WO2016172768A1 - A solar panel system - Google Patents

A solar panel system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016172768A1
WO2016172768A1 PCT/AU2016/050305 AU2016050305W WO2016172768A1 WO 2016172768 A1 WO2016172768 A1 WO 2016172768A1 AU 2016050305 W AU2016050305 W AU 2016050305W WO 2016172768 A1 WO2016172768 A1 WO 2016172768A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solar panel
panel system
vehicle
data
controller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2016/050305
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ivan VIDUKA
Tommy MILKOVIC
Duncan Murray
Original Assignee
Elite Caravans (Australia) 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 AU2015901538A external-priority patent/AU2015901538A0/en
Application filed by Elite Caravans (Australia) Pty Ltd filed Critical Elite Caravans (Australia) Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2016172768A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016172768A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L8/00—Electric propulsion with power supply from forces of nature, e.g. sun or wind
    • B60L8/003—Converting light into electric energy, e.g. by using photo-voltaic systems
    • 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
    • F24S30/45—Arrangements for moving or orienting solar heat collector modules for rotary movement with two rotation axes
    • F24S30/452—Vertical primary axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
    • F24S50/00—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors
    • F24S50/20—Arrangements for controlling solar heat collectors for tracking
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D3/00—Control of position or direction
    • G05D3/10—Control of position or direction without using feedback
    • G05D3/105—Solar tracker
    • 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
    • H02S10/00—PV power plants; Combinations of PV energy systems with other systems for the generation of electric power
    • H02S10/40—Mobile PV generator systems
    • 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
    • H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
    • H02S20/30—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment
    • H02S20/32—Supporting structures being movable or adjustable, e.g. for angle adjustment specially adapted for solar tracking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2200/00—Type of vehicles
    • B60L2200/28—Trailers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/60—Navigation input
    • B60L2240/62—Vehicle position
    • B60L2240/622—Vehicle position by satellite navigation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/60—Navigation input
    • B60L2240/66—Ambient conditions
    • B60L2240/662—Temperature
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L2240/00—Control parameters of input or output; Target parameters
    • B60L2240/60—Navigation input
    • B60L2240/66—Ambient conditions
    • B60L2240/667—Precipitation
    • 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
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/7072—Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
    • 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
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/72—Electric energy management in electromobility
    • 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
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/10—Technologies relating to charging of electric vehicles
    • Y02T90/16—Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a solar panel system, for example, a solar panel system for supplying electricity to a vehicle.
  • Caravans and trailers often include auxiliary equipment, such as water heaters and lights, which require
  • auxiliary equipment are powered using a portable chemical battery.
  • a disadvantage of chemical batteries is that they are nonrenewable and have to be disposed or recharged when expended. Additionally, these batteries are often one of many items which have to be packed on a trip. As such, there is always a risk that the battery might be
  • Solar panels may be used to ameliorate some problems faced by chemical batteries by providing a renewable energy source which can be used during daylight.
  • power provided by solar panels is dependent on the intensity of the incident sunlight on the panels. This may be affected by movement of the sun. As a result, a steady supply of electricity may not always be possible during the day. It is desirable to provide a renewable power source that can be mounted to a vehicle that ameliorates at least one of the above problems .
  • a solar panel system for mounting on a vehicle, the solar panel system including:
  • a solar panel for converting sunlight to electrical energy
  • a controller that receives location data of the vehicle to which the solar panel can be mounted and known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky to determine an optimal operating position for the solar panel in which incident sunlight on the solar panel is maximized, and the controller is operable to move the actuator to position the solar panel at the optimal operating position.
  • the term "vehicle” includes trailers and caravans which are vehicles designed to be towed by another vehicle.
  • the present solar panel system is suitable for mounting onto a vehicle to be towed by another vehicle or onto a vehicle that is self-powered.
  • the solar panel system provides a renewable power source that does not require recharging such as that required by non-renewable power sources such as chemical batteries. This reduces the risk of the vehicle being stranded without power.
  • the solar panel system may be coupled with a non-renewable power source to form a hybrid power source. This would provide a continuous supply of electricity during daylight and night time.
  • the solar panel system may also be used to recharge the non-renewable power source.
  • the controller receives an input which is then used to determine an appropriate output.
  • the input may be a signal from a receiver such as a sensor.
  • the input may be location data provided by a global positioning system (GPS) and/or a compass .
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the input may be processed by the controller to provide desired data.
  • the input may be positioning data defining the position of the vehicle and heading data defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle which are processed to provide the location data.
  • the input may be any one or more of date, time, latitude, longitude and geo-magnetic compass information which are processed to determine the positioning data and/or the heading data.
  • the output may be a signal required by a control element to perform a desired action.
  • the output may be a signal received by the actuator that positions the solar panel at the optimal operating position.
  • the location data of the vehicle may include positioning data defining the position of the vehicle and heading data defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle.
  • the location data and/or the positioning data may be provided by a GPS to the controller.
  • the positioning data may be obtained using a map and input into the controller.
  • the solar panel system includes a GPS which provides the location data of the vehicle to the controller.
  • the positioning data may specify the position of the vehicle in terms of longitude and latitude, and optionally elevation .
  • the positioning data may be processed using any one or more of topographical information, vehicular speed and vehicular bearing.
  • the heading data may specify the direction of the vehicle, for example, as a compass bearing.
  • the heading data may be processed using topographical information.
  • the heading data may take into account any changes in the terrain (e.g. inclinations or undulations) on which the vehicle is on to determine whether the vehicle is facing up a hill, across a hill or down a hill.
