a dynamo.

Ideally the at least one blade or aerofoil is/are configured as part of a turbine arranged to extract kinetic energy from moving air or breeze.

In this way the electrical energy generator has two means of energy generation, solar and wind flow. Advantageously this enhances the opportunity for the electrical energy generator to generate electrical energy for example as the turbine may function when the solar array is inactive, for example during the hours of darkness.

As electrical energy generated from solar and wind have limitations due to ambient conditions combining both forms of generation enhances the periods of time when energy can be harvested. Furthermore in some situations both the solar array and wind turbine may be active therefore generating energy simultaneously so as to provide two outputs. At other times only the solar array or the turbine may be operated in isolation.

Preferably the electrical energy generator is adapted to provide 12 volt outputs, a first output for energy generated from the solar array and a second output for energy generated by the turbine.

The light directing means allows the harvesting of increased amounts of light, as light that would otherwise not fall directly on the photovoltaic module is directed to it. This is ideally achieved by the light directing means focusing the light towards the photovoltaic modules and by refracting the light towards the photovoltaic modules.

Preferably a photovoltaic module includes a non-planar photovoltaic array so as to allow a greater proportion of the light incident on the photovoltaic array to fall substantially more effectively and/or directly than if a planar module was used, increasing efficiency.

Preferably, the at least one photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of solar voltaic modules. Using a plurality of modules allows a greater variety of configurations.

In some embodiments an array of planar solar voltaic modules may be arranged in a curved form, for example a plurality of planar voltaic modules arranged on a curved surface.

Preferably, the light directing means comprises at least one light-transmitting lens supported remotely from the at least one photovoltaic module and configured to receive incident light and transmit this to the at least one photovoltaic module. The properties of lenses are well understood, and lightweight and robust lenses can be produced easily and inexpensively.

Preferably, the at least one light-transmitting lens is configured to focus the incident light. Focussing the light allows a lens to be used that is larger than the target area, allowing the harvesting of a greater amount of incident light for a given size of photovoltaic module.

Preferably, the solar array further comprises a plurality of light transmitting lenses arranged and supported remotely from the at least one photovoltaic module. Each lens is dimensioned and arranged to receive incident light and transmit light to the at least one photovoltaic module. The use of a large number of lenses allows the harvesting of a greater amount of incident light.

Preferably, the light transmitting lenses are arranged in a mutually supporting structure. This helps to increase efficiency and keep the weight as low as possible.

Ideally around a spherical support surface is provided so that the support surface is located remotely from the at least one photovoltaic module so that each lens is oriented to transmit incident towards the photovoltaic module.

Preferably, the light transmitting lenses are arranged in a substantially unbroken array. This helps to increase efficiency and keep the weight as low as possible.

Preferably, the lenses are arranged to maximise the incident sunlight footprint. This allows the maximum amount of incident light to be harvested at all times of the day and throughout the year.

In preferred embodiments the solar array is substantially spherical so as harvest the maximum amount of light.

Preferably, the lenses are arranged substantially at least hemi-spherically. This provides an efficient shape for harvesting the maximum amount of incident light at all times of the day and throughout the year.

Preferably, the lenses are arranged substantially spherically. This provides an efficient shape for harvesting the maximum amount of incident light at all times of the day and throughout the year, and ensures that the solar array can be emplaced in any orientation.

Preferably, the at least one photovoltaic module is substantially at least hemi-spherical. This provides an efficient shape for harvesting the maximum amount of incident light at all times of the day and throughout the year.

Preferably, the at least one photovoltaic module is substantially spherical. This provides an efficient shape for harvesting the maximum amount of incident light at all times of the day and throughout the year, and ensures that the solar array can be emplaced in any orientation.

In some embodiments the at least one photovoltaic module is substantially a cylindrical segment. This provides an efficient shape for harvesting the maximum amount of incident light at all times of the day and throughout the year.

In some embodiments the at least one photovoltaic module is substantially cylindrical. This provides an efficient shape for harvesting the maximum amount of incident light at all times of the day and throughout the year.

Preferably, the electrical energy generator further comprises a support stand configured to support the solar array. This allows the solar array to be emplaced.

In preferred embodiments the turbine comprises a rotor assembly having a shaft from which the at least one blade extends so as to be arranged about the solar array in use.

