WO2009018618A1 - Appareil et procédé permettant de capter la lumière du soleil - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé permettant de capter la lumière du soleil Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009018618A1
WO2009018618A1 PCT/AU2008/001143 AU2008001143W WO2009018618A1 WO 2009018618 A1 WO2009018618 A1 WO 2009018618A1 AU 2008001143 W AU2008001143 W AU 2008001143W WO 2009018618 A1 WO2009018618 A1 WO 2009018618A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
substantially horizontal
solar energy
condition
support frame
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2008/001143
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Steven Perry
Original Assignee
Sgp Holdings Pty Ltd
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
Priority claimed from AU2007904261A external-priority patent/AU2007904261A0/en
Application filed by Sgp Holdings Pty Ltd filed Critical Sgp Holdings Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2009018618A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009018618A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/02—Receptacles, e.g. flower-pots or boxes; Glasses for cultivating flowers
    • A01G9/022—Pots for vertical horticulture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/14—Greenhouses
    • A01G9/1423—Greenhouse bench structures
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/24—Devices or systems for heating, ventilating, regulating temperature, illuminating, or watering, in greenhouses, forcing-frames, or the like
    • A01G9/243—Collecting solar energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
    • F24S25/10—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules extending in directions away from a supporting surface
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S30/00—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules
    • F24S30/40—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement
    • F24S30/42—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with only one rotation axis
    • F24S30/425—Horizontal axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F26—DRYING
    • F26B—DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM
    • F26B3/00—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat
    • F26B3/28—Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by radiation, e.g. from the sun
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
    • A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
    • A01G31/04—Hydroponic culture on conveyors
    • A01G31/047—Hydroponic culture on conveyors with containers inside rotating drums or rotating around a horizontal axis, e.g. carousels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
    • F24S2020/10—Solar modules layout; Modular arrangements
    • F24S2020/16—Preventing shading effects
    • 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
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor
    • 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
    • Y02E10/47—Mountings or tracking
    • 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
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/12—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries using renewable energies, e.g. solar water pumping
    • 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
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
    • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of capturing sunlight and in particular a method for optimising the use of space to capture sunlight.
  • These multi level plant growing racks generally are a cylindrical shape with two circular support frames at the sides allowing rotation and supporting rows of plant troughs across them. The plants can be rotated, changing which rows are exposed to sunlight. The problem with this apparatus is that the bottom of the cylinder is always in shadow, which stunts the growth of plants in this condition.
  • the capture of sunlight for any purpose needs to be optimised to reduce the foot print of apparatus and take advantage of the geometry by tracking the sun, and optimising sun exposure.
  • an apparatus for the collection of sunlight having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to collect sunlight, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm supporting an upper support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm, and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper frame members cast minimum shadow on the lower frame members.
  • the support frames move pivotally with respect to the support arms.
  • the support frames move transversely along the support arms.
  • the support frames slide through a slot.
  • the support frames slide by a cam mechanism.
  • support frames slide by a roller mechanism.
  • the support frames have a roller bearing allowing it to slide along the arms.
  • the support frames extend in a continuous cross section between two or more support posts.
  • the support frames can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the apparatus to be maintained.
  • the support frames can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the apparatus to be maintained.
  • the support frames are rotated by a pulley system.
  • the support frames are rotated by a water pump.
  • the support frames are rotated by a hydraulic pump.
  • the support frames are rotated by a pneumatic pump.
  • the support frames are rotated by an electric motor.
  • support frames are rotated by a chain and cog system.
  • the support post is a central post.
  • the central support post is adapted to rotate about the vertical axis.
  • the central post is pivotally mounted to a base.
  • the support post is located distally.
  • the support post is adapted to rotate about the vertical axis.
  • the support post is mounted on wheels.
  • two or more support posts are connected along the length of the apparatus to form a rotatable support structure.
  • the support post is a central post.
  • the central support post is adapted to rotate about the vertical axis.
  • a driving means will drive each of the support frames simultaneously.
  • the driving means consists of a pulley attached to the lower support frame and upper support frame.
  • the driving means consists of a first ram connected to the lower frame and a second ram connected to the upper frame.
  • the driving means will be a computer driving an electric motor to tilt the support frame.
  • an apparatus for the cultivation of plants having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive plants, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm supporting an upper support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper plants cast minimum shadow on the lower plants.