  • the solar panel system may include at least one of a compass or a gyroscope which provides heading data
  • the output of the gyroscope received by the controller determines the orientation of the vehicle.
  • the solar panel system may be movable between an operating position wherein the solar panel is moveable to different positions to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel and a stowed position wherein the solar panel is withdrawn or stowed into a more compact position to minimise damage.
  • the solar panel In the operating position, the solar panel may extend outwardly from the base of the solar panel system to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel.
  • the solar panel In the stowed position, the solar panel may lie
  • the solar panel may be activated in both the operating and stowed positions to convert solar energy into electricity and to supply the electricity to the vehicle or auxiliary equipment connected to the solar panel system.
  • the solar panel may be deactivated in the stowed position.
  • the known sun position data may include data defining the position of the sun relative to the horizon and may, for example, include orbital data of the sun.
  • the orbital data of the sun relates to the orbit/path of the sun. This data allows the position of the sun at any date and time to be known.
  • the known sun position data may be calculated based on the known trajectory of the sun or may be obtained from literature .
  • the known sun position data may be received by the vehicle.
  • the controller for example, by means of data streaming.
  • the controller includes a data storage device on which the orbit of the sun is stored.
  • the position of the solar panel to maximise incidence of light on the solar panel may be determined by the
  • controller by applying an algorithm to the known sun position data and the location data of the vehicle.
  • the controller operates the actuator to move the solar panel based on the known sun position data and the
  • the controller would operate the actuator to re-position the solar panel to maintain the optimum incidence of sunlight on the solar panel as the position of the vehicle relative to the sun changes.
  • a static solar panel would be subjected to fluctuating intensities of sunlight throughout the day due to movement of the sun.
  • the controller may receive inputs including any one or more of date, time, latitude, longitude and geo-magnetic compass information to track and optimize the position of the solar panel relative to the sun.
  • the solar panel may be rotatable 360° about an upright axis. This facilitates positioning of the solar panel in the direction of the sun when the vehicle is moving.
  • the solar panel may be rotatable up to 180° about a horizontal axis.
  • the solar panel is rotatable up to 90° about a horizontal axis. This facilitates
  • the solar panel may move with at least two degrees of freedom in the operating position. This increases the accuracy of the solar panel system orienting the solar panel in the direction of the sun compared to a system that has movement with one degree of freedom.
  • the solar panel system may be mounted on a frame which allows the solar panel to rotate 360° about an upright axis.
  • the frame may include a pivot to allow the solar panel to move up to 180° about a horizontal axis.
  • the solar panel system may include a sensor for detecting an external factor.
  • the external factor may include weather conditions such as rain, wind speed and
  • the external factor may be vehicle speed.
  • the controller may operate the actuator to move the solar panel system into the stowed position when the vehicle is in motion or when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed, for example, greater than 60 km/hr, preferably greater than 80 km/hr, even more preferably greater than 100 km/hr. This protects the solar panel system from damage when towed at high speed.
  • vehicle movement may be determined by (i) applying an algorithm to the location data or (ii) installing a speed sensor into a coupler connecting a trailer to a self-powered vehicle.
  • the controller may operate the actuator to move the solar panel system into the stowed position in response to an ignition source from a towing vehicle. This allows the solar panel system to be compactly stowed while being towed by the vehicle.
  • the controller may operate the actuator to move the solar panel system into the stowed position in response to a signal from the sensor.
  • the sensor detects wind speed.
  • the controller operates the actuator to move the solar panel system into the stowed position when the wind speed exceeds a predetermined value, suitably, when the wind speed exceeds 28 km/hr (about 15 knots) , more suitably when the wind speed exceeds 45 km/hr (about 25 knots) , even more suitably when the wind speed exceeds 65 km/hr (about 35 knots) .
  • the solar panel system may include more than one sensor to detect multiple external factors.
  • the controller may move the solar panel system into the stowed position based on one or more of these external factors.
  • the solar panel system may include a sensor for detecting wind speed and a sensor for detecting vehicle speed.
  • either sensor acts as a fail-safe to protect and withdraw the solar panel system if the other sensor fails.
  • the solar panel system may portable. This allows the solar panel system to be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle, for example, a motorhome.
  • the controller may communicate with an interface for switching on the solar panel system.
  • the interface may also include operating controls for manual adjustment of the solar panel position. This allows the position of the solar panel to be fine-tuned to take into account
  • the interface may also include controls for the known sun position data or the location data to be manually entered.
  • the controls allow for the position data and/or the heading data to be manually entered.
  • the actuator may be any one or a combination of hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical actuators.
  • the actuator is electric ball screw operated.
  • the actuator may be fitted with a feedback position control to improve positioning of the solar panel.
  • the solar panel system may include a position sensor to measure the position of the solar panel and provide a position output that is received by the controller.
  • the controller can then maintain or change the position of the solar panel by operating the actuator depending on the position output.
  • a controller which is operable to move the actuator to position the solar panel into an optimal operating position in which incident sunlight on the solar panel is maximized, including the steps of:
  • the method of operating a solar panel system for mounting on a vehicle may include a step of moving the solar panel system between an operating position wherein the solar panel is moveable to different positions to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel and a stowed position wherein the solar panel is withdrawn or stowed into a more compact position to minimise damage.
  • Step (i) may include receiving the location data in the form of positioning data defining the position of the vehicle and heading data defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle.
  • Step (i) may include receiving positioning data in the form of any one or more of topographical information, vehicular speed and vehicular bearing.
  • Step (i) may include receiving heading data in the form of topographical information.
  • Step (i) may include receiving heading data using a compass or a gyroscope.