Preferably the shaft is a cylindrical collar from which a plurality of curved blades extend so as to form a dome about the spherical solar array.

In another embodiment the, or each, blade may comprise projections from a dome wherein the dome is arranged to fit adjacent the solar array and wherein the dome is transparent or translucent so as to permit passage of light to the solar array.

Preferably the at least one blade is transparent or translucent so as to not limit light harvesting. For example the blades and or dome may be made from a transparent, strong, durable, lightweight material such as a synthetic plastic.

Advantageously the solar array remains static whilst the turbine rotates therefore reducing the number of moving parts thus enhancing efficiency and ensuring the rotor assembly is light weight.

Preferably an electrical energy generator is arranged on a support stand in use so as to be elevated above a surface therefore reducing the likelihood of the device being cast in a shadow by surrounding objections, buildings or formations. Another advantage of this is that wind speed is greater the higher the distance from the ground.

Ideally the support stand is configured to connect the electrical energy generator to the roof of a residence for example a house or caravan. This allows the electrical energy generator to be fitted easily without the requirement for fitting large planar solar panels.

Ideally the support stand may include a conduit for receiving a cable to permit energy generated in the form of electricity by the photovoltaic modules to be passed from the solar array within the electrical energy generator to a point of use, such as a residence or to the National Grid. For example the support stand may comprise a tube through which a cable can pass, or the support may include a recessed channel for receiving a cable.

Preferably the turbine is connected to a means for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. For example, the turbine may be connected to an alternator or dynamo so as to convert harvested energy into electricity.

Preferably the means for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy may be provided in a base unit. Typically the turbine is connected to the base unit by the support wherein a portion of the support attached to the turbine can rotate and a portion of the support attached to the solar array remains static.

The support may comprise a pair of tubes arranged concentrically, one within the other, an inner tube being attached to the solar array and the outer, rotatable tube being connected to the turbine. In this way the mechanical energy generated by the turbine is transmitted to the means for converting energy.

In some other embodiments the means for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy may be located within the solar array. In this way it may be possible for energy generated from the solar array and the turbine to exit the electrical energy generator via the same cable passing along the support therefore having one output.

In some embodiments the electrical energy generator may include a display such as liquid crystal display screen so as to display information relating to the energy being generated by the generator. For example the display may show energy generated by the solar array and energy generated by the turbine so as to provide the user with an indication as to energy harvested for each source.

The electrical energy generator may also include control means so to as turn on and off parts of the generator or so as to control parts of the electrical energy generator.

For example so that the turbine may be fixed in position if fluid flow exceeds a certain level thereby preventing damage to the electrical energy generator or to stop energy generation if power storage means, such as batteries are full.

The control means may include a switch for activating and deactivating the electrical energy generator, for example arranged on the base unit.

The electrical energy generator may include at least one sensor so as to monitor levels of suirounding conditions such as light, wind speed and temperature. In this way information collected by the sensors can be used by the control means to determine optimal usage of the electrical energy generator.

Typically the electrical energy generator may include computing means, such as a microprocessor so as to monitor and analyse information.

In some embodiments the control means, sensors and computing means may be powered by energy generated by the electrical energy generator so as to have no requirement for a power supply. Ideally the power generator may include or be connected to at least one battery that is charged from energy generated by the electrical energy generator so that features requiring power can continue to function in periods where no or insufficient power is being generated.

In some embodiments the electrical energy generator may include a transmitter and receiver so as to be able to transmit and receive data. For example data accumulated through monitoring use of the device may be transmitted to a remote device such as a mobile telephone, computer, tablet or remote control so that a user can remotely monitor the electrical energy generator.

In preferred embodiments the electrical energy generator may have a diameter of at least 0.5m and preferably at least 1.Om so as to generate sufficient energy, for example to power some household equipment.

It is appreciated that the electrical energy generator may be provided in a range of different sizes so as to be suitable for different energy requirements and locations.

Advantageously the electrical energy generators can be provided in remote locations without requirement to be connected to mains power supplies therefore there is no limitation to location.

Similar sizes could be used for powering homes, schools, and hospitals or similar in remote locations, for example battery charging stations for electric vehicles ( such as cars, motorcycles, lorries, mobility scooters and gold buggies) or in developing countries, or for emergency use in e.g. refugee camps or after natural disasters.

