WO2018081562A1 - Energy producing modular portable expandable building structure incorporating modified shipping containers - Google Patents

Energy producing modular portable expandable building structure incorporating modified shipping containers Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018081562A1
WO2018081562A1 PCT/US2017/058759 US2017058759W WO2018081562A1 WO 2018081562 A1 WO2018081562 A1 WO 2018081562A1 US 2017058759 W US2017058759 W US 2017058759W WO 2018081562 A1 WO2018081562 A1 WO 2018081562A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
building structure
modular building
portable modular
roofing
container
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2017/058759
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Anthony KIEFFER
Original Assignee
Kieffer Anthony
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 Kieffer Anthony filed Critical Kieffer Anthony
Publication of WO2018081562A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018081562A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/342—Structures covering a large free area, whether open-sided or not, e.g. hangars, halls
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/14—Greenhouses
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/32—Arched structures; Vaulted structures; Folded structures
    • E04B1/3205—Structures with a longitudinal horizontal axis, e.g. cylindrical or prismatic structures
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/348—Structures composed of units comprising at least considerable parts of two sides of a room, e.g. box-like or cell-like units closed or in skeleton form
    • E04B1/34815—Elements not integrated in a skeleton
    • E04B1/3483—Elements not integrated in a skeleton the supporting structure consisting of metal
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/348—Structures composed of units comprising at least considerable parts of two sides of a room, e.g. box-like or cell-like units closed or in skeleton form
    • E04B1/34815—Elements not integrated in a skeleton
    • E04B1/34861—Elements not integrated in a skeleton particular arrangement of habitable rooms or their component parts; modular co-ordination
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B7/00—Roofs; Roof construction with regard to insulation
    • E04B7/08—Vaulted roofs
    • 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
    • H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
    • H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
    • H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
    • 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
    • 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
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/348—Structures composed of units comprising at least considerable parts of two sides of a room, e.g. box-like or cell-like units closed or in skeleton form
    • E04B2001/34876—Structures composed of units comprising at least considerable parts of two sides of a room, e.g. box-like or cell-like units closed or in skeleton form with a sloping or barrel roof
    • E04B2001/34884—Structures composed of units comprising at least considerable parts of two sides of a room, e.g. box-like or cell-like units closed or in skeleton form with a sloping or barrel roof creating a living space between several units
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
    • Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
    • Y02A40/25—Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/12—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries using renewable energies, e.g. solar water pumping

Definitions

  • the invention relates to energy efficient modular, expandable and portable building structures, more particularly, structures that use modified shipping containers as an integral part of an energy-efficient portable modular building structure and/or solar energy collector.
  • Building structures such as traditional greenhouses, tend to be fixed structures, built in place and difficult to move without extensive deconstruction and reconstruction, often requiring an expensive foundation and a great deal of construction cost and effort, and ultimately requiring a great deal of electricity to operate. They also tend to require a connection to a power grid in order to obtain most or all of the electricity that is needed to power the building and its appliances.
  • the invention is a portable modular building structure that includes one or more modified shipping containers, end walls, and a roofing structure.
  • the building structure is a well suited to act as a hybrid greenhouse, a pre- engineered building, or a solar power collection facility.
  • the building structure is configurable and any reasonable number of shipping containers may be used to construct the desired shape and size.
  • the shipping containers are also able to contain all necessary building materials, meaning that the entire modular building structure may be placed inside the container and shipped to the desired location where the contents are unpacked and assembled.
  • the shipping containers serve as both the insulated sides of the building structure and the foundation for the structure.
  • the roofing structure generally includes a number of arches that are secured to the tops of the shipping containers.
  • a number of solar collectors may be affixed to either the arches or the shipping containers to collect solar energy to provide electricity to the building structure.
  • the shipping containers may also be weather-tight to serve as functional indoor conditioned spaces, and may be used as climate controlled spaces for battery storage.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the building structure according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the building structure.
  • FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the structure showing a end wall having numerous panels and a number of vertical beams supporting the roofing structure.
  • FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating the single bay setup with two shipping containers.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of portion of the modified shipping container showing the connection between the container and the roof.
  • FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the modified container.
  • FIG. 7 is a top perspective view illustrating the second embodiment of the structure that includes a double-bay design using two containers.
  • FIG. 8 is a front plan view illustrating the third embodiment of the structure that includes a double-bay design using three containers.
  • FIG. 9 is a top perspective view illustrating the fourth embodiment of the structure that includes a double-bay design using six shipping containers.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a fifth embodiment of a structure using only one container.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a sixth embodiment of a structure using only one container.
  • FIG. 12 is front perspective view of the structure affixed to an existing house or building.
  • FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the structure affixed to an existing house or building.
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the structure showing side-tracking solar panels.
  • FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the container having multiple solar collectors.
  • FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the container having additional solar collectors.
  • FIG. 17 is a end view of the container having solar panels.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the container having extendable solar panels.
  • FIG. 19 is a end view of a container having extended solar collectors.
  • FIG. 20 is a front view of a siding material incorporating a phase change material.
  • FIG. 21 is a side view of the roof having movable doors with solar panels.
  • FIG. 22 is a side view of the roof having movable doors with solar panels, with one door opened.
  • FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the movable doors and motorized system for control the position of the doors.
  • FIGS. 1 - 4 illustrate the first embodiment of a portable modular building structure 100 according to the invention, including one or more modified shipping containers 10, end walls 30, and a roofing structure 50.
  • the components needed to construct the structure 100 may be delivered to a building site (not shown) inside of the shipping container(s) 10.
  • the building site may be any reasonably leveled site where approximately two concrete base pads B for each container 10 may be installed to support each shipping container 10.
  • the disclosure discusses the building structure 100 in terms of its use as a greenhouse, however, it is understood that the structure may be used for any number of purposes, including as a housing structure, warehouse, or as a solar power collection structure.
  • Shipping containers that are made according to the International Standard Organization's (ISO) standards are rectangular containers having the strength suitable to withstand shipment and storage of a wide array of goods, on land and on sea, and, in the United States, are generally 8 feet wide and either 20 or 40 feet long.
  • ISO International Standard Organization's
  • two shipping containers 10 are situated on either side of the building structure 100 to serve as sidewalls to the structure 100.
  • the containers 10 have sufficient strength and rigidity to serve as the structure's foundation while also providing for ample storage and utility space for all of the components needed to collect, store, and use solar energy.
  • the shipping containers 10 are modified, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
  • a steel beam 12 is affixed to the top of the container 10, and a plate 14 having a pin slot 16 is affixed to the beam 12.
  • a gusset plate 17 may be added to strengthen the connection between the beam 12 and container 10.
  • Doors 18 and windows 22 may also be provided to allow access between the inside of the structure 100 and/or the inside of the container 10. Additional supports 24 are provided to maintain the structural integrity of the container 10 when one or more doors 18 are provided. Additional supports 26 may also be provided when two containers 10 are combined to form one side of the structure 100 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. Additional supports 56, 58 may also be used in conjunction with additional beams (not shown) to bridge the space between shipping containers into order to provide greater distance between the containers and/or produce a door opening or wall segment if desired while still supporting the roofing system. [0040]
  • the roofing structure 50 includes a plurality of arches 52, for example pultruded fiberglass arches, such as CLEARSPAN arches, which span from one container 10 to the other container 10. The arches 52 connect to the container 10 by a pin P through pin slot 16, as shown in FIG 5, creating a relatively easy assembly and disassembly process.
  • roofing materials 54 such as a membrane or standing seam polycarbonate panels, fiberglass, or metal standing seam, are secured to the arches 52 to cover the roof.
  • Horizontal beams or ties 56 shown in FIGS. 5 & 7, may also connect the containers 10 and are secured to the containers by the pin P through the pin slot 16, and vertical beams 58 connect the horizontal beams 56 to the arches 52 for additional strength and stability.