  • Step (i) may include receiving inputs including any one or more of date, time, latitude, longitude and geo-magnetic compass information to track and optimize the position of the solar panel relative to the sun.
  • Step (ii) of determining the optimal operating position for the solar panel may include determining the position of the vehicle relative to the sun.
  • Step (ii) may include the controller applying an algorithm to the known sun position data and the location data to determine the position of the solar panel to maximise incidence of light on the solar panel.
  • the step of receiving the known sun position data by the controller may include receiving the known sun position data by means of data streaming.
  • the step of receiving the known sun position data by the controller may include receiving the known sun position data from a data storage device on which the orbit of the sun is stored.
  • the step of receiving the location data of the vehicle by the controller may include receiving positioning data of the vehicle.
  • the step of receiving the positioning data of the vehicle by the controller may include receiving positioning data of the vehicle from a GPS.
  • the step of receiving the location data of the vehicle by the controller may include receiving heading data of the vehicle.
  • the step of receiving heading data of the vehicle by the controller may include receiving heading data of the vehicle from a compass.
  • the step of moving the actuator to position the solar panel system by the controller may include rotating the solar panel system 360° about an upright axis.
  • the step of moving the actuator to position the solar panel system by the controller may include rotating the solar panel system up to 180° about a horizontal axis.
  • the method may include a step of moving the solar panel system into a stowed position in response to a signal from a sensor.
  • the sensor may detect an external factor including weather conditions such as wind speed, rain and temperature and/or physical obstacles such as cars, trees and buildings.
  • the sensor may detect vehicle speed.
  • the step of moving the solar panel system into the stowed - Im position may be in response to the vehicle exceeding a predetermined speed, for example, greater than 60 km/hr, preferably greater than 80 km/hr, even more preferably greater than 100 km/hr.
  • the step of moving the solar panel system into the stowed position may be in response to the wind exceeding a predetermined speed, for example, when the wind speed exceeds 28 km/hr (about 15 knots) , more suitably when the wind speed exceeds 45 km/hr (about 25 knots) , even more suitably when the wind speed exceeds 65 km/hr (about 35 knots) .
  • the method may include a step of moving the solar panel system into an operating position whereby the solar panel is moveable to different positions to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel .
  • the method may include a step of manually adjusting the solar panel position using an interface on the solar panel system which communicates with the controller.
  • the method may include a step of manually entering the known sun position data and/or the location data using an interface on the solar panel system which communicates with the controller.
  • the method may include a step of manually entering the position data and/or the heading data using an interface on the solar panel system which communicates with the controller .
  • Figure 1 is an isometric view of a solar panel system in the operating position according to one form of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is an isometric view of the solar panel system of Figure 1 mounted on a caravan.
  • Figure 3 is an isometric view of the solar panel system of Figure 1 mounted on a trailer.
  • Figure 4 is a side view of the solar panel system of Figure 3.
  • FIG. 5 is a back view of the solar panel system of Figure 3.
  • Figure 6 is an isometric view of a solar panel system of Figure 1 in the stowed position.
  • Figure 7 is a front view of an interface for manually adjusting the positioning of the solar panel.
  • Figure 8 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of the solar panel system according to one form of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating according to one form of the present invention.
  • the solar panel system 10 includes a solar panel 12 for converting sunlight to electrical energy, a controller 112 that receives location data of the vehicle to which the solar panel 12 can be mounted and known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky to determine an optimal operating position for the solar panel 12 in which incident sunlight on the solar panel 12 is
  • the actuator 116 is electric ball screw operated.
  • the actuator 116 is also fitted with a feedback position control 128 to improve positioning of the solar panel 12.
  • the feedback position control 128 comprises a position sensor 130 to measure the position of the solar panel 12 and provide a position output that is received by the controller 112. The controller then maintains or changes the position of the solar panel 12 by operating the actuator 116 depending on the position output .
  • the solar panel system 10 further includes a data storage device 118 on which known sun position data is stored.
  • the data storage device is a hard disk drive 118, a GPS 120 which provides positioning data of the vehicle and a compass 122 which provides heading data of the vehicle.
  • a gyroscope may be used in conjunction with the compass 122 to provide or improve the accuracy of the heading data.
  • the solar panel system 10 may be mounted on a caravan ( Figure 2) or a trailer ( Figure 3) .
  • the solar panel 12 is mounted onto a frame 14 that is moveable with at least two degrees of freedom in the operating position.
  • the frame 14 allows the solar panel 12 to rotate 360° about an upright axis A-A, and includes a pivot to allow the solar panel 12 to move up to 180° about a horizontal axis B-B.
  • the solar panel 12 may move the vertical and/or horizontal direction.
  • frame 14 is mounted onto an arcuate track 18 that allows the solar panel 12 to rotate about 108° about an upright axis A-A.
  • Frame 14 also includes arms 20 that allow the solar panel 12 to move about 42° about a horizontal axis B-B.
  • the solar panel system 10 transitions between an operating position ( Figure 1-5) and a stowed position ( Figure 6) .
  • the solar panel 12 moves to optimize incidence of light on the solar panel 12 and in the stowed position, the solar panel 12 is withdrawn or stowed to be protected from external factors such as strong wind.
  • controller 112 is based on the location data of the vehicle and known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky.
  • the location data includes
  • the optimal operating position maximises incidence of light on the solar panel 12 by calculating the position of the vehicle relative to the sun. This is achieved by using the controller 112 to apply an algorithm to the known sun position data, the positioning data and the heading data.
  • the controller 112 operates the actuator 116 to position the solar panel into the optimal operating position.
