Portable solar collection system and method

A portable solar collection apparatus and system describes an apparatus and system having a solar collector apparatus having a glaze and photovoltaic panel operatively coupled to a rectifier operatively coupled to a 12-volt battery and a circulation pump, the battery is operatively coupled to an inverter. The system and apparatus includes an insulator having a cold water compartment, a luke warm water compartment, and a hot water compartment. A circulation pump moves water through the rectifier and into the hot water compartment. A mixed temperature outlet receives some of the hot water mixed with cold for discharge. The outlet may be coupled to a shower head and/or stand for discharging water.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to harnessing and utilizing solar energy, and more particularly, to an apparatus, system, and method of collecting solar energy having a variable position for optimizing sunlight collection and having usage in multiple heating and/or cooling systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solar collecting devices are well known in the art. A multitude of different devices and configurations of devices have been attempted to improve the collection and conversion of sunlight and to use the converted energy for a variety of applications. In particular, these types of devices and systems have been used to provide supplemental energy for commercial and residential structures, and in particular for heating hot water supplies including water heaters, hot-tubs, pools, and other similar units.

There are several concerns in utilizing such devices and systems. The concerns include but are not limited to the fixed orientation of the solar collecting apparatus that limits optimized sun collection to a small portion of daylight hours. Moreover, the necessary use of glycol or other antifreeze fluids and/or systems to prevent freezing and/or rupturing of the system tubing is a concern.

Accordingly, there is an unresolved need to provide an apparatus and/or system for optimizing sunlight collection, and in providing an apparatus that may be oriented to optimize collection across a greater portion of daylight hours, as well as an apparatus and/or system that avoids using glycol or other antifreeze fluids to prevent freezing.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:

U.S. Patent Application no. 2008/0314438 A1, published in the name of Tran et al.;

U.S. Patent Application no. 2005/0133082 A1, published in the name of Konold et al.;

U.S. Patent Application no. 2008/0078435 A1, published in the name of Johnson;

U.S. Patent Application no. 2009/0205637 A1, published in the name of Moore et al.;

U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,103, issued in the name of Thompson;

U.S. Patent Application no. 2009/0293940 A1, published in the name of Sharpe;

U.S. Pat. No. 8,686,279 B2, issued in the name of Almogy et al.; and

U.S. Patent Application no. 2011/0061719 A1, published in the name of Tsadka et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments provide a portable solar collection system. The portable solar collection system comprises an enclosure housing the system, the enclosure having at least one removable portion allowing access to the system; a solar collector apparatus having a glaze and a photovoltaic panel for battery back-up regulated power supply, the photovoltaic panel operatively coupled to a rectifier operatively coupled to a 12-volt battery and a circulation pump; the battery operatively coupled to a 120-volt inverter, the inverter providing power to a transfer pump; an insulator comprising a floor, and an upper wall opposing the floor, and upstanding walls depending from the floor and upper wall, the insulator having a cold water compartment, a luke warm water compartment, and a hot water compartment, the cold water compartment and luke warm water compartment separated by a resistive divider, the luke warm water compartment and hot water compartment separated by a second divider, the insulator having an inlet water fill negative vent cap for injecting water into the insulator, the inlet water fill cap providing fluid communication to a cold water compartment; a circulation pump moves luke warm water provided by the luke warm water compartment through the rectifier and into the hot water compartment; and a mixed temperature outlet receiving some of the hot water carried from the hot water compartment to a mixing valve, the mixing valve mixing the hot water with the cold water from the cold water compartment, the transfer pump discharging the mixed water through the outlet.

The system may further comprise a support arm. In one embodiment, the support arm further comprises a telescoping arm having an angularly deflectable and lockable distal arm. In another embodiment, the support arm further comprises a first arm, a telescoping second arm depending from the first arm, and an angularly deflectable and lockable third arm depending from the telescoping second arm. The support arm is affixed to the enclosure via a hinge.

