WO2010146413A1 - Solar energy recovery device for a truck - Google Patents

Solar energy recovery device for a truck Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010146413A1
WO2010146413A1 PCT/IB2009/006348 IB2009006348W WO2010146413A1 WO 2010146413 A1 WO2010146413 A1 WO 2010146413A1 IB 2009006348 W IB2009006348 W IB 2009006348W WO 2010146413 A1 WO2010146413 A1 WO 2010146413A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support
trailer
tractor
truck
main portion
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2009/006348
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Paolo Ballarin
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.)
Renault Trucks SAS
Original Assignee
Renault Trucks SAS
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 Renault Trucks SAS filed Critical Renault Trucks SAS
Priority to PCT/IB2009/006348 priority Critical patent/WO2010146413A1/en
Publication of WO2010146413A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010146413A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J11/00—Removable external protective coverings specially adapted for vehicles or parts of vehicles, e.g. parking covers
    • B60J11/06—Removable external protective coverings specially adapted for vehicles or parts of vehicles, e.g. parking covers for covering only specific parts of the vehicle, e.g. for doors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J11/00—Removable external protective coverings specially adapted for vehicles or parts of vehicles, e.g. parking covers
    • 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
    • F24S25/50—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules comprising elongate non-rigid elements, e.g. straps, wires or ropes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
    • H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
    • H02S30/20—Collapsible or foldable PV modules
    • 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
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/10—Photovoltaic [PV]
    • 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
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
    • 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
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/50—Photovoltaic [PV] energy
    • 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
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
    • Y02T10/90—Energy harvesting concepts as power supply for auxiliaries' energy consumption, e.g. photovoltaic sun-roof

