WO2020114848A1

WO2020114848A1 - A transportable electricity generating system

Info

Publication number: WO2020114848A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/082681
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Carberry
Original assignee: Paul Carberry
Priority date: 2018-12-06
Filing date: 2019-11-27
Publication date: 2020-06-11
Also published as: GB2579621A; GB201819944D0; EP3918707A1

Abstract

A transportable electricity generating system (10) comprises a housing (11) having a base (12), two side sections (13, 14) and two end sections (15, 16) upstanding from the base (12) and an openable top section (17), a plurality of solar panel units (32) divided into two groups (33, 34), with the two groups (33, 34) of solar panel units (32) being mountable within the housing (11) and with the solar panel units (32) in each group (33, 34) being connected together in a close-packed arrangement. A support frame (35, 36) is associated with each group (33, 34) of solar panel units (32), which support frames (35, 36) are adapted for assembly to either side of the housing (11) at a height above that of the housing (11). Means are provided for lifting the two groups (33, 34) of solar panel units (32) up and out of the housing (11) and means are provided for extending each group (33, 34) of solar panel units (32) along the associated support frame (35, 36) to a position where the solar panel units (32) are fully deployed, and vice-versa. By deploying the solar panel units (32) above the height of the housing (11) accidental damage to the solar panel units (32) is lessened.

Description

A transportable electricity generating system

Technical Field

This invention relates to a transportable electricity generating system employing solar panels and, in particular, to a transportable electricity generating system employing solar panels for use in areas with no permanent electrical services.

Background Art

Transportable electricity generating systems are employed in the aftermath of natural disasters such as storms or earthquakes, where the normal electricity power has been interrupted, or where there are no permanent electrical services. Such systems are also used by people working in remote areas for purposes such as oil exploration.

There are many examples of transportable electricity generating systems, which use fossil fuels, such as diesel oil. However, the fuel for such systems has to be transported to the place where the system is located, which can cause logistical problems.

Thus, systems using solar panels have been developed, as they are self-contained and do not require a constant supply of fossil fuel.

US Patent No. 8,593,102 B2 describes a portable, self-sustaining power station that may be moved by land, air, or sea to an area that has no utilities. The station is provided with solar panel arrays in communication with at least one electrical distribution and storage means. The solar panel arrays are mounted on roller assemblies that can be easily slid between a stowed and deployed condition. The solar arrays include a plurality of solar panels that are supported by one or more hydraulic actuators to counter balance the weight of the solar panel whereby the solar panel can be easily positioned into the desired tilted orientation.

The station of US Patent No. 8,593,102 B2 consists of a

transportable container within which the solar panels are stowed under the top of the container. During deployment the solar panels are rolled out horizontally to the front, back and two sides thereof. Thus, the area of the solar panels, when deployed is dependent on the area of the top of the container.

International Patent Publication No. WO 2017/147634 discloses a mobile photovoltaic (PV) system having a platform, a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) panels folded together on the platform in a

transportable position. The panels are interconnected and are unfolded to move the panels into an operating position. A limiting mechanism which is placed between each pair of adjoining PV panels prevents the PV panels from being completely unfolded into a flush arrangement.

The panels are mounted on carriages, which run along a number of tracks when the panels are being deployed or employed.

The tracks of International Patent Publication No. WO

2017/147634 are laid out on the ground and are supported by short adjustable legs. Thus, the system is susceptible to damage by humans or other animals treading on the panels.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of solar panel systems as hereinbefore described. Disclosure of Invention

Thus, the invention provides a transportable electricity generating system comprising a housing having a base, two side sections and two end sections upstanding from the base, and an openable top section, a plurality of solar panel units divided into two groups, with the two groups of solar panel units being mountable within the housing and with the solar panel units in each group being connected together in a close- packed arrangement, a support frame associated with each group of solar panel units, which support frames are adapted for assembly to either side of the housing at a height above that of the housing, means for lifting the two groups of solar panel units up and out of the housing and means for extending each group of solar panel units along the associated support frame to a position where the solar panels are fully deployed, and vice- versa.

