WO2001065611A9

WO2001065611A9 - Power generating unit

Info

Publication number: WO2001065611A9
Application number: PCT/EP2001/002199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juergen Kaiser
Original assignee: Juergen Kaiser
Priority date: 2000-03-01
Filing date: 2001-02-28
Publication date: 2003-06-05
Also published as: AU5825301A; WO2001065611A3; WO2001065611A2; DE10009635A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a power generating unit which can be placed on a footprint and is provided with means for generating power in a solar manner. Said means are formed by an arrangement of photovoltaic panels (10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4) which are connected to one another in such a way that said panels can be folded. The panels are arranged on a carrier (9) in a foldable manner. Said carrier can be arranged in a housing (1) when said carrier forms a unit together with the panels in the folded state. The carrier can come out of the housing and can go back into said housing.

Description

Power generation unit

description

The invention relates to an energy generation unit that can be set up on a footprint and has means for solar energy generation.

Flat, either large-area photovoltaic panels with frames and often fastenings are known for the generation of electrical energy, oriented to the respective requirements of the individual application. Electrical wiring and transducers are added. Commercial lead or gel batteries are used to store this electrical energy. Any such application requires specialized personnel, either for assembly / installation and / or operation. Special measures to protect the parts listed above against corrosion, weather influences, vandalism or theft etc. are not available or only inadequate. Portability is significantly restricted or impossible. Electronics or software can only be used to a limited extent or not at all. Maintenance and repair costs are correspondingly high. As a result, mass production is only possible with individual components, but also only reduced here, since these components must be available in many performance classes due to the complexity of the individual applications. This not only results in higher sales prices for the complete systems, but also lower reliability of the components as a whole due to less automation in production.

Particularly complex frame constructions are required where, for example when used close to the floor, there is a special need for protection against damage or contamination or an energy-efficient position has to be created, which in turn significantly reduces portability.

There are isolated solutions on the market that use commercially available cases, in which the necessary components such as panels, converters, electrical Wiring, possibly a battery, can be stowed away. However, this is not very efficient.

Such devices also have very few uses because they do not have a device for assuming an energy-efficient position. If they stand directly on the floor, they have no secure footing and are not protected against the weather or other impairments. They do not allow modular equipment. This makes maintenance difficult. Because of the limited surface of the photovoltaic panels, there is only a limited electrical output. Such commercial cases are also expensive and do not have the desired durability. No devices are provided on site for a secure hold of all components contained therein.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an energy generation unit using solar energy which does not have the disadvantages described. In particular, it is intended to enable turnkey use, that is, it can be used in such a way that these units can be removed from a shelf, bought, unpacked, set up and put into operation as devices without the need for special consultancy or technical knowledge. These devices should also be so versatile that mass production with the corresponding ones Advantages in terms of manufacturing costs and sales price while ensuring high quality is guaranteed. The devices should also be portable.

This object is achieved by the measures specified in claim 1. The invention further relates to various advantageous developments.

The invention relates to devices which generate and store energy according to the photovoltaic principle in earthbound applications and thus also operate auxiliary devices (such as hardware, software etc.) which are contained in the devices themselves.

Similar to a personal computer, the range of applications, operator diversity and control potential are unlimited - including the portability achieved - and the external shapes and weights of the devices are just as varied.

The generated and / or stored energy is made available to those devices / consumptions for the operation of which the existing electrical energy of one or more devices is sufficient.

Embodiments of the invention and its advantageous developments are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They represent: Figure 1 shows a power generation unit according to a first embodiment in the state in which the housing is closed;

Figure 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in the open

Condition with extended support for the unfolded panels;

Figure 3 shows a second example.

1, the energy generating device has the shape of a cube or cuboid. The housing 1 is made of resistant plastic or other suitable materials. Inside and outside it is equipped with devices that prevent unwanted weather-related influences or access. An EMC-shielded version for military applications is possible.

At the bottom end of the housing there are containers 2 on both sides, which can be pulled out and filled with weights to ensure a secure stand. It can also be extendable setting plates 3 (see Fig. 2). Additional devices 4, such as rollers or runners on the underside of the housing, make it easier to handle the devices. They are only hinted at 4. Holding devices can also be provided on the housing 1 in order to hold the To further support portability. The use of specially adapted transport bags is also possible.

The sides of the housing or areas 5 of the same can be opened by mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or other technical devices. They are either temporarily open during use or are closed. It depends on the operating status of the device. In the covers, flaps and lids with which the areas 5 can be closed, recessed grips 6 or comparable aids can be arranged.