  • Siding materials 62 such as the membrane or polycarbonate panels, or structural insulated panels (“SIP”), close the space between the arches 52 that are located on either end of the structure 100 and the end walls 30.
  • the end walls 30 may be any suitable material, however, to maximize the energy efficiency of the building structure 100 the use of SIPs is preferable.
  • a number a panels 32 may be combined to form the end walls 30, for example, FIG. 3 illustrates the use of four SIP panels, each of which is approximately 10 feet wide and 8 feet high. Additional shipping containers may also be used as the end walls 30
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the structure having a double-bay design using only two containers 10.
  • anchor columns 64 are provided and a beam 66, which is similar to the container beam 12, is provided to secure one end of the arches 52.
  • This embodiment may also be a modification to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the container 10 is detached from the beam 12 and columns 64 are inserted beneath the beam 12, while a new beam 12 is added to the container 10 and an additional roofing structure 50 is added to span from the beam 12 on top of the columns 64 to the new beam 12 on top of container 10.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment having a double-bay configuration using three shipping containers
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth embodiment with a double-bay configuration using six shipping containers
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate fifth and sixth embodiments that include a single-bay configuration using only one shipping container 10. A number of containers may also be stacked vertically to create a higher structure (not shown).
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate yet another embodiment wherein the building structure is attached to an existing house or building H.
  • a beam 12 is added to the house H to connect to one side of the roofing structure 50.
  • Anchor columns 64 may also be used to support the expanded space.
  • FIGS. 12 - 23 illustrate a number of energy efficient technologies being integrated into the structure 100 in a number of ways, and may allow for the building structure 100 to have enough energy to provide all desired functions without being connected to a power grid.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates the addition of side mounted solar trackers 70.
  • These trackers 70 allow for collection of solar energy which may be fed directly into the building structures 100 power distribution system (not shown) using conventional means. Any suitable conventional solar tracker may be used.
  • Conventional solar panels 72 may also be directly incorporated into the roofing structure as shown in FIGS. 2 and 12 - 13. In FIGS. 2 and 12 - 13 the solar panels 72 may be added to the roofing material 54 or they may be affixed to one or more arches 52 and act as an extension of the roof.
  • adhesive solar panels may be used, or solar panels may be affixed with mechanical fasteners such as a KEDER SYSTEM or with a plate affixed with a tensioned wire.
  • the solar panels 72 may cover less than the entire roof so as to allow natural light to enter the building 100.
  • the solar panels 72 may also be moveable on the roof, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 - 23.
  • doors 55 are moveable on the top of the roofing material 54 and the solar panels 72 are affixed to the top of the doors so as to follow the sun throughout the day.
  • a rack and pinion motorized system 57 may be deployed to control the movement of the doors 55.
  • FIGS. 15 - 19 illustrate the use of integrated solar panels 72 to gather heat and energy.
  • FIGS 15 - 17 show solar panels 72 incorporated into the roofing structure 50 and a sidewall 11 of the container 10.
  • the solar panels 72 are integrated into the building structure using conventional means.
  • the sidewall 11 includes a translucent cover 76, which is separated from the solar panel 72 by a space 77.
  • a plenum space 74 is incorporated at the top of the space 77.
  • the translucent cover 76 may be made of any suitable material such as an acrylic panel, a polycarbonate panel, glass or clear plastic.
  • the space 77 is ideally between 3 and 5 inches in width. As the sun shines on the sidewall 11 , heat is captured in the space 77 where it naturally rises into the plenum 74.
  • solar panels 72 may also be omitted from the sidewall 11 , and instead the sidewall may be colored black to help generate heat in the space 77.
  • solar panels 72 extend at an angle from the top of the container 10 to the ground where they gather solar power and heat to accumulate between the container 10 and panel 72.
  • the panels 72 may be manually movable, or a type of motorized system, such as the one shown in FIG. 23, may be used to mechanically adjust the angle.