The photovoltaic panel mechanically is coupled to an adjustable pneumatic support.

The system may further include a shower head attachment coupled to the outlet. The shower head attachment may also include a stand.

The system may further comprise a pair of wheels for transporting the enclosure.

The system may further comprise a handle for controlling transport of the enclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.

Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.

As generally depicted in the figures, a solar collection system100is represented. The system100comprises a solar collector apparatus110, a collector support frame assembly120supporting the solar collector apparatus110. The system100may also include a sun position tracking apparatus130, and in at least one embodiment is envisioned as coupled with the solar collector apparatus110and support frame assembly120. The system100may also include a fluid transfer pump140, a fluid storage tank150, and an insulated pipe160that couples the pump140and tank150to the solar collector apparatus110. The system100may also include a differential temperature controller170operatively coupled with the solar collector apparatus110and the storage tank150, and the fluid transfer pump140. The system100may also include a safety-override relay controller180operatively coupled with the sun position tracking apparatus130, and the sensor module131(all described in further detail below). The system100, and the apparatuses comprising the system100, operates without the necessity or optional use of glycol or other similarly utilized anti-freezing fluids, as the system100(and components) as arranged and describe function without such anti-freezing concerns. Moreover, the system100, and the apparatuses comprising the system100, may be selectively coated with material for retaining the energy absorbed by system and apparatuses and minimizing heat-loss once the system has been heated by the absorbed energy. Envisioned is the utilization of carbon black, although other materials (such as black copper, black chrome, or the like), may be used.

The solar collector apparatus110may comprise a variety of components and materials. In one embodiment, the solar collector apparatus110comprises a photovoltaic panel111(for the battery back-up regulated power supply) and a glaze112mounted on to the solar collector apparatus110, mounted to the support frame assembly120. The solar collector apparatus110may include additional components, including a differential controller probe113, a radiant-to-heat energy converter absorber114, and a mounting backboard115, each component arranged subjacent to the glaze112. An outer molding having plurality of spacers116may be interposed within the radiant-to-heat energy converter absorber114(as explained in greater detail below). A bottom panel117may be arranged subjacent to the mounting backboard115.

The photovoltaic panel111may include solar cells of photovoltaic material(s) used to convert sunlight into electrical current. A variety of photovoltaic material is used to achieve this energy conversion, materials well-known in the art, and are therefore contemplated for use as incorporated into the photovoltaic panel111recited above. It is envisioned that a separate layer of glass may be used and installed superjacent to the photovoltaic panel111to provide protection from the environment. The photovoltaic panel111may be arranged to set along an area comprising part of a perimeter of the glaze112. As depicted in the figures, the photovoltaic panel111sets above the glaze112in a perimeter-margin immediately above the glaze112.

The differential controller probe113may be at least one thermistor probe mounted on top of the concentric tri-layered tubing. The at least one thermistor probe measures and the differential controller compares the fluid temperature between the concentric tri-layered tubing and the bottom of the water heater. When the fluid temperature comparisons (the collector apparatus being the hotter) exceed a preset variance (usually 10 degrees Fahrenheit), the differential controller activates the transfer pump and moves the hotter fluid from the collector apparatus to the water heater tank until equilibrium is reached, in which the controller de-activates the pump.

The radiant-to-heat energy converter absorber114may comprise a variety of arrangements or configurations so long as it circulates heat transfer fluid (e.g., water and/or anti-freeze) to the storage tank150. In one embodiment, it is envisioned that the radiant-to-heat energy converter absorber114comprises a single layer of concentric tri-layered tubing114mounted above the mounting backboard115and the back panel117. In particular, it is envisioned that the radiant-to-heat energy converter absorber114comprises a single layer of concentric tri-layered tubing114′. It is also envisioned that an outer mold having a plurality of spacers116interposed between the outer circle of the single layer of concentric tri-layered tubing114′, the mounting backboard, the insulating layers and the back panel to inhibit and control heat loss via conduction, convection, and radiation.