An advantage of the transportable electricity generating system according to the invention is that the solar panel units, when deployed, are at a height above that of the housing. Thus, the solar panel units are unlikely to be directly damaged by human or other animal activity in the area of the transportable electricity generating system. A further advantage of the transportable electricity generating system according to the invention is that it can be transported to a remote location and assembled on site using a portable generator in the first instance. Once the solar panel units have been deployed and have commenced generating electricity, it will operate using this generated electricity in a stand-alone mode.

A further advantage of the transportable electricity generating system according to the invention is that the solar panel units can be employed and safely stored in the housing, on a temporary basis or for transport to a new site.

Preferably, each support frame is a pair of rails mounted on a plurality of support legs, with the support frames being assembled with one rail being parallel to the other rail, and being spaced apart by the length of each side section, and with each rail being adapted to receive runners mounted on each solar panel unit.

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that, as the support frames are assembled on site, transport of the transportable electricity generating system to a particular site is simplified.

Further, preferably, each rail is assembled from a plurality of sub- units, with each sub-unit having a length of rail attached to a support leg, with formations on adjacent lengths of rail which cooperate to join the lengths of rail together, and a strut mounted on each leg, which strut is connectable to the length of rail on an adjoining sub-unit. An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the sub-units can be close packed for transport thereof and can be simply assembled on site.

Suitably, each support leg has means for adjusting the length thereof.

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that, where the terrain, at the location for assembly of the transportable electricity generating system, is uneven, the length adjustable means for the legs will ensure that the support frames will be level. This will result in the smooth deployment of the solar panel units along the rails.

In one embodiment of the system in accordance with the invention, the lifting means is hydraulically operated, and the extending means is a plurality of electric screw jack actuators.

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the lifting of the solar panel units up and out of the housing, which involves raising the total weight of the solar panel units, can be efficiently accomplished using hydraulic means.

Furthermore, the employment of electric screw jack actuators, results in the smooth deployment and employment of the solar panel units along the rails. In a further embodiment of the system in accordance with the invention, each solar panel unit is assembled from a plurality of bifacial, thin- film solar panels.

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that solar energy can be collected from both sides of the solar panel units.

Preferably, the solar panel units are tiltable.

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the solar panel units can be tilted in the direction of the sun to increase the amount of solar energy collected thereby. The transportable electricity generating system can include an automated sun tracking system coupled with the tilting function of the solar panel units.

In a further embodiment of the system in accordance with the invention, a weight sensor is located on the one or more solar panel units, such that, in use, an increase of weight on the solar panel unit will trigger the solar panel units to tilt.

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that, if heavy snow or sand storms result in the solar panels being covered by snow/sand, depending on the location of the system, the weight sensor will trigger the tilting of the solar panel units so as to jettison the snow/sand accumulation from the solar panels. In a further embodiment of the system in accordance with the invention, a wind speed sensor is mounted on the system and wherein the deployed solar panel units are returned to the housing if the wind speed exceeds a preset value. An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that damage to the solar panels units and the support frames can be mitigated by returning the solar panel units to the safety of the housing in windy conditions.

In a further embodiment of the system in accordance with the invention, the housing is a modified 6.06m shipping container and wherein the plurality of solar panel units has an output of up to 47 kilowatts.

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that shipping containers are designed for ease of transport. Thus, the transportable electricity generating system, housed in a modified shipping container, can be delivered to the required location by a truck with an on-board crane by which the system can be offloaded.

Preferably, the openable top section is separable, along the longitudinal centre line thereof, into two halves, with each half being connected to an upper section of a corresponding side section, and with each upper section being hinged to the remaining part of the side section, such that, in use, the two halves of the top section separate and fold down over the respective side sections to allow the two groups of solar panel units to be lifted up and out of the modified shipping container. An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the top section can be opened and moved out of the way when the solar panel units are being deployed. These operations can be automated.