  • the solar panel system 10 also includes a sensor 126 for detecting vehicle speed, and which sends a signal to the controller 112 to move the solar panel system 10 into the stowed position when the vehicle speed exceeds 60 km/hr to protect the solar panel 12 from damage.
  • the solar panel system also includes a sensor 124 for detecting wind speed. The wind speed sensor acts as a fail-safe to protect and stow the solar panel system if the vehicle speed sensor fails. In this embodiment, the wind speed sensor 124 sends a signal to the controller 112 to move the solar panel system 10 into the stowed position when the wind speed exceeds 45 km/hr to protect the solar panel 12 from damage.
  • the controller 112 further includes an interface 16 which is in communication with the controller 112 for switching on the solar panel system 10 and allows manual adjustment of the positioning of the solar panel 12 ( Figure 7) .
  • the solar panel system 10 is switched on via interface 16 ( Figure 7) and the solar panel 12 is raised from the base of the solar panel system 10 as the solar panel system 10 moves from the stowed position to the operating position.
  • Switching on the solar panel system 10 also activates the solar panel 12 to convert solar energy into electricity, which is applied to the vehicle or auxiliary equipment connected to the solar panel system 12.
  • the solar panel 12 is only activated when the solar panel system 10 is in the operating position.
  • activation of the solar panel 12 is independent of the position of the solar panel system 10 (i.e. the solar panel 12 may remain activated in the stowed
  • the position of the vehicle relative to the sun is determined by the controller 112 by applying an algorithm to the known sun position data obtained from the hard disk drive 118, positioning data from the GPS 120 and heading data from the compass 122.
  • the controller 112 then operates the actuator 116 to move the solar panel 12 to face the sun to optimize incidence of light on the solar panel 12.
  • the positioning of the sun is continuously monitored (e.g. in real time) such that the solar panel 12 can be re-positioned in response to any changes in the positioning of the sun.
  • the position of the sun may be monitored periodically such that the solar panel can be repositioned periodically based on any changes to the positioning of the sun.
  • the actuator 116 moves solar panel 12 in both the
  • Frame 14 allows the solar panel 12 to rotate about 120° about upright axis A-A and about 45° about horizontal axis B-B.
  • the interface 16 allows a user to manually adjust the position of the solar panel 12 to overcome obstacles such as trees and cars.
  • the sensor continuously monitors the weather conditions such that under harsh weather conditions, for example high winds, the sensor would send a signal to the controller, which in turn, operates the actuator to move the solar panel system 10 into the stowed position.
  • the solar panel 12 lies horizontal on the base of the solar panel system 10. This minimises the surface area of the solar panel 12, which in turn minimises the forces exerted on the solar panel 12 which may cause the solar panel 12 to flex and bend.
  • a renewable power source that can be mounted to a vehicle that optimises the supply of electricity to the vehicle during the day.

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  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
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Abstract

A solar panel system for mounting on a vehicle, the solar panel system including a solar panel for converting sunlight to electrical energy, an actuator that is operable to position the solar panel into different positions, and a controller that receives location data of the vehicle to which the solar panel can be mounted and known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky to determine an optimal operating position for the solar panel in which incident sunlight on the solar panel is maximized, and the controller is operable to move the actuator to position the solar panel at the optimal operating position.

Description

A SOLAR PANEL SYSTEM
FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a solar panel system, for example, a solar panel system for supplying electricity to a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Caravans and trailers often include auxiliary equipment, such as water heaters and lights, which require
electricity. Typically, such auxiliary equipment are powered using a portable chemical battery.
A disadvantage of chemical batteries is that they are nonrenewable and have to be disposed or recharged when expended. Additionally, these batteries are often one of many items which have to be packed on a trip. As such, there is always a risk that the battery might be
inadvertently forgotten during the packing process. If this happens, the auxiliary equipment would be essentially rendered useless. It may be possible to power the auxiliary equipment using the vehicle battery. However, doing so would risks
stranding the vehicle if the battery gets completely discharged. Solar panels may be used to ameliorate some problems faced by chemical batteries by providing a renewable energy source which can be used during daylight. However, power provided by solar panels is dependent on the intensity of the incident sunlight on the panels. This may be affected by movement of the sun. As a result, a steady supply of electricity may not always be possible during the day. It is desirable to provide a renewable power source that can be mounted to a vehicle that ameliorates at least one of the above problems .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one form of the invention, there is provided a solar panel system for mounting on a vehicle, the solar panel system including:
a solar panel for converting sunlight to electrical energy;
an actuator that is operable to position the solar panel into different positions; and
a controller that receives location data of the vehicle to which the solar panel can be mounted and known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky to determine an optimal operating position for the solar panel in which incident sunlight on the solar panel is maximized, and the controller is operable to move the actuator to position the solar panel at the optimal operating position.
In this specification, the term "vehicle" includes trailers and caravans which are vehicles designed to be towed by another vehicle. The present solar panel system is suitable for mounting onto a vehicle to be towed by another vehicle or onto a vehicle that is self-powered. The solar panel system provides a renewable power source that does not require recharging such as that required by non-renewable power sources such as chemical batteries. This reduces the risk of the vehicle being stranded without power.
The solar panel system may be coupled with a non-renewable power source to form a hybrid power source. This would provide a continuous supply of electricity during daylight and night time. The solar panel system may also be used to recharge the non-renewable power source.
The controller receives an input which is then used to determine an appropriate output.
The input may be a signal from a receiver such as a sensor. For example, the input may be location data provided by a global positioning system (GPS) and/or a compass .
The input may be processed by the controller to provide desired data. For example, the input may be positioning data defining the position of the vehicle and heading data defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle which are processed to provide the location data. In a further example, the input may be any one or more of date, time, latitude, longitude and geo-magnetic compass information which are processed to determine the positioning data and/or the heading data.
