WO2010079243A1

WO2010079243A1 - Roof supplying photovoltaic power to electric or hybrid light vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO2010079243A1
Application number: PCT/ES2009/000585
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesus Linares Monzon
Original assignee: Jesus Linares Monzon
Priority date: 2009-01-09
Filing date: 2009-12-18
Publication date: 2010-07-15
Also published as: ES2360001A1; ES2360001B1

Abstract

The roof according to the invention consists of a photovoltaic collector comprising a flat or slightly curved panel or set of panels of photovoltaic cells forming a roof that longitudinally covers the bicycle or the light vehicle at a height enabling the occupants thereof to maintain a comfortable posture, supported by a structure made from a suitable material connecting the roof with strong points of the vehicle, a set of suitable electronic circuits and electrical connection means which connect the photovoltaic collector to the electrical system of the vehicle for the corresponding power supply and suitable charging of the batteries, further preventing the batteries from discharging towards the photovoltaic collector in limited light radiation conditions, said roof being modular in nature, enabling said roof to be installed and removed quickly and easily.

Description

PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR

ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES

The present invention relates to a structure that acts as a support for a panel or set of photovoltaic cell panels that, conveniently connected by a control circuit with the electric system of light electric or hybrid vehicles, that is, propelled by electric power and Another source of energy of a different nature, such as bicycles, tricycles, quadricycles, motorcycles, quads, scooters, two-wheelers with gyroscopic stabilization and others, constitutes a cover for providing photovoltaic energy for them. Said cover is conceived as an additional and differentiated element of the vehicle, which provides certain advantages and that, in general, can be disassembled and disconnected, although it can also remain a fixed element of the vehicle. The cover, from light radiation, provides supplementary electrical supply to the vehicle both when it is moving, when it is stopped or parked, this situation in which it charges its batteries, while protecting the occupant and isolates it from inclement weather like rain, wind, sun, hail or snow. All this, without necessarily depriving the user of the possibility of deciding at any time if he wishes to use the cover, since it can present, among other features, the advantage of being easily disassembled and disconnected, without the need for personnel, tools or specialized machinery

The individual and collective advantages of the use of light vehicles for short or medium journeys are enormous, as in the case of the bicycle, which represents the most useful economic vehicle at a global level. With an increase in production far superior to other means of transport, its economy in Investment, maintenance and energy consumption, its autonomy, its mechanical efficiency, its minimal occupation of space and the administrative ease of not requiring licenses and insurance, makes it the main transport vehicle of humanity. In the world, 11% of transport corresponds to the bicycle, of which two thirds come from the countries of South Asia. The energy used in the manufacturing phase of a car would allow the manufacture of between 70 and 100 bicycles. On the other hand, the acquisition and maintenance costs of the bicycle are 30 or 40 times lower than those of the car. If the collective costs of construction and conservation of the road infrastructure and the regulation of the traffic are analyzed, for the same transport capacity, the bicycle requires an investment between 10 and 20 times less than heavy motorized traffic. All these factors are applicable, although to a lesser extent, to other light vehicles equipped with engines such as motorcycles. For these and for many other reasons, the use of bicycles, motorcycles and other similar vehicles is gaining an important place in personal mobility. The use of non-motorized means of transport has presented the inconvenience of the effort that it represents for the user to be able to move, especially when the journeys are long or when traveling on slopes. The solution to this problem seemed to have come with the appearance of electric or hybrid type vehicles, the latter being those that move by human and electric traction at the same time. When this new option arose, another drawback appeared, which is the power supply of these devices. As we will see later, a large number of possibilities have been contributed to the state of the art to save energy or consume it efficiently, use it for the longest time possible or resort to renewable energy sources and therefore convenient for the environment.

The invention proposed in this document aims to provide a supplementary power supply system that would increase the autonomy of the commented vehicles and that, due to a series of novel features, offers the user considerable advantages over what is currently known in the state of the technique.