  • This embodiment may also incorporate the translucent cover 76, space 77 and plenum 74 described in FIGS 15 - 17, and in this manner, the combination of solar panel 72, space 77 and cover 76 form a movable solar sidewalk
  • the container 10 may also include panels that incorporate a phase change material in order to generate more energy.
  • Phase change materials are substances that melt and solidify at specified temperatures and, because they have a high heat of fusion, are capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy. When the temperature is above the melting point heat is absorbed by the PCM and it changes from a liquid to a solid, and when the temperature falls below the melting point the PCM releases the heat and changes from a solid to a liquid.
  • Any PCM that has the desired melting point may be used, for example an organic PCM, such as paraffin, or inorganic PCMs, such as salt hydrates, may be used so long as they have the proper melting point.
  • the PCM in this embodiment has a specified melting point that is defined prior to installation, based on the intended purpose of the structure.
  • a suitable material for the PCM is Infinite R PCM, manufactured by Insolcorp, with a specified melting point of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • PCMs may be used in a combination with an insulation layer, and/or with an air plenum layer that is formed by polycarbonate panels. Radiation entering the building that generates heat and can be brought into the building as heat to heat the interior space. If PCM is used inside the structure and heat is desired, the heat is conveyed by a fan into the building where it is stored in the PCM. When temperature drops below the melting point the heat is returned to the space in the form of a solid.
  • FIG. 20 shows an example of the sidewall panel 32 incorporating an encapsulated phase change material panel 33 between two conventional boards 35.
  • This panel may be added to the side of the container 11 and used to absorb external heat. Or, it may be incorporated into the embodiment shown in FIGS 15 -17, potentially replacing the solar panel 72.
  • the phase change material panel 33 would absorb the heat that is captured by the translucent cover 76 and that energy may then be conveyed into the container 10 or building 100 using conventional means.
  • a thermal water heater may also be incorporated.
  • a solar water heater may be affixed to the side of the container 10.
  • solar power may be used to heat a series of capillary tubes through which water is circulated and heated. Water is then stored as buffer water for radiant heat or other uses/systems.
  • An energy curtain (not shown), which is a type of fabric that is retractably deployed near the ceiling or outer wall of the structure, may also be added inside of the roofing structure 50.
  • these curtains are reflective in nature, and are made of lightweight materials that reflect the infrared wavelengths of heat stored and added to a greenhouse, thereby slowing the rate that the heat radiates out of the greenhouse.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Photovoltaic Devices (AREA)
  • Roof Covering Using Slabs Or Stiff Sheets (AREA)

Abstract

A portable modular building structure that includes at least one modified shipping container, the shipping container serving as at least one of the side walls of the building structure and being large enough to hold and transport all of the materials needed to assemble the building structure, the building structure also incorporating a number of energy efficient technologies including photovoltaic systems, electricity storage, and solar systems

Description

ENERGY PRODUCING MODULAR PORTABLE EXPANDABLE BUILDING STRUCTURE INCORPORATING MODIFIED SHIPPING CONTAINERS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to energy efficient modular, expandable and portable building structures, more particularly, structures that use modified shipping containers as an integral part of an energy-efficient portable modular building structure and/or solar energy collector.
[0003] DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART
[0004] Building structures, such as traditional greenhouses, tend to be fixed structures, built in place and difficult to move without extensive deconstruction and reconstruction, often requiring an expensive foundation and a great deal of construction cost and effort, and ultimately requiring a great deal of electricity to operate. They also tend to require a connection to a power grid in order to obtain most or all of the electricity that is needed to power the building and its appliances.
[0005] The inherent nature of these building structures means that they are often immovable once constructed. If an owner/user wishes to move to a different location, the existing structure is often sold or abandoned, and a new structure constructed in the new location. And, these building must also be built in or near locations that have convenient access to a power grid.
[0006] One way to mitigate the electricity issue is to install solar power modules. However, ground-mounted solar installations tend to have a large footprint and in many geographic locations may be limited by the amount of sunshine that may reach to solar collection devices. Few solutions exist for the portability issues.
