US20110056486A1 - Cover for Solar Panel - Google Patents

Cover for Solar Panel Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20110056486A1
US20110056486A1 US12/944,914 US94491410A US2011056486A1 US 20110056486 A1 US20110056486 A1 US 20110056486A1 US 94491410 A US94491410 A US 94491410A US 2011056486 A1 US2011056486 A1 US 2011056486A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
cover
solar panel
solar
protective cover
heat
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/944,914
Inventor
Richard F. North
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/944,914 priority Critical patent/US20110056486A1/en
Publication of US20110056486A1 publication Critical patent/US20110056486A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
    • F24S40/50—Preventing overheating or overpressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
    • F24S40/10—Protective covers or shrouds; Closure members, e.g. lids
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
    • F24S40/50—Preventing overheating or overpressure
    • F24S40/52—Preventing overheating or overpressure by modifying the heat collection, e.g. by defocusing or by changing the position of heat-receiving elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S40/00—Safety or protection arrangements of solar heat collectors; Preventing malfunction of solar heat collectors
    • F24S40/80—Accommodating differential expansion of solar collector elements
    • F24S40/85—Arrangements for protecting solar collectors against adverse weather conditions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S50/00—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors
    • F24S50/80—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors for controlling collection or absorption of solar radiation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to covers for solar panels. More particularly, the invention relates to covers for solar panels that are exposed to intense solar radiation.
  • Solar panels that absorb solar energy for the purpose of heating, be it water or space, are sometimes at risk of overheating.
  • An example of such a case is that of a solar system for heating water in a facility that is open only seasonally, such as a camp or ski lodge.
  • the water in the heater tubes remains stagnant during the periods of non-use. Heat builds up and is only poorly dissipated if the water is not being circulated through the system.
  • Such solar panels are also at risk of overheating even during times of usage, if, for example, the panels are exposed to long and intense periods of solar radiation, such as in the summer.
  • solar radiation in the summer may be very intense.
  • the demand for hot water may not be sufficient to dissipate the heat quickly enough, particularly if the house is unoccupied because the residents are away on vacation.
  • Solar energy panels that are used to provide heated water for radiant space heating of a structure, as well as hot water, are particularly at risk of overheating. These solar panels contain sufficient heat panels to satisfy the heat load in winter months. Once the cold weather is over, the solar panels are subject to risk of overheating, because the demand is so much reduced.
  • the invention is a cover for use with solar panels.
  • the cover provides protection from the elements of the weather, such as snow, hail, sleet, debris, and rain.
  • the cover is also a solar radiation blacker and provides protection against overheating of the solar panel when it is subjected to intense solar radiation.
  • the cover according to the invention must be removable or positionable, so as to allow the solar rays to impinge upon the solar panel when desired.
  • the cover has an outer surface or outer protective shell that is weather-resistant and an inner shell or inner portion that has heat-insulative properties, to protect the solar panel from overheating.
  • Various embodiments of the cover are provided herein according to the invention; some embodiments are manually fitted over and then removed from the solar panel, others are mechanically operated to cover and uncover the solar panel.
  • Mechanically operated covers may have a wind-up mechanism that is manually operated, such as a crank that winds the cover around a shaft, have an electrically driven mechanism, such as a motor and linkages to wind the cover around a shaft or draw the cover up into a compact pleated or bunched configuration, or have segmented portions that are moved to an open or closed position in order to cover or uncover the solar panel.
  • a wind-up mechanism that is manually operated, such as a crank that winds the cover around a shaft
  • an electrically driven mechanism such as a motor and linkages to wind the cover around a shaft or draw the cover up into a compact pleated or bunched configuration, or have segmented portions that are moved to an open or closed position in order to cover or uncover the solar panel.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top of a rigid, removable protective cover according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of the cover of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is an cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top of a soft, removable protective cover according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bottom of the cover of FIG. 4 .
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the soft cover of FIG. 4 .
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the cover.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the cover.
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 8 , illustrating linkages and connecting rods that are actuated move the protective panel sections to open and closed positions.
  • FIG. 10 is a side view of the cover of FIG. 8 , showing the cover closed.
  • a conventional solar panel 4 is shown in several of the following drawings mounted on a conventional frame F.
