GB2539622A - Improved solar energy capture means and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A pliable solar PV collector in the form of a hollow tubular member of silicon or similar, or a multiplicity of filaments configured as a brush, mounted on a transparent substrate such as toughened glass, with cooperating electrically connectors to enable assemblies of the solar collector modules into matrices and arrays. The collectors preferably have a quantum dot structure. The flexible solar collector may be in the form of a filament or fibre which can be woven into a thread, cord or blanket, and then supported on a structure. There are redirecting and focussing means to angle the solar collector modules towards the sun. Each module can contain a control and reporting device for data gathering and reporting. The solar collector tubular member may be configured as a thread or fibre which can then be woven into a form such as a cord or blanket, and strung across a support structure.

Description

IMPROVED SOLAR ENERGY CAPTURE MEANS AND METHOD

The invention relates to solar energy capture, especially to improved efficacy; to its gathering, collection, and to the delivery of that encaptured and also to the integrity of its associated supportive structure[s].

Although apparatus and arrays for solar energy capture are well known, increasingly deployed, and congruent with demand to diminish fossil-fuel usage they nevertheless remain lacking; radical improvement enabling greater capacitive means are necessary to overcome inherent difficulties that have been identified that impair their performance.

Optimised usage of the productive zone of existing solar panels as yet is not fully achieved. Current examples of the art typically use immotile silicon surfaced flat-plane paneling to provide the energy collecting face, however its potential for capture is delimited by its bounds, its even surface [5] and intrusion [shadowing] by or from adjacent impedimental structure[s] suppressing its essential interfacing[s] and interrupting its electrical activity.

The exposed facing member of a typical system when deployed requires a significant amount of maintenance, particularly that of cleaning, the inclusion of autogenous cleansing elements and/or structure giving extended service life are pertinent with the diminution of associated labour and its costs.

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are known to lose efficiency over time due to related irreparable heating cycle [thermic range] damage, especially to the structure of its typical silicon crystal collecting means [10% electrical reduction for the first 10 years of use and 20% electrical reduction during 25 years of service have been identified].

The acmatic electrical production of a typical panel is congruent with temperatures of 25°C. On very bright sunny days the facing of an optimally aligned solar PV panel may sustain surface temperatures above 100°C resulting in substantive diminution of its electrical productive capability [each increase of 1°C above the 25°C paradigm is known to cause severe and irreparable damage to its exposed crystalline structure].

Furthermore 'shadowing' to a single entity [collector member] can result in losses from amongst otherwise fully exposed and active cooperating member entities [panels] of the system; it has been known for shading of a single entity of as little as 9% to its solar interfacing may diminish the total system's power output by 50% and more; improvement to overcome this circumstance is therefore paramount.

Examples of typical assemblies for associated supporting structure is as follows: 1) roof mounted frame[s] with conjoining adjacent solar panel[s], 2) as preceding 1 reconfigured for land mounted application, or 3) disposed with interdependent cooperating instrumentation for the collection of both solar thermal and PV.

Referring to configuration/installation of solar thermal or solar PV, both may be accordant within a total operating system but disposed as separate members for energy management and/or capture systems.

The commonly accepted configuration of solar systems brings concern relating to the unavoidable increase in loading to the bearing substructure of its supportive residence [typically timber frameworks or similar fabrications], eventually this condition may substantively impair the integrity of its residence such that more rigorous examination and additional maintenance is necessary for its upkeep; reparation to these and similar constructs would entail removal of the affixed solar installation such that repair could be enabled; in consequence the removed solar system would require its re-installation and pertinent recommissioning accordant with associated statute.

In the circumstance of high winds and accompanying turbulent conditions, damage to structure of either or both roof bearing residence and solar installation may occur; it is possible that the void between a solar installation and its supportive roofing may facilitate a venturi effected elevating, thereafter causing displacement to the system, its associated building material and/or its supportive structure.

