NL1040865B1 - Sail with integrated solar module for windsurfing and yachts. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is sail with integrated solar module. The invention is applicable to various types of sails and canvasses. The invention describes two possible processes to manufacture such sail. In the first process a solar modules is laminated on a sail. In the second process a solar modules is stitched onto or into the sail.

Description

Sail with integrated solar module for windsurfing and yachts

The invention integrates solar module(s) on sails and canvasses for various purposes. Throughout this document the description focuses on the invention applied to surf sails, unless otherwise specified. Other applications can be substituted in place of stead surf sails. These uses specifically include (but are not limited to): Sails for yachts, including Jib, Main sail, Spanker sail and Spinnakker; canvasses for yachts, including guardrails and awnings; and canvasses for tents.

Current state-of-the-art appliances for windsurfers require built-in batteries for power. An important disadvantage is that these devices must be recharged before they can be used. The present invention addresses both these challenges, as well as other uses.

State-of-the-art yachts are equipped with a myriad of electric and electronic devices, including communication (e.g. radio), navigation (e.g. gps) and surveillance (e.g. radar) equipment, as well as computers and other electronic devices. These devices are powered from batteries during sailing trips. During motorized cruising, these batteries are charged from generators attached to the drive train. In addition, while in harbor, the batteries can be charged from a grid connection. However, when sailing the batteries are generally not recharged. Using motorized generators in this case is often undesirable due to the noise. Especially in case of multi-day cruises the capacity of the batteries may be insufficient. This drives a demand for an alternative power source.

The invention is sail with integrated flexible solar module and integrated connectors. The invention functions as a power source that windsurfers or yachts can use to power electric/electronic devices or to charge electricity storage devices (including batteries). A preferred realization of the invention integrates flexible solar modules into the sails. The preferably have the property of being light (low weight). A further preferred property is the availability of different colors. At present various flexible solar module technologies are in the market. These include (but are not limited to): (hydrogenated) amorphous and/or microcrystalline silicon solar cells; copper indium gallium selenide solar cells; organic solar cells. The flexible solar modules are usually manufactured in roll-to-roll processes and consequently rectangular of shape. The dimensions of the flexible solar modules vary with manufacturer, a typical width of these modules lies between 0.3 m and 1.5 m. The length of such modules can be manufactured to specification for most manufacturers. A typical maximum length would be 10 up to hundreds of meters . A preferred realization of the invention maintains optimal folding and storing of the sail. For that purpose the position and orientation of the integrated flexible solar module is in between the sail battens, as detailed in figure 1, figure 2 and figure 5.The placement can be anywhere on the sail, but is preferably in the head of the sail, i.e. anywhere above the boom in case of the windsurf sail. This way shade of the windsurfer on the solar module is minimized and the generated power of the solar module is optimized. A further preferred realization of the invention integrates multiple patches of flexible solar modules in the same sail, as shown in figure 2. These modules, preferably, are each placed between the battens and can be placed in the head of the sail, i.e. up above the boom to minimize shading losses. A further preferred realization of the invention integrates free form shape patches of solar module in the sails, as depicted in figure 3. Although the additional surfaces do not contribute to the power of the module, such freeform shape provides an esthetically pleasing appearance. They do not contribute to the power of the device, due to the structure of the solar modules (depending on the technology of the chosen module). Usually these comprise multiple cells, in series connected along the width of the module.

In this case the shortest cell provides the lowest current. Longer cells provide more current, but as these devices are series connected, the current is limited by the shortest cell. Other configurations may circumvent this problem. A preferred realization integrates the solar module into the sail by the process of lamination, see figure 6a. In this case the solar module is sandwiched between a top and bottom layer. The top layer is a transparent, anti-weathering material. The bottom layer is an adhesive. This stack of layers is laminated onto the sail by application of pressure and heat.

An alternative realization of the invention employs the traditional sail making process: stitching. In this case the solar module is stitched onto the sail. The module is part sandwiched between a top and bottom layer. The front layer is a transparent weathering layer. The bottom layer is a waterproofing and mechanical supporting layer. The stitches go through these two layers, but not through the solar module. If the bottom layer is sufficiently strong, the module may be stitched into, rather than onto, the sail. In this case the some patches of sail are replaced entirely by the solar module. A further preferred realization integrates solar modules into the sail such that illumination from both sides of the sail is converted to electricity. A possible realization of this is to integrate a solar module on each side of the module. However, a preferred realization integrates a double sided thin film flexible solar module on a transparent patch of the sail.

The invention includes a connector. This is either realized by a pair of single pole connectors. In this case the positive and the negative pole of the solar module each have their own connector. However, preferably the connector is a dual-pole connector. In this case both the positive pole and the negative pole are incorporated in the same connector. A preferred realization of the invention incorporates the solar module and the connector, such that the connector is close to, and facing the mast. In the case of multiple patches of solar module and in case these cannot be connected by other means, each module is equipped with its own connector(s). The modules can be connected serially or in parallel to the same electrical circuit, or they can be connected to different circuits. (Shielded) conductors or cables can be used to connect the electrical circuit(s) to the connectors of the solar modules. A preferred realization of the invention guides the (shielded) conductors or cables either through the mast (the cables enter it through a puncture in the mast, not shown in the picture) or along the mast using clamps to fixate them (See figure 4).