  • the frame F may be constructed so as to mount the solar panel 4 in an orientation that is parallel to an underlying surface, or be constructed to provide an incline that increases the direct impingement of the rays from the sun.
  • the frame F is not included within the scope of the invention and is shown here only insofar as necessary to illustrate the inventive covers.
  • FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of a solar panel cover 10 that is a rigid cover and FIG. 4-6 illustrate a second embodiment of a cover 20 that is a soft cover. These two covers 10 and 20 are manually removable covers.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top, FIG. 2 a view of the bottom, and FIG. 3 a cross-sectional view of the rigid cover 10 .
  • the cover 10 comprises an outer shell or layer 1 constructed of a form-rigid material, a shock-absorption and/or insulative layer 3 , and straps 7 to secure the cover 10 to a solar panel 4 .
  • the solar panel 4 is shown only schematically in FIG. 3
  • the rigid cover 10 is used preferably on a solar panel that is a flat-plate type panel.
  • the outer shell or layer 1 is ideally constructed of a material that is rot and mildew resistant, such as a lightweight manufactured material, including a metallic material.
  • the shock-absorbing or insulative layer 3 is preferably constructed of a foam or other compressible material.
  • the outer layer 1 and the insulative layer 3 may be laminated to each other, to provide a single fabric. It is also possible to use a material that combines both desired properties, i.e., weather resistance and heat insulation, to form the covers 10 , 20 .
  • FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a second embodiment of a solar panel cover 20 that is a soft cover that is particularly well suited to fit over solar panels that are arrays of evacuated tubes.
  • the cover 20 comprises an outer shell 21 and a shock-absorption or insulative layer 22 and is manually removable from the solar panel 4 .
  • the outer shell 22 is ideally constructed of a flexible fabric, such as canvas or other flexible fabric that is rot and mildew resistant.
  • the shock-absorption layer 22 is a layer of foam or other compressible material.
  • the outer shell 21 may be secured to the solar with straps 7 similar to those described in connection with the cover 10 . It may also, instead of the straps 7 , have an elastic edge 21 A that allows the fabric to fit around the solar panel 4 and enclose the edges of the panel so as to secure the cover 20 to the panel 4 .
  • the outer shells 1 , 21 may be constructed of or coated with a reflective material to reduce the solar radiation that impinges on the cover.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment 30 of a solar panel cover according to the invention for the solar panel 4 .
  • the cover is constructed of a rollable material 32 , such as, for example, a flexible sheet fabric or a system of slats that allow the cover 30 to roll up or fold up with pleats.
  • a storage enclosure 34 is provided, for receiving the rolled-up or pleated portion of the cover 30 .
  • the mechanism for moving the cover 30 between a deployed or closed position and a non-deployed or open position is a conventional mechanism, such as is used for electrically operating large awnings, and is not shown in any detail.
  • the mechanism may be manually operated or motor-driven. Ideally, the mechanism is motor-driven with an operating switch that is conveniently located for easy access.
  • the cover 30 has sides 32 A that are captured in a track 36 .
  • the mechanism for rolling and unrolling the cover forces the sides 32 A along the track 36 , so as to cover or uncover the solar panel 4 as desired.
  • the flexible sheet fabric may be stitched at regular intervals to facilitate pleating.
  • the cover 30 includes an outer surface that is weather-resistant and heat-insulative properties.
  • the cover may comprise an outer weather-resistant layer and an inner heat-insulative layer, or be constructed of a material that combines both desired properties.
  • FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a fourth embodiment 40 of a solar cover according to the invention for the solar panel 4 .
  • This embodiment includes a series of cover vanes or segments 42 that are mounted on a linkage system 46 , so as to be movable from an open position, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and a closed position, shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the cover includes a motor-driven linkage system 46 that is coupled with the segments 42 .
  • the linkage system 46 includes a pair of linkage rods, a first rod 46 A and a second rod 46 B, each of which are connected to the segments 42 as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the first rod 46 A is connected to an outer portion 46 C and the second rod to a center portion 46 D of each segment 42 .
  • a motor M drives the linkages so as to shift the segments 42 between an open and a closed position.
  • the motor M is enclosed in protective enclosure 44 .
  • the segments 42 may be constructed of a sheet metal or plastic material.
  • the outer surface or shell of the segments 42 may be constructed of a weather-resistant material and the inner portion or inner shell be constructed of a material that provides the desired insulative properties to block excessive solar radiation and prevent the solar panel from overheating.
  • Sensors may be used with any motor-driven system to move the cover between the deployed and non-deployed positions, depending on weather conditions.
  • a temperature sensor 50 shown in FIG. 7
  • any motor-driven means for moving the cover to close the cover when the temperature on the solar panel exceeds a threshold value and/or to open the cover when the temperature drops below a certain value.
  • Shock sensors may be used in areas that are prone to severe hail storms, to close the cover when impact forces that exceed a predetermined threshold value impinge on the solar panel.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