It is known for a significant portion of existing roofing structure that might be exposed for capturing radiated solar energy with appropriated static alignment and/or orientation to be unusable [e.g. shadowing from adjacent vegetation, buildings etc.] thereby diminishing its energy harvesting potential; its immotility and the mismatching in size of both substructure[s] and paneling may further compromise any so mounted solar installation.

To improve solar exposure, it is preferable to sustain a continuing alignment of the collector member of the invention germane with the energy source to increase exposive activity and/or its duration, and to be applicative if and when required. This TS congruent with a residence of motility, especially boats, caravans etc. members of the invention so disposed being especially suited for such deployment and particularly so when in cooperation with assistive stations telecommunicating GPS and other pertinent information.

Furthermore the aesthetic although subjective, can be of important concern to those viewing. The perceived aesthetic of a residence [especially domestic] can be substantially diminished in the opinion of the beholder when it appears compromised by the intrusion of inappropriate, particularly large frames and/or objectionable fenestration, and similarly those members perceived with a mismatch of materials and/or fabrication.

Alternative means is required pertinent to increasing the capture of solar energy especially by improved gathering, associated supportive structural dependability and additionally be perceived aesthetically pleasing to overcome those difficulties described.

The essence of the invention comprises a solar PV collector member disposed as a pliant hollowed member [especially as thin flexible tubular membrane of an appropriate silicon construct or similar, or as multiplicity of cooperating analogous and/or filament like members, and especially configured as a brush] said members exterior interfacing[s] configured to maximise exposure to incidental solar energy and for cooperation with its internal interfacing, appropriately darkened [especially by conductive graphite disposed as a graphene substrate], such that a potential difference is enabled for subsequent electrical activity from leader to receiver, said structure disposed subjacent to a cooperating pellucid protective stratum [typically toughened glass] and disposed with cooperating electrically connective union[s] to enable assemblies of units, matrices and arrays of such. This configuration is especially accordant with collectors disposed with 'quantum-dot' structure, and their configuration in multiplicities; cooperating activity from the association of their differing 'bandgaps' enabling improved output. This member [especially when configured as an 'elastic thread': and preferably disposed for fabrication by process of extrusion] may be configured as filament, line or fibre as catenae, thereafter strung, woven or felted into appropriate forms for concatenated usage i.e. thread, cord, blanket etc. It is expected the catenae to be strung [as line] between and/or amongst cooperating supportive 'bearing' structure[s], comparable to those known [pylons] for traditional energy transmission, however, said supported 'line' becomes active for both the 'generating' and subsequent delivery of output for usage. Such instrumentation being Intrinsically independent becomes enabling for disassociation with 'adjunctive power generating apparatus/stations', eventually with technological advance possibly even replacement for.

Preferably the collector member [when configured as cooperating brush-like filaments] be disposed for enabling congruent kinetic energisation and association thereof.

A subspecies of the invention discloses similar solar energy capture and delivery instrumentation with enlargement to its productive area comprising a plurality of preponderant and cooperating strata [disposed subjacent to a cooperating pellucid protective stratum], the preponderant pellucid [primary] stratum of photovoltaic material [configured especially as a focuser member] is disposed with a multiplicity of sunlight diffracting instrumentation [e.g. disposed as 'buckyball' or similar dimpled structure, or espec ally as a multiplicity of varying diameter hemispheres disposed appropriately for subsequent cooperating activityl configured especially as a focuser member for cooperation with a [secondary] preponderant substrata appropriately darkened [especially graPhene disposed to cooperating subsurface interfacing or as 'filling'] to become enabled with analogous receiving structure as a collector member for subsequent delivery of energy captured], said association[s] disposed [congruent] for retractable engagement with similar cooperating units as modules to provide an array of same as appendage [especially to roofing] for the improved capture of solar energy and for the delivery from leader to register of said energy.