Larger units could be used for office blocks, or on an industrial scale to provide power to a national or local grid. As these are larger items that will be one-offs, it is more cost-effective to tune these as required for the location, creating individually tuned lenses (and possibly mirrors) for the array to maximise efficiency and light harvesting.

Preferably, the electrical energy generator further comprises a water heating means adjacent to the at least one photovoltaic module and configured to heat water via incident heat recovery. This maximises the efficiency of the overall unit.

Preferably, the water heating means comprises a metal coil configured to allow a stream of water to pass therethrough. This provides a simple and inexpensive construction.

An electrical supply system may be constructed by combining a plurality of electrical energy generators. Optionally a display and/or control means is provided.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an overview of a preferred embodiment of the electrical energy generator; Figure 2A shows an overview of the turbine 10; Figure 2B shows an overview of the solar array 1; Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a turbine; Figure 4 perspective view from one side and above of a first embodiment of solar array; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the solar array of figure 4 emplaced on the roof gable of a domestic residence; Figure 6 shows a perspective detail view of the photovoltaic module array and the lens array of the solar array of figures 4 and 5; Figure 7 shows a perspective view from one side and above of a second embodiment of solar array, having an array of photovoltaic modules configured in a cylindrical arrangement; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the solar array of figure 7 emplaced on the roof gable of a domestic residence; and Figures 9A -90 show views of the electrical energy generator of figures 1 to 3 in use in a variety of locations, and suitably scaled for use at each location.

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures 1 to 9 show various embodiments of the electrical energy generator and it parts.

Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the electrical energy generator 100 comprising a solar array 1 comprising a photovoltaic module array 2 and an array of lenses 3.

The solar array 1 is spherical having a spherical photovoltaic module 2 with a plurality of lenses 3 arranged about the photovoltaic module 2.

The solar array 1 is mounted on a support 4 so as to elevate the electrical energy generator 100 above a surface, such as the ground (not shown).

The solar array 1 is fixed to the support 4 so as to remain static in use.

The solar array 1 is encased by the turbine 10. The turbine 10 is dome shaped with a plurality of fins 11 projecting from an outer face of the turbine 10.

The turbine 10 includes a collar 12 through which a first portion of the support 4A passes in order to connect to the solar array 1 and by which the turbine is permitted to rotate on a second portion of the support 4B. The collar 12 secures the turbine to the second portion of the support 4B so as to permit the turbine 10 to rotate about the solar array 1 in response to fluid flow (wind) across the blades 11.

The support portions 4A and 4B are tubular being arranged concentrically wherein 4A is within 4B.

The first support portion 4A has a first and second end 5A, 5B wherein the first end 5A is fixed to the solar array 1 and the second end 5B is fixed to the base unit 30.

The second support portion 4B has a first end 6A and a second end 6B wherein the first end 6A is connected by the collar 12 to the turbine and wherein the second end 6B is rotatably connected to the means for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy 20.

The electrical energy generator 100 has two energy outputs, a first energy output 7 generated by the solar array and a second energy output 8 generated by the turbine 10.

Figure 2A shows an overview of a turbine 10. The blades 11 are arranged to form a dome that is mounted on the support 4. The blades 11 are transparent.

Figure 2B shows the solar array 1 with the turbine removed so as to show the photovoltaic modules 1 provided in a spherical arrangement.

Figure 3 shows another example of a wind turbine 10 having a plurality of blades 11 arranged to rotate about an axis. Blades 11 extending from a collar 12 and follow a curved path that surrounds a sphere or spheroid shaped interior. The blades are also curved or twisted about their longitudinal axes so as define an aerofoil form. The blades 11 are therefore formed and orientated with respect one to another, so as bring about rotation as wind passes across them. As the blades 11 extend about all sides air flowing from any direction can bring about rotation of the turbine 10.

Figures 4 to 6 show an embodiment of the solar array 1 of the present invention without a turbine. The solar array 1 of this embodiment has two main parts: a photovoltaic module array 2 and an array of lenses 3.

The photovoltaic module array 2 comprises a number of individual photovoltaic modules, arranged on a spherical support or structure.