  • the plants are located at equal distances along the elongate channels.
  • the plants are adapted to remain horizontal when the support frames incline.
  • the elongate channels are hydroponic.
  • the elongate channels are filled with soil.
  • water jets are located along the channels to water the plants.
  • a method for the cultivation of plants comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; watering the plants; moving the support frames to a harvesting condition; and harvesting the plants.
  • an apparatus for capturing sun radiation and converting it ' into stored electrical energy having a cross section comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection devices, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection devices and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy collection devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy collection devices.
  • the struts span longitudinally along the support frames.
  • the struts span parallel to the support arms along the support frames.
  • the struts are adapted to tilt to enable the solar panels thereon to follow the angle of the sun.
  • the struts are formed from steel bar.
  • the struts are formed from a light weight high tensile material.
  • the support frame can be moved into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy collection devices to be maintained.
  • the support frame can be moved into a substantially vertical condition to allow the solar energy collection devices to be maintained.
  • the solar energy collection devices are solar panels.
  • the solar energy collection devices are thermal solar energy collectors.
  • a method for capturing sun radiation comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; storing energy in a storage device; using the energy from the storage device.
  • an apparatus for drying racks comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive drying racks, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame adapted to support drying racks and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper drying racks cast minimum shadow on the lower drying racks.
  • the support frame can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the drying racks to be maintained.
  • the support frame can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the drying racks to be maintained.
  • drying racks are formed from steel bar.
  • drying racks are formed from lines, strung across the support frames.
  • a method for drying products on a rack apparatus comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning drying lines so they can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; lowering the support frames and arms to a horizontal condition; and removing dried items from the drying lines.
  • an apparatus for an array of solar energy reflection devices comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive solar energy reflection devices pivotally connected thereto, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame being adapted to receive solar energy reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy reflection devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy reflection devices and the reflection devices are adapted to focus such that sunlight is reflected towards a desired target upon request.
  • the support frame can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy reflection devices to be maintained.
  • the support frame can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the solar energy reflection devices to be maintained.
  • the solar energy reflection devices are mirrors.
  • the solar energy reflection devices are reflective material such as aluminium foil.
  • the solar reflectors are controlled to focus sunlight upon receiving a command.
  • the solar reflectors are controlled by actuators.
  • the actuators are controlled by a central processing unit to focus the sunlight as requested.
  • a light sensor is placed to detect the reflected sunlight and create a feedback loop to the central processing unit for fine control.
  • a method for reflecting sun radiation comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; reflecting the sunlight to a focal point; using the energy from the focal point to generate heat or energy.
  • an apparatus for capturing solar energy comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy collection and reflection devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy collection and reflection devices and the collection devices are adapted to collect and store solar energy while the reflection devices are adapted to focus sunlight towards a desired target upon request.
  • the support frame can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy collection and reflection devices to be maintained.
  • the support frame can be lowered into a substantially vertical condition to allow the solar energy collection and reflection devices to be maintained.
  • the solar energy reflection devices are mirrors.
  • the solar energy reflection devices are reflective material such as aluminium foil.
  • the solar reflectors are controlled to focus sunlight upon receiving a command.
  • the solar reflectors focus sunlight onto a thermal pipe.
  • the solar reflectors focus sunlight onto another solar reflector.
  • the thermal -pipe is used to heat or cool an energy generating device.
  • the energy generating device is a band with elastic properties.
  • the energy generating device is a cord.
  • the energy generating device is a strip. Further alternatively the energy generating device is a pipe.
  • the energy generating device is stretched under heating to convert potential energy into mechanical energy.
  • the solar reflectors are controlled by actuators.
  • the actuators are controlled by a central processing unit to focus the sunlight as requested.
  • a light sensor is placed to detect the reflected sunlight and create a feedback loop to the central processing unit for fine control.
  • the struts span longitudinally along the support frames.
  • the struts span parallel to the support arms along the support frames.
  • the struts are formed from steel bar.
  • the struts are formed from a light weight high tensile material.
  • the solar energy collection devices are solar panels.
  • the solar energy collection devices are thermal solar energy collectors.
  • a method for reflecting sun radiation comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; storing sunlight in a solar collector as stored energy; reflecting sunlight to a focal point; using the energy from the focal point to generate heat or energy.