The collector support frame assembly120may comprise a variety of configurations and arrangements so long as the frame assembly120supports the solar collector apparatus110and the sun position tracking apparatus130. As depicted, the frame assembly120is mounted with the back panel117of the solar collector apparatus110, and may be achieved by the utilization of one or more mounting assembly122. The mounting assembly122may be supported by one or more central arm(s)124, which is/are upstanding from a base126. One or more angled-arm(s)128may be used to provide additional support and stability to the central arm(s)124.

The sun position tracking apparatus130automatically tracks the position of the sun to automatically adjust the solar collector apparatus110to achieve optimum sun-light absorption as the position of the sun changes during the course of the day and season(s). It is envisioned that the tracking apparatus130comprises a sensor module131, a dual-axis controller module132, a safety override relay controller probe133, and a safety override controller180. The sensor module131receives sunlight and based on the center intensity movement of the light, creates a center offset with the dual axis controller module132to generate an output that actuates the change in position of the solar collector apparatus110. The controller module132controls a plurality of actuators134for controlling the horizontal and vertical movement of the solar collector apparatus110in response to the change in the sun's path as its azimuth changes. It is envisioned that the actuators may comprise electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other similarly controlled device for controlling such movement(s). The safety override relay controller probe133may be mounted on the top surface of the concentric tri-layered tubing near the center of the collector. The controller probe133protects the tubing from over-heating by setting the safety override controller to default (preset maximum temperature setting), which actuates the safety override relay to disconnect the sensor module from the dual axis controller module. Through this series of actions, the apparatus110is returned to the east position away from the sun, where it remains until the overheating problem is corrected and the controller is reset.

The differential temperature controller170may be incorporated into the system100. The differential temperature controller170may be used to determine when to cycle heat or cold or collect heat or cold based on the temperature difference between the storage tank temperature and the collector temperature. The differential temperature controller170is operatively and electrically coupled with the transfer pump140. If the programmed temperature threshold(s) is/are met, the differential temperature controller170electrically connects to the transfer pump140to actuate the appropriate fluid pumping action to cycle heat to the storage tank150and cold to the solar collector apparatus.

The safety override relay controller180may be incorporated into the system100. The safety override relay controller180monitors the system temperature to detect input and/or output failures, and removes sensor module input to the dual axis controller module sending the solar collector apparatus back to an east position. Tracking may not be restored to the system until the failure is identified and corrected. Such safety monitoring is a redundant feature of a system and operates to prevent catastrophic failure(s) leading to extensive damage, injury, and/or death.

The devices and system100described above is envisioned as appropriate for incorporation with a variety of temperature controlling devices and systems. For example, it is envisioned that in one embodiment the system100may be incorporated to provide supplemental heating and cooling for a HVAC heating/cooling system for a commercial or residential structure. It is envisioned that the elements and components of the disclosed devices and system are replaceable by identical or similar components, whether for repair or maintenance.

As illustrated inFIGS.6and7, a schematic diagram of the heating and/or cooling activity achieved by the combination of system100with a HVAC heating/cooling system, a method for providing supplemental heating and/or cooling is described. Where indicated, an N/O (normally open) port of each zonal valve means that fluid may pass through, and when voltage is applied at an E-connector, the N/O valve closes. Conversely, an N/C (normally closed) port of each zonal valve means that fluid may not pass through, and when voltage is applied at an E-connector, the valve opens.

Accordingly, step200has the system100heat the water stored in a hot water storage tank to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature threshold that is detected through a temperature probe and actuates relay R4(step202). When the HVAC thermostat is set to heat mode and the thermostat control turns on the HVAC system to heat, R3is actuated. In response to the actuation of relays R3and R4, (step204) a pump P1is activated to circulate heated water through a heat exchanger added to the HVAC system by a normally-open (N/O) zonal valve ZV3and normally open (N/O) zonal valve ZV1, through the top of the heat exchanger and back through the normally-open (N/O) zonal valve ZV2back to the hot water storage tank. (Step210a) When the HVAC thermostat turns off the HVAC heat system, relay R3de-energizes and pump P1is shut off. (Step210b) If the hot water storage tank temperature drops below 130 degrees Fahrenheit, or any preset threshold temperature, relay R4de-energizes and disables pump P1from actuating, but otherwise does not interfere or interrupt normal operation of the HVAC heating system.