The housing can now be brought from the state shown in FIG. 1 into the open operating position according to FIG. 2. The upper plate 7, which covers the housing 1 at the top, has to be displaced or opened in such a way that the opening 8 below it is at least partially opened, so that the support arm 9 and the panels 10-1, 10-2, 10 attached to it -3, 10-4 can be extended and unfolded. The opening 8 can then again by a cover that u. U. is in several parts to be covered. This is not explained in detail, since such measures are familiar to the person skilled in the art.

The cover plate 7 of the housing 1 can also have an elongated slot 11, so that the support arm 9 can be pivoted about a horizontally extending axis A, which runs in the housing 1, namely by an angle of +/- 40 to 60 ° with respect to one another the vertical. But it is also possible to provide the retraction and extension of the panels on one side of the housing 1. At the same time, means are provided for rotating the support arm about its own axis B. The means for this are indicated by the division line 12 (two-part design of the support arm 9). The axis B runs perpendicular to the axis A. This means that the entire flat arrangement of the panels 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 and 10-4 can be rotated about the axis B in the unfolded state. Any rotation is possible if the axis B is also perpendicular to the horizontal. In this way, the uniform surface in the unfolded state of the panels can be arranged by pivoting about the axis A and corresponding rotation about the axis B in such a way that an optimal alignment with the respective solar radiation results in each case. It is of course also possible to ensure the rotation about the axis B by rotating two parts of the housing about the vertical. The drive means, which are servomotors, are arranged in the housing 1. They are not shown in more detail because their training is known to a person skilled in the art on the basis of the information provided. It is essential that the support 9 carrying the panels 10-1 to 10-4 can be brought into an optimal position for the irradiation and for the utilization of the irradiated solar energy by pivoting or rotating devices about two mutually perpendicular axes. However, it is sufficient if this is guaranteed for most of the day. The same applies to the mechanism that folds the panels 10-1 to 10-4 together. So z. B. be provided that the panels 10-1 and 10-4 are folded onto the panel 10-2 and then the panel 10-4 is again placed on this arrangement and the support arm 9 is bent by a joint so that it is in the opened housing 1 inserted and can remain there in the rest position.

It is now provided that control units 13 are contained as components in the energy generating device, which determine the direction of sunshine with suitable sensors and accordingly control the actuating means for the carrier (pivoting and / or rotation). Such sensors can either be formed by several heat and / or light sensors, from whose signals the position of the sun can be calculated with a suitable built-in computer (hardware and software), but it can also be done in a simple manner by the fact that the position or Rotating devices are rotated or pivoted so that the energy absorbed by the panels 10-1 to 10-4 becomes a maximum.

The panels are conventional, i. H. they are panels or frames 14 equipped with solar cells.

The corresponding devices are also provided in the housing in order to provide the electrical energy in such a way that that devices that are to be supplied with power by the power supply unit described here can be connected. These are memories (accumulators) and connected switching means in order to generate alternating current from the direct current obtained, which is then connected to a connecting socket or the like. is available so that the plug of an electrical device can be plugged in there. In addition, other connectors are provided as an interface, which are used to establish connections with the devices to be connected, which are used for control, monitoring and monitoring. These can be any type of electrical device, from the shaver to the water pump, which should be operated in places where - apart from solar energy - there are usually no connection options for electricity.

As can further be seen from FIG. 2, plug-in units 15 with switching units 16 are provided, which are used on the one hand for monitoring and controlling the connected devices and on the other hand for possibly wireless telecommunications for remote control and monitoring of the connected devices by monitoring centers provided elsewhere.

By switching several power generation devices in series and / or by adding expansion devices, it is possible to increase and / or increase the electrical power to guarantee additional functions or capacities for connected devices.

Expansion devices are devices without the provision of energy through panels. They are intended to expand the control and auxiliary devices of the power generation devices by installing additional device housings with different auxiliary devices and connecting them to the other devices. Accumulators can also be provided in these.

The panels with the corresponding storage devices form energy centers that also supply the auxiliary devices. The photovoltaic panels can be designed using the various photovoltaic technologies (such as A-Si, CSI etc.). They can also be used in different sizes, shapes and numbers.

As already explained with reference to FIG. 2, mechanical devices are provided in the housing which make it possible to position the photovoltaic panels outside the actual housing and to pull them back again. For this purpose, in addition to the carrier shown, rods (e.g. telescopic type) and suitable holding devices in various forms can also be provided. The drive can be mechanical, hydraulic or any other type. The decisive factor is that it can be arranged in a space-saving manner in the housing below the opening 8 and is designed in such a way that supports and panels are located inside the Housing can be stacked or space-saving and can be folded apart outside the opening. Appropriate devices must be provided to retract the panels with the beam in stormy conditions, at times without light (e.g. changing day / night), in the event of unwanted weight loads (such as those caused by birds). This can also be done manually. The retraction and extension of the panels and the carrier device can also be carried out during reloading or the like. become necessary. It is envisaged to also charge batteries by rapid charging. It is also provided that at least some of the accumulators (one for internal control and one as a short-term buffer for storing electricity) are delivered already charged.