[0007] What is needed, therefore, is a modular and expandable building structure, which is relatively easy to assemble and disassemble. What is further needed, is such a structure that has a significant amount of storage/utility space. What is yet further needed is such a structure that reduces the amount of on-grid electricity required to operate it by generating some or all of its own energy in the form of electricity, heat and cooling from renewable sources and having the ability to store additional solar energy.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention is a portable modular building structure that includes one or more modified shipping containers, end walls, and a roofing structure. Generally speaking, the building structure is a well suited to act as a hybrid greenhouse, a pre- engineered building, or a solar power collection facility. The building structure is configurable and any reasonable number of shipping containers may be used to construct the desired shape and size.
[0009] The shipping containers are also able to contain all necessary building materials, meaning that the entire modular building structure may be placed inside the container and shipped to the desired location where the contents are unpacked and assembled.
[0010] Once assembled, the shipping containers serve as both the insulated sides of the building structure and the foundation for the structure. The roofing structure generally includes a number of arches that are secured to the tops of the shipping containers. A number of solar collectors may be affixed to either the arches or the shipping containers to collect solar energy to provide electricity to the building structure. The shipping containers may also be weather-tight to serve as functional indoor conditioned spaces, and may be used as climate controlled spaces for battery storage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of the building structure according to the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the building structure.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the structure showing a end wall having numerous panels and a number of vertical beams supporting the roofing structure.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view illustrating the single bay setup with two shipping containers.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of portion of the modified shipping container showing the connection between the container and the roof.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the modified container.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view illustrating the second embodiment of the structure that includes a double-bay design using two containers.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front plan view illustrating the third embodiment of the structure that includes a double-bay design using three containers. [0020] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view illustrating the fourth embodiment of the structure that includes a double-bay design using six shipping containers.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a fifth embodiment of a structure using only one container.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a sixth embodiment of a structure using only one container.
[0023] FIG. 12 is front perspective view of the structure affixed to an existing house or building.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the structure affixed to an existing house or building.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the structure showing side-tracking solar panels.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the container having multiple solar collectors.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the container having additional solar collectors.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a end view of the container having solar panels.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the container having extendable solar panels.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a end view of a container having extended solar collectors. [0031] FIG. 20 is a front view of a siding material incorporating a phase change material.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a side view of the roof having movable doors with solar panels.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a side view of the roof having movable doors with solar panels, with one door opened.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the movable doors and motorized system for control the position of the doors.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The present invention will now be described more fully in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention should not, however, be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0036] FIGS. 1 - 4 illustrate the first embodiment of a portable modular building structure 100 according to the invention, including one or more modified shipping containers 10, end walls 30, and a roofing structure 50. The components needed to construct the structure 100, including the ends walls 30 and roofing structure 50, may be delivered to a building site (not shown) inside of the shipping container(s) 10. The building site may be any reasonably leveled site where approximately two concrete base pads B for each container 10 may be installed to support each shipping container 10. The disclosure discusses the building structure 100 in terms of its use as a greenhouse, however, it is understood that the structure may be used for any number of purposes, including as a housing structure, warehouse, or as a solar power collection structure.
[0037] Shipping containers that are made according to the International Standard Organization's (ISO) standards are rectangular containers having the strength suitable to withstand shipment and storage of a wide array of goods, on land and on sea, and, in the United States, are generally 8 feet wide and either 20 or 40 feet long. In this first embodiment two shipping containers 10 are situated on either side of the building structure 100 to serve as sidewalls to the structure 100. As the side walls in the building structure 100 the containers 10 have sufficient strength and rigidity to serve as the structure's foundation while also providing for ample storage and utility space for all of the components needed to collect, store, and use solar energy.
[0038] To support and attach to the roofing structure 50 in a modular and portable manner the shipping containers 10 are modified, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A steel beam 12 is affixed to the top of the container 10, and a plate 14 having a pin slot 16 is affixed to the beam 12. A gusset plate 17 may be added to strengthen the connection between the beam 12 and container 10.