Further, preferably, a retractable support leg is housed within the base section at each comer thereof, with each leg being height

adjustable.

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the housing is firmly supported on the retractable support legs which can then be adjusted to level the transportable electricity generating system, prior to deploying the solar panel units.

Suitably, when further modified 6.06m shipping containers are used for accommodation and/or storage purposes, which further containers are located under the deployed plurality of solar panel units, a reflector blanket is locatable between the solar panels and the tops of the further containers .

An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the reflector blanket will not only reflect solar energy back onto the undersides of the solar panel units but will also act as a barrier to prevent the containers from overheating. In a further embodiment of the system in accordance with the invention, the system further comprises a separate support container, with a storage battery pack system, a programmable logic controller (PLC) panel, a diesel generator being housed within the support container, together with the support frames, and means for connecting the support container components, to the plurality of solar panel units at the deployment location thereof, and to the lifting means and the extending means located in the housing. An advantage of this aspect of the invention is that the support container contains all of the necessary components for the operation of the transportable electricity generating system, and can be transported in the same way as the transportable electricity generating system itself.

The invention will be further illustrated by the following description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above and to one side of a first embodiment of a transportable electricity generating system in accordance with the invention, together with a support container;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view from above and to one side of the transportable electricity generating system of Fig. 1, with support legs extended;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view from above and to one side of the transportable electricity generating system of Fig. 2, with an opened top section; Fig. 4 is a perspective view from above and to one side of the transportable electricity generating system of Fig. 3, with the solar panel units raised;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view from above and to one side of the transportable electricity generating system of Fig. 4, with a pair of clam support frames in place;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view from above and to one side of the transportable electricity generating system of Fig. 5, with the solar panel units partially deployed; Fig. 7 is a perspective view from above and to one side of the transportable electricity generating system of Fig. 6, with the solar panel units fully deployed;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view from above and to one side of the transportable electricity generating system of Fig. 7, with the solar panel units tilted in one direction;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view from above and to one side of a further embodiment of a transportable electricity generating system in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view from above and to one side of the transportable electricity generating system of Fig. 9, with a reflector blanket in place; Fig. 11 is a side view of a pair of sub-units for the rails of the transportable electricity generating systems in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 12 is a side view of the sub-units of Fig. 11, in a first stage of being joined together;

Fig. 13 is a detailed view of the sub-units of Fig, 12;

Fig. 14 is a side view of the sub-units of Fig. 11, in a second stage of being joined together;

Fig. 15 is a side view of the sub-units of Fig. 11, completely joined together;

Fig. 16 is a detailed view of the sub-units of Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view in detail and from the other side of the sub-units of Fig. 15;

Fig. 18 is an end view of the sub-units of Fig. 17; Fig. 19 is a side view of the solar panel units being deployed along a rail of the transportable electricity generating systems in accordance with the invention; and

Fig. 20 is a perspective view in detail of a solar panel unit located within the rail of Fig. 19. Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention

Referring to Fig. 1, there is illustrated generally at 10, a first embodiment of a transportable electricity generating system in

accordance with the invention. The transportable electricity generating system 10 has a housing 11 having a base 12, two side sections 13, 14 and two end sections 15, 16 upstanding from the base 12 and an openable top section 17.

The housing 11 is a modified 6.06m shipping container 18.

A separate support container 19 is situated to the rear of the transportable electricity generating system 10. Housed within the support container 19, but not shown, are a storage battery pack system, a programmable logic controller (PLC) panel, and a diesel generator.

Referring to Fig. 2, the transportable electricity generating system 10 is illustrated with retractable legs 20, 21, 22 housed in base section 12 at comers 23, 24, 25, respectively. A fourth retractable leg (not shown is housed in base section 12 at the remaining comer (not shown). The retractable legs 20, 21, 22 are height adjustable.