The invention is detailed using the following figures:

Fig. 1 A solar surf sail, a schematic overview of the invention as applied to a surf sail.

Fig. 2 A schematic overview of application of multiple patches of solar module to a surf sail Fig. 3 A schematic illustration of the application of ' free form solar module patches to an esthetical solar surf sail.

Fig. 4 Detail of the solar module, the location of connectors and the cable connection.

Fig. 5 Example of a solar sail applied to a jib Fig. 6A Schematic illustration (not to scale) of integration using a lamination process Fig. 6A Schematic illustration (not to scale) of integration using a stitching process

Fig. 1 provides a schematic view of the invention (solar sail) as applied to a surf sail. It depicts a known surf sail (b) fastened to a mast (c) and a boom (d). The boom is fastened to the mast and the sail is suspended by the mast all along one side of the sail and by the tip of boom on the other side of the sail. Right above the boom there is a window (e), enhancing the field of view of the surfer. In the sail there are battens to support the sail and to hold the head of the sail up. The invention integrates a flexible solar module (a) into such a sail, or other sails. The flexible solar panel is preferably integrated such that the sail remains its flexibility and foldability, which means for example that it is mounted between the sail battens (f), and such that the added weight of the sail is minimal.

Fig. 2 shows a preferred realization of the invention, where multiple patches of flexible solar module (a) are integrated into a surf sail (b).

Fig. 3 displays a further preferred realization of the invention, where the shape of the solar module patch (a) is free form, i.e. other than rectangular. The additional part of the solar module patch (g), i.e. that part that does not fit into the largest possible parallelogram, may be inactive, or contribute less power to the overall power of the solar module than the other parts. This allows an esthetically pleasing realization of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows the solar module patch (a) in more detail. The solar module patch is integrated in the sail. A connector (b) is attached to the corner of the solar module patch. This connector is either a double pole connector or two single pole connectors ( a double pole connector is depicted in figure 4). Appliances can be connected to the solar module patch using a cable (d). The end of the cable is fitted with a plug (c) that fits and can be inserted into the connector. In case of a surf-sail (as depicted in fig. 4) the cable can be suspended using straps (e) that are attached to the mast, or be guided through the mast alternatively.

Fig. 5 illustrates one of several alternative realizations of the solar sail, i.e. a solar module (a) integrated into a jib (b). Other applications can be substituted as well, including (but not limited to): Sails for yachts, including Jib, Main sail, Spanker sail and Spinnakker; canvasses for yachts, including guardrails and awnings; and canvasses for tents. All preferable features of the invention, such as the freeform feature displayed in the figure (c), are applicable to each of these applications.

Fig. 6a illustrates the cross-section of the invention, where the solar module patch (a) is integrated into the sail (b) by the process of lamination. The solar module is sandwiched between an adhesive bottom layer (d) and a transparent weathering top layer (c). This stack of materials is laminated onto the sail by application of pressure and heat.

Fig 6b shows the cross-section of the invention, where the solar module (a) is integrated into the sail (b) by ef i fnVn nrt ί o 1 Φΐη a λ ί ii c* -η «/^τ.τί /ι V» /¾ Κλ+· ι.τλ Λν» —* 4— /*\»ι 1 -\ι τλ ν \ V-. / · XXXV^ IUVUU±<^ -L. k? I7CLJ..LVXW L,WCCii cl xay (c) and a bottom layer (d). The top layer is a transparent weathering layer. The bottom layer is either and adhesive and protective layer or a transparent, supporting weathering layer. The stack of materials is stitched into the sail. There are two options: 1) the stack is stitched on top of the sail, in this case the bottom layer is an adhesive and protective layer. 2) The stack is stitched into the sail, substituting the sail material (f) at the places where the solar sail is integrated.

Claims (7)

1. A sail with integrated flexible solar module and connector. A sail according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of flexible solar modules are integrated. A sail according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape of the module can be chosen freely for the aesthetics of the sail. A sail according to claim 1, characterized in that the integrated flexible solar module can be illuminated on both sides. That is, the solar module is two-sided and embedded in the sail in such a way that it replaces a strip of sail canvas. The process of manufacturing the sail according to claims 1-3 by means of lamination, wherein a flexible solar module is embedded between a transparent top layer that protects against weather influences and an adhesive, supported bottom layer and this stack of materials by means of pressure and heat is laminated on the sail. The process of manufacturing the sail according to claims 1-3 by means of sewing, wherein a flexible solar module is embedded between a transparent top layer that protects against weather influences and a supporting possibly adhesive layer and this stack is sewn to the sail. The process of manufacturing the sail according to claims 1-4 by means of sewing, wherein a two-sided, flexible solar module is embedded between a transparent top layer that protects against weather influences and a supporting, transparent bottom layer that protects against weather influences and in which this stack of layers is sewn into the sail as a substitute for the local sail canvas.