As illustrated inFIGS.6and8, step300has the system100heat the water stored in a hot water storage tank to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature threshold that is detected through a temperature probe and actuates relay R4(step302). When the HVAC thermostat is set to cool mode, R5is actuated. In response to the actuation of R4and R5, pump P1is activated to circulate heated water through the absorption refrigeration system incorporated as part of a chiller tank added to the HVAC system (step304). When the HVAC thermostat is set to cool mode the normally-closed (N/C) zonal valve ZV3(step306) and normally-closed (N/C) zonal valve ZV4is opened and allows pump P1to move heated water through the absorption refrigeration system, cooling the water in the chiller tank, and return to the storage tank (step308). When the HVAC thermostat is set to cool mode, normally-closed (N/C) zonal valve ZV1, and normally-closed (N/C) ZV2is opened to prepare the chiller water for flow through the HVAC system's added heat exchanger (step310). The HVAC thermostat cool selector (or cool mode) actuates relay R5and zonal valves ZV3(in step306) as well as ZV1and ZV2(in step310).

When the HVAC thermostat control turns on the system to cool, relay R1actuates and activates pump P2(step312) to supply chilled water from the bottom of the chiller tank through now opened, normally-closed (N/C) zonal valve1through the top of the added heat exchanger and returns to the top of the chiller tank through now opened, normally-closed (N/C) zonal valve ZV2(step314). The chiller tank thermostat monitors the chiller tank and deactivates normally-closed (N/C) relay R2when the chiller tank water temperature drops to 60 degrees Fahrenheit or below (step310).

As illustrated inFIGS.9and10, step400has the system100incorporated with a hot-tub system. A storage tank used to store solar heated water may be connected in parallel to a conventional hot-tub pump. An electrical shut-off valve is used to control the input from the solar water storage tank to prevent cooler-than-required water from entering the hot-tub. When the solar water storage tank water temperature is higher than the desired hot tub water temperature (usually set 5% above the normal desired hot tub temperature), the electrical valve is prepared by energized R3through normally-closed (N/C) R2to be opened by the hot tub thermostat to allow heated water from the tank to be circulated through the hot tub (step402). Then when the hot tub thermostat turns on the electrical heating system (step404), the valve is opened via energized R1and heated water enters the hot tub from the storage tank (step406), while the hot-tub heater element remains off due to now opened, normally-closed (N/C) R3and de-energized normally-opened (N/O) R2. When the storage tank temperature drops below the desired preset temperature, the electrical shut-off valve closes by de-energized by normally-opened (N/O) R3and the hot tub heats with the heater element (step408).

As illustrated inFIGS.11and12, step500has the system100incorporated with a dryer system, including clothing dryers and dryers of various types. An additional heat exchanger may be installed within the heating element housing of the clothes dryer. Through this arrangement, hot water may be pumped through the heat exchanger (HE) to extract heat for drying clothes within the dryer drum (step502). Residential water may be heated by the solar collection system100to temperatures of approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit and above, which activates the pump thermostat to energize R1and R2when normally-opened (N/O) relay R3is closed and removes voltage from the dryer's heater element through now opened, normally-closed (N/C) relay R2(step504). When the dryer is started, R3is energized and normally-opened relay R3is closed (step506). Closed relay R3provides current from the pump thermostat (12 v DC) to energize relay R1, which actuates the pump through now closed relay R1, and energizes relay R2that removes 240 AC from the dryer heater element (step508). If the water tank temperature drops below the pump thermostat setting, current (12 v DC) is removed by the pump thermostat allowing the dryer to work with the dryer heater element only (step510).

In accordance withFIGS.13A,13B, and14, an alternative embodiment is disclosed wherein a portable solar collection system1500having a solar collector apparatus1510. The solar collector apparatus1510may be housed in an enclosure1501having a removable end cap1502removably secured to the enclosure1501via clasps, locks, hinges, or the like1503. The solar collector apparatus1510may be coupled to the inside of the enclosure1501by one or more hinges1504. The system1500includes a telescoping support arm1505adjustable for changing the angle of the solar collector apparatus1510in relation to the position of the sun in the visible sky. In one embodiment, it is envisioned that the support arm1505comprises a first arm504a, a telescoping second arm1505b, and an angularly deflectable and lockable third arm1505cadjustable for fixing the angle of the solar collector apparatus1510in suitable position to optimize solar collection from the sun.

The solar collector apparatus1510may comprise a variety of components and materials. In one embodiment, the solar collector apparatus1510comprises a glaze1512mounted on to the solar collector apparatus1510that is mounted to and within the enclosure1501. The system1500further includes a detachable and removable photovoltaic panel1511(for the battery back-up regulated power supply) operatively coupled to a rectifier1550that is operatively coupled to a 12-volt battery1555and a circulation pump1560. The photovoltaic panel1511may also be mechanically coupled to a pneumatic support1565. The battery1555is operatively coupled to a 120-volt inverter1570. The inverter1570supplies power to a transfer pump1575.

The enclosure501comprises an insulator1580that includes a floor1580a, upstanding walls1580b, and an upper wall1580copposing the floor1580a. The insulator1580includes an inlet water fill having a negative vent cap1581for injecting water into the insulator1580. More specifically, the inlet water fill1581provides fluid communication to a cold water compartment1582. The cold water compartment1582is separated from luke warm water compartment584by a resistive divider1583. The luke warm water compartment1584is separated from a hot water compartment1586by a divider1587.

A circulation pump1560moves luke warm water provided by the luke warm water compartment1584through a rectifying unit1511and the water is then deposited into the hot water compartment1586. The hot water from the hot water compartment1586is cooled to luke warm by controlled mixing with luke warm water stored in the luke warm water compartment1584. Circulation of the luke warm water and converting to hot water is repeated via the circulation pump1560as described above.

Some of the hot water is carried from the hot water compartment1586to a mixing valve1590where the hot water is mixed with cold water (from the cold water compartment1582) and carried to the mixed temperature outlet1595. An optional shower head1600attachment may be included for coupling with the outlet1595for discharging water from the system. The optional shower head1600may include a stand1605that elevates the shower head1600outlet for discharging the water away from the system1500.

As depicted inFIG.13B, the portable solar collection system may further include at least two wheels or tires1700for pushing or pulling the system along surfaces. It is envisioned that the wheels or tires1700may be removably attached. It is also envisioned that the wheels or tires1700may be foldable or otherwise stowable along or within the system when not in use. The system may further include a handle1705for controlling the system during transport. It is further envisioned that the handle1705may be adjustable for selecting a handle-length appropriate for the size and weight of the portable system and to accommodate the size of the user. In one embodiment, the handle1705may telescope so as to retract completely when the system is not in transport, and likewise, extend to fully extended position for use during transport. It is further envisioned that the handle1705may be foldable, collapsible, or otherwise stowable within or about the enclosure1501.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and/or illustrated in drawings. Rather, the description and/or the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or a preferred embodiment disclosed and/or identified in the specification. Any drawing figures that may be provided are for illustrative purposes only, and merely provide practical examples of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, any drawing figures provided should not be viewed as restricting the scope of the claims to what is depicted.

The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, including various combinations and sub-combinations of the features described above but that may not have been explicitly disclosed in specific combinations and sub-combinations.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the embodiments and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.