The output may be a signal required by a control element to perform a desired action. For example, the output may be a signal received by the actuator that positions the solar panel at the optimal operating position.
The location data of the vehicle may include positioning data defining the position of the vehicle and heading data defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle.
The location data and/or the positioning data may be provided by a GPS to the controller. Alternatively, the positioning data may be obtained using a map and input into the controller. Suitably, the solar panel system includes a GPS which provides the location data of the vehicle to the controller.
The positioning data may specify the position of the vehicle in terms of longitude and latitude, and optionally elevation .
The positioning data may be processed using any one or more of topographical information, vehicular speed and vehicular bearing.
The heading data may specify the direction of the vehicle, for example, as a compass bearing. The heading data may be processed using topographical information. For example, the heading data may take into account any changes in the terrain (e.g. inclinations or undulations) on which the vehicle is on to determine whether the vehicle is facing up a hill, across a hill or down a hill.
The solar panel system may include at least one of a compass or a gyroscope which provides heading data
defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle to the controller.
Suitably, the output of the gyroscope received by the controller determines the orientation of the vehicle. The solar panel system may be movable between an operating position wherein the solar panel is moveable to different positions to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel and a stowed position wherein the solar panel is withdrawn or stowed into a more compact position to minimise damage. In the operating position, the solar panel may extend outwardly from the base of the solar panel system to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel. In the stowed position, the solar panel may lie
horizontally on the base of the solar panel system. This minimises the surface area of the solar panel to reduce damage from, for example strong wind, which may generate forces that cause the solar panel in the operating
position to flex and bend. These forces may also increase stress on the components connecting the solar panel to the solar panel system.
The solar panel may be activated in both the operating and stowed positions to convert solar energy into electricity and to supply the electricity to the vehicle or auxiliary equipment connected to the solar panel system. The solar panel may be deactivated in the stowed position. The known sun position data may include data defining the position of the sun relative to the horizon and may, for example, include orbital data of the sun. The orbital data of the sun relates to the orbit/path of the sun. This data allows the position of the sun at any date and time to be known.
The known sun position data may be calculated based on the known trajectory of the sun or may be obtained from literature .
The known sun position data may be received by the
controller, for example, by means of data streaming. In another example, the controller includes a data storage device on which the orbit of the sun is stored.
The position of the solar panel to maximise incidence of light on the solar panel may be determined by the
controller by applying an algorithm to the known sun position data and the location data of the vehicle. The controller operates the actuator to move the solar panel based on the known sun position data and the
location data to maximize incidence of light on the solar panel. For example, when the position of the sun changes throughout the day as the sun travels along its orbit, the controller would operate the actuator to re-position the solar panel to maintain the optimum incidence of sunlight on the solar panel as the position of the vehicle relative to the sun changes. In contrast, a static solar panel would be subjected to fluctuating intensities of sunlight throughout the day due to movement of the sun.
The controller may receive inputs including any one or more of date, time, latitude, longitude and geo-magnetic compass information to track and optimize the position of the solar panel relative to the sun.
The solar panel may be rotatable 360° about an upright axis. This facilitates positioning of the solar panel in the direction of the sun when the vehicle is moving.
The solar panel may be rotatable up to 180° about a horizontal axis. Suitably, the solar panel is rotatable up to 90° about a horizontal axis. This facilitates
positioning of the solar panel in the direction of the sun when the vehicle is stationary.
The solar panel may move with at least two degrees of freedom in the operating position. This increases the accuracy of the solar panel system orienting the solar panel in the direction of the sun compared to a system that has movement with one degree of freedom. The solar panel system may be mounted on a frame which allows the solar panel to rotate 360° about an upright axis. The frame may include a pivot to allow the solar panel to move up to 180° about a horizontal axis.
The solar panel system may include a sensor for detecting an external factor. The external factor may include weather conditions such as rain, wind speed and
temperature, and physical obstacles such as vehicles, buildings and trees.
The external factor may be vehicle speed. In this respect, the controller may operate the actuator to move the solar panel system into the stowed position when the vehicle is in motion or when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed, for example, greater than 60 km/hr, preferably greater than 80 km/hr, even more preferably greater than 100 km/hr. This protects the solar panel system from damage when towed at high speed.
Various methods may be employed to detect vehicle
movement. For example, vehicle movement may be determined by (i) applying an algorithm to the location data or (ii) installing a speed sensor into a coupler connecting a trailer to a self-powered vehicle.
The controller may operate the actuator to move the solar panel system into the stowed position in response to an ignition source from a towing vehicle. This allows the solar panel system to be compactly stowed while being towed by the vehicle.
The controller may operate the actuator to move the solar panel system into the stowed position in response to a signal from the sensor. Suitably, the sensor detects wind speed. Preferably, the controller operates the actuator to move the solar panel system into the stowed position when the wind speed exceeds a predetermined value, suitably, when the wind speed exceeds 28 km/hr (about 15 knots) , more suitably when the wind speed exceeds 45 km/hr (about 25 knots) , even more suitably when the wind speed exceeds 65 km/hr (about 35 knots) .
The solar panel system may include more than one sensor to detect multiple external factors. In this embodiment, the controller may move the solar panel system into the stowed position based on one or more of these external factors.
The solar panel system may include a sensor for detecting wind speed and a sensor for detecting vehicle speed.
Suitably, either sensor acts as a fail-safe to protect and withdraw the solar panel system if the other sensor fails.