Preferably assistive means are disposed to incline [redirect] the energy collector member[s] toward its target [sun/solar radiation; in realtime] that is electrically unaided and especially by means of 'smart' materials [e.g. those with intrinsic deformation means i.e. phototrophic, thermotropic and/or the cooperating of both] and preferably similarly disposed as cooperating lamina of differing expansive quality as bearing structure to its preponderant lamina construct enabling a cooperating deformation of its x y z axes congruent with its associated meteorological state so as to alter its alignment.

Preferably cooperating telecommunicating controlling means are disposed for reportage of wind, sun, tide and similar using related 'apps' to provide assistive information pertinent to the realigning of the cooperating preponderant lamina.

Preferably said apparatus further configured for cooperation with fixing structure member[s] disposed as an amalgam of cooperating conjoinable channeling structure members, so disposed for the enablement of confluent activity amongst each of the associated unitary electrical [and fluid] delivery members of the assemblage to facilitate better means for the collection and delivery of the captive energy for its distribution thereafter.

Preferably the module is configured similar [especially aesthetically] to that of an equivalent 'generic' roofing tile [typically that of an interlocking clay, concrete or similar type although other appropriate forms may be used] thereby enabling a modular array to be assembled as a matrix for replacement, or as original equipment, for similar existing roofing members.

Preferably the described assemblage includes a cooperating passive stack water circulatory system that enables flow of water from the colder to the hotter portions of the system [by means of a series of cooperating gates typically valves assisted by mechanical pumping means] as, when and where required [particularly during circumstance of operating extremes] as assistive cooling [to overheated structure members].

Preferably each module [panel] be disposed with a dedicated integrated electronic control member which enables reportage of the state, condition and performance of the module[s] in realtime, such information so gathered to be disposed concurrently to a cooperating data logging system for storage; realtime reportage, relating particularly to GPS and meteorological information, thereby enabling increased opportunity to maximize solar exposure; such means is especially germane with that of motility and the associated vehicle.

Preferably the electrically conductive members of the tile are disposed and configured with cooperating analogous sensor instrumentation enabling their energisation, particularly when the system encounters meteorological extremes e.g. when lowered temperature with its associated misting, frosting and/or similar condition is experienced, so as to eliminate any consequent occlusion therewith of solar radiation.

Preferably the collector means is disposed with analogous cooperating reflecting means adjacent from, configured to redirect lost solar radiation for its subsequent collection and delivery to otherwise 'shadowed' PV member[s]. This enables continuity of exposure of the gathering means when interference is unavoidable [i.e. its solar exposure relating to the orbital circumstance of the source germane with its trajectory and the resultant occlusive occurrence.

It is envisaged cooperating members of the invention may be disposed as catenation if required as appropriate macro or micro [e.g. disposed as 31) printed micro lamina as 'painted film' composite.

It is possible for other assistive means to be disposed to alter its alignment appropriately, especially by magnetically activated realignment means in association with cooperating GPS enabled controlling means such that change in circumstance induces activity to alter appropriately the inclination of the collector member [for example using cooperating bimetallic lamina members] such to be disposed as cooperating bearing structure to its conjacent preponderant lamina construct and particularly when disposed to enable curvilinear deformation of the bearing structure cooperating with a multiplicity of pushrod operable micro-collectors members especially fabricated from fibre-optic material], and especially when cooperating upon fluid. bearing means [especially superjacent to a cooperating stratum [typically of a deformable membrane fabrication] using its associated 'coolant as the vehicle for its instrumentation, It is possible for optical fibre means to be disposed to members of the system as channeling for solar energy incident upon, from leader to receiver, or for associated usage as required.

It is preferred that viewable assemblies of matrixes and suchlike [panel/tile/module etc.] and its construct be inconspicuous [e.g. its assemblage be disposed with discreet dedicated cooperating member parts].

It is also possible for superfluous energy output from the cooperating PV cells to be diverted and to be disposed as follows: Mode 1: to an accumulator or other energy storage means Mode 2: to energise an existing power grid network Mode 3: to a combination of the preceding Modes 1 and 2 It is expected the enabling cooperating couplings of the associated channeling [fluid and electrical] be disposed as push-fit self-sealing members and configured for retractable engagement.