  • an apparatus for growing plants comprising at least two substantially horizontal support arms, rigidly mounted one above the other on a support post, the lower substantially horizontal support arm pivotally connected to a lower support frame, the lower support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and capable of supporting plants for growth or drying, the lower support frame adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition on the lower substantially horizontal arm and a second inclined condition, the upper support arm, supporting an upper support frame being adapted to receive struts supporting solar energy collection and reflection devices pivotally connected thereto and adapted to move between a first substantially horizontal condition directly above the lower support arm and a second inclined condition whereas the support frames are inclined towards the sunlight so that the upper solar energy collection and reflection/plant growing and drying devices cast minimum shadow on the lower solar energy collection and reflection/plant growing and drying devices are adapted to collect and store solar energy while the reflection devices are adapted to focus sunlight towards a desired target upon request.
  • a method for growing comprising the steps of: placing the above apparatus in a well lit area; positioning the apparatus so that it can follow the diurnal cycle of the sun; titling the support frames and arms according to the diurnal pattern; watering plants; storing sunlight in a solar collector as stored energy; reflecting the sunlight to a focal point; refraining from watering plants; using the energy from the focal point to generate heat or energy; and harvesting plants while alive or dead.
  • FIG 1 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG 2 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention for growing plants
  • FIG 3 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention for supporting solar panels;
  • FIG 4 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention for drying lines
  • FIG 5 shows an isometric view of a post, frame and arm arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention for reflecting sunlight onto pipe for heating
  • FIG 6 shows a side view of a post, and top arm supporting an inclined frame on the left, and a horizontal frame on the right with a lower arm supporting two inclined arms, one shifted in translation, the other pivoted.
  • the invention is an apparatus for capturing sun radiation comprising, two or more substantially rigid support arms (20) located one above the other (20,30) on a support post (40).
  • the two or more substantially rigid support arms (20,30) are formed from rectangular bar, or similar material, with a hole to allow for attachment to the support posts, and a hole.for pivotal rotation of the support frames.
  • the lower arms (35,36) support lower support frames (31 ,32,33,34), which can rotate between a substantially horizontal condition to an inclined condition and slide transversely on the horizontal plane.
  • the upper arms (25, 26) support upper support frames
  • a number of substantially rigid elongate channels (60) extend between each pair of support arms, on the support frames. As can be seen in FIG 1 , six channels (61 , 62, 63, 64, 65 and 66) run between the supports arms (25,26) on support frames (21 ,22,23,24). These substantially rigid elongate channels are pivotally mounted to said support frames (21 ,22,23,24) at their respective ends. The number of elongate channels are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are generally parallel and horizontal, as best illustrated in FIG 1 to FIG 5. As each elongate channel is rotated around its longitudinal axis, the open section remains facing upwards.
  • a number of plants can be located regularly along said open section of said elongate channels.
  • the plants are maintained substantially horizontal no matter the angle of the frame.
  • the pivotal connection allows gravity to maintain the plants in an upright condition with the channel section facing up.
  • water jets are located periodically along the channels to water the plants.
  • a number of substantially rigid struts extend between each pair of support frames. These substantially rigid struts are pivotally mounted to said support frame (60) at their respective ends. The number of substantially rigid struts are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are generally perpendicular to the support arms, as best illustrated in FIG 3. As each substantially rigid strut is rotated around its longitudinal axis, the solar energy collection device remains facing upwards and horizontal.
  • a number of solar energy collection devices are located along said substantially rigid struts.
  • the solar energy collection devices are maintained substantially horizontal for any angle of the arms and support frames.
  • the pivotal connection allows gravity to maintain the substantially rigid struts in an upright condition with the solar energy collection devices facing up.
  • solar energy collection devices (60) are attached to the support frames (21 , 22, 23, 24) to capture sun radiation.
  • Solar collection devices are solar panels or solar thermal heat collectors.
  • a driving means (80) is attached to the support arms and drives the rotation of the support frames about the horizontal axis.
  • the two or more support frames are tilted around the horizontal axis they expose the solar energy collection devices, drying racks, plants, solar reflectors or other attached devices to maximum radiation from the sun and minimum shadow.
  • the rotation or translation could be driven by a water pump.