The lenses 3 are arranged in a sphere around the photovoltaic module array 2, the centres of each of the spheres (the lenses 3 and the photovoltaic module array 2) are generally coincident. Each of the lenses 3 has the overall shape of a regular pentagon, connected at each edge to a neighbouring lens 3 to form the lens sphere.

Each of the lenses 3 is configured to both re-direct and focus incident light falling on the lens, and transmit the light through the lens 3 towards the photovoltaic module array 2.

The relative sizes of the photovoltaic module array 2 and the lenses 3 are formed such that maximum efficiency is achieved. The larger size of a spherical lens, relative to the photovoltaic module array 2 allows a greater amount of incident light to be harvested, as light that would otherwise not fall directly on the photovoltaic module can now be harvested. This can also be used as efficiently as possible. The maximum amount of light that each individual cell in the array 2 can process is therefore transmitted onto the surface of the cell -the cells can be flooded with light, allowing maximum efficiency of energy conversion to be achieved.

The non-planar shape of the photovoltaic module array 2 and the sphere of lenses 3 means that a greater proportion of the light incident on the photovoltaic array 2 falls substantially more directly (i.e. not at an angle, or at least not a substantial angle) than if the module were flat or planar. This helps to increase the overall efficiency of the solar array 1.

Using a spherical arrangement also means that sunlight will be harvested efficiently throughout both the full course of the day, and throughout the year. As the array 1 has a regular polygonal shape, whatever orientation in which it is placed ensures the same, or a substantially similar appearance is achieved, when viewed from the position of the sun in the sky throughout the course of a day and over the course of a year. This ensures the maximum possible efficiency, as the maximum amount of light possible will be directed onto the photovoltaic module array 2 and this will fall substantially directly onto the cells, rather than at an angle.

A stand 4 extends from the bottom of the electrical energy generator 100, and allows the array 1 and the turbine 10 (se Figure 1) to be emplaced where required.

As shown in figure 5, this could be for example on a roof gable.

As the electrical energy generator 100 presents a substantially uniform aspect in all orientations, the orientation of the roof or other emplacement site is immaterial. As long as the location receives light and wind then the array 1 and turbine 10 will function at maximum efficiency.

This overcomes a problem with planar panels, which in the northern hemisphere are required to be emplaced or positioned facing south -for example on a southwards facing slope of a roof. The use of planar arrays has therefore limited the number of locations at which a solar array can be positioned.

Use of the solar array of the present invention assists with overcoming this inherent limitation with planar arrays. The stand and the cylindrical shape of the array 1 allows quick and easy emplacement in the same manner as a satellite dish or television aerial are emplaced, obviating the requirement for the positioning of a number of flat panels, each requiring multiple fixing points.

The provision of a dome shaped turbine 10 also overcomes the problem of orientating a wind turbine in line with a prevailing wind.

A second embodiment of the solar array 101 that may be used in the electrical energy generator is shown in figures 7 and 8. In this embodiment, the photovoltaic module array 102 is cylindrical rather than spherical, and extends generally axially vertically. The array of lenses 103 is substantially the same as for the first embodiment, as is the stand 104. However, if required the positions or the refractive properties of the lenses 3 can be tuned or varied to take advantage of the cylindrical array 102, for example varying these to ensure that light is evenly dispersed along the length of the cylinder.

In this embodiment, the solar array 101 further comprises a water heating coil 105 wound around the photovoltaic module array 102. Water passes along the length of the coil 105 and is heated via incident heat recovery. There are a number of ways in which the water is heated as it travels, including: focussed light impinging directly on the coil 105 from the lenses 103, radiated and convected heat from the cylindrical array 102, and the greenhouse effect of being at least semi-enclosed within the sphere of the lenses 103. Providing hot water in this manner helps to maximise the efficiency of the array 101.

As outlined above, the lenses 3 and 103 are arranged in a sphere. It can be seen that a fully enclosed sphere is not necessary for a permanent or semi-permanent emplacement, as one side of the sphere will always be the dark side', or on the opposite side to the sun as the sun only ever completes a partial traverse (east to south to west in the northern hemisphere, never north).

The lenses can be arranged in a suitable shape so that for all days of the year and for all the daylight hours of direct sunlight, the light will fall on the lenses and be redirected to the photovoltaic module array 2 or 102. That is, the lenses are arrayed in a pattern such that they will always be between the photovoltaic module array 2 or 102 and the sun.