The patent object of this invention has its scope in the photovoltaic cell roofing industry, and more specifically in those used for the electrical supply of vehicles.

In the state of the art we find several documents related to the idea that is proposed although they do not solve some of the inconveniences that arise. Thus, in document ES 2 198 228 we find a light vehicle that belongs to the type of those that are driven on foot, and to three wheels being governed for turns by means of a fixed handlebar that moves, from the government zone to the left or right, The whole set while it is in motion, characterized in that all together all the energy sources for its movement and use, are plates of conversion of solar energy into photovoltaic electric energy by means of two independent electrical circuits and it is all terrain. The system is powered for translation by electric motor with gearbox that acts on the wide-wheel drive wheels and a refrigeration system for cooling - freezing substances, using a compressor, powered by solar energy, supported by refrigeration and load control mechanisms. of batteries, communications and government control of the entire vehicle object of this invention. This document shows that The invention refers to a large plate placed on the upper part of a vehicle, which seems to transport goods, not people and that, due to its location, is not very aesthetic or favors access to the goods, nor acts as protection for the user or show the characteristic of being easily removable.

On the other hand, the utility model ES 1 066 678 provides a parking for bicycles, with electrical connection and lighting powered by renewable energy, characterized in that it comprises a mast-like structure, provided with a lower hole in which the wheel has room of a bicycle, which has a ball-type coupling in combination with a retention means disposed in said structure or vice versa, while superiorly said structure or frame has means of generating electricity, by means of solar panels and / or a wind turbine, which is used in public lighting through a spotlight or luminaire that supports and / or in the recharge of the battery of the bicycle, when it is electric. Although this system introduces a means of recharging energy to bicycles, it has the disadvantage that it does not power the vehicle electrically when it is in motion, which implies a potential loss of autonomy and complicates a trip as it should have several car parks such as these or another device capable of charging along the road to avoid the complete discharge of energy, while forcing the user to have to place the bicycle in said car park and wait long enough until the battery is charged, with the discomfort and waste of time that this implies.

In the state of the art we find other inventions such as that of a bicycle provided with photovoltaic cell panels on the wheels They have the disadvantage of being located in an area little exposed to solar radiation due to its vertical orientation but very vulnerable due to the blows that they usually receive when rubbing with stones, curbs or any other object that exists along the way. It is also known a type of bicycle that presents the panel in its front part on the front wheel, with the inconveniences of discomfort, lack of aesthetics and reduction in the field of vision. These inventions also do not provide a means of protection for the user. On the other hand, some technology companies have developed new types of bicycles in which, even in some models, a photovoltaic cell cover can be seen. The drawback is that the proposed system is not very ergonomic, it cannot be applied as an accessory or accessory to existing bicycles or other conventional light vehicles, but that new vehicle must be acquired as such, with the costs of purchase, maintenance, parts and repairs that entails, constituting in itself a specific machine.

Thus, we see that until now there was no known type of cover for light vehicles that, due to its novel characteristics, solves the aforementioned problems both in terms of the documents cited and other inventions or vehicles that we find in the state of the art.

Taking into consideration the cases mentioned and analyzing the conjugate arguments, with the invention proposed in this document, a final result is produced in which significant differentiating aspects are provided compared to the current state of the art, and where a series is provided. of advances in the supports already known with their corresponding advantages. In particular: The proposed cover would be adapted to all types of bicycles or other light electric vehicles or traditional or novel hybrids, the existence of a new vehicle not being necessary for its application.

Because it can be modular, it presents the novel feature, where appropriate, of being easily removable by the user, thus being able to decide when you want to use the cover and when

10 no.

Due to its simplicity and materials, the manufacture of the invention is economical and simple. The cover not only provides additional power to the vehicle, but protects the driver

15 of the inclement weather, being able to have windshield and other enclosures, passive safety means, signaling, lighting and air conditioning and also present a space for advertising, for cargo transportation,

20 housing of the battery or other additional elements.