A protective cover for a solar panel is disclosed. The cover provides protection for the solar panel from the elements of the weather such as snow, hail, sleet, and windblown debris, and also against overheating of the solar panel during periods of long and intense solar radiation, when the demand for hot water is insufficient to dissipate heat build-up. The cover is constructed of material having heat-insulative properties and provides a barrier layer over the top of the solar panel to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the water tubes.

Description

  • This application claims priority from provisional application 61/052,367, filed on May 12, 2008, and from PCT application PCT/US2009/043543, filed on May 12, 2009
    • BACKGROUND INFORMATION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The invention relates to covers for solar panels. More particularly, the invention relates to covers for solar panels that are exposed to intense solar radiation.
  • 2. Description of the Prior Art
  • Solar panels that absorb solar energy for the purpose of heating, be it water or space, are sometimes at risk of overheating. An example of such a case is that of a solar system for heating water in a facility that is open only seasonally, such as a camp or ski lodge. In the case of a structure that is only seasonally occupied, the water in the heater tubes remains stagnant during the periods of non-use. Heat builds up and is only poorly dissipated if the water is not being circulated through the system. Such solar panels are also at risk of overheating even during times of usage, if, for example, the panels are exposed to long and intense periods of solar radiation, such as in the summer. Thus, in a residential structure that is occupied year-round in many parts of the US and that uses solar panels to obtain hot water, solar radiation in the summer may be very intense. The demand for hot water may not be sufficient to dissipate the heat quickly enough, particularly if the house is unoccupied because the residents are away on vacation. Solar energy panels that are used to provide heated water for radiant space heating of a structure, as well as hot water, are particularly at risk of overheating. These solar panels contain sufficient heat panels to satisfy the heat load in winter months. Once the cold weather is over, the solar panels are subject to risk of overheating, because the demand is so much reduced.
  • What is needed, therefore, is a protective cover for solar panels, whether the solar panels are so-called flat panels or panels comprising an array of evacuated tubes. What is further needed is such a cover that is easily and quickly moved between an open position and a closed position.
    • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention is a cover for use with solar panels. The cover provides protection from the elements of the weather, such as snow, hail, sleet, debris, and rain. The cover is also a solar radiation blacker and provides protection against overheating of the solar panel when it is subjected to intense solar radiation.
  • The cover according to the invention must be removable or positionable, so as to allow the solar rays to impinge upon the solar panel when desired. The cover has an outer surface or outer protective shell that is weather-resistant and an inner shell or inner portion that has heat-insulative properties, to protect the solar panel from overheating. Various embodiments of the cover are provided herein according to the invention; some embodiments are manually fitted over and then removed from the solar panel, others are mechanically operated to cover and uncover the solar panel. Mechanically operated covers may have a wind-up mechanism that is manually operated, such as a crank that winds the cover around a shaft, have an electrically driven mechanism, such as a motor and linkages to wind the cover around a shaft or draw the cover up into a compact pleated or bunched configuration, or have segmented portions that are moved to an open or closed position in order to cover or uncover the solar panel.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top of a rigid, removable protective cover according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of the cover of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top of a soft, removable protective cover according to the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bottom of the cover of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the soft cover of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the cover.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the cover.
  • FIG. 9 is a side view of the cover shown in FIG. 8, illustrating linkages and connecting rods that are actuated move the protective panel sections to open and closed positions.
  • FIG. 10 is a side view of the cover of FIG. 8, showing the cover closed.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the embodiments shown are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.
  • A conventional solar panel 4 is shown in several of the following drawings mounted on a conventional frame F. The frame F may be constructed so as to mount the solar panel 4 in an orientation that is parallel to an underlying surface, or be constructed to provide an incline that increases the direct impingement of the rays from the sun. The frame F is not included within the scope of the invention and is shown here only insofar as necessary to illustrate the inventive covers.
  • FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of a solar panel cover 10 that is a rigid cover and FIG. 4-6 illustrate a second embodiment of a cover 20 that is a soft cover. These two covers 10 and 20 are manually removable covers. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top, FIG. 2 a view of the bottom, and FIG. 3 a cross-sectional view of the rigid cover 10. The cover 10 comprises an outer shell or layer 1 constructed of a form-rigid material, a shock-absorption and/or insulative layer 3, and straps 7 to secure the cover 10 to a solar panel 4. The solar panel 4 is shown only schematically in FIG. 3 The rigid cover 10 is used preferably on a solar panel that is a flat-plate type panel. Water-conducting tubes lead into and out of the conventional solar panel and flaps or openings 5 are provided on the side walls of the outer shell 1 to accommodate these tubes. The straps 7 include corner straps 6 and/or a long strap 7A that extends across the underside of the solar panel 4. The outer shell or layer 1 is ideally constructed of a material that is rot and mildew resistant, such as a lightweight manufactured material, including a metallic material. The shock-absorbing or insulative layer 3 is preferably constructed of a foam or other compressible material. The outer layer 1 and the insulative layer 3 may be laminated to each other, to provide a single fabric. It is also possible to use a material that combines both desired properties, i.e., weather resistance and heat insulation, to form the covers 10, 20.
  • FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a second embodiment of a solar panel cover 20 that is a soft cover that is particularly well suited to fit over solar panels that are arrays of evacuated tubes. The cover 20 comprises an outer shell 21 and a shock-absorption or insulative layer 22 and is manually removable from the solar panel 4. The outer shell 22 is ideally constructed of a flexible fabric, such as canvas or other flexible fabric that is rot and mildew resistant. The shock-absorption layer 22 is a layer of foam or other compressible material. The outer shell 21 may be secured to the solar with straps 7 similar to those described in connection with the cover 10. It may also, instead of the straps 7, have an elastic edge 21A that allows the fabric to fit around the solar panel 4 and enclose the edges of the panel so as to secure the cover 20 to the panel 4.
  • The outer shells 1, 21 may be constructed of or coated with a reflective material to reduce the solar radiation that impinges on the cover.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment 30 of a solar panel cover according to the invention for the solar panel 4. The cover is constructed of a rollable material 32, such as, for example, a flexible sheet fabric or a system of slats that allow the cover 30 to roll up or fold up with pleats. A storage enclosure 34 is provided, for receiving the rolled-up or pleated portion of the cover 30. The mechanism for moving the cover 30 between a deployed or closed position and a non-deployed or open position is a conventional mechanism, such as is used for electrically operating large awnings, and is not shown in any detail. The mechanism may be manually operated or motor-driven. Ideally, the mechanism is motor-driven with an operating switch that is conveniently located for easy access. The cover 30 has sides 32A that are captured in a track 36. The mechanism for rolling and unrolling the cover forces the sides 32A along the track 36, so as to cover or uncover the solar panel 4 as desired. The flexible sheet fabric may be stitched at regular intervals to facilitate pleating. Preferably, the cover 30 includes an outer surface that is weather-resistant and heat-insulative properties. The cover may comprise an outer weather-resistant layer and an inner heat-insulative layer, or be constructed of a material that combines both desired properties.
  • FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a fourth embodiment 40 of a solar cover according to the invention for the solar panel 4. This embodiment includes a series of cover vanes or segments 42 that are mounted on a linkage system 46, so as to be movable from an open position, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and a closed position, shown in FIG. 10. The cover includes a motor-driven linkage system 46 that is coupled with the segments 42. The linkage system 46 includes a pair of linkage rods, a first rod 46A and a second rod 46B, each of which are connected to the segments 42 as shown in FIG. 9. The first rod 46A is connected to an outer portion 46C and the second rod to a center portion 46D of each segment 42. A motor M drives the linkages so as to shift the segments 42 between an open and a closed position. In the embodiment shown, the motor M is enclosed in protective enclosure 44. The segments 42 may be constructed of a sheet metal or plastic material. As with the other embodiments of the cover described herein, the outer surface or shell of the segments 42 may be constructed of a weather-resistant material and the inner portion or inner shell be constructed of a material that provides the desired insulative properties to block excessive solar radiation and prevent the solar panel from overheating.
  • Sensors may be used with any motor-driven system to move the cover between the deployed and non-deployed positions, depending on weather conditions. For example, a temperature sensor 50, shown in FIG. 7, may be coupled with any motor-driven means for moving the cover, to close the cover when the temperature on the solar panel exceeds a threshold value and/or to open the cover when the temperature drops below a certain value. Shock sensors may be used in areas that are prone to severe hail storms, to close the cover when impact forces that exceed a predetermined threshold value impinge on the solar panel.
  • The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The dimensional relationships for the covers 10, 20, 30, 40 include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (8)