This allows the maximum amount of incident light to be harvested at all times of the day and throughout the year. Although the position and refractive indexes of each of the lenses in an array could be tuned for maximum efficiency for a given location, for simplicity the lenses can be arranged in a hemi-spherical or substantially hemi-spherical array. This arrangement therefore provides a simple and efficient shape for harvesting the maximum amount of incident light at all times of the day and throughout the year, at all locations, and simple regular shapes help to simplify production and so reduce cost of the generator.

Similarly, the photovoltaic module array 2, 102 could be hemi-spherical, or a cylindrical segment, either vertical, horizontal or angled between the two. This provides an efficient shape for harvesting the maximum amount of incident light at all times of the day and throughout the year for a permanent or semi-permanent emplacement. The dark side of the array of lenses 3 or 103 could be replaced by mirrors, possibly shaped to reflect and focus incident light back to the photovoltaic module array 2 or 102.

The electrical energy generator of the present invention can be scaled as appropriate for use. For domestic use and emplacement the outer diameter of the electrical energy generator 100, 101 would be at least 0.3m, preferably at least 0.5m and ideally at least im.

For example an electrical energy generator may be provided in a range of sizes to suit different requirements and locations. Ideally each electrical energy generator has simple regular shapes help to simplify production and improve mass-manufactured options.

It is appreciated that outputs of the photovoltaic arrays may be connected in series or parallel and that a proportion of the output energy from one or more generators may be used to power a control and/or monitoring system.

Alternately or in addition a water heating means may be provided so that water passes over at least a portion of one photovoltaic module in order that water is heated via conductive heat transfer.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. An electrical energy generator comprising a substantially curved solar array, the solar array includes at least one photovoltaic module; at least one light directing means arranged about the solar array, the light directing means is arranged in use to focus and/or refract sunlight onto the at least one photovoltaic module; and a rotor assembly surrounds the solar array and comprises at least one blade that is arranged in use to rotate about the solar array and to drive a dynamo.
2. An electrical energy generator according to claim 1 wherein the curved surface is spherical and a plurality of blades are arranged to form a dome enclosing the solar array.
3. An electrical energy generator according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the at least one photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of solar voltaic modules.
4. An electrical energy generator according to any preceding claim wherein the light directing means comprises at least one light-transmitting lens supported remotely from the at least one photovoltaic module and configured to receive incident light and transmit this to the at least one photovoltaic module.
5. An electrical energy generator according to claim 4 wherein the at least one light-transmitting lens is configured to focus the incident light.
6. An electrical energy generator according to claim 4 or 5 further comprising: a plurality of light transmifting lenses arranged and supported around a spherical support surface, the support surface being located remotely from the at least one photovoltaic module so that each lens is oriented to transmit incident towards the photovoltaic module(s).
7. An electrical energy generator according to claim 6 wherein the light transmitting lenses are arranged on a frame or similar supporting structure.
8. An electrical energy generator according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the light transmitting lenses are arranged in a substantially continuous array.
9. An electrical energy generator according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the lenses are arranged to maximise the incident sunlight footprint.
10. An electrical energy generator according to claim 8 wherein the lenses are arranged on a portion of a surface of a sphere or spheroid.
11. An electrical energy generator according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the at least one photovoltaic module is supported on a portion of a cylindrical surface.
12. An electrical energy generator according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one blade is transparent or translucent so as to allow light to pass through.
13. An electrical energy generator according to any preceding claim having a support stand configured to support the energy generator.
14. An electrical energy generator according to claim 13 wherein the support stand has first and second support portions.
15. An electrical energy generator according to claim 14 wherein the support stand is configured to connect the energy generator to the roof of a residence.
16. An electrical supply system includes a plurality of electrical energy generators according to any of claims ito 15.
17. An electrical supply system according to claim 16 includes a display.
18. An electrical supply system according to claim 16 or 17 includes a control means.
19. An electrical supply system according to any of claims 16 to 18 further comprising a water heating means so that water passes over at least a portion of one photovoltaic module so that water is heated via conductive heat transfer.
20. An electrical energy generator according to claim 22 wherein the water heating means comprises a metal coil configured to allow a stream of water to pass therethrough.
21. An electrical energy generator as substantially herein described with reference to the figures.