It supplies energy while the vehicle is stationary or moving in order to receive sufficient light radiation.

25 - Reduces the fuel consumption of hybrid vehicles and increases the autonomy and time between recharges of electric and hybrid vehicles. Prolong the life of the batteries by helping to keep them charged and avoid deep discharges

30 of them. By the way it presents and the location in which it is guaranteed, the maximum possible absorption of solar energy or other light radiation, a total ergonomics of use, protection of the delicate elements of the system and a pleasing aesthetic to the eye is guaranteed.

To increase your ergonomics, you can present some adjustments to adapt the cover to the physical characteristics of its users. - You can count on some lateral rain dumps.

You can present an electronic circuit to determine if the connection of the panels should be carried out in series or parallel according to the needs. Thus, the invention is constituted from the following elements:

A photovoltaic sensor consisting of a panel or set of flat or slightly curved panels of photovoltaic cells, which results in a cover and covers the bicycle or the light vehicle longitudinally at the appropriate height to allow a comfortable posture of its occupants, being supported by a structure of the appropriate material that joins the cover with resistant points of the vehicle, a set of electronic circuits and suitable electrical connection means that connect the photovoltaic sensor with the vehicle's electrical system for its corresponding supply and correct charging of its batteries, avoiding, in addition, the discharge of the batteries against the photovoltaic collector in conditions of low light radiation, said cover presenting a modular character and allowing both its assembly and disassembly to be quick and easy. The structure will be lightweight, constructed of steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy or composite fiberglass plus polyester or carbon fiber plus epoxy or other combinations of plastic, metal and ceramic materials. Of a sustained or hyperstatic nature, in the latter case the structure will have some flexibility or have adjustment points to absorb assembly tolerances, subject to structural points of the vehicle by the most appropriate means in each case.

Alternatively, the cover has a front windshield. In another embodiment, the cover is closed at its rear.

In a different embodiment, the cover has an advertising space in an appropriate place.

Otherwise, it has additional rain channels. In another embodiment, the cover has a substructure for the transport of objects or merchandise.

Alternatively, the structure of the cover houses the batteries of the vehicle.

In a further embodiment, the cover has supports for rearview mirrors.

In another case, the supports of the roof have guides with stops or other adjustments for the regulation of the height and the adaptation to different vehicles of similar characteristics.

Alternatively, the cover is a fixed component of the vehicle.

In a different embodiment, the cover is provided in an appropriate place with a connector for connecting mobile, mp3 or other electronic devices.

In a further embodiment, the cover has an electronic circuit that manages the charging of the batteries when using the motor or the electric motors of the vehicle as generators for braking or vehicle retention functions.

Alternatively, the cover has a sliding or deployable structure of more than one layer of photovoltaic panels to be deployed and thus achieve optimal light radiation absorption according to the vehicle's driving state and

The charging of the batteries.

In another embodiment, the photovoltaic sensor is inclined, by turning around different axes, to orient it so that it receives, in optimal conditions, the existing light radiation.

In another case, the electronic circuit of the cover includes the vehicle control circuit itself.

In a different embodiment, the cover supports other environmental energy collection systems such as wind generators or others.

In another embodiment, the cover is folded, once disassembled and disconnected from the vehicle.

Alternatively, the cover is folded without being disassembled from the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the cover has position lights in clearly visible places.

In another case, the cover has maneuver indication lights.

In a different embodiment, the cover has front lighting lights.

In another embodiment, the cover supports backrests for greater comfort of the passengers of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the cover has passive safety means that protect the occupants of the vehicle in the event of an accident. In a further embodiment, the cover has aerodynamic devices that increase the vehicle's driving safety.

In another case, the cover has transparent folding side skirts that protect the occupants from adverse weather factors from the sides of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the cover is closed on its sides by practicable doors that allow vision on both sides of the vehicle. In a different embodiment, the cover has an air conditioning system of the cabin created.

In a further embodiment, the cover supports an audio equipment and a radio broadcast reception antenna.