The described essential preponderant member is fabricated as a flexible tubular PV instrument disposed with cooperating strata [particularly a silicon exterface cooperating with a conjacent graphene interface, such lamina disposed with an electrically connective union [affixed especially perpendicular and superjacent] to a cooperating 'bus' [e.g. electrically transmissive lineage disposed as an appropriate assemblage i.e. unitary module] for associated activity especially with and amongst other analogous members configured similarly for cooperating activity as an array of modular tiling. The installation of the modules in essence would approximate the customary 'traditional' roof tiling procedure; exceptions being that the described 'modified' member tiles would be disposed for their assembly and engagement in appropriate cooperating generating units, thereby enabling bespoke matrices of such members as required; said tiles to be likewise configured for the [retractable] union of mating fittings so as to sustain continuing circulation of the coolant disposed to its associated channeling members [assisted convective solar thermal water system]. Likewise, fluid [air] may be channeled circumjacent to and amongst the 'filaments' as 'leverage' means especially to induce assisted inclination to the collector member[s] as a means of 'cleansing' congruent with its perpendicularity [i.e. the collector facing may be inclined to the vertical].

Another configuration of the invention includes dedicated floating structure for its aquatic deployment thereby enabling improved exposure for electrical activity by diminishing or eliminating shading from adjacent occlusive terrane.

Further species of the invention are eminently applicable because of its improved efficiency, in compacted form to motile use [especially camping, caravaning, boating etc.] it may therefore be reconfigured as a portable' artefact disposed as previously described, disposed with appropriate cooperating heat exchanging structure, wherein the said L u d' bearing member becomes disposed as 'useable output' the collected energy becomes instrumental to heating the fluid. more efficiently in a compact enclosure [kettle] to a temperature congruent with the provision of sterile/potable water in the circumstance of unavailability; its cooperating channeling members may be also disposed for the reclamation and condensing of cohering fluid [especially during darkness] and providing associated accumulating storage means for the delivery of the captured electrical energy to be usable as a power source for other activity [especially internet associated mobile communications devices].

Embodiment[s] of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to an accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1: shows solar energy capture and delivery apparatus [e.g. associated cell, module, array].

Figure 2: shows an example of its catenation for activity.

Figure 3: is illustrative of associated geometry disposed to the cooperating solar energy capture member of the invention.

Figure 4: illustrates example of associated alignment means for cooperation with its solar energy collector.

Referring to Figure 1, a modular solar energy collecting means is shown [be it photovoltaic and/or thermal] comprising an assemblage of lamina, especially as a flexible tube, but paneling, tiling or other [especially when configured for cooperation as a multiplicity of such as an array and/or stack for use] disposed with outward [gathering] member 1 of electrically active crystalline material [typically silica] appropriately disposed with light diffracting structure[s] [especially configured as a tubular construct, a fenestration of pits and/or troughs but similar may be used] configured for its increased exposure to and for the gathering of solar radiation disposed for cooperating activity with conjacent substructure [darkened] fabricated as a collector member 2 disposed with analogous instrumentation particularly for subsequent entrapment of that gathered solar energy. Said assembly is disposed with a cooperating superjacent fenestra of pellucid protective glazing 3 [typically toughened and preferably self-cleaning] and cooperating union[s] 4 to engage the captive electrical energy for associated activity amongst associated members of the assemblage.

A plurality of said projections 4 disposed to the external periphery of the tile is configured for separable engagement with a cooperating mating member disposed to enable appropriate electrical activity between the united members of the array following engagement; and if required to construct an interlocking cooperating matrix thereof.

Cooperating channeling 5 disposed [especially conjoined subjacent or embedded to cooperating lamina 2] for the movement of assistive cooling means [fluid, especially water to diminish detriment from overheating] to the crystalline structure; said channeling disposed with appropriate mating union members enabling the restricted movement of coolant amongst a cooperating assemblage of members.