What is claimed is:
1: A protective cover for a solar panel comprising:
a cover material that is weather-resistant and heat-insulative for covering the solar panel, and means for securing the cover over the solar panel.
2: The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the cover material comprises an outer layer that is weather-resistant and shock-absorbing and an inner layer that is heat-insulative.
3: The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the means for fastening the cover material to the solar panel includes straps that allow the cover material to slip over an upper surface of the solar panel and be secured to the solar panel at corners of the panel.
4: The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the cover material is a form-rigid sheet.
5: The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the cover material is a flexible sheet that is constructed to fit over the upper surface and around the sides of the solar panel and the means for fastening the sheet fabric to the solar panel includes an elastic edge on the cover material that enables the cover material to slip over the upper surface and around the sides of the solar panel and to be elastically held in place on the underside of the solar panel.
6: A cover system for covering and uncovering a solar panel, to prevent the solar panel from overheating in times of intense solar radiation, the cover system comprising:
a cover constructed of rollable material; and
a deployment system for moving the cover between a deployed and non-deployed position.
7: The cover system of claim 6, the deployment system comprising a motor and a track system, and wherein edges of the cover are captured in the track and the motor drives the cover along the track system, so as to selectively move the cover between a non-deployed position and a deployed position.
8. : A method of protecting a solar panel from overheating, the solar panel being a type that heats water in a tube to provide hot water, the method comprising the steps of:
a) determining a period of intense solar radiation and reduced need for solar heating; and
b) providing a protective cover having heat-insulative properties over the solar panel in the period intense solar radiation, so as to prevent the water from overheating.
US12/944,914 2008-05-12 2010-11-12 Cover for Solar Panel Abandoned US20110056486A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/944,914 US20110056486A1 (en) 2008-05-12 2010-11-12 Cover for Solar Panel

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US5236708P 2008-05-12 2008-05-12
PCT/US2009/043543 WO2009140234A2 (en) 2008-05-12 2009-05-12 Cover for solar panel
US12/944,914 US20110056486A1 (en) 2008-05-12 2010-11-12 Cover for Solar Panel

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2009/043543 Continuation WO2009140234A2 (en) 2008-05-12 2009-05-12 Cover for solar panel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110056486A1 true US20110056486A1 (en) 2011-03-10

Family

ID=41319277

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/944,914 Abandoned US20110056486A1 (en) 2008-05-12 2010-11-12 Cover for Solar Panel

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20110056486A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2313706A4 (en)
CA (1) CA2723963A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009140234A2 (en)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120318416A1 (en) * 2011-06-15 2012-12-20 Siciliano Michael A Inflatable Cover
ES2398162R1 (en) * 2011-07-05 2013-04-24 Crespillo Antonio Doblado OCULTATION SYSTEM FOR SOLAR CAPTADOR.
DE102012012137A1 (en) * 2012-06-20 2013-12-24 Peter Betzenhauser Electric shock protection device for installation at e.g. photovoltaic module of photovoltaic system in building, has covering film automatically reducing entry of radiation into active region of module at preset value if necessary
US8735714B1 (en) * 2012-11-26 2014-05-27 Eaton Corporation Device for disabling a photovoltaic panel or array and photovoltaic system including the same
US9203343B2 (en) 2011-05-26 2015-12-01 Machtwissen.De Ag Devices for optimizing individual solar modules/collector modules and composite collector module groups and stabilizing the operation thereof against environmental influences, especially wind and particles and objects carried along by the wind
CN108562058A (en) * 2018-03-28 2018-09-21 武汉凯迪工程技术研究总院有限公司 Solar energy heat collection pipe heat-insulation and heat-preservation guard system
CN109945529A (en) * 2019-02-15 2019-06-28 江苏梦溪智能环境科技有限公司 A kind of solar water heater
US10560050B2 (en) * 2018-06-15 2020-02-11 Evolusun, Inc. Innovative energy generating photovoltaic awning
CN113340006A (en) * 2021-06-03 2021-09-03 魏迎辉 Photovoltaic photo-thermal solar device