In another case, the cover has an instrument panel, rather visible to its occupants, for the monitoring of relevant data related to the vehicle's running state and the operation of its electrical system.

In another embodiment, the cover supports a lower fairing that protects the lower area of the vehicle and its occupants. For the best understanding of what is described herein, a drawing is attached in which, by way of example, a practical case of non-limiting realization of the photovoltaic input cover is shown.

Figure 1: Perspective of the roof installed in a light vehicle.

In the figure the numbered elements correspond to the following:

1) Photovoltaic collector

2) Bicycle or light vehicle 3) Support structure 4) Electronic circuits

5) Electrical connection means

6) Bicycle or light vehicle batteries

The preferred embodiment given by way of non-limiting example is constituted from a photovoltaic sensor (1) constituted by a panel or set of flat or slightly curved panels of photovoltaic cells, which results in a cover and covers the bicycle longitudinally or to the light vehicle (2) at the suitable height to allow a comfortable posture of its occupants, being supported by a structure (3) of the appropriate material that joins the cover with resistant points of the vehicle, a set of electronic circuits (4) and suitable electrical connection means (5) that link the photovoltaic sensor with the vehicle's electrical system for its corresponding supply and correct charging of its batteries (6), also preventing the discharge of the batteries against the photovoltaic sensor in low conditions light radiation, said cover presenting a modular character, allowing both its assembly and disassembly to be fast And simple.

Claims

1.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, consisting of a photovoltaic sensor consisting of a panel or set of flat or slightly curved panels of photovoltaic cells, resulting in a cover and covers the bicycle or the longitudinally Light vehicle at the appropriate height to allow a comfortable posture of its occupants, being supported by a structure of the appropriate material that joins the cover with resistant points of the vehicle, a set of electronic circuits and suitable electrical connection means that join the photovoltaic sensor with the electrical system of the vehicle for its corresponding supply and correct charging of its batteries, also preventing the discharge of the batteries against the photovoltaic collector in low light radiation conditions, characterized in that said cover has a modular character that allows both its assembly as disassembly results r I ask and simple

2.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a front windshield.

3.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it is closed at the back.

4.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an advertising space.

5.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has rain channels.

6.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a substructure for the transport of objects or merchandise.

7.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that its structure houses the vehicle's batteries.

8, - PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has supports for rear-view mirrors.

9.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER

FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that its supports have guides with stops or other adjustments for the regulation of the height and the adaptation to different vehicles of similar characteristics.

10.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover is a fixed component of the vehicle.

11.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER

FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a connector for the connection of mobile, mp3 or other electronic device chargers.

12.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an electronic circuit that manages the charging of the batteries when using the engine or electric motors of the vehicle as generators for braking functions or vehicle retention.

13.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a sliding or deployable structure of more than one layer of photovoltaic panels.

14.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that the photovoltaic sensor is inclined, by turning around different axes.

15.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that its electronic circuit includes the vehicle control circuit itself.

16.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER

FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it supports other environmental energy collection systems such as wind or other generators.

17.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER

FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover is folded, once disassembled and disconnected from the vehicle.

18.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it folds without being disassembled from the vehicle.

19.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has position lights in well visible places.

20.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has maneuver indication lights.

21.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has front lighting lights.

22.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER

FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it supports backrests for greater comfort of the passengers of the vehicle.

23.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has passive safety means that protect the occupants of the vehicle in the event of an accident.

24.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has aerodynamic devices.

25.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has transparent folding side skirts.

26.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it is closed on its sides by practicable doors.

27.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a cabin air conditioning system.

28.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it supports audio equipment and a radio emission reception antenna.

29.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER

FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an instrument panel, rather visible to its occupants.

30.- PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY CONTRIBUTION COVER FOR ELECTRIC OR HYBRID LIGHT VEHICLES, according to claim 1, characterized in that it supports a lower fairing that protects the lower area of the vehicle and its occupants.