The openable top section 17 is separable, along the longitudinal centre line 26 thereof, into two halves 27, 28, with half 27 being connected to an upper section 29 of side section 13 and with the upper section 29 being attached to the remaining part 30 of side section 13 by a hinge 31, with the other half 28 being attached to side section 14 in a similar fashion.

Referring to Fig. 3, the transportable electricity generating system 10 is illustrated with the openable top section 17 in an open state. Half 27 is resting on retractable legs 20, 21 and the other half 28 is resting on retractable leg 22 and on the fourth retractable leg (not shown).

A plurality of solar panel units 32 are divided into two groups 33, 34, which are mounted within the housing 11 with the solar panel units 32 in each group 33, 34 being connected together in a close-packed arrangement.

Referring to Fig. 4, the transportable electricity generating system 10 is illustrated with the two groups 33, 34 of solar panel units 32 lifted up and out of the housing 11 by hydraulic means.

Referring to Fig. 5, the transportable electricity generating system 10 is illustrated, as in Fig. 4, with the two groups 33, 34 of solar panel units 32 lifted up and out of the housing 11.

A support frame 35, 36 is associated with each group 33, 34, respectively, of solar panel units 32 with each support frame 35, 36 being assembled to each side of the housing 11 , at a height above that of the housing 11. The support frames 35, 36 consist of a pair of parallel rails 37, 38 and 39, 40, respectively, mounted on a plurality of support legs 41, such that the parallel rails 37, 38 and 39, 40, are at a height of approximately 3m above ground level and extend to each side of the housing for approximately 20m. The parallel rails 37, 38 and 39, 40 have been cut off in the drawing.

The support frames 35, 36 are assembled from sub-units 42, with each sub-unit 42 having a length of rail 43 attached to a support leg 41. The sub-units 42 are housed in the support container 19 during

transportation of the transportable electricity generating system 10. The assembly of the support frames 35, 36 will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Referring to Fig.6, the transportable electricity generating system 10 is illustrated with the two groups 33, 34 of solar panel units 32 partially deployed along the respective pairs of parallel rails 37, 38 and 39, 40. There are ten solar panel units 32 in each group 33, 34.

Referring to Fig. 7, the group 33 of solar panel units 32 is illustrated in a fully deployed position on the parallel rails 37, 38, with the solar panel units 32 being parallel to the ground.

Referring to Fig. 8, the group 33 of solar panel units 32 is illustrated in a fully tilted position on the parallel rails 37, 38. The solar panel units 32 are tilted in the direction of the sun to increase the amount of solar energy collected thereby. The transportable electricity generating system 10 includes an automated sun tracking system coupled with the tilting function of the solar panel units 32.

A weight sensor is located on the one or more solar panel units 32, such that, in use, an increase of weight on the solar panel unit 32 will trigger the solar panel units 32 to tilt. Thus, if heavy snow or sand storms result in the solar panels 32 being covered by snow/sand, depending on the location of the system, the weight sensor will trigger the tilting of the solar panel units 32 so as to jettison the snow/sand accumulation from the solar panels. A wind speed sensor (not shown) is also mounted on the

transportable electricity generating system 10 and the deployed solar panel units 32 will be returned to the housing if the wind speed exceeds a preset value.

Referring to Fig. 9, there is illustrated generally at 50, a second embodiment of a transportable electricity generating system in

accordance with the invention. Technical features, which are common to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 8 and the embodiment of Fig. 9, have been assigned the same reference numerals. In Fig. 9 only one side, shown generally at 51, of the transportable electricity generating system 50 is illustrated, with the other side being a mirror image thereof. Thus, the transportable electricity generating system 50 has a housing 11 from which a plurality of solar panel units 32 has been deployed along parallel rails 37, 38. Seven modified 6.06m shipping containers 52 are located under the parallel rails 37, 38. The modified shipping containers can be used for accommodation and/or storage. The support legs 41 are located between the modified 6.06m shipping containers 52 and are fixed thereto to further strengthen the support frame 35.