[0039] Doors 18 and windows 22 may also be provided to allow access between the inside of the structure 100 and/or the inside of the container 10. Additional supports 24 are provided to maintain the structural integrity of the container 10 when one or more doors 18 are provided. Additional supports 26 may also be provided when two containers 10 are combined to form one side of the structure 100 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9. Additional supports 56, 58 may also be used in conjunction with additional beams (not shown) to bridge the space between shipping containers into order to provide greater distance between the containers and/or produce a door opening or wall segment if desired while still supporting the roofing system. [0040] The roofing structure 50 includes a plurality of arches 52, for example pultruded fiberglass arches, such as CLEARSPAN arches, which span from one container 10 to the other container 10. The arches 52 connect to the container 10 by a pin P through pin slot 16, as shown in FIG 5, creating a relatively easy assembly and disassembly process.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 - 5, six arches are used to connect each 20 foot container 10 to another container 10, the containers being placed approximately forty feet apart. Roofing materials 54, such as a membrane or standing seam polycarbonate panels, fiberglass, or metal standing seam, are secured to the arches 52 to cover the roof. Horizontal beams or ties 56, shown in FIGS. 5 & 7, may also connect the containers 10 and are secured to the containers by the pin P through the pin slot 16, and vertical beams 58 connect the horizontal beams 56 to the arches 52 for additional strength and stability. Siding materials 62, such as the membrane or polycarbonate panels, or structural insulated panels ("SIP"), close the space between the arches 52 that are located on either end of the structure 100 and the end walls 30.
[0042] The end walls 30 may be any suitable material, however, to maximize the energy efficiency of the building structure 100 the use of SIPs is preferable. A number a panels 32 may be combined to form the end walls 30, for example, FIG. 3 illustrates the use of four SIP panels, each of which is approximately 10 feet wide and 8 feet high. Additional shipping containers may also be used as the end walls 30
[0043] Depending on the desired layout, additional containers and/or additional arches may be provided to add or reconfigure the space. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the structure having a double-bay design using only two containers 10. In this embodiment, anchor columns 64 are provided and a beam 66, which is similar to the container beam 12, is provided to secure one end of the arches 52. This embodiment may also be a modification to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 . To modify the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the container 10 is detached from the beam 12 and columns 64 are inserted beneath the beam 12, while a new beam 12 is added to the container 10 and an additional roofing structure 50 is added to span from the beam 12 on top of the columns 64 to the new beam 12 on top of container 10.
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a third embodiment having a double-bay configuration using three shipping containers, and FIG. 9 illustrates a fourth embodiment with a double-bay configuration using six shipping containers. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate fifth and sixth embodiments that include a single-bay configuration using only one shipping container 10. A number of containers may also be stacked vertically to create a higher structure (not shown).
[0045] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate yet another embodiment wherein the building structure is attached to an existing house or building H. In this embodiment, a beam 12 is added to the house H to connect to one side of the roofing structure 50.
Anchor columns 64 may also be used to support the expanded space.
[0046] FIGS. 12 - 23 illustrate a number of energy efficient technologies being integrated into the structure 100 in a number of ways, and may allow for the building structure 100 to have enough energy to provide all desired functions without being connected to a power grid.
[0047] FIG. 14 illustrates the addition of side mounted solar trackers 70. These trackers 70 allow for collection of solar energy which may be fed directly into the building structures 100 power distribution system (not shown) using conventional means. Any suitable conventional solar tracker may be used. [0048] Conventional solar panels 72 may also be directly incorporated into the roofing structure as shown in FIGS. 2 and 12 - 13. In FIGS. 2 and 12 - 13 the solar panels 72 may be added to the roofing material 54 or they may be affixed to one or more arches 52 and act as an extension of the roof. For example, adhesive solar panels may be used, or solar panels may be affixed with mechanical fasteners such as a KEDER SYSTEM or with a plate affixed with a tensioned wire. The solar panels 72 may cover less than the entire roof so as to allow natural light to enter the building 100.