The mechanical devices described make it possible to align the photovoltaic panels spread out over a surface to the center of the sun or other light sources.

Due to the foldability of the panels and the possibility of placing them in the housing, the power generation unit can be transported in the rest position as a simple, easily portable box. The dimensions are e.g. B. 60 x 60 x 60 cm, for use in toys such. B. 8 x 8 x 8 cm.

The auxiliary devices mentioned are located behind openings, for. B. behind or below the opening 8, and are equipped with mechanisms. These position the panels outside the housing or pull it back again (extend, retract), with the help of linkages and holding devices and mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or other technical equipment. If necessary, they can be folded, inserted, pushed or stacked in the housing in a space-saving manner or spread out outside the housing or made accessible. Extending and retracting can also be done manually after work on the auxiliary device has been completed.

As hardware z. B. Use of electronics / sensors / electrics / buffers or storage systems - such as gel or lithium batteries -, modems, boards with processors, converters, network connections and their connected parts or materials, such as displays, displays, light-emitting diodes, internal / external cable connections etc.

As software z. B. Use: Reporting of the status of the device and its auxiliary facilities, statistics, messages, Internet security,

Data transmission, alignment to light sources, device queries and programming, network connections, functions and states of the connected end devices / consumers. The latter are e.g. B. toys, water pumps, cool boxes, access control systems, computers, telecommunications equipment, etc. Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment in the unfolded state in an umbrella-like shape. The stand, the linkage and the center column are made of resistant plastic or other suitable materials.

At the bottom end of the screen there is a bowl-shaped stand 17, the upper bowl 18 of which is filled with weights in order to ensure a secure stand. The roof-like upper part 19 of the umbrella and the associated linkage 20 underneath are unfolded or closed like a parasol if necessary. The center column 21 supports the construction and contains the auxiliary devices.

Claims

claims

Power generation unit that can be set up on a footprint and has means for solar energy production, characterized in that these means for solar energy use by an arrangement of photovoltaic panels (10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4) that are foldable with each other are connected, are formed, the panels being arranged foldably on a carrier (9) which can be arranged as a unit with the panels in the folded state within a housing (1), and can be extended and retracted from the latter, the panels in folded out of the extended state can assume an operating position that the carrier (9) can also be pivoted about a horizontal axis (A) and rotatable about an axis (B) perpendicular thereto, so that by pivoting and rotating about the axes (A, B) the photovoltaic panels (10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4) can be tracked within a predetermined range of the position of the sun, these pivoting and D deer movement can be controlled by a control unit (13) arranged in the housing, and is effected by means of assigned drive devices.

2. Energy generation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that means are provided for storing electrical energy, for converting the DC voltage obtained into AC voltage and for providing the electrical energy for the auxiliary devices and devices which can be connected to the energy generation.

3. Energy generating unit according to claim 2, characterized in that switching units for monitoring and controlling the connected devices and preferably as plug-in units (15) designed telecommunication units (16) for remote control and monitoring of the devices are provided in the housing.

4. Energy generation unit according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the energy generation unit has extendable and / or extendable actuating units (3).

5. Power generation unit according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the photovoltaic panels are arranged behind closable openings (8) of the housing (1).

6. Power generation unit according to claim 5, characterized in that actuating arrangements and drives behind said openings (8) of the housing (1) are arranged and that they bring about an arbitrary arrangement of the panels (10-1 to 10-4) outside the housing by means of appropriate positioning movements into the operating position and out of this back into the rest position and spread the panels in the operating position outside the housing over their entire surface.

Power generation unit according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the control unit has hardware such as. B. Electronics, sensors, electrics, buffer or storage systems - such as gel or lithium batteries -, modems, boards with processors, converters, network connections and their connected parts or materials, such as displays, displays, LEDs, internal or external cable connections.

Power supply unit according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the control unit has software for reporting the states of the devices and its auxiliary devices, statistical recording of the data obtained, notification of the data incurred, Internet security, data transmission, alignment with light sources, device queries and programming, network connections, functions and states of the connected devices / consumers.

9. Power supply unit according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the electrical energy is stored by buffers or storage systems, such as gel or lithium batteries, and is made available from there by corresponding connection devices for connectable consumer devices.

10. Energy generation unit according to one of claims 1-9, characterized by connected auxiliary devices that have no means for generating energy.

11. Power generation unit according to one of claims 1-10, in which improved power supply and performance is made possible by connecting a plurality of devices and / or a plurality of expansion devices in series.