The solar panel system may portable. This allows the solar panel system to be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle, for example, a motorhome. The controller may communicate with an interface for switching on the solar panel system. The interface may also include operating controls for manual adjustment of the solar panel position. This allows the position of the solar panel to be fine-tuned to take into account
obstacles such as trees, clouds and/or cars.
The interface may also include controls for the known sun position data or the location data to be manually entered. Suitably, the controls allow for the position data and/or the heading data to be manually entered. The actuator may be any one or a combination of hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical actuators. Suitably, the actuator is electric ball screw operated. The actuator may be fitted with a feedback position control to improve positioning of the solar panel.
The solar panel system may include a position sensor to measure the position of the solar panel and provide a position output that is received by the controller. The controller can then maintain or change the position of the solar panel by operating the actuator depending on the position output. In another form of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a solar panel system for mounting on a vehicle, the solar panel system comprising a solar panel for converting sunlight to electrical energy, an actuator that is operable to position the solar panel into
different positions and a controller which is operable to move the actuator to position the solar panel into an optimal operating position in which incident sunlight on the solar panel is maximized, including the steps of:
(i) receiving known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky and location data of the vehicle by the controller;
(ii) determining the optimal operating position for the solar panel using known sun position data and location data of the vehicle by the controller; and
(iii) operating the controller to move the actuator to position the solar panel at the optimal operating
position .
The method of operating a solar panel system for mounting on a vehicle may include a step of moving the solar panel system between an operating position wherein the solar panel is moveable to different positions to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel and a stowed position wherein the solar panel is withdrawn or stowed into a more compact position to minimise damage.
Step (i) may include receiving the location data in the form of positioning data defining the position of the vehicle and heading data defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle.
Step (i) may include receiving positioning data in the form of any one or more of topographical information, vehicular speed and vehicular bearing. Step (i) may include receiving heading data in the form of topographical information.
Step (i) may include receiving heading data using a compass or a gyroscope.
Step (i) may include receiving inputs including any one or more of date, time, latitude, longitude and geo-magnetic compass information to track and optimize the position of the solar panel relative to the sun.
Step (ii) of determining the optimal operating position for the solar panel may include determining the position of the vehicle relative to the sun. Step (ii) may include the controller applying an algorithm to the known sun position data and the location data to determine the position of the solar panel to maximise incidence of light on the solar panel. The step of receiving the known sun position data by the controller may include receiving the known sun position data by means of data streaming.
The step of receiving the known sun position data by the controller may include receiving the known sun position data from a data storage device on which the orbit of the sun is stored.
The step of receiving the location data of the vehicle by the controller may include receiving positioning data of the vehicle. The step of receiving the positioning data of the vehicle by the controller may include receiving positioning data of the vehicle from a GPS.
The step of receiving the location data of the vehicle by the controller may include receiving heading data of the vehicle. The step of receiving heading data of the vehicle by the controller may include receiving heading data of the vehicle from a compass. The step of moving the actuator to position the solar panel system by the controller may include rotating the solar panel system 360° about an upright axis.
The step of moving the actuator to position the solar panel system by the controller may include rotating the solar panel system up to 180° about a horizontal axis.
The method may include a step of moving the solar panel system into a stowed position in response to a signal from a sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor may detect an external factor including weather conditions such as wind speed, rain and temperature and/or physical obstacles such as cars, trees and buildings. The sensor may detect vehicle speed.
The step of moving the solar panel system into the stowed - Im position may be in response to the vehicle exceeding a predetermined speed, for example, greater than 60 km/hr, preferably greater than 80 km/hr, even more preferably greater than 100 km/hr.
The step of moving the solar panel system into the stowed position may be in response to the wind exceeding a predetermined speed, for example, when the wind speed exceeds 28 km/hr (about 15 knots) , more suitably when the wind speed exceeds 45 km/hr (about 25 knots) , even more suitably when the wind speed exceeds 65 km/hr (about 35 knots) .
The method may include a step of moving the solar panel system into an operating position whereby the solar panel is moveable to different positions to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel .
The method may include a step of manually adjusting the solar panel position using an interface on the solar panel system which communicates with the controller.
The method may include a step of manually entering the known sun position data and/or the location data using an interface on the solar panel system which communicates with the controller.
The method may include a step of manually entering the position data and/or the heading data using an interface on the solar panel system which communicates with the controller .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention is hereinafter described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a solar panel system in the operating position according to one form of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the solar panel system of Figure 1 mounted on a caravan. Figure 3 is an isometric view of the solar panel system of Figure 1 mounted on a trailer.
Figure 4 is a side view of the solar panel system of Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a back view of the solar panel system of Figure 3.
Figure 6 is an isometric view of a solar panel system of Figure 1 in the stowed position.
Figure 7 is a front view of an interface for manually adjusting the positioning of the solar panel. Figure 8 is a block diagram schematically illustrating components of the solar panel system according to one form of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating according to one form of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
One aspect of the solar panel system as defined by the invention is marked as 10 in Figure 1. The solar panel system 10 includes a solar panel 12 for converting sunlight to electrical energy, a controller 112 that receives location data of the vehicle to which the solar panel 12 can be mounted and known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky to determine an optimal operating position for the solar panel 12 in which incident sunlight on the solar panel 12 is
maximized, and an actuator 116 that is operable to
position the solar panel 12 into different positions (see Figure 1) .
In this embodiment, the actuator 116 is electric ball screw operated. The actuator 116 is also fitted with a feedback position control 128 to improve positioning of the solar panel 12. The feedback position control 128 comprises a position sensor 130 to measure the position of the solar panel 12 and provide a position output that is received by the controller 112. The controller then maintains or changes the position of the solar panel 12 by operating the actuator 116 depending on the position output .