[0049] The solar panels 72 may also be moveable on the roof, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 - 23. In this embodiment, doors 55 are moveable on the top of the roofing material 54 and the solar panels 72 are affixed to the top of the doors so as to follow the sun throughout the day. A rack and pinion motorized system 57 may be deployed to control the movement of the doors 55.
[0050] FIGS. 15 - 19 illustrate the use of integrated solar panels 72 to gather heat and energy. FIGS 15 - 17 show solar panels 72 incorporated into the roofing structure 50 and a sidewall 11 of the container 10. The solar panels 72 are integrated into the building structure using conventional means. The sidewall 11 includes a translucent cover 76, which is separated from the solar panel 72 by a space 77. A plenum space 74 is incorporated at the top of the space 77. The translucent cover 76 may be made of any suitable material such as an acrylic panel, a polycarbonate panel, glass or clear plastic. The space 77 is ideally between 3 and 5 inches in width. As the sun shines on the sidewall 11 , heat is captured in the space 77 where it naturally rises into the plenum 74. Conventional ducting is provided to direct the heat from the plenum 74 and into either the container 10 or the building 100 as desired. The solar panels 72 may also be omitted from the sidewall 11 , and instead the sidewall may be colored black to help generate heat in the space 77. [0051] In FIGS. 18 and 19, solar panels 72 extend at an angle from the top of the container 10 to the ground where they gather solar power and heat to accumulate between the container 10 and panel 72. The panels 72 may be manually movable, or a type of motorized system, such as the one shown in FIG. 23, may be used to mechanically adjust the angle. This embodiment may also incorporate the translucent cover 76, space 77 and plenum 74 described in FIGS 15 - 17, and in this manner, the combination of solar panel 72, space 77 and cover 76 form a movable solar sidewalk
[0052] The container 10 may also include panels that incorporate a phase change material in order to generate more energy. Phase change materials (PCMs) are substances that melt and solidify at specified temperatures and, because they have a high heat of fusion, are capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy. When the temperature is above the melting point heat is absorbed by the PCM and it changes from a liquid to a solid, and when the temperature falls below the melting point the PCM releases the heat and changes from a solid to a liquid. Any PCM that has the desired melting point may be used, for example an organic PCM, such as paraffin, or inorganic PCMs, such as salt hydrates, may be used so long as they have the proper melting point. The PCM in this embodiment has a specified melting point that is defined prior to installation, based on the intended purpose of the structure. For example, a suitable material for the PCM is Infinite R PCM, manufactured by Insolcorp, with a specified melting point of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. PCMs may be used in a combination with an insulation layer, and/or with an air plenum layer that is formed by polycarbonate panels. Radiation entering the building that generates heat and can be brought into the building as heat to heat the interior space. If PCM is used inside the structure and heat is desired, the heat is conveyed by a fan into the building where it is stored in the PCM. When temperature drops below the melting point the heat is returned to the space in the form of a solid.
[0053] FIG. 20 shows an example of the sidewall panel 32 incorporating an encapsulated phase change material panel 33 between two conventional boards 35. This panel may be added to the side of the container 11 and used to absorb external heat. Or, it may be incorporated into the embodiment shown in FIGS 15 -17, potentially replacing the solar panel 72. In this embodiment, the phase change material panel 33 would absorb the heat that is captured by the translucent cover 76 and that energy may then be conveyed into the container 10 or building 100 using conventional means.
[0054] The use of the container as a thermal water heater (not shown) may also be incorporated. For example, a solar water heater may be affixed to the side of the container 10. Or solar power may be used to heat a series of capillary tubes through which water is circulated and heated. Water is then stored as buffer water for radiant heat or other uses/systems.
[0055] An energy curtain (not shown), which is a type of fabric that is retractably deployed near the ceiling or outer wall of the structure, may also be added inside of the roofing structure 50. Typically these curtains are reflective in nature, and are made of lightweight materials that reflect the infrared wavelengths of heat stored and added to a greenhouse, thereby slowing the rate that the heat radiates out of the greenhouse.