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8720125B2 (en) * 2009-07-28 2014-05-13 Micah F. Andretich Sustainable, mobile, expandable structure
DE102011115474A1 (en) * 2011-10-03 2013-04-04 Machtwissen.De Ag Devices for optimizing the efficiency, protection and operational stabilization of solar modules under the influence of environmental influences
DE202012001589U1 (en) * 2012-02-16 2012-06-15 Fritz Schwarz Thermal solar collector with temperature limitation
DE102012006007A1 (en) 2012-03-24 2013-09-26 Vaillant Gmbh Solar collector system
DE102020005037A1 (en) * 2020-08-18 2022-02-24 Ferdinand Müller-Niksic Collector for heating liquids

Citations (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4020888A (en) * 1976-06-21 1977-05-03 The Scott & Fetzer Company Retractable awning
US4141185A (en) * 1977-05-18 1979-02-27 Keith Elvin W Solar collector cover
US4321419A (en) * 1978-02-08 1982-03-23 Hanafin Maurice C Solar panel cover assembly
US4365615A (en) * 1981-02-26 1982-12-28 Melvin Hubert A Solar hot water heater
US4485804A (en) * 1981-01-30 1984-12-04 T. E. Sharpe Solar heat collector system
US4526161A (en) * 1981-03-23 1985-07-02 Kaicher Francis A Solar roof assemblage and internally removable solar transparent roof cover
US4938522A (en) * 1987-07-20 1990-07-03 Automotive Protective Jackets, Inc. Protective vehicle cover
US5427629A (en) * 1983-07-11 1995-06-27 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Coverplate for silicon solar cells
US5466301A (en) * 1994-06-29 1995-11-14 Texas Instruments Incorporated Solar cell having an output-increasing, protective cover
US5468304A (en) * 1994-03-14 1995-11-21 Texas Instruments Incorporated Output-increasing, protective cover for a solar cell
CA2229968A1 (en) * 1997-04-07 1998-10-07 Paul Theriault Insulating cover casing for in-wall air conditioners and the like
US6003166A (en) * 1997-12-23 1999-12-21 Icon Health And Fitness, Inc. Portable spa
US6009929A (en) * 1997-12-11 2000-01-04 Linderman; Tim Exterior skylight solar screen cover
US6070629A (en) * 1997-06-06 2000-06-06 Whiteside; Larry L. Protective vehicle cover
US6484069B2 (en) * 2000-01-31 2002-11-19 Turnils Ab Awning assembly and control system
US6618868B2 (en) * 2001-02-12 2003-09-16 Jeff F. Minnick Lightweight insulated spa cover and method therefor
US6777610B2 (en) * 1998-10-13 2004-08-17 Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. Protective sheet for solar battery module, method of fabricating the same and solar battery module
US6798158B2 (en) * 2002-10-22 2004-09-28 Dometic Corporation Wind sensing awning control
US6827081B2 (en) * 2002-10-02 2004-12-07 H.R. & E.J. Hay Charitable Trust Process and apparatus for modulating temperatures in thermal storage
US6938281B1 (en) * 2002-02-08 2005-09-06 E. Jess Tudor Foldable spa cover and lift unit
US6957679B2 (en) * 2003-03-26 2005-10-25 Powell & Powell Supply Co., Inc. Retractable awning
US20070084207A1 (en) * 2005-10-14 2007-04-19 Patrick Zuili Thermally driven cooling systems
US20090183807A1 (en) * 2007-08-16 2009-07-23 Sadlier Claus E More versatile flexible cover and method of manufacture
US20100104360A1 (en) * 2007-06-06 2010-04-29 Sing Robert L Double-deck covered roadway