  • the driving means is attached to each support arm to drive the support frames simultaneously. This ensures that the support frames are supported in a non-skewed condition, stopping the attached devices (solar energy collection devices, drying racks, plants, solar reflectors) from falling when the support frames rotate.
  • the driving means is a computer driving an electric motor which tilts the arms simultaneously.
  • the diurnal conditions required could be calculated according to an algorithm, or could be reactive to a sensor.
  • the support frames can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy collection devices to be maintained. This allows for ease of maintenance by providing better access to the support frames. Alternatively support frames could be maintained in another condition, for instance vertically.
  • a number of substantially rigid elongate rack members extend between each pair of support arms. These substantially rigid elongate racks are pivotally mounted to said support frame at their respective ends. The number of elongate rack members are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are generally perpendicular to the support arms, as best illustrated in FIG 6. As each elongate rack is rotated around its longitudinal axis, the top of the rack members remains facing upward.
  • the support frames can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the drying products to be removed. This allows for better access to the drying products. Alternatively they could be removed in another condition, for instance vertically.
  • a number of substantially rigid struts extend between each pair of support arms supported on support frames. These substantially rigid struts are pivotally mounted to said support frame at their respective ends. The number of substantially rigid struts are arranged so that their longitudinal axes are generally perpendicular to the support arms, as best illustrated in FIG 5. As each substantially rigid strut is rotated around its longitudinal axis, the solar energy reflection device remains facing upwards and horizontal.
  • a number of solar reflection devices are located along said open section of said substantially rigid struts.
  • the struts are maintained substantially horizontal for any angle of the support frames, while the reflection devices are pivoted towards a specific focal point, to focus the sunlight.
  • the pivotal connection allows gravity to maintain the substantially rigid struts in an upright condition with the solar energy reflection devices facing upwards while individually tilted.
  • solar reflection devices are attached to the support frames (25, 26, 27, and 28) to reflect sun radiation.
  • Solar reflection devices are mirrors or reflective devices, such as aluminum foil or brushed stainless steel.
  • the focus point could include a light sensor to create a feedback loop, where the condition could be fine tuned by indentifying when light was reflected on the sensor.
  • the focus could be a member, for instance a water pipe, where water inside the pipe is heatable to create hot water, hot air or steam.
  • the hot water could be used directly as a source of warm water or the hot water, hot air or steam could be used indirectly as a source of heating in air conditioning plant for example.
  • the support frames can be lowered into a substantially horizontal condition to allow the solar energy reflection devices to be maintained. This allows for ease of maintenance by providing better access to the panels. Alternatively panels could be maintained in another condition, for instance vertically.
  • a water pump is used to rotate the support frames between the horizontal condition and inclined condition and the solar collector stores energy while the solar reflector heats a thermal pipe, which in turn heats a band with elastic properties to turn latent potential energy into a source of mechanical energy.
  • the band can also be cooled by a heat pump to allow the maximum thermal differential to be achieved between stretching and relaxing the band.
  • the band can be made out of rubber, or synthetic with suitable elastic properties.
  • a water pump is used to rotate the support frames between the horizontal condition and inclined condition and the reflector heats a thermal pipe, which in turn heats a band with elastic properties to turn latent potential energy into a source of mechanical energy.
  • the band can also be cooled by a heat pump to allow the maximum thermal differential to be achieved between stretching and relaxing the band.
  • the band can be made out of rubber, or synthetic with suitable elastic properties.
  • Each strut carries a solar collector and reflector panel with a plant growing channel with water inlets, allowing the water to be supplied to grow the plant and denied to dry the plant, so that the plant need not be moved for harvesting dry products such as dried basil, rosemary, time and other suitable herbs for commercial sale. The energy created can be used to power the apparatus.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil permettant de recueillir la lumière du soleil. Ledit appareil comprend au moins deux bras de soutien sensiblement horizontaux, montés de manière rigide l'un au-dessus de l'autre sur un poteau de soutien. Le bras de soutien inférieur sensiblement horizontal est relié de manière rotative à un cadre de soutien inférieur. Le cadre de soutien inférieur sert à recueillir la lumière du soleil et est conçu afin de pouvoir se déplacer entre une première position sensiblement horizontale sur le bras de soutien inférieur sensiblement horizontal et une seconde position inclinée. Le bras de soutien supérieur supporte un cadre supérieur conçu pour se déplacer entre une première position sensiblement horizontale, se trouvant directement au-dessus du bras de soutien inférieur, et une seconde position inclinée dans laquelle les cadres de soutien sont inclinés vers la lumière du soleil de telle sorte que le cadre supérieur projette un minimum d'ombre sur le cadre inférieur.