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a solar energy recovery device for a truck.
  • Trucks drivers are generally obliged to have regular breaks when they drive long distances. Moreover, during long journeys, they may be forced to stop travelling for a full day due to traffic restrictions, or to wait for long hours for the cargo to be charged on-board the truck.
  • a solar energy recovery device for a truck including a tractor and a trailer comprises a support having photovoltaic cells thereon, and further comprises temporary fastening means for fastening of said support on the trailer and electrical connecting means for electrically connecting said photovoltaic cells to the tractor, the support being designed to be in one of a working configuration, in which it is spread onto the trailer roof, and a storing configuration, in which it is more compact and can be stored on the tractor, for example in the cabin of the tractor or in a storage compartment of said tractor which can be located outside the cabin.
  • the support as the support is intended to be installed on the trailer roof, it can have a much greater surface area than solar panels which would be dimensioned to fit on the cabin roof, and therefore supply more electricity. As a consequence, the driver's needs can be fulfilled without requiring to start-up the engine so often.
  • the great surface area of the support does not make said support difficult to handle or to store since it can be put in a storing configuration in which it is less bulky, and forms a more compact item because it takes up less surface area.
  • the solar device is only temporarily attached to the trailer allows that this device can be assigned to a tractor and can be switched from one trailer to another trailer when that other trailer is attached to the tractor in place of the previous one. Therefore, the driver using the same tractor to tow different trailers can keep the solar device and install it on those different trailers. Moreover, a driver working for a company having several tractors and to which several of these tractors can be assigned can bring use his solar device whichever tractor he his driving and whichever trailer he is towing.
  • the driver can remove the solar device from the trailer when the trailer is in motion.
  • the device can be stored in the cabin when the truck is in motion, for example behind the seats, below the bunk.
  • the driver takes the device and installs it on the trailer roof.
  • the driver can climb a ladder generally provided on the tractor. Then he / she spreads the support on the trailer roof, fastens it temporarily to the trailer, and electrically connects the photovoltaic cells of the device to the tractor electric circuit.
  • the driver just has to electrically disconnect the device from the tractor electrical network, to unfasten the device from the trailer, and to remove the device, which can then be stored in the cabin.
  • the driver can choose to keep the solar device on the trailer while the truck is in motion.
  • the electricity produced by the solar device can nevertheless be useful inasmuch as the traditional engine driven generator may be less used than if the solar device where not present, this resulting in a decreased fuel consumption.
  • the device - which is installed on the trailer - can be used to supply electricity to the cabin of the tractor, and more precisely to the tractor electrical network.
  • the support is substantially rigid or semi rigid and is foldable.
  • the support can comprise several panels linked by hinging means.
  • the support is flexible.
  • the support can be made of a canvas or a tarpaulin.
  • the device may be rolled in its storing configuration.
  • the support can comprise a main portion designed to cover at least part of the trailer roof, and at least one flap extending from an edge of said main portion and designed to lie substantially vertically close to a vertical surface of the trailer in the working configuration.
  • a flap helps positioning and maintaining the support in the proper location.
  • the main portion of the support is substantially rectangular and the support comprises three flaps which extend from distinct edges of said main portion and which, in the working configuration, lie respectively close to a front wall and to one of two side walls of the trailer.
  • the temporary fastening means of said support on the trailer can comprise at least one strap fixed on said support and equipped with an attachment means designed to be temporarily fixed on the trailer.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a truck trailer equipped with a solar energy recovery device according to the invention, the support of said device being in the working configuration;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the device, in the storing configuration;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the device, in the storing configuration
  • Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a truck showing the device in the storing configuration inside the cabin.
  • Figure 4 shows a truck 1 which comprises a tractor 2 having a cabin for the driver, and a trailer 3 which can be mechanically coupled with the tractor 2.
  • the trailer 3 alone is illustrated on Figure 1. It has a roof 4, a front wall 5 and two side walls 6, 7.
  • a solar energy recovery device 8 according to the invention is shown on Figure 1 , in its working configuration, i.e. installed on the trailer 3 in order to supply electricity.
  • Said device 8 comprises a support 9 which has a main portion 10 of substantially rectangular shape intended to be spread onto the trailer roof 4 in the working configuration.
  • the main portion 10 extends over the whole width of the trailer 3, from one side wall 6 to the other 7; said main portion 10 (along the longitudinal direction of the trailer) is as long as possible, provided the device 8 remains easy to handle by the driver alone and easy to store.
  • photovoltaic cells 1 1 capable of converting solar energy into electricity.
  • these cells 11 can be glued on the support 9.
  • the cells can be rigid or flexible
  • the support 9 also comprises three flaps, namely: - a front flap 12 extending from the front edge of main portion 10, and lying substantially vertically close to the trailer front wall 5; - and two side flaps 13, 14 each extending from a side edge of main portion 10, and lying substantially vertically close to one of the trailer side walls 6, 7.
  • each side flap is joined to the vertical flap along their common vertical edge, so as to form a three-dimensional corner which can engage the corresponding top front corner of the trailer.
  • the support 9 can be properly positioned and maintained at the front part of the trailer roof 4 by means of flaps 12, 13, 14.
  • the vertical flaps are particularly useful in the case where the solar device is kept on the trailer when the truck is in motion because they not only make sure that the device is properly maintained in the right position, but they also limit the entry of airflow beneath the solar device which could tend to strip the device off the trailer.
  • the device 8 further comprises temporary fastening means 15 of said support 9 on the trailer 3.
  • Said fastening means 15 can comprise, on each side of the support 9, two straps 16 having a first end fixed onto one flap 13, 14 and a second end equipped with a buckle, a hook, or any appropriate attachment means 17 designed to be temporarily fixed on the trailer 3.
  • Said fastening means are deemed temporary inasmuch as they should be easily and repeatedly usable by the driver to attach and remove the solar device on a trailer.
  • those fastening means should not require the use of complex tools.
  • those fastening means may comprise some locking means to ensure that the solar device may not be easily robbed when installed on a trailer.
  • the device 8 also comprises electrical connecting means 18 capable of electrically connecting the photovoltaic cells 11 to the electrical network of the tractor 3.
  • said electrical connecting means 18 comprise a cable 19 connected to said cells 11 and having a plug 20 at its free end.
  • the solar energy recovery device 8 is an accessory which can be:
  • the device 8 can be stored behind the driver seat 21 , under the bunk 22 as illustrated on Figure 4.
  • the solar device not only can the solar device be removed from one trailer to be installed on another trailer, but it is possible to keep the device within the tractor when the tractor is driven without a trailer from one location to the other, or when the additional energy provided by the solar device is not necessary, or when it would be inconvenient to install the solar device on a trailer.
  • the support 9 is substantially rigid or semi rigid and is foldable.
  • the main part 10 of the support 9 comprises several panels 23 linked by hinging means 24.
  • Said hinging means are for example made of thinner zones making it possible to fold the support 9.
  • the support 9 can be folded as the bellows of an accordion.
  • the device 8 is more compact, since it takes up less surface area, and can be easily stored in the tractor cabin.
  • the support 9 is flexible.
  • said support 9 can be made of a canvas or a tarpaulin.
  • the solar device may be rolled in its storing configuration.
  • the invention provides a solar energy recovery device that can be easily and temporarily installed on a trailer, and that can be easily transferred from one trailer to another.
  • the invention makes it possible to increase the solar panel capacity in order to fulfil the needs of electricity powered elements in the truck, and especially in the cabin. Therefore, there is no need to start the engine up, the overall fuel consumption can be reduced and the driver comfort is improved since there is no engine noise.
  • Another important advantage of the invention is the possibility to put the device in a more compact configuration (by folding it, winding it or the like) in order to store it on the tractor.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (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)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Arrangement Or Mounting Of Propulsion Units For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The solar energy recovery device (8) comprises a support (9) having photovoltaic cells (11) thereon, temporary fastening means (15) of said support (9) on the trailer (3) of a truck and electrical connecting means (18) capable of electrically connecting said photovoltaic cells (11 ) to the tractor of said truck. The support (9) is designed to be in one of a working configuration, in which it is spread onto the trailer roof (4), and a storing configuration, in which it is more compact and can be stored in the cabin of the tractor.