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4191169A (en) * 1978-02-06 1980-03-04 Solar Heat Corporation Solar energy panel
US4172442A (en) * 1978-05-15 1979-10-30 Bio Gas Systems, Inc. Solar energy collector system and method
JPS565220A (en) * 1979-06-26 1981-01-20 Yasuhiro Sato Body cover for preventing solar radiation
DE3047951C2 (en) * 1980-12-19 1985-08-29 INTERATOM GmbH, 5060 Bergisch Gladbach Hybrid solar panel
JPS59102621A (en) * 1982-12-04 1984-06-13 Koji Hayakawa Cover for car
US4527544A (en) * 1983-08-08 1985-07-09 Kimberly Hills, Ltd. High insulating solar block structures
JPH02155831A (en) * 1988-12-08 1990-06-14 Tomomichi Urijima Cover for car
DE20205757U1 (en) * 2002-04-12 2002-07-25 Buderus Heiztechnik Gmbh, 35576 Wetzlar Cover for a solar panel
DE20314034U1 (en) * 2003-09-10 2003-11-13 Roose, Rudolf, 27404 Zeven Solar collector cover consists of light-tight flat material of size to conform to solar collector surface and with flanges or flange sections on edges perpendicular to collector surface to at least partially encompass it
DE202005002198U1 (en) * 2004-03-08 2005-04-14 Mathieu, Hans solar system
NL1028951C2 (en) * 2005-05-03 2006-11-06 Harry Schmitz Device for recording and storing solar energy.
EP1757873A3 (en) * 2005-08-19 2007-11-28 Hans Mathieu Protecting device against extreme weather influences, especially for solar collectors, roof windows, glass and plastic roofs, greenhouses and other endangered objects
FR2903127A1 (en) * 2006-07-03 2008-01-04 Eric Lecoq Producing hot water to set in a solution of milk powder for feeding veals, comprises introducing water in a stainless steel reservoir having two heat exchangers, heating the water, and occulting a solar sensor during a depopulated period

Patent Citations (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4020888A (en) * 1976-06-21 1977-05-03 The Scott & Fetzer Company Retractable awning
US4141185A (en) * 1977-05-18 1979-02-27 Keith Elvin W Solar collector cover
US4321419A (en) * 1978-02-08 1982-03-23 Hanafin Maurice C Solar panel cover assembly
US4485804A (en) * 1981-01-30 1984-12-04 T. E. Sharpe Solar heat collector system
US4365615A (en) * 1981-02-26 1982-12-28 Melvin Hubert A Solar hot water heater
US4526161A (en) * 1981-03-23 1985-07-02 Kaicher Francis A Solar roof assemblage and internally removable solar transparent roof cover
US5427629A (en) * 1983-07-11 1995-06-27 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Coverplate for silicon solar cells
US4938522A (en) * 1987-07-20 1990-07-03 Automotive Protective Jackets, Inc. Protective vehicle cover
US5468304A (en) * 1994-03-14 1995-11-21 Texas Instruments Incorporated Output-increasing, protective cover for a solar cell
US5466301A (en) * 1994-06-29 1995-11-14 Texas Instruments Incorporated Solar cell having an output-increasing, protective cover
CA2229968A1 (en) * 1997-04-07 1998-10-07 Paul Theriault Insulating cover casing for in-wall air conditioners and the like
US6070629A (en) * 1997-06-06 2000-06-06 Whiteside; Larry L. Protective vehicle cover
US6009929A (en) * 1997-12-11 2000-01-04 Linderman; Tim Exterior skylight solar screen cover
US6003166A (en) * 1997-12-23 1999-12-21 Icon Health And Fitness, Inc. Portable spa
US6777610B2 (en) * 1998-10-13 2004-08-17 Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. Protective sheet for solar battery module, method of fabricating the same and solar battery module
US7309831B2 (en) * 1998-10-13 2007-12-18 Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd Protective sheet for solar battery module, method of fabricating the same and solar battery module
US6484069B2 (en) * 2000-01-31 2002-11-19 Turnils Ab Awning assembly and control system
US6618868B2 (en) * 2001-02-12 2003-09-16 Jeff F. Minnick Lightweight insulated spa cover and method therefor
US6938281B1 (en) * 2002-02-08 2005-09-06 E. Jess Tudor Foldable spa cover and lift unit
US6827081B2 (en) * 2002-10-02 2004-12-07 H.R. & E.J. Hay Charitable Trust Process and apparatus for modulating temperatures in thermal storage
US6798158B2 (en) * 2002-10-22 2004-09-28 Dometic Corporation Wind sensing awning control
US6957679B2 (en) * 2003-03-26 2005-10-25 Powell & Powell Supply Co., Inc. Retractable awning
US20070084207A1 (en) * 2005-10-14 2007-04-19 Patrick Zuili Thermally driven cooling systems
US20100104360A1 (en) * 2007-06-06 2010-04-29 Sing Robert L Double-deck covered roadway
US20090183807A1 (en) * 2007-08-16 2009-07-23 Sadlier Claus E More versatile flexible cover and method of manufacture