PCT/AU2008/001143 2007-08-08 2008-08-07 Appareil et procédé permettant de capter la lumière du soleil WO2009018618A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007904261A AU2007904261A0 (en) 2007-08-08 Apparatus and method of capturing sunlight Plant cultivation method and apparatus
AU2007904261 2007-08-08

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WO2014198838A1 (fr) * 2013-06-12 2014-12-18 De Maeyer Erik Frans Renilde Système permettant d'optimaliser l'utilisation de la quantité disponible de rayonnement photosynthétiquement actif dans la culture de plantes
GB2518964A (en) * 2013-08-16 2015-04-08 James John Thorn Grow bag tower
US20150208592A1 (en) * 2014-01-28 2015-07-30 Elizabeth A. Storey Plant-growing apparatus having rotatable modules
CN105307477A (zh) * 2013-06-10 2016-02-03 谭卫星 用于光合生物的追踪太阳生长系统
CN107278702A (zh) * 2017-06-15 2017-10-24 同济大学 一种可调节透光率的多自由度自动化立体苗床系统
CN109237886A (zh) * 2018-10-26 2019-01-18 周川梅 一种制瓦完成后便于取瓦的陶瓷瓦晾干架
CN109673275A (zh) * 2018-11-28 2019-04-26 王春桃 一种设有翻转机构的柿子加工晾晒架
CN110547145A (zh) * 2018-06-04 2019-12-10 J·A·J·莱曼 用于生长蘑菇的装置
CN111155282A (zh) * 2020-03-07 2020-05-15 郑州工业应用技术学院 一种便于收纳的家用晾晒装置及其使用方法
CN114467553A (zh) * 2021-12-09 2022-05-13 徐春凤 一种林业种植育苗装置
US11596115B2 (en) * 2018-03-06 2023-03-07 Eurochampignon Plant cultivation apparatus
US20230255148A1 (en) * 2022-02-14 2023-08-17 Clearly Grown, Inc. Produce production carousel
WO2023227915A1 (fr) * 2022-05-25 2023-11-30 Tornike Mzhavanadze Dispositif de type planétaire-rotor destiné à la culture de plantes

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CN103081743A (zh) * 2013-01-08 2013-05-08 斯泰科技（杭州）有限公司 适用于舰船、居家阳台、农业生产的可卸载条状盆叠种装置
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GB2518964A (en) * 2013-08-16 2015-04-08 James John Thorn Grow bag tower
US20150208592A1 (en) * 2014-01-28 2015-07-30 Elizabeth A. Storey Plant-growing apparatus having rotatable modules
CN107278702A (zh) * 2017-06-15 2017-10-24 同济大学 一种可调节透光率的多自由度自动化立体苗床系统
CN107278702B (zh) * 2017-06-15 2019-06-11 同济大学 一种可调节透光率的多自由度自动化立体苗床系统
US11596115B2 (en) * 2018-03-06 2023-03-07 Eurochampignon Plant cultivation apparatus
CN110547145A (zh) * 2018-06-04 2019-12-10 J·A·J·莱曼 用于生长蘑菇的装置
CN109237886A (zh) * 2018-10-26 2019-01-18 周川梅 一种制瓦完成后便于取瓦的陶瓷瓦晾干架
CN109673275A (zh) * 2018-11-28 2019-04-26 王春桃 一种设有翻转机构的柿子加工晾晒架
CN111155282A (zh) * 2020-03-07 2020-05-15 郑州工业应用技术学院 一种便于收纳的家用晾晒装置及其使用方法
CN114467553A (zh) * 2021-12-09 2022-05-13 徐春凤 一种林业种植育苗装置
CN114467553B (zh) * 2021-12-09 2023-01-24 徐春凤 一种林业种植育苗装置
US20230255148A1 (en) * 2022-02-14 2023-08-17 Clearly Grown, Inc. Produce production carousel
WO2023227915A1 (fr) * 2022-05-25 2023-11-30 Tornike Mzhavanadze Dispositif de type planétaire-rotor destiné à la culture de plantes

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