Description

SOLAR ENERGY RECOVERY DEVICE FOR A TRUCK
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a solar energy recovery device for a truck.
Technological background
Trucks drivers are generally obliged to have regular breaks when they drive long distances. Moreover, during long journeys, they may be forced to stop travelling for a full day due to traffic restrictions, or to wait for long hours for the cargo to be charged on-board the truck.
During these non-travelling periods, the driver can have various needs requiring electricity such as heating or cooling the cabin, watching TV, cooking, etc. Most of the time, the needs in terms of electricity exceed the battery capacity. As a consequence, the truck engine has to be started up in order to supply the required energy. This entails additional fuel consumption and generates noise inside the cabin where the driver is having a rest. To solve these problems, it would appear to be a solution to provide solar panels that are installed on the cabin roof and supply electricity to various devices in the cabin, as mentioned above. However, because there is only a small surface area available on the cabin roof, the electricity supplied by means of such solar panels would be far below the needs.
Summary of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved solar energy recovery device for a truck, which can effectively increase the electricity supplied to the truck.
According to the invention a solar energy recovery device for a truck including a tractor and a trailer comprises a support having photovoltaic cells thereon, and further comprises temporary fastening means for fastening of said support on the trailer and electrical connecting means for electrically connecting said photovoltaic cells to the tractor, the support being designed to be in one of a working configuration, in which it is spread onto the trailer roof, and a storing configuration, in which it is more compact and can be stored on the tractor, for example in the cabin of the tractor or in a storage compartment of said tractor which can be located outside the cabin.
Thanks to the invention, as the support is intended to be installed on the trailer roof, it can have a much greater surface area than solar panels which would be dimensioned to fit on the cabin roof, and therefore supply more electricity. As a consequence, the driver's needs can be fulfilled without requiring to start-up the engine so often.
The great surface area of the support does not make said support difficult to handle or to store since it can be put in a storing configuration in which it is less bulky, and forms a more compact item because it takes up less surface area.
The fact that the solar device is only temporarily attached to the trailer allows that this device can be assigned to a tractor and can be switched from one trailer to another trailer when that other trailer is attached to the tractor in place of the previous one. Therefore, the driver using the same tractor to tow different trailers can keep the solar device and install it on those different trailers. Moreover, a driver working for a company having several tractors and to which several of these tractors can be assigned can bring use his solar device whichever tractor he his driving and whichever trailer he is towing.
If necessary, the driver can remove the solar device from the trailer when the trailer is in motion. In such a case, the device can be stored in the cabin when the truck is in motion, for example behind the seats, below the bunk. When the truck is stopped, typically when the driver is having a break, the driver takes the device and installs it on the trailer roof. To this end, the driver can climb a ladder generally provided on the tractor. Then he / she spreads the support on the trailer roof, fastens it temporarily to the trailer, and electrically connects the photovoltaic cells of the device to the tractor electric circuit. Before setting off again, the driver just has to electrically disconnect the device from the tractor electrical network, to unfasten the device from the trailer, and to remove the device, which can then be stored in the cabin.
Of course, provided that the solar device attachment means are effective enough, the driver can choose to keep the solar device on the trailer while the truck is in motion. In such a case, the electricity produced by the solar device can nevertheless be useful inasmuch as the traditional engine driven generator may be less used than if the solar device where not present, this resulting in a decreased fuel consumption.
Thanks to the electrical connecting means, the device - which is installed on the trailer - can be used to supply electricity to the cabin of the tractor, and more precisely to the tractor electrical network.
According to a first embodiment of the invention, the support is substantially rigid or semi rigid and is foldable. For example, the support can comprise several panels linked by hinging means.
According to a second embodiment of the invention, the support is flexible. For example, the support can be made of a canvas or a tarpaulin. The device may be rolled in its storing configuration.
Advantageously, the support can comprise a main portion designed to cover at least part of the trailer roof, and at least one flap extending from an edge of said main portion and designed to lie substantially vertically close to a vertical surface of the trailer in the working configuration. Such a flap helps positioning and maintaining the support in the proper location.
Preferably, the main portion of the support is substantially rectangular and the support comprises three flaps which extend from distinct edges of said main portion and which, in the working configuration, lie respectively close to a front wall and to one of two side walls of the trailer.
The temporary fastening means of said support on the trailer can comprise at least one strap fixed on said support and equipped with an attachment means designed to be temporarily fixed on the trailer.
These and other advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description in view of the drawings attached hereto representing, as non-limiting examples, embodiments of a vehicle according to the invention.
Brief description of the drawings
The following detailed description of several embodiments of the invention is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. In the drawings,