Referring to Fig.10, a reflector blanket 53 is located on the tops 54 of the modified 6.06m shipping containers 52. In use, the reflector blanket 53 will not only reflect solar energy back onto the undersides 55 of the solar panel units 32 but will also act as a barrier to prevent the modified 6.06m shipping containers 52 from overheating.

Figs. 11 to 16 illustrate how the sub-units 42 are connected together to form the support frames 35, 36 of the transportable electricity generating systems 10; 50 in accordance with the invention.

Referring to Fig. 11, a side view of a pair of sub-units 42 for the rails 37, 38 and 39, 40 of the transportable electricity generating systems 10; 50 in accordance with the invention, is illustrated. Each sub-unit 42 has a length of rail 43 attached to a support leg 41. Each support leg 41 is pivotally attached at one end 60 thereof to the length of rail 43 at position 6E A locating flange 62 is mounted at one end 63 of each length of rail 43. A corresponding locating orifice 64 is mounted on the other end 65 of each length of rail 43. In Fig. 11 the two sub-units 42 are illustrated with locating flange 62 on one length of rail 66 being lined up with the corresponding locating orifice 64 on the other length of rail 67. Referring to Fig. 12, the two sub-units 42 are illustrated with the locating flange 62 on one length of rail 66 located in the corresponding locating orifice 64 on the other length of rail 67.

Referring to Fig. 13, the part of Fig. 12 within circle A thereon is illustrated in enlarged form. End 63 of the length of rail 66 has two locating pins 68, 69 mounted on a bracket 70 which align, in use, with complementary alignment orifices 71, 72, respectively, mounted on a receiving bracket 73 on end 65 of the other length of rail 67. Locating flange 62 on the length of rail 66 has passed through the corresponding locating orifice 64 on the other length of rail 67.

Referring to Fig. 14 the lengths of rail 66, 67 are aligned together. The sub-units 42 are fixed together by a strut 74 mounted on support leg 75 at position 76, which strut 74 connects support leg 75 to the adjoining length of rail 67. Referring to Fig. 15 strut 74 is shown connected to length of rail

67.

Referring to Fig. 16, the part of Fig. 15 within circle B thereon is illustrated in enlarged form. End 63 of the length of rail 66 is joined to end 65 of the length of rail 67 with bracket 70 on the end 63 abutting receiving bracket 73 on the end 65 and with the locating pins 68, 69 engaged within the complementary alignment orifices (not shown). Strut 74, which is pivotally mounted on support leg 75 at position 76 has been connected to the length of rail 67 at connecting point 77. The length of the stmt 74 and relative positions of position point 76 and connecting point 77 result in the support leg 75 being fixed at a right angle to the length of rail 66.

Referring to Fig. 17, there is illustrated is a perspective view in detail and from the other side of the sub-units 42 of Fig. 15. The assembled rail 79 has a C-shaped channel 80 mnning along the top 81 thereof.

Referring to Fig, 18, which is an end view of the rail 79, the C- shaped channel 80 mns on top of a box section 82, which provides support thereto.

Referring to Fig. 19, there is illustrated a side view of the solar panel units 32 partially deployed along the rail 38 of the support frame 35 of the transportable electricity generating systems 10; 50 in accordance with the invention. The solar panel units 32 are connected together by elongate members 83 with, for example, one end 84 thereof being pivotally connected to end 85 of a solar panel 86 and the other end 87 of the elongate member 83 being pivotally connected to end 88 of the next but one, downstream solar panel 89. The centre point 90 of the elongate member 83 is pivotally mounted to the centre point of the intervening solar panel 91. This attachment arrangement is repeated along the solar panel units 32, to allow them to spread out along the support frame, in a scissors-like fashion, to the fully deployed position. A screw jack actuator 92 connects a solar panel unit 32 with an adjacent elongate member 83 and this positioning of a screw jack actuator 92 is repeated along the solar panel units 32 on every third solar pane unit. The action of the screw jack actuators results in extension of the solar panel units 32 along the support frame 35 to a position where the solar panel units 32 are fully deployed, and vice-versa.