A cooperating subjacent bearing construct 12 [preferably thermotropic, phototropic or a cooperating association of both] enabling realtime realignment of member I for the expropriation of the maximum of ambient solar energy, but other appropriate means may be used.

A cooperati.ng controller means 13 configured to sustain the system for the maximum capture of solar energy in realtime, especially by facilitating the processing of information for retargeting from associated sensors/stations defining its meteorological circumstance and operating state and thereafter enabling appropriate correction, Referring to Figure 2, the previously described PV panel comprises the following sandwiched cooperating lamina members: A pellucid ceramic pane member 3 preferably toughened and self cleaning, a cooperating PV solar cell focuser member I disposed with an optimally configured crystalline vehicle geometrically appropriate for maximized exposure to capture encountered solar radiation including the capture of otherwise previously unavailable and or deflected energy, with thinned engagement means for electrical connectivity, a cooperating pellucid heat and UV resistant bonding means 6, a cooperating thinned film 7 of both heat conductive and electrically conductive material disposed. with darkening especially to its conjacent interfacing, a cooperating [thinned] heat exchanger matrix 8, an adjacent heat resistant bonding layer 9 and a cooperating portion of the sandwiched panel. 10 disposed with the cooperating plumbing unions, electrical unions and associated controllers preferably-subjacent to the peripheral crowning portion of the panel] which includes structure 11 [where required] to enable improved and dependable fixings when combining for use cooperating panels of the associated matrices.

Referring to Figure 3 the lamina focuser member A. as previously described is configured to increase its zone of exposure to radiated solar energy especially by disposing with an irregularity to its outward interfacing by means disposed diffractive superstructure [parabolic] or by a faceted matrix of adjacent cooperating peaks and troughs configured particularly to target [with greater accuracy] previously unavailable energy for its gathering, its entrapment by analogous cooperating collector member 2 for subsequent delivery and usage.

Further modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (1)

1. LC CLAIMSAn improved electrical energy capture means and cooperating 1-- delivery apparatus comprising: (:) 1> a pliant solar energy capture member with cooperating CO electrical delivery structure for associated usage.

   2> a pliable solar energy capture member with cooperating electrical delivery structure as preceding claim I configured as line for associated usage.

   3> a pliant solar energy capture member with cooperating electrical delivery structure as preceding claims 1 and 2 configured as cable disposed [formed] as a single entity for associated usage.

   4> a pliant solar energy capture member with cooperating electrical delivery structure as preceding claims configured as a convolute of lines for associated usage.

   5> a pliant solar energy capture member with cooperating electrical delivery structure as preceding claim 1, 2, 3 and 4 configured as a convolute of lines disposed [formed] as a single entity for associated usage.

   6> a pliant solar energy capture member with cooperating electrical delivery structure as preceding claims disposed as a matrix of woven lines [sheeting] for associated usage.

   7> an electrical energy capture means and cooperating delivery apparatus as preceding claims *** severed for associated usage disposed as as filament [fibre] 8> an electrical energy capture means and cooperating delivery apparatus as preceding claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 disposed with cooperating supportive structure for pendant application.9> an electrical energy capture means and cooperating delivery apparatus as preceding claims including cooperating deformable structure disposed as land for associated use upon a supportive fluid medium.10> an electrical energy capture means and cooperating to delivery apparatus as preceding claims disposed as cooperating flat lamina.-- 11> an electrical energy capture means and cooperating -- delivery apparatus as preceding claims configured as o cooperating flat lamina disposed as tubing structure.Cn 12> an electrical energy capture means and cooperating delivery apparatus as preceding claims disposed as cooperating flat lamina formed as tubing structure disposed for the channeling of a cooperating assistive associated fluid medium.> an electrical energy capture means and cooperating delivery apparatus as preceding claims disposed as cooperating flat lamina including appropriate cooperating supportive structure.