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a truck trailer equipped with a solar energy recovery device according to the invention, the support of said device being in the working configuration; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the device, in the storing configuration;
Figure 3 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the device, in the storing configuration; Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a truck showing the device in the storing configuration inside the cabin.
Detailed description of the invention
Figure 4 shows a truck 1 which comprises a tractor 2 having a cabin for the driver, and a trailer 3 which can be mechanically coupled with the tractor 2. The trailer 3 alone is illustrated on Figure 1. It has a roof 4, a front wall 5 and two side walls 6, 7.
A solar energy recovery device 8 according to the invention is shown on Figure 1 , in its working configuration, i.e. installed on the trailer 3 in order to supply electricity.
Said device 8 comprises a support 9 which has a main portion 10 of substantially rectangular shape intended to be spread onto the trailer roof 4 in the working configuration. Preferably, in this working configuration, the main portion 10 extends over the whole width of the trailer 3, from one side wall 6 to the other 7; said main portion 10 (along the longitudinal direction of the trailer) is as long as possible, provided the device 8 remains easy to handle by the driver alone and easy to store.
On the support main portion 10 are provided photovoltaic cells 1 1 capable of converting solar energy into electricity. For example, these cells 11 can be glued on the support 9. The cells can be rigid or flexible The support 9 also comprises three flaps, namely: - a front flap 12 extending from the front edge of main portion 10, and lying substantially vertically close to the trailer front wall 5; - and two side flaps 13, 14 each extending from a side edge of main portion 10, and lying substantially vertically close to one of the trailer side walls 6, 7.
Preferably, each side flap is joined to the vertical flap along their common vertical edge, so as to form a three-dimensional corner which can engage the corresponding top front corner of the trailer. As a result, the support 9 can be properly positioned and maintained at the front part of the trailer roof 4 by means of flaps 12, 13, 14.
The vertical flaps are particularly useful in the case where the solar device is kept on the trailer when the truck is in motion because they not only make sure that the device is properly maintained in the right position, but they also limit the entry of airflow beneath the solar device which could tend to strip the device off the trailer.
The device 8 further comprises temporary fastening means 15 of said support 9 on the trailer 3. Said fastening means 15 can comprise, on each side of the support 9, two straps 16 having a first end fixed onto one flap 13, 14 and a second end equipped with a buckle, a hook, or any appropriate attachment means 17 designed to be temporarily fixed on the trailer 3. Said fastening means are deemed temporary inasmuch as they should be easily and repeatedly usable by the driver to attach and remove the solar device on a trailer. Preferably, those fastening means should not require the use of complex tools. Nevertheless, those fastening means may comprise some locking means to ensure that the solar device may not be easily robbed when installed on a trailer.
The device 8 also comprises electrical connecting means 18 capable of electrically connecting the photovoltaic cells 11 to the electrical network of the tractor 3. Typically, said electrical connecting means 18 comprise a cable 19 connected to said cells 11 and having a plug 20 at its free end.
An important aspect of the invention lies in the fact that the solar energy recovery device 8 is an accessory which can be:
- either in a working configuration, as shown on Figure 1 , in which the support 9 is spread onto the trailer roof 4, temporarily fastened to the trailer 3, and electrically connected to the tractor 2, in order to supply electricity to various elements that can be used by the driver inside the cabin; - or in a storing configuration, as shown on Figures 2 to 4, in which the device 8 is made more compact and is stored on the tractor 2. For example, the device 8 can be stored behind the driver seat 21 , under the bunk 22 as illustrated on Figure 4.
Therefore, not only can the solar device be removed from one trailer to be installed on another trailer, but it is possible to keep the device within the tractor when the tractor is driven without a trailer from one location to the other, or when the additional energy provided by the solar device is not necessary, or when it would be inconvenient to install the solar device on a trailer.
According to a first embodiment, illustrated on Figure 2, the support 9 is substantially rigid or semi rigid and is foldable. The main part 10 of the support 9 comprises several panels 23 linked by hinging means 24. Said hinging means are for example made of thinner zones making it possible to fold the support 9. As a result, the support 9 can be folded as the bellows of an accordion. In this storing configuration, the device 8 is more compact, since it takes up less surface area, and can be easily stored in the tractor cabin.
According to a second embodiment, illustrated on Figure 3, the support 9 is flexible. For example, said support 9 can be made of a canvas or a tarpaulin. In such a case, if the photovoltaic cells 11 are also flexible, or if they are rigid but of a sufficiently small unitary size, the solar device may be rolled in its storing configuration.
Thus, the invention provides a solar energy recovery device that can be easily and temporarily installed on a trailer, and that can be easily transferred from one trailer to another. The invention makes it possible to increase the solar panel capacity in order to fulfil the needs of electricity powered elements in the truck, and especially in the cabin. Therefore, there is no need to start the engine up, the overall fuel consumption can be reduced and the driver comfort is improved since there is no engine noise. Another important advantage of the invention is the possibility to put the device in a more compact configuration (by folding it, winding it or the like) in order to store it on the tractor.
Of course, the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described above by way of non-limiting examples, but on the contrary it encompasses all embodiments thereof.