The centre point 93 of the leading solar panel unit 94 is connected to end 95 of the previous solar panel unit 96 by a connecting member 97.

Referring to Fig. 20, a detail of the other side of rail 38 of Fig. 19 is shown. A rotatable wheel 98 is attached to the leading solar panel unit at the centre point 99 thereof, by an axle 100. End 101 of connecting member 97 is rotatably connected to the axle 100. Rotatable wheel 98 is held within the C-shaped channel 80 and runs therealong as the solar panel units 32 are deployed or employed along the rail 38. Similar rotatable wheels (not shown) are attached to the centre points on each side of each solar panel unit 32.

Claims

Claims: -

1. A transportable electricity generating system comprising a housing having a base, two side sections and two end sections

upstanding from the base and an openable top section, a plurality of solar panel units divided into two groups, with the two groups of solar panel units being mountable within the housing and with the solar panel units in each group being connected together in a close-packed arrangement, a support frame associated with each group of solar panel units, which support frames are adapted for assembly to either side of the housing at a height above that of the housing, means for lifting the two groups of solar panel units up and out of the housing and means for extending each group of solar panel units along the associated support frame to a position where the solar panel units are fully deployed, and vice-versa.

2. A transportable electricity generating system according to Claim 1, wherein each support frame is a pair of rails mounted on a plurality of support legs, with the support frames being assembled with one rail being parallel to the other rail, and being spaced apart by the length of each side section, and with each rail being adapted to receive runners mounted on each solar panel unit.

3. A transportable electricity generating system according to

Claim 1 or 2, wherein each rail is assembled from a plurality of sub units, with each sub-unit having a length of rail attached to a support leg, with formations on adjacent lengths of rail which cooperate to join the lengths of rail together, and a strut mounted on each leg, which strut is connectable to the length of rail on an adjoining sub-unit.

4. A transportable electricity generating system according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein each support leg has means for adjusting the length thereof.

5. A transportable electricity generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the lifting means is hydraulically operated, and the extending means is a plurality of electric screw jack actuators.

6. A transportable electricity generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein each solar panel unit is assembled from a plurality of bifacial, thin-film solar panels.

7. A transportable electricity generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the solar panel units are tiltable.

8. A transportable electricity generating system according to Claim 7, wherein a weight sensor is located on the one or more solar panel units, such that, in use, an increase of weight on the solar panel unit will trigger the solar panel units to tilt.

9. A transportable electricity generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein a wind speed sensor is mounted on the system and wherein the deployed solar panel units are returned to the housing if the wind speed exceeds a preset value.

10. A transportable electricity generating system according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is a modified 6.06m shipping container and wherein the plurality of solar panel units has an output of up to 47 kilowatts.

11. A transportable electricity generating system according to

Claim 10, wherein the openable top section is separable, along the longitudinal centre line thereof, into two halves, with each half being connected to an upper section of a corresponding side section, and with each upper section being hinged to the remaining part of the side section, such that, in use, the two halves of the top section separate and fold down over the respective side sections to allow the two groups of solar panel units to be lifted up and out of the modified shipping container.

12. A transportable electricity generating system according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, wherein a retractable support leg is housed within the base section at each comer thereof, with each leg being height adjustable.

13. A transportable electricity generating system according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein, when further modified 6.06m shipping containers are used for accommodation and/or storage

purposes, which further containers are located under the deployed plurality of solar panels, a reflector blanket is locatable between the solar panel units and the tops of the further containers.

14. A transportable electricity generating system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a separate support container, with a storage battery pack system, a programmable logic controller (PLC) panel, a diesel generator being housed within the support container, together with the support frames, and means for connecting the support container components, to the plurality of solar panel units at the deployment location thereof, and to the lifting means and the extending means located in the housing.

15. A transportable electricity generating system according to Claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1-8 and Figs 9-10 and Figs. 11-20 of the accompanying drawings.