The solar panel system 10 further includes a data storage device 118 on which known sun position data is stored. Suitably, the data storage device is a hard disk drive 118, a GPS 120 which provides positioning data of the vehicle and a compass 122 which provides heading data of the vehicle. A gyroscope may be used in conjunction with the compass 122 to provide or improve the accuracy of the heading data. The solar panel system 10 may be mounted on a caravan (Figure 2) or a trailer (Figure 3) .
The solar panel 12 is mounted onto a frame 14 that is moveable with at least two degrees of freedom in the operating position. Typically, the frame 14 allows the solar panel 12 to rotate 360° about an upright axis A-A, and includes a pivot to allow the solar panel 12 to move up to 180° about a horizontal axis B-B. The solar panel 12 may move the vertical and/or horizontal direction. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, frame 14 is mounted onto an arcuate track 18 that allows the solar panel 12 to rotate about 108° about an upright axis A-A. Frame 14 also includes arms 20 that allow the solar panel 12 to move about 42° about a horizontal axis B-B.
The solar panel system 10 transitions between an operating position (Figure 1-5) and a stowed position (Figure 6) . In the operating position, the solar panel 12 moves to optimize incidence of light on the solar panel 12 and in the stowed position, the solar panel 12 is withdrawn or stowed to be protected from external factors such as strong wind.
The optimal operating position determined by the
controller 112 is based on the location data of the vehicle and known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky. The location data includes
positioning data and the heading data of the vehicle. The optimal operating position maximises incidence of light on the solar panel 12 by calculating the position of the vehicle relative to the sun. This is achieved by using the controller 112 to apply an algorithm to the known sun position data, the positioning data and the heading data.
Using this information, the controller 112 operates the actuator 116 to position the solar panel into the optimal operating position. The solar panel system 10 also includes a sensor 126 for detecting vehicle speed, and which sends a signal to the controller 112 to move the solar panel system 10 into the stowed position when the vehicle speed exceeds 60 km/hr to protect the solar panel 12 from damage. The solar panel system also includes a sensor 124 for detecting wind speed. The wind speed sensor acts as a fail-safe to protect and stow the solar panel system if the vehicle speed sensor fails. In this embodiment, the wind speed sensor 124 sends a signal to the controller 112 to move the solar panel system 10 into the stowed position when the wind speed exceeds 45 km/hr to protect the solar panel 12 from damage.
The controller 112 further includes an interface 16 which is in communication with the controller 112 for switching on the solar panel system 10 and allows manual adjustment of the positioning of the solar panel 12 (Figure 7) .
In operation, the solar panel system 10 is switched on via interface 16 (Figure 7) and the solar panel 12 is raised from the base of the solar panel system 10 as the solar panel system 10 moves from the stowed position to the operating position. Switching on the solar panel system 10 also activates the solar panel 12 to convert solar energy into electricity, which is applied to the vehicle or auxiliary equipment connected to the solar panel system 12. Suitably, the solar panel 12 is only activated when the solar panel system 10 is in the operating position.
However, in alternative embodiments of the solar panel system 10, activation of the solar panel 12 is independent of the position of the solar panel system 10 (i.e. the solar panel 12 may remain activated in the stowed
position) . This allows the solar panel system 10 to continuously generate electricity from sunlight under harsh weather conditions. When required, the solar panel 12 can be deactivated by using interface 16. The position of the vehicle relative to the sun is determined by the controller 112 by applying an algorithm to the known sun position data obtained from the hard disk drive 118, positioning data from the GPS 120 and heading data from the compass 122.
The controller 112 then operates the actuator 116 to move the solar panel 12 to face the sun to optimize incidence of light on the solar panel 12. The positioning of the sun is continuously monitored (e.g. in real time) such that the solar panel 12 can be re-positioned in response to any changes in the positioning of the sun. In an alternative embodiment, the position of the sun may be monitored periodically such that the solar panel can be repositioned periodically based on any changes to the positioning of the sun.
The actuator 116 moves solar panel 12 in both the
horizontal and vertical directions by moving frame 14 on arcuate track 18, and raising and lowering the frame 14 using arms 20. Frame 14 allows the solar panel 12 to rotate about 120° about upright axis A-A and about 45° about horizontal axis B-B.
If necessary, the interface 16 allows a user to manually adjust the position of the solar panel 12 to overcome obstacles such as trees and cars.
The sensor continuously monitors the weather conditions such that under harsh weather conditions, for example high winds, the sensor would send a signal to the controller, which in turn, operates the actuator to move the solar panel system 10 into the stowed position.
In the stowed position, the solar panel 12 lies horizontal on the base of the solar panel system 10. This minimises the surface area of the solar panel 12, which in turn minimises the forces exerted on the solar panel 12 which may cause the solar panel 12 to flex and bend.
Accordingly, there is provided a renewable power source that can be mounted to a vehicle that optimises the supply of electricity to the vehicle during the day.

Claims

CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. A solar panel system for mounting on a vehicle, the solar panel system including:
a solar panel for converting sunlight to electrical energy;
an actuator that is operable to position the solar panel into different positions; and
a controller that receives location data of the vehicle to which the solar panel can be mounted and known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky to determine an optimal operating position for the solar panel in which incident sunlight on the solar panel is maximized, and the controller is operable to move the actuator to position the solar panel at the optimal operating position.
2. The solar panel system according to claim 1, wherein the solar panel system is coupled with a non-renewable power source to form a hybrid power source.
3. The solar panel system according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein the location data of the vehicle includes positioning data defining the position of the vehicle and heading data defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle .
4. The solar panel system according to claim 3,
including a compass and/or a gyroscope which provides the heading data defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle to the controller.
5. The solar panel system according to either claim 3 or 4, wherein the positioning data is processed using any one or more of topographical information, vehicular speed and vehicular bearing.
6. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller receives inputs including any one or more of date, time, latitude, longitude and geo-magnetic compass information to track and optimize the position of the solar panel relative to the sun .
7. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel system is movable between an operating position wherein the solar panel is moveable to different positions to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel and a stowed position wherein the solar panel is withdrawn or stowed into a more compact position to minimise damage.
8. The solar panel system according to claim 7, wherein the solar panel is activated in both the operating and stowed positions to convert solar energy into electricity to supply electricity to the vehicle or auxiliary
equipment connected to the solar panel system.
9. The solar panel system according to claim 7, wherein the solar panel is deactivated in the stowed position.
10. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the known sun position data includes data defining the position of the sun relative to the horizon.
11. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the known sun position data includes orbital data of the sun.
12. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims , including a GPS which provides the location data of the vehicle to the controller.
13. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the solar panel to maximise incidence of light on the solar panel is determined by the controller by applying an algorithm to the known sun position data and the location data.
1 . The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller operates the actuator to move the solar panel based on the known sun position data and the location data to maximize incidence of light on the solar panel .
15. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel moves with at least two degrees of freedom in the operating position.
16. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel is rotatable about an upright axis.
17. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the solar panel is rotatable about a horizontal axis.
18. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims , including a sensor to detect an external factor being any one or more of weather conditions such as rain, wind speed and temperature, physical obstacles such as vehicles, buildings and trees, and vehicle speed.
19. The solar panel system according to claim 18, wherein the controller operates the actuator to move the solar panel system into the stowed position in response to a signal from the sensor.
20. The solar panel system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator is fitted with a feedback position control to improve positioning of the solar panel .
21. A method of operating a solar panel system for mounting on a vehicle, the solar panel system comprising a solar panel for converting sunlight to electrical energy, an actuator that is operable to position the solar panel into different positions and a controller which is operable to move the actuator to position the solar panel into an optimal operating position in which incident sunlight on the solar panel is maximized, including the steps of :
(i) receiving known sun position data defining the position of the sun in the sky and location data of the vehicle by the controller;
(ii) determining the optimal operating position for the solar panel using known sun position data and location data of the vehicle by the controller; and
(iii) operating the controller to move the actuator to position the solar panel at the optimal operating
position .
22. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to claim 21, including a step of moving the solar panel system between an operating position wherein the solar panel is moveable to different positions to maximise incidence of light onto the solar panel and a stowed position wherein the solar panel is withdrawn or stowed into a more compact position to minimise damage.
23. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to either claim 21 or 22, wherein step (i) includes receiving the location data in the form of positioning data defining the position of the vehicle and heading data defining the orientation or direction of the vehicle .
24. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to claim 23, including a step of manually entering the position data and/or the heading data using an interface on the solar panel system which communicates with the controller.
25. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to either claim 23 or 24, wherein the step of receiving heading data of the vehicle includes receiving heading data of the vehicle from a compass.
26. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein step (i) includes receiving inputs including any one or more of date, time, latitude, longitude and geo-magnetic compass information to track and optimize the position of the solar panel relative to the sun.
27. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein step (ii) includes the controller applying an algorithm to the known sun position data and the location data to determine the position of the solar panel to maximise incidence of light on the solar panel .
28. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein step (i) includes receiving positioning data in the form of any one or more of topographical information, vehicular speed and vehicular bearing.
29. The method of operating a solar panel system according to any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein step (ii) of determining the optimal operating position for the solar panel includes determining the position of the vehicle relative to the sun.
30. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein the step of receiving the positioning data of the vehicle includes receiving positioning data of the vehicle from a GPS.
31. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to any one of claims 21 to 30, wherein the step of moving the actuator to position the solar panel system by the controller includes rotating the solar panel system about an upright axis.
32. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein the step of moving the actuator to position the solar panel system by the controller includes rotating the solar panel system about a horizontal axis.
33. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to any one of claims 21 to 32, includes a step of moving the solar panel system into a stowed position in response to a signal from a sensor on the solar panel system.
3 . The method of operating a solar panel system
according to any one of claims 21 to 33, including a step of manually adjusting the solar panel position using an interface on the solar panel system which communicates with the controller. 35. The method of operating a solar panel system
according to any one of claims 21 to 34, including a step of manually entering the known sun position data and/or the location data using an interface on the solar panel system which communicates with the controller.
PCT/AU2016/050305 2015-04-30 2016-04-29 A solar panel system WO2016172768A1 (en)

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US20130057023A1 (en) * 2011-09-05 2013-03-07 Hyundai Motor Company Sunray tracking solar cell apparatus for vehicle
WO2013057332A1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2013-04-25 Soltec Energías Renovables, Sl Solar tracker to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle and vehicle comprising a solar tracker

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019147433A1 (en) * 2018-01-26 2019-08-01 Brigham Young University Solar tracking apparatuses including one or more solar panels, systems including the same, and methods of using the same
US11637524B2 (en) 2018-01-26 2023-04-25 Tiny Ventures Holdings Group, Llc Solar tracking apparatuses including one or more solar panels, systems including the same, and methods of using the same
WO2024026027A3 (en) * 2022-07-27 2024-02-29 Trystar, Llc Mobile solar generator
CN117922417A (en) * 2024-03-18 2024-04-26 宁波三伊房车制造股份有限公司 Solar car as a house

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