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Solahart Industries Pty LTD. 'Solagart Owner's manual Solar Water Heaters'. 2003-09. [retrieved on 2013-11-12]. Retrieved from the Internet: . *

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9203343B2 (en) 2011-05-26 2015-12-01 Machtwissen.De Ag Devices for optimizing individual solar modules/collector modules and composite collector module groups and stabilizing the operation thereof against environmental influences, especially wind and particles and objects carried along by the wind
US20120318416A1 (en) * 2011-06-15 2012-12-20 Siciliano Michael A Inflatable Cover
US8985672B2 (en) * 2011-06-15 2015-03-24 Michael A. Siciliano Inflatable cover
ES2398162R1 (en) * 2011-07-05 2013-04-24 Crespillo Antonio Doblado OCULTATION SYSTEM FOR SOLAR CAPTADOR.
DE102012012137A1 (en) * 2012-06-20 2013-12-24 Peter Betzenhauser Electric shock protection device for installation at e.g. photovoltaic module of photovoltaic system in building, has covering film automatically reducing entry of radiation into active region of module at preset value if necessary
US8735714B1 (en) * 2012-11-26 2014-05-27 Eaton Corporation Device for disabling a photovoltaic panel or array and photovoltaic system including the same
CN108562058A (en) * 2018-03-28 2018-09-21 武汉凯迪工程技术研究总院有限公司 Solar energy heat collection pipe heat-insulation and heat-preservation guard system
US10560050B2 (en) * 2018-06-15 2020-02-11 Evolusun, Inc. Innovative energy generating photovoltaic awning
CN109945529A (en) * 2019-02-15 2019-06-28 江苏梦溪智能环境科技有限公司 A kind of solar water heater
CN113340006A (en) * 2021-06-03 2021-09-03 魏迎辉 Photovoltaic photo-thermal solar device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2009140234A2 (en) 2009-11-19
EP2313706A2 (en) 2011-04-27
WO2009140234A3 (en) 2009-12-30
EP2313706A4 (en) 2013-09-25
CA2723963A1 (en) 2009-11-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20110056486A1 (en) Cover for Solar Panel
US3683428A (en) Rigid, buoyant, insulating and rapid folding swimming pool covers
US8689490B2 (en) Reflective energy management system
EP2111492B1 (en) Protection device for a wall
US10352057B2 (en) Channeled retractable vehicle cover
US5497762A (en) Device for collecting solar energy and transferring it to a reception body to be heated
US20200049355A1 (en) Flat solar chimney for passive reduction of building cooling loads
JP2012502241A (en) Transparent perforated plate glass for heat recovery and air heating by sunlight
US4498912A (en) Sunscreen cover apparatus for an evaporative cooler
US20050022853A1 (en) Removable heat shield for cooling/heating unit
WO2006092821A1 (en) A composite translucent thermal solar collector
IL140349A (en) Multi-purpose structure
Givoni Options and applications of passive cooling
AU2006301251A1 (en) Solar radiator
US20120090599A1 (en) Solar window heater
US6873465B2 (en) Installation for increasing the light yield on the playing surface in a stadium
WO2014070626A1 (en) Sunshade with intergrated solar thermal collector
EP0943073A1 (en) Device for capturing solar energy and transferring it onto a receiving medium to be heated
JP2016163541A5 (en)
US20050011964A1 (en) System and method for controlling the temperature of an open-air area
WO2018065848A1 (en) Vehicle protection shade
US4565186A (en) Passive-type solar device
US20100051020A1 (en) Solar absorber fence system
JP2004020173A (en) Exterior unit cover
HU223180B1 (en) Ridge or hip ventilation element

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION