WO2014041552A1

WO2014041552A1 - Vertical equipment with tracking for solar electricity

Info

Publication number: WO2014041552A1
Application number: PCT/IN2012/000711
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajagopalan Jayaraman TANJORE
Original assignee: Tanjore Rajagopalan Jayaraman
Priority date: 2012-09-11
Filing date: 2012-10-29
Publication date: 2014-03-20

Abstract

A number of pv cells are combined in a module and a number of these modules are mounted in a frame. This is the inner most frame and this can tilt and revolve around a vertical axis. This frame is mounted in the next outer frame that has a horizontal axis for tilting and revolving in a vertical plane. Together this makes it possible for the solar cells to align perpendicular to the solar rays all through the day and in all seasons. The outer frame is then contained in a vertical stand. A few of these twin-frame structures constitute the stand. This stand on a foot stool is kept on ground such as terrace for collection of solar power. A number of these stands can be installed in rows for any quantum of power. The motion of the frames is by means of very low powered DC motors commanded by a programme board. Power is collected through wiring in the frames reaching a battery. Rest of power collection is either direct or through an inverter and then to the consumer or grid. A large number of these stands mounted on tall structure columns and beams can function as large scale generators of electricity.

Description

Description.

Title of the invention: Vertical Equipment with Tracking for Solar Electricity.

Technical field: Tapping Solar Energy for Generation of Electricity.

Background Art: Existing State of Art. Presently, frames housing Photovoltaic cells in modules and arrays in panels are laid on the ground at slight inclination to the horizontal. . The angle of inclination is so chosen that for the place concerned the panel may receive the Sun's rays vertically for the maximum time possible. This time is around noon in the season when the Sun is overhead for that latitude of the place. One firm has computerized tilting of heavy frames for latitude, longitude and time so that the frames may be rotated by hydraulic power. Heavy frames are thus moved by high duty hydraulics and the system is aimed at attracting the Sun's rays vertically all the time, though adding substantially to installation cost and demanding large power consumption supplied from outside The installation at Central Electricity Authority of India (Sewa Bhavan in Delhi) has avoided this tracking because of the unproductive cost involved.. Some manufacturers do this tracking on the basis of the light rays. But that will be, apart from high cost, subject to misguidance in case of clouds and thus light coming from some direction of cloudless area. This has very restricted practice. Large demand of surface area has come in the way of adoption of this for use in flat terraces and even for large power stations. Drawbacks in the Existing State of Art:

1. The present method of laying the frames on the ground (or at small inclination) demands a very large surface area, rendered unusable for any other purpose. About 5 acres of land is needed per MW of generation. The present frames are unsuitable for small scale generation as on the terraces where a large part of surface cannot be given up for the frames. Small scale contribution (which can be a great source) is thus precluded.

2. Because of such coverage of large areas, ground water recharge is badly prevented. That much area cannot contribute to rain catchment. Though rain water would fall on the panels, the water would flow in ruts towards drains instead of soaking the ground. 3. The present methods restricts passage alleys for saving on the surface area demand at the cost of good maintenance comfort.

4. Because of permanent coverage of surface closely, the area will be subject to humid and warm conditions congenial to growth of weeds and insects.

5. Arrangements for tilting are too costly. As large panels are tilted (even where practiced) the panels are subject to heavy sail effect in the wind. In absence of the tilting, efficiency of solar ray conversion is low.

6. The present state of art does not encourage installations in flat terraces (common in many countries) because of limited area available. Disclosure of Invention:

A group of solar Photovoltaic cells together form what is known as a module. A number of these modules are assembled together in a frame. In a typical case 80 modules are put in one frame and this frame in the accompanying sketch 2 is named as Frame A. This is the main life of the equipment and this collects solar energy converting it into electrical power.

This frame A has a vertical axis and is cradled in an outer frame named Frame B. Frame A is thus capable of tilt and revolution in a vertical plane (full rotation describes a vertical cylinder). This frame B is only a frame to keep frame A in position. This frame B has a horizontal axis and is mounted on the main stand. This frame B can thus tilt and revolve in a horizontal plane (full rotation describes a horizontal cylinder).

Frame A and Frame B together thus allow the solar modules to present verticality to the solar rays at any time of the day and in any season. Maneuvering of these frames is done by fractional horsepower DC motors driven through a computer programme. This manner of gymbolization of sections ensures best efficiency in collection of solar energy in a simple and economic manner. A number of frame B (24 in one model) is mounted in a stand which can be kept vertical on a floor such as any ground or terrace - see sketch 1. The stand is supported on brackets for stability. A number of these stands when used in parallel rows can be attached together on a concrete base unit. The stand is to be installed with East-West alignment. Solar power is collected at the back of frame A. Wiring goes through the hollow of the frame borders so that supply from the entire stand (housing all the modules) is available at the bottom where a battery is kept. From this battery, power can be taken off to either a domestic terminal or for connection to the grid directly or through auxiliary equipment..

The main stand is mounted on foot stools with brackets and can be bolted on to concrete beams so that a battery of these stands can be arranged to be held on two parallel beams affording stability and utilization of all the surface area that may be available. This makes it possible to have large assembly of these stands on a number of high columns and beams reaching any desired height to create a large power station.

Winds do not affect the structure as the sections present no sail effect. There are always large gaps giving a whistling hole effect to the wind as in the case of holes intentionally made in banners put across the streets. Wind cannot drive the frames for worm gear is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Sketches are attached for explaining the equipment further. . The first sketch is a dimensioned drawing showing typical equipment that can be placed on terrace top. Equipment will be made of varying sizes to suit the demand and purpose. Smaller ones may be used on small terraces, and still smaller ones on parapets. Several of these units can be placed along a line and in parallel rows for generation of desired quantum of power.

2. The sketch 2 is the main part of the equipment, frame A, or the innermost frame that houses the solar modules and frame B that cradles frame A. Motor positions are shown as also the wiring. The sketch is not to scale. These frames would be common to all models of equipment and the size would vary according to the demand and output requirement.

3. The sketch 3 shows again the heart of the equipment with their axes in 3 (1) and a front view sketch of the assembly without showing the motors is at 3(2) 4. Arrays, batteries and inverters would be bought in items of size and capacity as demanded at the user's end.

Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention.

1. The best mode of the invention is its verticality. 2. In order that the equipment be kept vertical, it should be able to carry the PV arrays in a near horizontal manner. This need has led to the arrangement of arrays in small sections so that they can be pivoted conveniently on the main equipment. This is an important mode.

3. This again led to the contemplation of a mode for tracking of the solar rays throughout the day and then in all seasons. This has been rendered possible by the mode of gymbolization of the frames or twin axis tracking. The mode of an inner frame with pv array tilting on a vertical axis and cradled in an outer frame that can tilt on a horizontal axis is the mode for achieving this objective.

4. It is the combination of these modes that make the equipment amenable to a versatile use - from that of a terrace model (or even a parapet model) to a combination for industrial power generation even for HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) transmission if desired.

5. Vertical orientation of the equipment is called for to reduce the large demand on ground area in case of horizontal equipment that would also impoverish the land of water soaking of catchment.

Industrial Applicability:

1. The invention is of versatile applicability. Industrially, it is suited for power generation with the advantage of reduction in the period required for installation. The stands can be of various sizes. A number of these units placed along a line and in parallel rows can be for smaller power stations and placing these on concrete scaffold like structure (columns and parallel beams) in a large number will answer the need for a very large generation of power important for High Voltage DC transmission which is cheaper for long distances. 2. A stand typically of 2.5 m long and 1.8 meter height is useful for terrace top installation in a single number or in rows. Installation is in East-West orientation. Smaller sizes render themselves amenable for use on parapet walls. A large number of these terrace installations can contribute to the grid very effectively and is thus a boon to countries were roof tops are nearly horizontal exposed to powerful sunrays.

3. Small local installations are possible for supply of electrical power to remote areas without need for long distance transmission lines.

Claims

Claims:

1. I claim a Solar power generator consisting of vertical structure that has frames within frames for holding solar cell modules.

2. 1 claim a solar power generator characterized by frames with orthogonal (mutually vertical) axes that give gymbolic maneuvering of cell arrays for close to vertical receipt of solar rays on the cells.

3. I claim a structure as in claim 1 including computerized automation of tilting and rotating of the said frames.

4. I claim a structure as in claim 1 characterized by small motors including stepper motors for tilting and rotating the said frames.

5. I claim a structure as in claim 1 characterized by spur, bevel or worm gears for tilting and rotation of frames.

6. I claim a structure as in claim 1 characterized by its amenability for mounting on stilts, columns and rafts for combining to form a large scale generator of electric power.

7. I claim a structure as in claim 1 characterized by any size and configuration to suit the needs of the consumer or economy.

8. I claim a solar power generator including a number of structures as in claim 1 arranged in series and parallel for any desired parameters of power.

9. I claim a structure as in claim 1 including variations in detail to suit the location of installation.

10. 1 claim a structure as in claim 1 with wiring arrangement that allows the movement of frames while the wires remain static.