Claims

1. A solar energy recovery device for a truck (1 ) including a tractor (2) and a trailer (3), said device (8) comprising a support (9) having photovoltaic cells (11 ) thereon, characterized in that the device (8) further comprises temporary fastening means (15) for fastening of said support (9) on the trailer (3) and electrical connecting means (18) for electrically connecting said photovoltaic cells (11 ) to the tractor (2), the support (9) being designed to be in one of a working configuration, in which it is spread onto the trailer roof (4), and a storing configuration, in which it is more compact and can be stored on the tractor (2).
2. The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the support (9) is substantially rigid or semi rigid and is foldable.
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (9) comprises several panels (23) linked by hinging means (24).
4. The device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the support (9) is flexible.
5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support (9) is made of a canvas or a tarpaulin.
6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the device can be rolled.
7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the support (9) comprises a main portion (10) designed to cover at least part of the trailer roof (4), and at least one flap (12, 13, 14) extending from an edge of said main portion (10) and designed to lie substantially vertically close to a vertical surface (5, 6, 7) of the trailer (3) in the working configuration.
8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the main portion (10) of the support (9) is substantially rectangular and in that the support (9) comprises three flaps (12, 13, 14) which extend from distinct edges of said main portion (10) and which, in the working configuration, lie respectively close to a front wall (5) and to one of two side walls (6, 7) of the trailer (3).
9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the temporary fastening means (15) of said support (9) on the trailer (3) comprise at least one strap (16) fixed on said support (9) and equipped with an attachment means (17) designed to be temporarily fixed on the trailer (3).
10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, in the storing configuration, the device can be stored in the cabin of the tractor or in a storage compartment on the tractor.
PCT/IB2009/006348 2009-06-18 2009-06-18 Solar energy recovery device for a truck Ceased WO2010146413A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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PCT/IB2009/006348 WO2010146413A1 (en) 2009-06-18 2009-06-18 Solar energy recovery device for a truck

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2009/006348 WO2010146413A1 (en) 2009-06-18 2009-06-18 Solar energy recovery device for a truck

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
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DE102022128745A1 (en) 2022-10-28 2022-12-29 Daimler Truck AG Commercial vehicle with a tractor and a trailer
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10418845B2 (en) 2016-01-21 2019-09-17 Thermo King Corporation Methods and systems for automotive type transient protection of a solar charge source
US10892633B2 (en) 2016-01-21 2021-01-12 Thermo King Corporation Methods and systems for automotive type transient protection of a solar charge source
US11613216B2 (en) 2017-06-23 2023-03-28 Im Efficiency Technologies B.V. Auxiliary power supply for a vehicle
DE102022128746A1 (en) 2022-10-28 2022-12-29 Daimler Truck AG Commercial vehicle with a tractor and a trailer
DE102022128745A1 (en) 2022-10-28 2022-12-29 Daimler Truck AG Commercial vehicle with a tractor and a trailer

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