[0056] Using a combination of the aforementioned solar and energy producing systems allow for the structure 100 to operate as an off -grid structure and/or to operate as a solar energy collection structure by incorporating conventional energy storage systems. [0057] It is understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention. Variations in the construction of the modular building structure may be contemplated by one skilled in the art without limiting the intended scope of the invention herein disclosed and as defined by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:
Claim 1 : A portable modular building structure comprising:
a first shipping container and a first roofing structure, the roofing structure having a first side that is attachable to the first shipping container;
wherein attaching the first roofing structure to the first shipping container creates the portable modular building structure with the first shipping container being a sidewall and the roofing structure being a roof of the portable modular building structure; and
wherein the first roofing structure is shippable inside of the shipping container.
Claim 2: The portable modular building structure of claim 1 , further comprising a second shipping container and wherein a second end of the roofing structure is attachable to the second shipping container and wherein the first and second shipping containers serve as the two sidewalls to the structure.
Claim 3: The portable modular building structure of claim 2, wherein the roofing structure includes a plurality of arches that are covered by a roofing material.
Claim 4: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, wherein the roofing material is a membrane.
Claim 5: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, wherein the roofing material is fiberglass.
Claim 6: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, wherein the roofing material is comprised of polycarbonate panels. Claim 7: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, further comprising end walls that are comprised of structural insulated panels.
Claim 8: The portable modular building structure of claim 7, wherein beams are affixed to the first and second shipping containers and plates having pin slots are affixed to the beams and wherein the roofing structure is connectable to the shipping containers by inserting pins through the pin slots, and wherein the beams, plates and pins are shippable within the first and second shipping containers.
Claim 9: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, further including a second roofing structure and a plurality of anchor columns, and wherein the anchor columns are placed near a midpoint between the first and second shipping containers and wherein the first roofing structure is connectable to the first shipping container and the anchor columns and wherein the second roofing structure is connectable to the second shipping container and the anchor columns.
Claim 10: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, further including a third shipping container and a second roofing structure, and wherein the first roofing structure is connectable to the first shipping container and the second shipping container and wherein the second roofing structure is connectable to the second shipping container and the third shipping container.
Claim 1 1 : The portable modular building structure of claim 1 , further including a plurality of shipping containers, a first half of the plurality of shipping containers forming a first sidewall and a second half of the plurality of shipping containers forming a second sidewall, one side of the roofing structure being attachable to the first sidewall and a second side of the roofing structure being attachable to the second sidewall. Claim 12: The portable modular building structure of claim 1 , wherein a second end of the roofing structure is attachable to another building structure.
Claim 13: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, wherein one or more solar trackers are affixed to the shipping container.
Claim 14: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, wherein solar panels are affixed to the roofing structure and connected to a power system located within the portable modular building structure.
Claim 15: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, further comprising one or more openable doors affixed to the roofing structure, and solar panels affixed to the doors, and wherein the doors are adjustably positionable so as to allow the solar panels to track the position of the sun throughout a day.
Claim 16: The portable modular building structure of claim 15, further including a motorized system to control the position of the one or more openable doors.
Claim 17: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, the containers including a translucent cover that is separate from an outer side of the container by a space and a plenum positioned at the top of the space, and wherein heat is capture between the outer side of the container and the translucent cover where it rises into the plenum.
Claim 18: The portable modular building structure of claim 17, wherein a solar panel is affixed to the outer side of the container and connected to a solar collection system within the portable modular building structure. Claim 19: The portable modular building structure of claim 3, the containers including a solar panels that extend at an angle from the top of the container toward a ground surface so as to be positioned to improve solar collection and wherein the solar panels are connected to a solar collection system within the portable modular building structure.
PCT/US2017/058759 2016-10-28 2017-10-27 Energy producing modular portable expandable building structure incorporating modified shipping containers WO2018081562A1 (en)

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